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Psychological Science and Society — USC Pre-College

[Photo] Participants in the Psychological Science and Society course do a class project.

Become a Summer Trojan and earn college credit.

What does it mean to be human? Why do we think, feel and act the way we do? This course introduces participants to the foundations of psychology through an interactive, hands-on exploration of the mind and behavior. Participants will investigate major branches of psychology while connecting scientific insights to real-world issues and their own lived experiences. Through labs, discussions, guest speakers and field trips, participants will learn how psychology not only explains behavior, but also offers tools to improve individual and societal well-being.

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In the “Psychological Science and Society,” we will explore both classic and contemporary psychological theories, examine real-world applications and develop your skills as both a critical thinker and a budding scientist.

You’ll engage in hands-on activities that challenge you to apply these principles to everyday life, build a deeper understanding of human behavior and reflect on how psychology intersects with societal issues.

This course will also equip you with tools to succeed in your academic and career aspirations while fostering your role in creating positive change within your community and beyond.

Topics of Study

  • History of psychological science
  • Research methods
  • The brain
  • Sensation and perception
  • Learning and memory
  • Theories of personality
  • Social psychology
  • Happiness and positive psychology
  • Clinical psychology and mental illness

Learning Highlights

  • Develop foundational knowledge of psychology across its core subfields
  • Think critically about human thought, emotion and behavior
  • Connect psychological theories to social issues and personal growth
  • Strengthen skills in scientific thinking, critical analysis and research methods
  • Practice effective communication and teamwork through labs, discussions and projects
  • Apply psychological research methods to explore questions about mind and society

Requirements

  • Participants must bring their own laptops
WeekFocusKey TopicsAssignments and Activities
1History of Psychology and Research MethodsHistory of psychology; research methods; perception; memory; attention; problem solvingIntroduction to group research projects and topic selection. Lab demonstrations. Introduce presentations on psychology research articles.
2The Brain and CognitionNeuroscience foundations; nature versus nurture; lifespan development; socializationVisit USC psychology labs. Guest lecture from a psychology researcher. Hands-on lab activities and discussions. Develop research methods for group projects.
3Development and PersonalityEmotions; stress and health; mental illness; treatments; consciousnessField trip to California Science Center. Guest lecture from a psychology researcher. Data collection for group research projects. Try and discuss different measures of personality. Case studies in developmental psychology.
4Social and Clinical Applications
Learning; memory; language and cognition; conformity; prejudice; group dynamics; prosocial behaviorMuseum field trip to reflect on societal applications of class concepts. Interactive lab activities and discussions. Final group research presentations.

It's an extremely fun experience and can show you what it's like to live in a dorm in college. It was a perfect balance of educational activities and fun activities, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

— USC Summer Programs participant
[Photo] Students sit around classroom tables listening attentively during a group session, with notebooks, cups and water bottles visible on the tables. Several students face the speaker with focused expressions while others look toward the front of the room.
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