Welcome!

In this course you will investigate the major factors underlying human actions. What moves us into action? This course focuses on "why." Why is it that people behave the way they do? We will cover the major areas that motivate our behavior including genetic and environmental influences, pleasure and need seeking, the role of personality in motivation and how goals, incentives and emotions influence our behavior. Being an upper level course, my expectation is that you will read the chapters, pay attention and participate in class, and put concerted effort into the writing assignments. In other words, I'm expecting you to be motivated! In order to encourage you to behave in this way, I will strive to create an interesting, engaging and maybe even fun classroom environment. Your work will be evaluated by me, and you will be rewarded accordingly (with points!).