Los Angeles Harbor College

Syllabus- Psychology 1

Section 0120

FA 2012 Session

August 27-December 16, 2012

Instructor: Jontae' Watkins, MA

Email:

Course Title: Psychology 001

Department: Psychology/Behavioral Sciences

Location: LAHC –NEA: 122

Mon/Wed 12:45pm-2:15pm

Phone: (310)910-0961 Call between 8am-9pm daily

Textbook: Psychology An introduction

11th Edition: Benjamin Lahey

Office hrs: 11:00 am-12:30pm

(before class) NEA 153

Course Description

This course is a study of the process of a scientific survey of behavior exploring the areas of personality, growth perception, motivation, learning, research methods and abnormal behavior.

Student Learning Outcomes

(1)  Demonstrate understanding of the nature, and the origins of psychology. Compare and contrast the major theoretical perspectives. Discuss historical trends.

(2)  Apply the scientific method to psychological constructs using basic research methods of design and interpretation.

(3)  Evaluate major psychological concepts and empirical findings, including: biological basis for behavior, sensation, perception, and states of consciousness.

(4)  Synthesize and integrate psychological principles and apply these to personal, social, and organizational issues.

(5)  Recognize and analyze the complexity of socio-cultural and international diversity.

(6)  Develop insight into their own and others’ behavior and mental processes and apply effective strategies for self-management and self-improvement.

Course Materials

Observations

Discussion groups

Current Events (1 points each for a total of 5 current events) OPTIONAL

Guest Speakers

Internet

Lectures

Exams

Films

Student Presentations

Course Requirements/Methods of Evaluation

Attendance/Participation 30%

First Test 10%

Term Paper 25%

Final 20%

Observations/Quizzes 10%

Current Events 5%

***ATTENDANCE: Excessive absenteeism and tardiness will result in 20 points off final grade…. Late Arrival or early departure will constitute loss of class participation points at the discretion of the instructor.

Talking excessively in class is rude and disrespectful to Instructor and fellow classmates, this will result in loss of class participation points at the discretion of the instructor.

Please silence your pagers and cell phones in class….. NO TEXTING IN CLASS!!

ABSOLUTELY NO: Cell Phones, Recording Equipment, Cameras, etc. Electronic Devices Allowed in class: UNLESS: Used for/in class assignments only!!!

Disability Accommodation Statement: Students who may need a reasonable accommodation(s) for this class are encouraged to notify the instructor and contact DSPS Office or the Office of Special Services as soon as possible. All information will remain confidential.

Financial Aid: All students seeking financial aid may go to the financial Aid office during regular business hours.

PLAGIARISM: Plagiarism or academic dishonesty, whether accidental or deliberate, is a serious violation of the Student Code of Conduct. The instructor has the option of using classroom sanctions or elevating the case to campus level.

It is plagiarism to go to the Internet, find an article, copy it and drop it into your word processor or onto your documents on your computer.

It is plagiarism to copy directly (verbatim) from a book, magazine, periodical or journal without citing it as another’s work.

There are a few things that you can do that will help you to avoid being charged with academic dishonesty.Please note the following:

1) Anytime that you use the words or ideas of another person without giving credit, itis considered plagiarism, WHETHER YOUR ACTIONS ARE INTENTIONALOR NOT!

2) Differences between direct and indirect quotes:

a) Direct Quotes: Includes the exact wording from the source.

b) Indirect Quotes: Summarizes or paraphrases the content from the source.

3) APA in-text requirements:

a) Direct Quote: Author’s last name, publication date, and page number.

b) Indirect Quote: Author’s last name, publication date.

4) Punctuation requirements: ALL word-for-word quotations MUST be placed inquotation marks.

5)Exception to the rule: Common Knowledge – if the same information can be found in three or more sources and those sources do not cite an earlier source, theinformation is considered common knowledge. Also, commonly known facts (e.g., Washington, D.C. is the capital of the U.S.) do not need a citation, even if you had to look them up.

6) When in doubt, CITE.

Grading

90-100= A

80-89=B

70-79=C

60-69=D

Below 60=F

GRADING POINTS

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS
Item / Description / Percents
1 / Content and Conceptualization / 60%
2 / Logical organization of thoughts, ideas and structure / 20%
3 / Spelling, Grammar, APA format, etc. / 20%
Total / 100%

** Students can get up to 5 extra points for extra credit and various assignments assigned by instructor.

Late assignments

LATE WORK: Late work will not earn the full points possible. Students will lose two points for each day the assignment is late. (This includes weekends).

***All assignments are to be typed. Handwritten assignments will receive half credit. Please type/double space papers with a 12 or 14 Font.

***All term papers will be typed in the American Psychological Association format.

Weeks Of Study/Lecture

Weeks 1-3: Chapters 1-3: These sections include: Introduction to Psychology, Part 2- Awareness, Part 3- Learning & Cognition, Part 4- The Life Span.

Midterm: TBA

Weeks 4-16: Chapters 4-8,

Chapters 9-17. Part 5- The Self, Part 6- Health and Adjustment, Part 7- The Social Context.

Final Exam: A 50 question exam & a 10 page term paper in APA style.

TBA

Internet Resources

American Psychological Association

www.apa.org

Amoeba Web

www.sccu.edu/psychology/webhistory.html

Psychweb

www.psych-web.com

Classics in the History of Psychology

www.yorku.ca/dept/psych/classics

American Psychological Association, Division 26

www.yorku.ca/dept/psych/orgs/apa26/

Neurosciences on the internet

www.neuroguide.com

Additional Resource Materials

Arkoff, A. (1993). Psychology and personal growth. Needham Heights, MA: Simon & Schuster.

Ainsworth, M.D. (1989). Attachment beyond infancy. American Psychologist, 44(4), 709-716.

Benjamin, L. (1997). A history of psychology (2ed.). Boston: McGraw –Hill.

Boring, E. G. (1950). A history of experimental psychology (2nd ed.). Englewood Cliffs, N.J: Prentice-Hall.

Evans, R.B., Sexton, V.S., & Cadawallader, T.C. (eds.) (1992). The American Psychological Association.

Garcia, J., & Keough, K. (2000). Social psychology of gender, race, and ethnicity. Boston: McGraw-Hill.

James, W. (1890). The principles of psychology (Vols I, II). New York: Holt.

Julien,R.M. (1995). A primer of drug action (7th ed.). New York: W. H. Freeman

Rychlak, J.F. (1997). In defense of the human consciousness. Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association.

Have a great Fall Semester!!

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