Psychology 101: Introduction to Psychology
Spring 2009
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00 - 9:50 a.m. Room 324
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10:00 - 10:50 a.m. Room 322
Instructor: Steve Ross
Email:
Office: Room 520
Phone: 518-593-5788
Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 pm.
-I am also available at other times by arrangement.
Preamble
The following course syllabus is basically a contract between the instructor and student. It details all that one needs to know about every aspect of the course. It is your responsibility to become familiar with all aspects of it. Ignorance of individual components will not be accepted as being valid. Please note some of the details are tentative and subject to change. You will be informed of any such alterations at the earliest possible date.
Required Materials
Textbook: Weiten, Wayne (2008) Psychology Themes and Variations Briefer Edition. ClintonCommunity College.
Course Objectives
After completion of this course, you will:
1.)Develop an understanding of the research methods used to study human behavior
2.)Demonstrate the ability to think critically and analytically.
3.)Be able to apply classroom learning to real-life situations outside the classroom.
4.)Understand the basic principles of learning.
5.)Understand the basic principles of thought.
6.)Be able to describe the ways in which other people and society influence our behavior.
7.)Begin to understand the role that both environment and genes play in shaping individual behavior.
8.)Be able to explain the basic functioning of the human brain.
Attendance Policy
The attendance policy for both this course and ClintonCommunity College is such that you are required to attend each class meeting. Classes will begin promptly at the scheduled time. Students will be marked present if they answer when roll is called during first few minutes of class. Those who miss more than 15% of class periods may be withdrawn from the course or given a grade of “F”. Students are responsible for any information presented in a class meeting (or portion thereof) in which they are absent. Please see me immediately in the case of an emergency, college sanctioned event, or some unforeseen circumstance that will prevent you from attending class.
Evaluation
Examinations: There will be 5 non cumulative, closed book exams in this course (each worth 100 points). These exams will test your understanding of the material covered during each unit. Your lowest exam score will be dropped. Prior to each exam, I will be holding a review session outside of class. I will choose an evening and time for this review that works best for my students.
Make up exams are not normally allowed for missed exams. Exceptions are made, however, for cases of severe illness, loss of an immediate loved one, or absence due to college sanctioned event. Unacceptable reasons include (but are not limited to) vacations, dentist appointments, oversleeping, and attending a wedding. Students should contact me before missing an exam to determine if the excuse is valid and to schedule a make up. In most all cases, Iwill needwritten documentation verifying this serious and unavoidable situation.
Papers: You will be assigned 2 brief writing assignments during the course of the semester (1-2 pages in length each). Assignment #1, due February 27, will require you to assess an APA style journal article of your choice. Assignment #2, due May 08, will require you to relate a work of popular culture (movie, television show, play, etc.) to a psychological topic discussed in the class. Each written assignment will be worth 100 points. 5 points will be deducted for each day these assignments are late (No papers will be accepted after the fifth day!). More specific guidelines for each assignment will be provided during semester.
Class Participation: 50 points of your grade will be earned through class participation, conduct, punctuality, and attendance. This is intended to reward the college’s attendance policy and a professional approach to the college experience. I consider these points as pretty easy to earn. Show up to class and participate in any discussion or activity. I understand there are circumstances that will prevent a student from being at every class. As such, I will start deducting points after you have missed 2 class sessions.
Extra Credit: You can earn extra credit in this class by submitting a typed one page written summary of an article from a scientific journal or popular literature that provides further information on a class topic. The summary should be approximately 200-300 words and indicate how the article relates to the coverage of the same topic in class. Do not simply paraphrase the article. Discuss if the article clarifies, supplements, or contradicts material delivered in my lectures. I will give 5 extra credit points for each summary (A maximum of 25 points will be allowed)
Grading
Your grade will be based on the following point system:
Points
4 Best Exams 400
Paper 1100
Paper 2100
Participation activities50
Extra Credit25
Grades will be assigned as follows:
A: 601- 650 pts
A-:582- 600 pts
B+:562- 581 pts
B:536- 561 pts
B-: 517- 535 pts
C+:497- 516 pts
C: 471- 496 pts
C-:452- 470 pts
D+:435- 451 pts
D: 407- 434 pts
E:Below 407 pts
Other Issues
Cell Phones: Cell phones and pagers are prohibited from being used during class (Unfortunately, that means no text messaging). Please turn them off before class begins.
Accommodations:Any student who feels he/she may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact me privately as soon as possible to discuss your specific needs. If you plan to request disability accommodations, contactthe Learning Resource Specialist and/or the Office of Counseling and Advisement.
Academic Honesty: Students are expected to do their own work in this class. If a situation arises where a student has been academically dishonest, they will receive a failing grade for this course. Dishonest conduct includes, but is not limited to, cheating, unauthorized collaboration, plagiarism, or alteration of records. See College Policies outlinedin the College Catalog on pages 23-27.
Student Concerns: If at any time during the semester, you have concerns about the way you are being treated in this class or any other issues, please meet with me and we will work out a resolution.
Hints and Tips
-I realize very often students most in need of help are usually the most reluctant to seek it. See me as soon as possible if you are having trouble understanding the material, struggling with exam preparation, or need assistance with a paper.
-Copies of my lecture presentations will be made available to you, but don’t treat this as an excuse to avoid taking notes during class or miss a class. Successful students will add explanations and examples to their notes.
-Do not wait until the last minute to start your papers
-Keep all tests, class materials, and emails over the semester in the HIGHLY unlikely event that I make an error.
Course Calendar
DateTopic(s)Reading
Jan 23Syllabus; Ice Breaker ActivitySyllabus
Jan 26Background/ Psychology PerspectivesPgs 1-19
Jan 28Modern Areas/ ThemesPgs 20-27
Jan 30Research ProcessPgs 29-37
Feb 02Research DesignsPgs 37-43
Feb 04Research IssuesPgs 43-54
Feb 06Journal Articles/APA formatPgs 54- 56
Feb 09Discussion Activity/ Paper #1 Guidelines
Feb 11 EXAM #1
Feb 13 NeuronsPgs 63-70
Feb 16 Brain StructurePgs 70-83
Feb 18CLASS CANCELED
Feb 20Genes and HeredityPgs 84-95
Feb 23Sensation and PerceptionPgs 97-135
Feb 25Sensation and PerceptionPgs 97-135
Feb 27SleepPAPER #1 DUEPgs 137-152
Mar 02HypnosisPgs 154- 167
Mar 04Dreams/Discussion
Mar 06EXAM # 2
Mar 09Classical ConditioningPgs 169 - 176
Mar 11Operant ConditioningPgs 177-203
Mar 13Practice with Operant and Classical Conditioning
Mar 16NO CLASS- SPRING BREAK!
Mar 18NO CLASS- SPRING BREAK!
Mar 20NO CLASS- SPRING BREAK!
Mar 23Human MemoryPgs 205- 216
Mar 25Memory/ForgettingPgs 216-223
Mar 27Memory Fallibility/ Eyewitness ResearchPgs 227- 233
Mar 30Memory/ Discussion Activity
Apr 01Decision Making/CreativityPgs 243-266
Apr 03Creativity/ Paper #2 GuidelinesPgs 266-267
Apr 06EXAM # 3Pgs 279-286
Apr 08Sex
Apr 10NO CLASSES!
Apr 13Process and Theories of Human DevelopmentPgs 305- 329
Apr 15Process and Theories of Human DevelopmentPgs 305- 329
Apr 17PersonalityPgs 339- 369
Apr 20Personality/ Discussion Activity
Apr 22EXAM #4
Apr 24Psychological DisordersPgs 403- 431
Apr 27Treating Mental IllnessPgs 435- 462
Apr 29Treating Mental Illness/ Discussion Activity
May 01Social PsychologyPgs 467- 494
May 04Social PsychologyPgs 467-494
May 06Social PsychologyPgs 467- 494
May 08Discussion Activity/ PAPER # 2 DUE
Final Exam PeriodEXAM #5