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Course Title: General Psychology
Course Number: Psychology 2301-THS1 (9365)
Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3 per week
Total Contact Hours:48
SPRING 2018
Class Days & Times: Monday/Wednesday 12:55-2:25pm
Classroom Location: RM: 1611
A.COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Preferred methods of communicating are through my Yahoo e-mail or Alvin College e-mail. You can also reach me through the department secretary Camely Myers, her office number is 281-756-3718. Students are to communicate with their instructor using their Alvin College emails ONLY. If you do not have an Alvin College email address please let your instructor know.
B.COURSE DESCRIPTION: General Psychology is a survey of the major psychological topics, theories and approaches to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.
C.STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
1. Identify various research methods and their characteristics used in the scientific study of psychology.
2. Describe the historical influences and early schools of thought that shaped the field of psychology.
3. Describe some of the prominent perspectives and approaches used in the study of psychology.
4. Use terminology unique to the study of psychology.
5. Describe accepted approaches and standards in psychological assessment and evaluation.
6. Identify factors in physiological and psychological processes involved in human behavior.
D.PRE-REQUISITE COURSES: TSI English met.
E.REQUIRED TEXTBOOK AND SUPPLEMENTAL READINGS:
Title: Psychology in Everyday Life. Fourth Edition
Author: David G. Myers
Worth Publishers, 2017
ISBN: 9781319122546
To get details about how you can order your book online from the college store and have it delivered to you, visit the ACC College Store's Web page at
F.CORE REQUIREMENTS (Only required for CORE courses)
As part of the Texas and ACC Core Curriculum, students in this course will gain a foundation of knowledge in human cultures and the physical and natural world, develop principles of personal and social responsibility for living in a diverse world, and advance intellectual and practical skills that are essential for all learning. The chart below details the core requirements that are applicable to this course, the activities in which students will participate to develop skills in the required areas, a determination of how students’ mastery of those areas will be assessed, and the level of expertise students are expected to demonstrate. Please note that these requirements are already included in the computation of the course grade and not a separate grade.
* / Core Objective / Activities / Assessments* / Critical Thinking Skills: to include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information. / Written paper / Will analyze using the CT rubric. A grade of 70 or above is required as successful completion of this requirement.
* / Communication-Written: effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas / Written paper / Will analyze using Communication rubric. A grade of 70 or above is required as successful completion of this requirement.
* / Communication-Oral: effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas / One to two minute presentation on social responsibility aspect of written paper / Will analyze using Communication rubric. A grade of 70 or above is required as successful completion of this requirement.
* / Communication-Visual: effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas / A graphic (picture) component appropriately added to paper / Will analyze using Communication rubric. A grade of 70 or above is required as successful completion of this requirement.
* / Empirical and Quantitative Skills: to include the manipulation and analysis of numerical data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions. / Written paper / Will analyze using EQ rubric. A grade of 70 or above is required as successful completion of this requirement.
Teamwork: to include the ability to consider different point of view and to work effectively with others to support a shared goal.
* / Social Responsibility: to include intercultural competency, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities. / Written paper / Will analyze using SR rubric. A grade of 70 or above is required as successful completion of this requirement.
Personal Responsibility: to include the ability to connect choices, actions, and consequences to ethical decision-making.
*Indicates core areas required for this course
G.COURSE OUTLINE
COURSE SCHEDULE*
Date / Topic / Readings/AssignmentsJanuary 17 / Introduction to Course / Review Course Syllabus
Chapter 1: Psychology’s Roots, Big Ideas, and Critical Thinking Tools
January 22 / Chapter 1: Psychology’s Roots, Big Ideas, and Critical Thinking Tools / Chapter 1: Psychology’s Roots, Big Ideas, and Critical Thinking Tools
January 24 / Chapter 1: Psychology’s Roots, Big Ideas, and Critical Thinking Tools / Chapter 2: The Biology of Mind and Consciousness
January 29 / Chapter 2: The Biology of Mind and Consciousness / Quiz Chapter 1
Chapter 2: The Biology of Mind and Consciousness
January 31 / Chapter 2: The Biology of Mind and Consciousness / Chapter 3: Developing Through the Life Span
February 5 / Chapter 3: Developing Through the Life Span / Quiz Chapter 2
Chapter 3: Developing Through the Life Span
February 7 / Chapter 3: Developing Through the Life Span / Chapter 5: Sensation and Perception
February 12 / Chapter 5: Sensation and Perception / Quiz Chapter 3
February 14 / Chapter 5: Sensation and Perceptions / Quiz Chapter 5
Chapter 6: Learning
February 19 / No Class
February 21 / Exam 1 (Chapters 1, 2, 3, 5) / Chapter 6: Learning
February 26 / Chapter 6: Learning / Chapter 6: Learning
February 28 / Chapter 6: Learning / Assignment 1 due
Chapter 7: Memory
March 5 / Chapter 7: Memory / Quiz Chapter 6
Chapter 7: Memory
March 7 / Chapter 7: Memory / Chapter 10: Stress, Health, and Human Flourishing
March 12-16 / Spring Break
March 19 / Chapter 10: Stress, Health, and Human Flourishing / Quiz Chapter 7
Chapter 10: Stress, Health, and Human Flourishing
March 21 / Chapter 10: Stress, Health, and Human Flourishing / Chapter 12: Personality
March 26 / Chapter 12: Personality / Quiz Chapter 10
Chapter 12: Personality
March 28 / Exam 2 (Chapters 6, 7, 10)
April 2 / No Class
April 4 / Chapter 12: Personality / Quiz Chapter 12
Chapter 13: Psychological Disorders
April 9 / Chapter 13: Psychological Disorders / Assignment 2 due
Chapter 13: Psychological Disorders
April 11 / Chapter 13: Psychological Disorders / Chapter 14: Therapy
April 16 / Chapter 14: Therapy / Quiz Chapter 13
Chapter 14: Therapy
April 18 / Chapter 14: Therapy / Quiz Chapter 14
April 23 / Exam 3 (Chapters 12, 13, 14) / Appendix A: Statistical Reasoning in Everyday Life
April 25 / Appendix A: Statistical Reasoning in Everyday Life / Appendix B: Psychology at Work
April 30 / Appendix B: Psychology at Work / Appendix C: Subfields of Psychology
May 2 / Appendix C: Subfields of Psychology / Assignment 3 due
May 7 / Presentations
Final Exam Review
May 9 / Exam 4 (Appendix A, B, C)
Pre/Post Test / All Coursework,
assignments, and extra
credit due today
H.ATTENDANCE/PARTICIPATION
Attending all class sessions is crucial to your success in this class. I expect perfect attendance barring any unforeseen events (family emergencies, illness). In the event you miss class, you will be responsible for the material covered. You will earn 5 pts for every class session you attend. Excessive absences (more than 6) may result in a lower grade. Students are required to attend all classes for successful completion of the course. Repeated absences have a detrimental effect on learning therefore: regular classroom attendance is expected in this course. Students are urged to complete the reading in advance of class time to facilitate an informed discussion. ****Please note: Not having all of your academic supplies, sleeping, or completing homework for other classes constitutes an absence. Cellphone use is prohibited. Electronic devices may be used to take notes as long as they do not become a distraction.
I.EXAMS AND Quizzes
Quizzes will be given at the end of each chapter to check for understanding. Each quiz is worth 10 points. Quizzes will also be used as study guides for exams. There will be 4 exams this semester. Each exam will be worth 100 points. The exams will consist of short-answer questions and may include some matching, fill-in-the-blank, and True/False questions. You will have the entire class period to complete the exam. I recommend studying actively for the exams. Also practice writing the answers without looking at your notes. You will only be allowed to take a make-up exam for legitimate (documented) excuses. Not being ready is not a legitimate excuse for missing an exam. If you are allowed to make up an exam, it MUST be scheduled with the instructor.
J.GROUP PROJECT/PRESENTATION
Students will be placed in groups of 2-3. The chapter/topic MUST be emailed to the instructor AND approved. Possible Topics/Chapters will be provided.
Project will include:
I. PowerPoint: Will include researched information (Minimum TEN slides) summarizing main points from research and must includes references and reference slide.
II. Research Paper: The paper will be graded on APA format, grammar, punctuation, organization, and research conducted. Paper Format: 3-4 pages of content. (DOES NOT INCLUDE THE COVER PAGE, INTRODUCTION/ABSTRACT and CONCLUSION). Each member of the group will turn in an individual research paper.
Cover PageIntroduction/AbstractMain ContentConclusionReferences (Min. 5)
The assignment is worth 100 points. LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. STUDENTS MUST COMPLETE BOTH PARTS OF THE PROJECT TO RECEIVE FULL CREDIT.
K.CLASS ACTIVITIES
During the semester, you will break into groups to work on an activity I assign or the activity will be an at home assignment. I expect all of you to contribute equally to these group activities. These activities are another opportunity to apply the strategies you learn and will also allow you to learn to work with others, a very important professional skill. Worth 10 points each.
L.WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS
You will be completing 3 written assignments throughout the semester. Each assignment is worth 50 points. Assignments will be based on important course-related skills (more details about each individual assignment will be provided as the semester progresses). All written assignments are to follow APA guidelines.
M.EXTRA CREDIT
Extra credit opportunities are at the discretion of the student and are optional. Extra credit opportunities will include extra written assignments or activities conducted at Alvin Community College. Some activities require students to reserve their seat. If this is applicable it is recommended that you sign up at least 24 hours in advance. More information about extra credit will be provided during the course of the semester. **PLEASE NOTE ALL POINTS FROM EXTRA CREDIT ARE ADDED TO THE STUDENT’S FINAL GRADE BEFORE THE FINAL EXAM. STUDENTS ARE ALSO RESPONSIBLE WITH KEEPING UP WITH THE AMOUNT OF POINTS EARNED FROM EXTRA CREDIT. PLEASE SEE EXAMPLE BELOW:
Student’s Final Grade Points / Extra Credit Points Earned / Student’s Final Grade Points850 / 20 / 870
N.POLICIES ABOUT COURSEWORK AND DEADLINES
It is not fair to the other students in this class to turn in an assignment late. Late assignments impair my ability to provide you with timely feedback. Therefore, there will be a 10 point deduction for each business day (Monday-Friday) that passes before you turn it in. If the assignment is turned in after class on the due date you will lose 5 points. The late work policy does not apply to extra credit.
O.GRADING SUMMARY
Grades will be based on the following:Grade Scale
Chapter Quizzes 12 x 10 = 120A 900-1015
Written Assignments 3 x 50 = 150B800-899
Exams4 x 100 = 400C700-799
Participation/Attendance29 x 5 = 145D600-699
Class Activities10 x 10 = 100F0-599
Presentation1 x 100 = 100
Total 1,015
P.WITHDRAWING FROM CLASS/COLLEGE
It is recommended that the student talk to the instructor before withdrawing. Current course withdrawal information can be found in the printed version of the ACC Schedule for this semester or online atACC Course Withdrawal Instructions. Students who file withdrawal requests by the published deadline and have not exceeded the withdrawal maximum will receive a grade of W.
Six Drop Limit
The Texas Legislature passed a ruling that limits the number of classes a student can drop during their years as an undergraduate student to six. This policy applies to any student who was a first time college freshmen fall, 2007, or later, who attends a Texas public institution of higher education. Courses dropped while attending a private or out of state college do not count toward the six drop limit. For further information, refer to the ACC Catalog or contact Student Services.
Q.GRADE APPEAL PROCESS
Students have one year from the date of the grade assignment to challenge a grade. Refer to the grade appeal process as published in the ACC Catalog at
R.CLASS ATTENDANCE POLICY
Alvin Community College students are required to attend classes. If an absence is unavoidable, the student is responsible for completing all work missed during the absence. Instructors will not withdraw students for non-attendance, except in developmental courses. Absences in excess of two weeks are to be reported to the Office of Advising Services, along with appropriate recommendations. Departments and faculty may have other attendance policies for their course.
S.CODE OF ACADEMIC INTEGRITY AND HONESTY
Alvin Community College students are members of an institution dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge through a formalized program of instruction and learning. At the heart of this endeavor, lie the core values of academic integrity which include honesty, truth, and freedom from lies and fraud. Because personal integrity is important in all aspects of life, students at Alvin Community College are expected to conduct themselves with honesty and integrity both in and out of the classroom. Incidents of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and students guilty of such conduct are subject to severe disciplinary measures.
T.CLASSROOM PROTOCOL
It is the right of each student to participate in his or her learning, and it is the responsibility of each student to not interfere with the learning of other students. It is the expectation of the college that each student assumes the responsibility to follow college policies and procedures governing classroom conduct on campus and online. This information is published in the ACC Student Handbook on page 42.
U.EVALUATION OF INSTRUCTION
Alvin Community College is dedicated to student success. As part of its ongoing improvement efforts, students will provide input for each course prior to the end of the semester enrolled. Evaluations will be completed in either online or paper format as directed by the Office of Institutional Effectiveness & Research.
V.ACC ACADEMIC SUCCESS AND SUPPORT SERVICES
The ACC Tutoring/Learning Lab, located upstairs in building A, provides students with a variety of services including tutoring (math, writing, and other disciplines); computers and printers; and tables/carrels. Call 281-756-3566 or visit the ACC Tutoring/Learning Lab Websitefor more information.
The ACC Library is an excellent source for research and writing help. Quiet rooms are available for studying and doing class work. For more information, visit theACC Library Website or call 281-756-3559.
ACC Counseling Services assist students with issues that may negatively impact academic success. To contact a counselor, call the office of Advising Services at 281-756-3531.
Americans with Disabilities Act
ACC complies with ADA and 504 Federal guidelines by affording equal access to individuals who are seeking an education. Students who have a disability and would like classroom accommodations must register first with the Office of Disability Services, A 136, or call 281-756-3533. Instructors are not able to provide accommodations until the proper process has been followed.
Assessment and Care Team (ACT)
The Assessment and Care Team is committed to improving community safety through a proactive, collaborative, coordinated, objective, and thoughtful approach to the prevention, identification, assessment, intervention and management of situations that pose a threat to the safety and well-being of the campus community. To educate and empower all members of the College community, resources and procedures are in place to prevent, deter, and respond to concerns regarding acts of violence. Alvin Community College offers assistance to departments and individuals in detecting indicators for concern and resources to protect themselves and their environments.
The Alvin Community College ACT accepts reports regarding any individual or incident at any time through an online referral form on the Assessment and Care Team page at direct email to: , or by contacting the Alvin Community College Police Department at 281-756-3700 or
832-250-3365 (after hours).
MY Blackboardsupport can be obtained by completing theOnline Support Form.
WEBACCESS, Passwords or ACC Computer Lab Information:If you experience problems with WebACCess, please call the Help Desk at 281-756-3544 or email .
W.MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING AND SUICIDE PREVENTION SERVICES
As a student, you may experience a range of challenges that can interfere with learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, substance use, feeling down, difficulty concentrating, and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may diminish your academic performance and/or reduce your ability to participate in daily activities. Advising services employs two Licensed Professional Counselors who can assist students with issues that negatively impact academic success. Consultation and referrals are confidential. The Counseling Referral form is located at:
Emergencies:
If you or someone you know at ACC feels overwhelmed, hopeless, depressed, and/or is thinking about dying by suicide, supportive services are available by requests at the Enrollment Services Center or by calling 281-756-3531, ask for a Counselor. You may also call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255. This is a 24 hour, toll free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crises or emotional distress. If, however, you or someone you know is in an immediate crisis, go to the nearest Emergency Room, or call 911.
X.DISCLAIMER
(The instructor reserves the right to modify this syllabus as needed and will notify the students of any changes using email or Blackboard.)
Department Revised February 11, 2017