PSYC-2301 Introduction to Psychology


Octavious Bishop

Credit Spring 2024


Section(s)

PSYC-2301-023 (77412)
LEC MW 9:00am - 10:20am RVS RVSA 2211

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

  1. STANDARDIZED COURSE DESCRIPTION

 

The ACC Course Catalog offers this description of PSYC 2301:

Survey of introductory topics such as learning, memory, sensation and perception, personality, life-span development, physiological basis of behavior, stress and health, psychological disorders, social psychology, and research methods. Additional topics such as language development, states of consciousness, and psychotherapy may also be included as determined by the instructor. Written communication skills as they relate to the analysis and discussion of research and controversial issues in psychology is am important aspect of this course.

 

  1. Contact Information

 

Department of Psychology

 

Austin Community College

 

Riverside Campus (ACC)

 

Office Phone: 512.223.6000

 

 

 

  1. Learning Objectives and Outcomes

 

The rationale for a course in Introductory Psychology, also known as General Psychology, is to introduce students to the scientific student of behavior and the mind.  Knowledge of this discipline will provide students with knowledge of why people and animals do the things they do and think the ways they think. 

 

Prerequisites: None

 

Course Learning Outcomes

 

According to the Texas Higher Education Coordination Board’s Lower Division Academic Course Guide Manual:

 

Upon completing this course, students will:

 

  • Identify various research methods and their characteristics used in the scientific study of psychology.
  • Describe the historical influences and early schools of thought that shaped the field of psychology.
  • Describe some of the prominent perspectives and approaches used in the study of psychology.
  • Use terminology unique to the study of psychology.
  • Describe accepted approaches used in psychological assessment and evaluation.
  • Identify factors in physiological and psychological processes involved in human behavior.

 

 

  1.  TEACHING METHOD

 

Sessions consist of classroom time held on Mondays/Wednesday In-Person as semester permits. You will participate in various methods of instruction (e.g. discussion, lecture, and group exercises); experiential learning (e.g. role playing, active learning, out of class activities) will be emphasized.

 

You are expected to participate in class.  This class is centered on discussion, conversation, and group engagement.   Class attendance is required and essential for the successful completion of this course.   Attendance will be taken and submitted after each group discussion.  Your participation in group discussions is a must.  Groups will designate one person to turn in the sign-in sheet for each student. 

 

 

 

 


Course Requirements

  1. COURSE REQUIREMENTS

 

Attendance: You are required to come to class and participate. Attendance will be checked in each class. It is the student’s responsibility to sign in each class.  This class will meet on T/Th, and students will need to stay on track to avoid anxiety and frustration.  Students who miss class must have a valid note from a Dr., or a valid excuse approved by Dr. Bishop. Check the Announcement TAB every day before class in Blackboard.

 

Perspective Papers (30 pts) There will be 6 perspective papers.  Each perspective paper will give an overview of the information presented, a scholarly explanation that relates to “Class Themes”, or any information learned in this class to support the student’s paper.  One point will be deducted for each day the perspective paper is not completed.  After the 5th day of the missing assignment, students will not receive any points for the assignment.

 

Culture Chest (10) Create a culture storyboard narrating ‘identities’ assigned to you in society and those that may be invisible by illustrating your story with pictures of items that represent those ideas and putting together a power-point.  After the 5th day of the missing assignment students will not receive any points for the assignment.

 

Argument Map of an Op-Ed (15) Map the arguments progression in an opinion/editorial chosen from the New York Times, or anything comparable on an issue that is important to you regarding biopsychology.  After the 5th day of the missing assignment students will not receive any points for the assignment.

 

Hot Topic Discussions/Breakouts (15pts) Be present. Engage your group.  Sign-in. Turn in Sign-sheet each class.    

 

End term of Assignment (30pts) Part A: Worth 15pts.  Part B: Worth 15 Points


Readings

  1. REQUIRED TEXT AND MATERIALS

 

There is no assigned text for this course.  Any readings, articles, videos, etc. will be provided by Dr. Bishop.

 

Additional reading and video links will be assigned and available to you,

electronically via Canvas.

 

Incomplete Grades

An incomplete (grade of "I") will only be given in Spring 2024 due to extenuating circumstances. What constitutes “extenuating circumstances” is left to the instructor’s discretion. If a grade of I is given, the remaining coursework must be completed by a date set by the student and professor. This date may not be later than two weeks before the end of the Summer 2024 semester. A grade of I also requires completion and submission of the Incomplete Grade form, to be signed by the faculty member (and student if possible) and submitted to the department chair.

If an Incomplete is not resolved by the deadline, the grade automatically converts to an “F.” Approval to carry an Incomplete for longer than the following semester or session deadline is not frequently granted.

Austin Community College offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities. Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office for Student Accessibility Services on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes.

A word about Scholastic Dishonesty: This is a serious problem and is one of the most self-defeating behaviors that any student may display. Acts prohibited by the college for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing outside work. Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their thought, research, or self-expression. Academic work is defined as, but not limited to tests, quizzes, classroom presentations, discussion boards, and homework.  Plagiarism is the submittal of someone else's work as one's own. It will not be tolerated. Nor will any form of cheating during exams. If convicted of scholastic dishonesty in this course, the student will receive an F.  This topic and many others are covered in the official ACC College Catalog.

Students are expected to be mature and responsible citizens.  Any student whose conduct or dress at any time is in violation of the law, is a public nuisance, or is deemed improper or detrimental to the College may be subject to disciplinary action.  Students are expected to respect the rights and welfare of other members of the College community and its guests. Violence, the threat of violence, any disruption to the learning process, or intimidation will be subject to disciplinary action.

The Department of Psychology respects Academic Freedom. Each student is strongly encouraged to participate in class. In any classroom situation that includes discussion and critical thinking, there are bound to be many differing viewpoints. Students may not only disagree with each other at times, but the students and instructor may also find that they have disparate views on sensitive and volatile topics. It is my hope that these differences will enhance the class and create an atmosphere where students and instructors alike will be more encouraged to think and learn. Therefore, be assured that your grade will not be adversely affected by any beliefs or ideas expressed in class or assignments. Rather, we will respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions.

Although the instructor reserves the right to drop any student from this class when it is appropriate and indicated, your registration is your responsibility! If you stop engaging and participating in this class for any reason, be sure to submit an online withdrawal form provided by the Office of Admissions. This may prevent you from receiving a grade of F. The deadline for withdrawal for this class is March 4, 2024. Students are responsible for understanding the impact withdrawing from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans benefits, international student status, and academic standing. Students are urged to consult with their instructor or an advisor before making schedule changes. Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in fall 2007 or later at any Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a W) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college career. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are encouraged to carefully select courses and contact an advisor or counselor for assistance.

Here is a link to ACC COLLEGE POLICIES.

 


Course Subjects

COURSE SCHEDULE

 

Date

Topic

Assignment Due

Readings/Documentary/Video

 

 

W1

MLK

 

 

Introductions &
Syllabus Review

 

 

 

 

Hot Topic Breakout:  Discuss how psychology impacts the world we live in. 

 

Discuss Class themes

 

W2

Jan. 21st

 

Experience + Perspective = Behavior

 

*The Psychology of Suffering

 

 Perspective Paper #1

Due by* Sunday Mid-night

 

 

 

 “The Human Experience”

 

Hot Topic

Exp.1, 2, and 3. 

 

 

W3

Jan. 28th

 

 

 

 

    What is learning?

 

When does learning begin?

 

Do we ever stop learning?

 

What impacts learning?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hot Topic

 

 Nature vs. Nurture

 

 

 

 

 

W4

Feb. 4th

 

 

Plasticity

 

Prefrontal Cortex

 

Limbic System

 

Perspective Paper #2

Due by* Sunday Mid-night

 

 

 

Secret Life of the Brain Ep. #1

 

Power Points:

Ch.1

                     

 

 

W5

Feb. 11th

 

 

“Black Fish”

 

 

 

 Culture Chest

Due* Sunday

Mid-Night

 “Black Fish”

 

Hot Topic – Discuss “Black Fish”

 

 

 

W6

Feb 18th

 

 

Individualism

Vs.

Collectivism

 

 

 

 

PP: Ch2-3

 

Article reading, and Group Discussion

 

 

 

 

W7

Feb. 25th

 

 

The Physical Punishment

 

*Parenting

*Law Enforcement

*Wars

*Sports

 

 

Perspective Paper #3

Due by* Sunday

Midnight

 

 

 

Hot Topic: Physical Punishment

 

Article reading, and Group Discussion

 

 

    W8

March 3rd

 

 

 

 

 

PP’s: Ch.4-5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Secret Life of the Brain Ep. #2

 

: Discuss Hot Topic: Psychology of Love

W9

March 10th

 

 

Spring Break

 

 

 

 

W10

March 17th

 

 

Pressure vs. Stress

 

 

 

 

Argument Map Due* by Sunday Midnight

 

 “Stress The Portrait of a Killer”

 

Hot Topic:

“Stress the Portrait of a Killer”

 

W11

March 24th

 

 

What makes the teenage brain more vulnerable?

 

 

Perspective Paper #4

Due by Sunday Midnight

 

 

 

Secret Life of the Brian Ep. #3

 

Hot Topic: The Teenage Brain

 

W12

March 31st

 

“Trophy Kids”

 

 

 

Hot Topic: “Trophy Kids”

 

Hot Topic: Group Discussion

 

W13

April 7th

 

 

PP’s Ch. 6-9

 

 

 

 

Perspective Paper #5

Due by Sunday Midnight

 

 

 

Lecture

 

 

W14

April 14th

 

 

 

Ch. 10

Social Psychology

Love, Relationship,

Intimacy, Dating…

 

Post Final Assignment in Black Board

 

 

 

Motivation, Inspiration, Discipline

 

Love & Emotion

 

 

W15

April 21st

 

Continue Pervious Weeks Discussion

 

 

Perspective Paper #6

Due by Sunday Midnight

 

 

 

 

Monday:  Open

Wednesday:  Open

 

 

W16

April 28th

 

Monday Last Day of Class

 

Final Due

By Sunday Midnight

 

 

End Term Assignment  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Office Hours

M T W Th 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM HLC

NOTE Please email. or connect with Dr. Bishop to set up any meetings.

M T W Th 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM HLC

NOTE Please email Dr. Bishop to set up any meeting times.

Published: 02/18/2024 23:22:46