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SYLLABUS
INSTRUCTORBonnie L. Kesler, M.A., Ed.S.
SA 306
Phone: 727-341-4359
E-mail:
Office hours:
M/W: 9:00-9:30am; 12:15pm-3:00pm
T: 12:15pm-3:00pm
Th: 12:15-2:00pm
Virtual Hours: M-F 6-7pm
ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTSocial & Behavioral Science Department
Dr. Roberto Loureiro, Department Chair
SA 205
Phone: 727-341-4713
COURSE PREFIX AND NUMBER PSY 1012 - #1229
COURSE NAME General Psychology
This course is an introduction to the field of psychology. It includes the history, scientific methodology, major theoretical schools of thought, various approaches to interpersonal functioning, and human development. The effects of ethnicity, age, race, and gender are integrated into the study of the discipline.
MEETING INFORMATION
SA 322
M/W 8:00-9:15AM
You are encouraged to refer to College policy (Revised October 2006) on class attendance 6Hx23-4.30. Attendance: You are subject to being dropped if you accumulate more than five unexcused absences during the term. Absence: It is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor of ANY absence. At the 60% point in the semester, I will be required to report you as either participating or not participating in class. This is largely based upon your attendance in class. If you are a Veteran or an international student, please be aware that I am required to document your class attendance. Please refer to college Rule 6Hx23-4.30, .
Please note that if you do miss class, it is your responsibility to get notes from a classmate. After you have obtained notes and reviewed them, feel free to see me during my office hours so that I can discuss any questions you may have regarding the material.
Tardiness: Please make every effort to prompt. Tardiness is a major distraction to both students and instructor. I recognize that this is sometimes unavoidable, but chronic tardiness reflects a lack of respect for the instructor, your fellow students and yourself. It also reflects a less than serious attitude toward class. ON EXAM DAYS, FOLLOWING A 15 MINUTE GRACE PERIOD, THE DOOR WILL BE LOCKED AND YOU WILL NOT BE ADMITTED FOR THE EXAM.
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS
If you wish to request accommodations as a student with a documented disability, please make an appointment with the Learning Specialist on campus. If you have a documented hearing loss, please contact the Program for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing at 791-2628. If you will need assistance during an emergency classroom evacuation, please contact your campus learning specialist immediately about arrangements for your safety. The Office of Services for Students with Disabilities can be reached at 791-2628 or 791-2710 (CL), 341-4758 (SP/G), 394-6108 (SE)
712-5789 (TS) or 341-4532 (AC).
LEARNING OUTCOMES
The student will demonstrate knowledge of the historical roots of the science of Psychology.
- The student will demonstrate knowledge of research methods used in Psychology.
- The student will demonstrate knowledge of the major theories of psychology.
- The student will demonstrate knowledge of self as both biological and social organism.
- The student will demonstrate knowledge of universal stages of development and of individual differences.
- The student will demonstrate knowledge of the effects of ethnicity, age, gender, and/or race on psychological functioning.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
At the conclusion of this course, the student will demonstrate each of the state course objectives in the following performance terms by:
- Identifying major theorist and schools of thought from the late 1800’s to the present and recognizing the contributions of major historical figures in psychology.
- Distinguishing among the descriptive (case study, naturalistic observation, survey), humanistic, behavioral, cognitive and Gestalt and recognizing the major contributors and research supporting each theory.
- Recognizing how biology and environment impact behavior in areas such as sensation, perception, state of consciousness, emotion, language, intelligence, motivation, memory and learning; recognizing the various approaches to interpersonal functioning and identifying the criteria for classifying abnormal behavior and examining the medical and psychological models of therapy.
- Identifying stages of development as delineated by relevant theoretical approaches, developmental findings in the domains of physical, cognitive and social functioning and recognizing issues of intelligence and personality that pertain to individual differences.
- Recognizing individual and group differences in behavior and cognitive processing and identifying major issues emerging from research in areas such as intelligence, development, memory, states of consciousness, motivation, emotion, stress and health, personality and abnormal behavior.
PREREQUISITES APPLICABLE:
ENC 0020 AND REA 0002 or EAP 1695 or an appropriate score on the SPC Placement Test.
GRADES
Your grade will be based on your total points accrued on the following possible points on the following grading scale:
90-100A (320 or more total points)
80- 89B (284– 319 total points)
70-79C (249 -- 283 total points)
60-69D (213 – 248 total points)
Assignment Weights:
Exam #1 50
Exam #2 50
Exam #3 50
Exam #4 50
Journal Article Paper 50
Intelligence Paper25
Movie Paper50
Homework 30
Total Points:355
ACADEMIC HONESTY
St. PetersburgCollege has an Academic Honesty policy.It is your responsibility to be familiar with the policies, rules, and the consequences of violations.Read about the policy at: .There is no tolerance for cheating and academic dishonesty.Discipline can range from a zero on that specific assignment to expulsion from the class with a grade of F.Note that copy/pasting published information, whether it's from your textbook or the Internet, without citing your source is plagiarism and violates this policy.Even if you change the words slightly, the ideas are someone else's, so you still have to cite your sources. Cheating, plagiarism, bribery, misrepresentation, conspiracy and fabrication are defined in Rule 6Hx23-4.461, Student Affairs: Academic Honesty Guidelines, Classroom Behavior.
TEXTBOOK INFORMATION
Discovering Psychology (6th Edition), Don & Sandra Hockenbury. ISBN-13: 978-1-4641-6349-4
ISBN-10: 1-4641-6349-9
Critical Thinking: “You are educated when you have the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or self-confidence.” – Robert Frost
To help you meet the above stated goals and objectives, it is important to develop your skills as a critical thinker. The following attributes define the critical thinker: “The ideal critical thinker is habitually inquisitive, well-informed, trustful of reason, open-minded, flexible, fair-minded in evaluation, honest in facing personal biases, prudent in making judgments, willing to reconsider, clear about issues, orderly in complex matters, diligent in seeking relevant information,reasonable in selection of criteria, focused inquiry, and persistent in seeking results which are as precise as the subject and the circumstances of inquiry permit”. The APA Delphi Report, 1990.
ASSIGNMENTS
I. Exams:
There will be 4 exams of equal weight offered during the semester. Each exam will consist of 50 multiple-choice questions with an optional essay question worth 5 bonus points. You will need to purchase Scantron 882-E for the objective portion of the exams; an essay sheet will be provided for the essay portion of the exam. The questions will be drawn primarily from the text, so it is of the utmost importance to purchase and read the textbook. It is also helpful to take the online practice exams found by accessing the companion website at:. (see p. xxxvi of your text)
Make-up exams are not permitted unless you provide clear documentation for your absence. It is best not to miss an exam period.
II. Homework: There will be 3 homework assignments of 10 points each, for a total of 30 points.
III. Writing Requirement: This course requires that you write 2,000 words. All papers must be typed using Times New Roman, size 12 font, double spaced. Each of your papers must include a title page and a reference page with citations listed in APA format. Thewriting requirement will be accomplished through the following:
Requirement #1:
Journal Article Paper: In order to understand the scientific method in psychology and how psychologists report their research results, you will be asked to write a paper on one of three articles from a psychological journal. The links to the articles from which you may choose are listed under the Course Content in My Courses; however, you are free to find an article of your own interest as long as it fits the assignment. The specific questions you must answer and the guidelines for completing this paper can also be found there.This paper should be at least 3 pages long and is worth 50 points.
Requirement #2:
Intelligence Paper: This brief writing assignment requires you to take and evaluate an online intelligence test. The specific instructions for completing this paper can be found under the Course Content in the module entitled “Intelligence Paper”. This paper should be at least one page long and is worth 25 points.
Requirement #3:
Psychology at the movies: To help you understand how psychology affects your world outside of the classroom and beyond your textbook, you will be asked to write a paper summarizing a movie from thelist entitled Psychology at the Movies. Under each chapter that we will be covering this semester will be movie choices.Select only one movie of your choice from any one chapter, write a brief synopsis and then answer the specific critical thinking questions listed for that chapter. The list and the critical thinking questions may also be found under the Course Content in My Courses. Your paper should be at least 2 pages long and is worth 50 points.
I prefer that papers be submitted in class on the due date but may also be submitted inthe drop box if you will be missing class or have any issue with access to a printer. Papers are not accepted late unless you can provide a documented excuse.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Policies Regarding Assignments: Please keep up with the assigned reading so that you come to class prepared to engage in discussion and activities; your learning is enhanced and class time is more enjoyable if you engage actively! In general, college coursework requires 2-3 hours or preparation outside of the class for each credit hour spent in the classroom. It is wise to read each assigned chapter more than once, discuss the topics with a study partner (or group) or use the practice exam questions found in online in the companion website: . (page xxxvi of textbook)
Classroom Policy: Remember that the reason we are all here is to learn, and every person has the right to expect an environment conducive to learning. I encourage discussion during class, but ask that we maintain an atmosphere of mutual respect for different attitudes and perspectives. Please respect me and your classmates and do not engage in excessive (personal) talking or disruptive behavior during class. I will speak to you privately regarding this if it occurs, and, if the behavior persists, I will ask you to leave class. Before you will be permitted to return to class, you must make an appointment to come and see me to discuss the matter. Serious ongoing occurrences will be reported to the Associate Provost. I am truly hopeful that this will not be an issue in this class.
Cell Phones: Please refrain from cell phone use or text messaging during class. Please be sure your phone is “off” or on “silent” mode. If there is a personal emergency which requires that you receive a call during class, please come and speak to me regarding that before class begins.
Children: Are not permitted to accompany you to class unless you are dropping off a paper or picking up materials. In no case should you EVER leave a child unattended on college premises!
Final Notes: In all cases, please feel free to stop by my office during any of the office hours noted in this syllabus (and posted on my office door) and I will be happy to meet with you. Should problems arise which could hinder your progress in my class, please come and speak with me sooner rather than later!
Education is a mutual responsibility; I will strive to meet my responsibilities to you; you should strive to meet yours! I look forward to a successful semester!
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined.”
Henry David Thoreau
SYLLABUS ADDENDUM
In the event thattopics listedin this addendum also appear in your syllabus, please note that you should rely on the addendum informationas this information is the most current.
IMPORTANT COLLEGE POLICY REGARDING COURSE DROP-ADD PERIOD AND AUDIT INFORMATION
Students CANNOT add a course following the 1st day the class meets. Students CAN drop a course during the 1st week of class and be eligible for a refund. (See a counselor/advisor to finalize your schedule, so you won’t be left without the classes you want or need). Students may not change from credit to audit status after the end of the first week of classes.
GRADING AND REPEAT COURSE POLICIES
State policy specifies that students may not repeat a college credit course for which a grade of “C” or higher has been earned except by appeal to the campus Academic Appeals committee. Students may repeat a college credit course one time without penalty. At the third attempt, students will pay the full cost of instruction. The full cost of instruction rate for 2008/2009 is $280.39 per credit hour. In addition, at the third attempt students may NOT receive a grade of “I,” “W,” or “X,” but must receive the letter grade earned. This grade will be averaged into the overall grade point average.
ATTENDANCE/ACTIVE PARTICIPATION/WITHDRAWAL POLICIES
Each instructor must exercise professional judgment to determine if a student is actively participating in class. Faculty will publish their own personal participation/attendance policies in their syllabi. This policy will be used to determine grades. Students who are not actively participating in class as defined in an instructor’s syllabus will be reported to the Administration during the week following the voluntary withdrawal date.
Instructors will verify that students are in attendance during the first two weeks of class. Students classified as “No Show” for both of the first two weeks will be administratively withdrawn.
Immediately following the 60% point of the term, each instructor will verify which students are actively participating in class as defined in the course syllabus. Students classified as not meeting the criteria for active class participation will be administratively withdrawn with a “WF.” Students will be able to withdraw themselves at any time during the term. However, requests submitted after the 60% deadline will result in a “WF.” Students and instructors will automatically receive an email notification through their SPC email address whenever a withdrawal occurs.
Withdrawing after the “Last Day to Withdraw with a Grade of ‘W’” (see Academic Calendar below) can have serious consequences. If you withdraw from a class after this deadline posted in the academic calendar, you will receive a final grade of ‘WF,’ which has the same impact on your GPA as a final grade of ‘F.’ A ‘WF’ grade also could impact your financial aid and cause you to have to repay some of your assistance. If you are thinking about withdrawing from a class now, you should consult with your academic advisor or financial aid counselor first to be sure you understand all the possible outcomes of this decision.
FEDERAL GUIDELINES RELATED TO FINANCIAL AID AND TOTAL WITHDRAWAL FROM THE COLLEGE
The U.S. Department of Education has implemented rules for students who obtain a Pell Grant, Stafford Loan, and/or Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant and subsequently totally withdraw from the College. The rule requires you to refund to the Department of Education a portion of your financial aid if you completely withdraw from St. PetersburgCollege prior to the 60% point in the term. You also may be required to repay funds to the Collegeif you are identified as not actively participating in all of your classes, or if you do not receive at least one final passing grade (D or higher). Should you consider totally withdrawing from all classes before the published withdrawal date, it is important that you consult the Scholarships & Student Financial Assistance office on your home campus to understand your options and the consequences of total withdrawal.
DUAL ENROLLMENT, EARLY ADMISSIONS, & EARLY COLLEGE STUDENTS
A Dual Enrollment, Early Admissions, or EarlyCollege student may not withdraw from any college level course without consultation with the Early College/Dual Enrollment office. Withdrawal from a course may jeopardize the student’s graduation from high school. The Dual Enrollment office can be reached at 712-5281 (TS), 791-5970 (CL) or 394-6000 (SE).
ACADEMIC HONESTY
St.PetersburgCollege has an Academic Honesty policy.It is your responsibility to be familiar with the policies, rules, and the consequences of violations.There is no tolerance for cheating and academic dishonesty.Discipline can range from a zero on a specific assignment to expulsion from the class with a grade of F.Note that copy/pasting published information, whether it's from your textbook or the Internet, without citing your source is plagiarism and violates this policy.Even if you change the words slightly the ideas are someone else's so you still have to cite your sources. Cheating, plagiarism, bribery, misrepresentation, conspiracy, and fabrication are defined in Board Rule 6Hx23-4.461. Student Affairs: Academic Honesty Guidelines, Classroom Behavior.