Instructor: / Brian Loher, Ph.D. / Class: / MWF / 8:30
9:30 / -
- / 9:20
10:20 / AM
AM
Phone: / 662-4777 / Room: / Allen Hall 104
Office: / South Hall 152
E-mail: / / Office
Hours: / Mon / 1:00 / - / 2:20 / PM
Credit Hours: / 3 / Wed / 1:00 / - / 2:20 / PM
Gen. Education: / Course may satisfy current Gen. Ed. req’s / Fri / 1:00 / - / 3:30 / PM
in Social & Behavioral Sciences group / (Other times by arrangement)
Prerequisites: / None
Web Site: / http://coursework.mansfield.edu/psy1101loher/1101home.html (All updates posted on Web site)
Text / Weiten, W. (2014). Psychology themes & variations: Briefer version (9th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Cengage Learning.
Plus various web sites as assigned or recommended. A more recent edition of the book is available, but at a much higher cost.
Course Description
(University) / “Designed to familiarize students with the application of scientific psychology to human life. Emphasis is on "normal" behavior and its antecedents. Includes the study of broad categories of human behavior through various psychological models.”
General Education - Social & Behavioral Sciences Group - Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Goal of course is to guide students to: / Course Student Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this course, students should be able to: / Where Students Will Demonstrate SLOs
1. Explain basic theories of human and social behaviors based on the methods of the target disciplines. / Recognize basic psychological theories of human behavior and their development. (PSLO 1)*
At introductory level, recognize and apply basic research methods used by psychologists. (PSLO 2)* / Exams
2. Identify and describe some fundamental social structures. / Identify and describe some fundamental psychological concepts and theories. (PSLO 1)* / Exams
3. Understand how the social sciences approach human societies and behaviors. / Identify and describe the roles of psychologists across disciplines and specializations. (PSLO 1)* / Exams
4. Describe the development or application of key concepts in the target discipline. / Write about the application of psychology to “real world” situations, using the appropriate terms for a given approach. (PSLO 1, PSLO 2, PSLO 4)* / Individual Exercise
5. Use social science methods to analyze social issues and problems. / Apply psychological models to analyze a social issue within a given context. (PSLO 1, PSLO 2, PSLO 4)* / Group Exercise
(Adapted from Sechrist, 2011)
*APA – Undergraduate Psychology Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs- Adopted by MU Psychology 5/11/15)
Goal 1: Knowledge Base in Psychology: “Students should demonstrate fundamental knowledge and comprehension of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings to discuss how psychological principles apply to behavioral problems.”
Goal 2: Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking: “The skills in this domain involve the development of scientific reasoning and problem solving, including effective research methods.”
Goal 3: Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World: “The skills in this domain involve the development of ethically and socially responsible behaviors for professional and personal settings in a landscape that involves increasing diversity.”
Goal 4: Communication: “Students should demonstrate competence in writing and in oral and interpersonal communication skills.”
Goal 5: Professional Development: “The emphasis in this goal is on application of psychology-specific content and skills, effective self-reflection, project-management skills, teamwork skills, and career preparation.”
Source: American Psychological Association. (2013). APA guidelines for the undergraduate psychology major: Version 2.0. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/undergrad/index.aspx
Objectives / This course is intended as an introductory survey of topics in psychology. By the conclusion
of the course, you should be able to recognize, list, or describe the:
· History and current fields of psychology
· Basic research methods used by psychologists
· Parts and role of the nervous system in behavior
· Visual and auditory systems in sensation and perception
· Explanations for learning (e.g., classical conditioning) and their application
· Components of the memory system and explanations for how memory works
· Types of intelligence/abilities and their application
· Physiological and cognitive explanations for motivation and their application
· Typical stages of human physiological and cognitive development
· Individual differences in personality and their implications
· Types of psychological disorders
· Attitudes and their connection with behaviors
· Role of psychology in persuasion
This course is approved for the Behavioral and Social Sciences Group in the 2011 version of Mansfield’s General Education program. Work from assignments is compiled and used for the University’s assessment activities. See the 2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalog for a more detailed explanation of General Education.
Tests / There will be 5 multiple-choice exams, each worth 50 points. Exams cover material from class, the text, and web sites. Study guides for each exam will be available on the class web site at least 1 week before the scheduled date for the test. Short-answer make-up tests are available for persons able to present a documented excuse. You must make up a missed exam prior to the date for the next exam. Evidence of cheating will result in zero points for an exam.
Individual Exercise / One individual assignment will be posted on the class web site. Your TYPED response to the exercise is due on the date specified in the course schedule (see below). DO NOT copy, wordsmith, or otherwise plagiarize another student’s response to the exercises. The exercise is worth up to 10 points. You must make up a missed individual exercise within one week after returning to class.
Group
Exercise / We will do a group exercise to help you apply information covered in the course. The exercise requires work and effort outside of class. Groups will be organized at the time of the exercise. You must find at least one partner to work with on the exercise. The group exercise is worth a maximum of 10 points.
Final Grades / Final grades are based on TOTAL POINTS. The scale is based on 260 points (out of 270 possible).
Grade / Points / Grade / Points / Grade / Points
A / 239 & above / B- / 208 – 212 / D+ / 177 – 181
A- / 234 – 238 / C+ / 203 – 207 / D / 161 – 176
B+ / 229 – 233 / C / 187 – 202 / D- / 156 – 160
B / 213 – 228 / C- / 182 – 186 / F / 155 below
Warnings!!! / Students fail this course! The primary reasons are poor preparation or performance on exams, failure to complete exercises, and poor attendance.
If you are a psychology major you must attain a grade of “C” or higher in both PSY 1101 and PSY 1151 to continue in our program. If you are unable to reach a “C” or higher after a second attempt in either or both classes, your psychology advisor will counsel you on the choice of another major.
Attendance / Mansfield University Attendance Policy: (as stated in the MU Catalog)
“Regular and punctual class attendance is expected. Documented excuses because of illness, serious mitigating circumstances, official military service, or official university representation will be accepted by all faculty members. In these cases, faculty members will permit students to make up all graded course components without penalty in a reasonable manner at a time agreeable to instructor and student. Students must provide documentation before absences can be excused. All instructors are expected to make their class participation and attendance policies clear in the course syllabi.”
Class Policy: Consistent with University policy, I take attendance at the start of each class. You are expected to attend all sessions. If you accumulate more than 3 unexcused absences, your final total is reduced by 2 points for EACH additional absence. Excused absences (e.g., due to illness, military duty, official university-sponsored activities, etc.) will not be penalized given appropriate documentation, with the exception described below. For university activities, the document must be dated and from an appropriate university sponsor. You have one calendar week after your return to present appropriate paperwork. Documentation is due by April 30th for absences during the final week of regular classes.
I am required to report anyone who misses over two consecutive classes with no explanation.
Be on time! Class begins promptly at 8:30/9:30. Persons who persistently arrive after 8:30/9:30 without a documented excuse may not be allowed to sign the attendance roster for that day. Tell me if you have work, practice, rehearsal, or an activity that will consistently make you late.
If you leave the classroom more than once during the class period you may not be credited with having attended. Excessive coming and going is disruptive to the classroom environment. Let me know if you are ill and I will work with you on missed information.
Persons observed to be texting, reading, working on material from other courses, or “social chatting” may not be credited with having been in attendance.
/ VERY, VERY IMPORTANT: If you miss more than twelve class sessions in total (i.e., four weeks out of the semester) FOR ANY COMBINATION OF REASONS, including excused absences, you should withdraw or you will be assigned a grade of “F” regardless of your performance on tests, group-, and individual-exercises. In-class questions and lectures cover critical information for your success in the course. You must be here! It is easy for things to go downhill if you repeatedly miss class. If you contract a major illness or are struggling with other issues, let me know as soon as possible. We can discuss your options. If necessary, the deadline for withdrawing from Spring 2018 courses is Friday, March 23rd. PSY 1101 is offered every semester.
Texting, Surfing, iPads, etc. / Please check your messages before or after class time. Texting, Facebooking, web surfing, or use of other devices are not allowed during class time. All such devices should be turned off or to “vibrate” and ear buds removed before class begins. If it is critical to leave the device turned up (e.g., spouse may go into labor), let me know ahead of class.
Academic Integrity (University)
/ “The integrity of all scholarly work is at the foundation of an academic community. Students are expected to do their own academic work. Dishonesty in academic work, including cheating, academic misconduct, fabrication, or plagiarism, is unacceptable. Faculty are expected to instruct students in ways of avoiding these forms of academic dishonesty. Faculty are also responsible for assessing and reporting all charges of academic dishonesty to the appropriate Dean. MU’s Academic Integrity Policy can be found at http://www.mansfield.edu/academic-affairs/faculty-resources/upload/Mansfield-University-Process-for-Reporting-Academic-Integrity-Violations-Rev-3-09.pdf and the Academic Dishonesty Form may be accessed here or from the Academic Affairs website.”Honor Code
/ It is expected that all participants and the instructor will act in a manner consistent with the principles and commitments of the Psychology Department Honor Code. See:http://www.mansfield.edu/psychology/student-resources/honor-code.cfm
Students Requesting Academic and/or Access Accommoda-tions (University)
/ “Students with documented learning disabilities, physical challenges, or other significant medical conditions that may affect their learning in this course should meet with the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) Coordinator in the SSD Office located in the Department of Academic and Human Development (144 South Hall, Phone: 570/662-4436) as soon as possible. It is recommended that students contact the SSD Coordinator during the first two weeks of classes in order to ensure accommodations are met in an efficient, appropriate, and timely manner for the best student learning outcome. The Coordinator will arrange to provide your professors with a suitable letter so that we may serve your particular needs more effectively. If you have a disability that requires classroom or testing accommodations, the Coordinator will also clarify appropriate arrangements.”Student Consumer Rights & Responsibil-ities
(University) / “The Higher Education Opportunity Act (Public Law 110-315) (HEOA) was enacted on August 14, 2008, and reauthorizes the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. The HEOA (2008) requires colleges and universities to provide students with information necessary to make informed decisions concerning their educational experiences. Mansfield University strives to serve its students fairly and equitably. The following MU website provides an inclusive list by topic of student consumer rights and responsibilities: http://mansfield.edu/HEA/.”
Copyright
(University) / “The University fully supports the Copyright Laws of the United States. Respect for intellectual labor and creativity is vital to academic discourse and enterprise. This principle applies to any original work in any tangible medium of expression. Images displayable on computer screens, computer software, music, books, magazines, journals, photographs, and articles are among items subject to copyright. A work need not be explicitly labeled with a copyright notice to be afforded copyright protection. For more information on Copyright please consult the Mansfield University Copyright Information website: http://mansfield.libguides.com/copyright.”
Title IX and Protection of Minors Legislation: Reporting Obligations
(University) / “Mansfield University and its faculty are committed to assuring a safe and productive educational environment for all students.
Title IX Requirements: In order to meet this commitment and to comply with Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and guidance from the Office for Civil Rights, the University requires faculty members to report incidents of sexual violence shared by students to the University’s Title IX Coordinator. The only exceptions to the faculty member’s reporting obligation under Title IX are when incidents of sexual violence are communicated by a student during a classroom discussion, in a writing assignment for a class, or as part of a University-approved research project. Frank Crofchick (570-662-4342, ) serves as Mansfield University’s Title IX Coordinator. Additional information regarding the reporting of sexual violence and the resources that are available to victims of sexual violence is set forth at:http://www.mansfield.edu/title-ix/upload/Title-IX-Policy-FINAL-7-2016.pdf; http://www.mansfield.edu/title-ix/resources.cfm (Title IX Resources), and http://www.mansfield.edu/title-ix/bill-of-rights.cfm (Sexual Misconduct Victims’ Bill of Rights) Reports of Title IX matters should be directed to .
Protection of Minors Requirements: Faculty members are obligated to report sexual violence or any other abuse of a student who was, or is, a child (a person under 18 years of age) when the abuse allegedly occurred, to the Human Resources Office (570-662-4893) as designated in the University’s protection of minors policy. No exceptions apply to this reporting obligation. Mansfield University’s Protection of Minors policy is available at http://www.mansfield.edu/hr/protection-of-minors.cfm.”
Very Tentative Schedule - PSY 1101 – Spring 2018 / All changes posted on class web site
Month / Date / Topic / Text
Chpt.
January / 17 / Overview / *
19 / A Very Brief History of Psychology / 1
22 / History of Psychology (continues) / Last Day to Add/Drop Courses / 1
24 / Current Areas, Specialties, & Themes / 1
26 / Goals of Science & Research / 2
29 / Research & Its Uses / 2
31 / Neurons & the Nervous System / 3
February / 2 / Brain & Behavior I / 3
5 / Brain & Behavior II / 3
7 / Test 1
9 / Vision: The Visual Process / 4
12 / Vision: Visual Perception, & Illusions / 4
14 / Hearing: The Auditory Process / 4
16 / Classical Conditioning / 6
19 / Operant Conditioning / 6
21 / Learning via Observation / 6
23 / Test 2
26 / Circadian Rhythms & the Sleep Cycle / 5
28 / Dreams & Sleep Disorders / 5
March / 2 / Memory Research / Midterm Grades Due / 7
5 / More on Memory / 7
7 / Problem Solving / 8
9 / Decision Making / 8
12-16 / Spring Break
19 / Intelligence / 8
21 / More on Intelligence / 8
23 / Test 3 / Last Day to Withdraw from Classes
26 / Motivation / Begin Fall 2018 Registration / 9
28 / Motivation: Other Forms / 9
30 / Human Development / 10
April / 2 / Development Post Adolescent / 10
4 / Personality / 11
6 / More on Personality / Individual Exercise Due / 11
9 / Test 4
11 / Stress / 13
13 / Dealing with Stress / 13
16 / Psychological Disorders I / 14
18 / Psychological Disorders II / 14
20 / Attitudes & Behavior / 12
23 / Attitudes & Persuasion / 12
25 / Conformity & Obedience / 12
27 / Psychology: Other Specializations
30 / Catch-Up Day / Group Exercise Due
May / 1/3 / Test 5 – Finals Week - Tuesday/Thursday, 8:00 AM
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