PSYCHOLOGY 1 Santa Monica Community College

PSYCHOLOGY 1 – Santa Monica Community CollegeSpring 2004

Instructor: Dr. Karen S. GunnOffice: Letters & Science 112

Black Collegians ProgramPhone: (310) 434-4696 (direct)

Section: 2349email:

Day/Time:Tues. and Thurs. Office Hours:

12:45 – 2:05 a.m.Tues: 11:00 – 12:30

Location: Letters and Science 101 5:00 – 6:30

Prerequisite: NoneThurs: 11:00 – 12:30

Appointments available

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides an overview of the science of psychology, the study

of human and animal behavior. Research, theoretical and philosophical

issues will be examined. Lectures, readings, individual research and student

participation will be a part of the class activities.

TIPS FOR STUDENT SUCCESS

MotivationReadingAttendance & Punctuality

AttentivenessGood NotesActive Participation

Critical ThinkingAsking for helpUsing Campus Resources

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK and WORKBOOK

Psychology Concepts and ConnectionsSeventh Edition

Spencer A. RathusISBN # 0-534-612369-7

Thomson Wadsworth Publishers 2004

Psychology 1 Student Workbook – Black Collegians Program

Karen S. Gunn

Both available in SMC bookstore under instructor’s name

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

NumberActivityValueTotal

4Class Exercises 100400

2Student "Critiques" 200400

1Midterm (1, 2, 3, 6, 8) 100100

1Final (Cumulative) 100100

Grand Total All Assignments 1000

GRADING SCALE

A1000 - 900

B 899 - 800

C 799 - 700

D 699 - 600

F 599 - Below

CLASSROOM PRINCIPLES

Required assignments must be presented on time, in class and

in-person.

Late work will be accepted up to one week after due date and

will have points reduced by 50%

Make-ups and alternatives to requirements are not available except

upon instructor approval (e.g., documented medical or

emergency reasons)

Persistent absences and/excessive tardiness can lead to class

withdrawal

Original work and honest efforts are expected of all students

Let's try to create a classroom where healthy debate, thoughtful challenge and mutually respectful interaction occur.

READING SCHEDULE

ChapterDateFocus

1Feb. 17 Why study psychology? What does it do?

Inquiring minds want to know!

2 Feb. 26The importance of biology.

Does the brain “rule?”

3 March 9 There’s no business like “grow” business.

Human development over the lifespan

6March 18The principles and impact of learning

Is experience the best teacher?

8 March 30 Thinking, problem-solving and creativity

What does it mean to be “smart?

MID-TERM EXAMINATIONApril 8, 2004

Chapters covered = 1, 2, 3, 6, 8

SPRING BREAKAPRIL 12 – 16, 2004

10April 20Lifestyle, stress and psychology

Gender – Pages 442 – 449

12 April 29Psychological disorders in today’s society

What’s abnormal?

13 May 11The treatmentof disorders and methods

of therapy

14 May 20Are we really social animals? What is the

power of the situation

FINAL EXAM

Cumulative review from all 9 Chapters

Multiple-choice questions