Dr. Kathy Greenberger

PSY 101

Spring Semester, 2011

OAKTON COMMUNINTY COLLEGE

Introduction to Psychology PSY101 Section 007

Fridays 9 am -11:50 am

Room 2808

Instructor: Dr. Kathy Greenberger

Phone: Des Plaines Division IV Office 847-635-1910

Office Hours: 8:00- 9:00a.m.Fridays (before class)

Email:

I. Course Prefix Course Number Course Name Credit Lecture Lab

PSY 101 Introduction to 3 3 0

Psychology

II.Prerequisite:None

III.Course Description:

Course introduces study of human behavior. Content includes survey of all elements of this behavioral science. Focus is on learning, motivation, emotion, perception, intelligence, human development, mental processes, and contemporary research.

IV.Learning Objectives:

The student will:

  1. Characterize the nature of psychology as a discipline including the abilities to:
  2. Explain why psychology is a science
  3. Identify and explain the primary objectives of psychology to describe, understand, predict,

and control behavior and mental processes. (APA Goal 1, Outcomes 1.1 a, b)

  1. Explain major perspectives of psychology (e.g., behavioral, biological, cognitive, evolutionary,

humanistic, psychodynamic, and sociocultural), compare and contrast the major perspectives, and

describe advantages and limitations of major theoretical perspectives. (APA Goal 1, Outcomes 1.4

a, b)

  1. Describe the basic characteristics of the science of psychology, articulate strengths and limitations

of various research designs, and distinguish the nature of designs that permit causal inferences from

those that do not. (APA Goal 2, Outcomes 2.1, 2.2 b, c)

  1. Use critical thinking effectively to
  2. Evaluate the quality of information, including differentiating empirical evidence from

speculation and the probable from the improbable

  1. Challenge claims that arise from myth, stereotype, or untested assumptions
  2. Make linkages or connections between diverse facts, theories, and observations (APA Goal

3, Outcomes 3.1 a, c, i)

  1. Identify appropriate applications of psychology in solving problems, such as:
  2. The pursuit and effect of healthy lifestyles
  3. Origin and treatment of abnormal behavior
  4. Psychological tests and measurements
  5. Psychology-based interventions in clinical, counseling, educational,

industrial/organizational, community, and other settings

  1. The resolution of interpersonal and intercultural conflicts (APA Goal 4, Outcomes 4.2 a-e)
  1. Apply psychological concepts, theories, and research findings as these relate to everyday life. (APA

Goal 4 Outcome 4.4)

  1. Recognize the necessity of ethical behavior in all aspects of the science and practice of psychology

(APA GOAL 5 Outcome 5.1)

  1. Recognize and respect human diversity by
  2. anticipating that psychological explanations may vary across populations and contexts and
  3. exhibiting sensitivity to issues of power, privilege, and discrimination (APA Goal 5

Outcomes 5.5 a, b)

  1. Use information and technology ethically and responsibly by:
  2. Quoting, paraphrasing, and citing correctly from a variety of media sources
  3. Defining and avoiding plagiarism
  4. Honoring commercial and intellectual copyrights (APA Goal 6 Outcomes 6.3 a, b, d)
  1. Demonstrate effective writing skills in various formats (e.g., essays, correspondence, technical

papers, note taking) and for various purposes (e.g., informing, defending, explaining, persuading,

arguing, teaching). (APA Goal 7 Outcome 7.1)

  1. Demonstrate insightful awareness of their feelings, emotions, motives and attitudes based on

psychological principles (APA Goal 9.1 b)

  1. Apply psychological principles to promote personal development by:
  2. Demonstrating self-regulation in setting and achieving goals
  3. Self-assessing performance quality accurately
  4. Incorporating feedback for improved performance
  5. Purposefully evaluating the quality of their thinking (metacognition) (APA Goal 9

Outcomes 9.2 a-d)

V.Academic Integrity:

Students and employees at OaktonCommunity College are required to demonstrate academic integrity and follow Oakton’s Code of Academic Conduct. This code prohibits:

  • cheating,
  • plagiarism (turning in work not written by you, or lacking proper citation),
  • falsification and fabrication (lying or distorting the truth),
  • helping others to cheat,
  • unauthorized changes on official documents,
  • pretending to be someone else or having someone else pretend to be you,
  • making or accepting bribes, special favors, or threats, andany other behavior that violates academic integrity.

There are serious consequences to violations of the academic integrity policy. Oakton’s policies and procedures

provide students a fair hearing if a complaint is made against you. If you are found to have violated the policy, the

minimum penalty is failure on the assignment and, a disciplinary record will be established and kept on file in the

office of the Vice President for Student Affairs for a period of 3 years. Details of the Code of Academic Conduct can

be found in the Student Handbook.

VI. Outline of Topics:

TOPIC / DATE
  • Why psychology is a science, primary objectives of psychology and theoretical frameworks
  • Reading due: Modules 1 & 2 Introduction to the History and Science of Psychology
/ Week 1, Jan 21
  • The Biology of Mind
  • Reading: Modules 3, 4
/ Week 2, Jan 28
  • Consciousness and the Two-Track Mind
  • Reading: Modules 5,6, 7
/ Week 3, Feb 4
  • Nature, Nurture, & Human Diversity
  • Reading: Modules 8 &9
/ Week4, Feb 11
  • Test #1 Multiple Choice and Essay
/ Week 5 Feb 18
  • Developing through the Lifespan
  • Reading: Modules 10, 11, 12, 13
/ Week 6,Feb 25
  • Sensation and Perception
  • Reading: Modules 14, 15, 16
  • Book Review choice submitted
/ Week 7, March 4
  • Learning Theory
  • Reading : Modules 17,18, 19
/ Week8, March11
  • Spring Break NO CLASS
/ March 18
  • Test #2 Multiple Choice and Essay
/ Week 9, March 25
  • Memory
  • Reading: Modules 20, 21
  • Thinking Language, and Intelligence
  • Reading: Modules 22, 23, 24
/ Week 10, April 1
  • Motivation
  • Reading: Modules 25, 26
  • Emotions, Stress and Health
  • Reading: Modules 27, 28, 29
/ Week 11, April 8
  • Test #3 Multiple Choice and Essay
/ Week 12, April 15
  • Personality
  • Reading: Modules 30, 31
  • Psychological Disorders 32,33, 34
/ Week 13, April 22
  • Therapy
  • Reading: Module 35, 36
/ Week 14, April 29
  • Social Psychology
  • Reading: 37,38,39
  • Book Review due
/ Week 15,May 6
  • Test #4 FINAL EXAM
/ Week 16, May 13

VII. Methods of Instruction

Readings, lectures, discussion, and student presentations will be the primary methods of instruction supplemented by audiovisual materials and activities. You will be exploring your own ideas and experiences since you bring yourself and your history to everything you do.

Attendance: Coming to class is essential and required. It will constitute 10% of your grade. Arriving late (15 minutes or more) is considered an absence after the 1st time you are tardy. Attendance sign in sheets will be distributed at the beginning of each class.

Preparation for class and completing all assignments is essential. Discussion of the material, details of assignments, and additional materials are all part of the classroom experience. Attendance is very important. Please see attendance requirements below in section VIII.Course Practices.

Eating/drinking/cell phone policy: Eating and use of cell phones or any other personal communication device are not permitted during class. You may bring drinks into class.

Reading: Each week students will be responsible for reading the assigned chapter from the textbook and all assigned articles. Students will be responsible for reading the chapters in the textbook and articles before the class meeting date for which they are assigned.

Homework: Each student will complete homework assignments (10 points deducted from your homework grade for each paper not turned in the day of class). There will be no make-up for these assignments.

Oral Presentations: Each student will make 2 oral presentations to the class. Details are attached and will be discussed in class.

Tests: Students will take 4 tests. These tests will be multiple choice or short answer/essay tests which will cover the main topics discussed in class, all reading assignments including the textbook, articles, and audio/visual materials. You will be responsible for the content of the supplemental material offered in lecture and video. FIND A CLASSMATE to take notes for you and collect any hand-outs you will need.

Book Review: Students will choose a book of interest on relating to any topic relevant to psychology. Approval by the instructor of the students’ book choice is required before beginning the paper. Details of the assignment are attached.

VIII. Course Practices Required

Expectations of students

  • Show up -- Attendance. When you are absent, you may miss important information, changes in schedule, assignments, or topics. You will be allowed up to 2excused absences for the semester. If you are absent for your presentation or on a day of an exam or when an assignment is due, you must have a doctor’s note or have made prior arrangements with me in order to make up the assignment or exam. After 2 absences, your attendance grade will be reduced 10% per recorded absence. Remember, being tardy, is considered an absence after the firsttardy unless you have made prior arrangements with me. If you leave class early without prior arrangements being made with me, your leaving will be recorded as an absence. Being tardy includes being late from break.
  • Complete readingsbefore class
  • Complete homework assignments for each class
  • Two Oral Presentations--application of theories, ideas, and information gathered during class to your own life.
  • 4 Exams
  • Book Review choice to be turned in (see class schedule in syllabus VI. Outline of Topics)
  • Book Review

IX. Instructional Materials:

Please have the following materials available to read or consult. Make sure you have access to the WEBCT for this course. Assigned articles will be made available through the Articles link on the WEBCT.

Exploring Psychology Eighth Edition in ModulesbyDavid G. Meyers

Worth Publishers, 2011

X. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:

Exams (4 @ 100 points each) 400

2 Oral Presentations @ 50 points each 100

Attendance: Points are deducted for non-attendance 100

Homework: Points deducted when not done 100

Book Review 100

800 total points

Grade Total Points

A ----- 720-800

B ----- 640-719

C ----- 560-639

D ----- 480-559

F ----- 558 and below

Grading Guide(written and oral work including essays on exams)

A – Excellent: Careful, thoughtful, often original consideration of issues

Presentation is clear, well organized

Provides a synthesis of course ideas and your own thoughts and evaluation

B – Good: Organized presentation and discussion of material

Ideas appear clearly understood in your own terms

Shows high academic standards of work

C -- Adequate: Somewhat sketchy and not thoroughly thought out

Little evidence of involvement at the personal or intellectual level

Some question as to whether you understand the material

D-- Minimum Pass: Little understanding and/or effort to understand the material

F-- Inadequate Preparation: Lack of understanding and/or effort to understand the

material.

Make-up policy: Exams may only be made up if you have a signed and dated written certification from your doctor. Without a doctor’s note on your doctor’s letterhead, no exam may be made up.

Late Assignments: Assignments are due when class begins at 9:00 am. Ten (10) points will be deducted for each day past the assignment due date.

Oral Presentations: Please sign up for your presentation on the sheet provided in class.. If a student has an excused absence on the day of his/her oral presentation, s/he may present it with no penalty at the next class session or at a time to be determined. You must contact your instructor (me) before class if you are ill or have an emergency.

XI. Other Course Information

If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability you may be entitled to reasonable academic accommodations or services. To request accommodations or services, contact the ASSIST office in the learning center. All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements. The College will not waive an essential skill or requirement of a course or degree program.

Important Dates:

Last day to change to “audit:” February 13

Last day to withdraw without penalty: February 13

Last day to withdraw with a “W”: March 13

Spring Break : March 14-20 No class March 18

Oral Presentation

(5-10 minutes) – 50 points

This assignment is meant to be an opportunity for you to prepare a presentation about anything related to psychology that has made a significant impression on you. It can be a presentation about an experience you had, something you read, something you learned, an event that taught you something about behavior (or someone else’s), consciousness, the brain, or the mind. You may discuss a book, an article, an event, a poem or any topic that would be relevant to our class work. Feel free to discuss your topic with me if you are unsure about its appropriateness or if you cannot think of a topic.

Book Review

Assignment #2

(100 points)

You may select any book that interests you that relates to psychology.

You will submit your choice to me for approval. Do not read the book for this assignment until I have approved it.

  1. This assignment is to be more than a summary of the book.
  2. Length: Not to exceed 1500 words
  3. Form:
  4. Title, author, Original date of publication
  5. Summarize, as briefly as possible, the thesis or theme of the book and the argument the author is proposing.
  6. Attempt to determine –perhaps by reading review of the book—whether the author had any effect on his or her readers. Consider the following:

1)How did the author’s background or training influence his/her perspective?

2)Did the work have any effect that caused and changes in psychology, either professional psychology or for the public in general?

3)Were there specific arguments, facts, descriptions that could or would influence the reader or cause change? Was it convincing?

4)Did the arguments or perspectives in the book change your thinking or attitudes, understanding?

4. What is your personal reaction? What are your impressions? What did you learn?

Do you want to talk to your friends about the book?

Make sure that you fully explicate all of your statements using plenty of examples and details.

All papers must be prepared according to MLA ( Modern Language Association) format.

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