


nl en

Introduction to Psychology




Admissions requirements



Introduction to Psychology offers a representative and coherent overview of the entire discipline. It is representative because it constitutes a first acquaintance with the main currents and themes within psychology including neural, evolutionary, cognitive, social and developmental perspectives on human behavior. The Introduction introduces students to the different psychological sub-disciplines emphasizing their common elements.

Course objectives

After completing Introduction to Psychology students are able to compare and contrast main theories and concepts in the field. Moreover, students can relate phenomena in everyday life to theories of human behavior and the mind, and, to key empirical studies in Psychology. Finally, students are able to explain how human behavior and the mind can be studied empirically.


Once available, timetables will be published here.

Mode of instruction

Combination of lectures and workgroup sessions where attendance of class meetings is compulsory.


Written examination (final exam) with multiple choice questions (40%)
Weekly written essay question (30%)
Individual assignment (20%)
Class attendance and participation in workgroup sessions (10%)



Reading list

Gray, P. and Bjorklund, D.F. (2014), Psychology (7th ed.). New York: Worth Publishers. ISBN-10: 1464141959 ISBN-13: 978-1464141959




Roy de Kleijn (kleijnrde@fsw.leidenuniv.nl)