In our introductory lecture, we dive into the history and scope of psychology, tracing its roots from ancient Greek philosophy to the diverse field it is today. Dr. Campbell highlights key figures and movements that shaped modern psychology, such as structuralism, functionalism, psychoanalysis, and behaviorism, and discusses the field's evolution through the cognitive revolution and the advent of neuroimaging techniques.

In lecture two, we reveal how humans make sense of the world by constructing mental models based on sensory input, motivations, and social influences. Dr. Campbell introduces us to the dual process theory of automatic and controlled cognitive systems, discussing various cognitive biases and the role of cognitive dissonance in maintaining internal consistency. The importance of shared social reality in shaping our perceptions and beliefs is also highlighted.

In lecture three, we explore the field of developmental psychology, examining how individuals change psychologically over the course of their lives. The discussion covers key theories from influential figures such as Erikson, Freud, Bowlby, Piaget, and Kohlberg, and walks through the various stages of life from infancy to old age, highlighting the central challenges and conflicts individuals face at each stage. Through this discussion, we begin to understand the importance of developing both a sense of agency and the ability to connect with others throughout the lifespan.