PSYC-2301 Introduction to Psychology
Stacy Stewart
Credit Spring 2024
Section(s)
PSYC-2301-030 (77416)
LEC TuTh 10:30am - 11:50am HLC HLC1 2201
Course Requirements
Course Description:
This course is a survey of introductory topics such as research methods, biological basis of behavior, sensation and perception, consciousness, learning, memory, human development, motivation and emotion, stress and health, personality theory, psychological disorders, therapies, and social psychology. This course will focus on the analysis and discussion of research and controversial topics in the field of psychology.
Instructional Methodology:
The primary form of instruction throughout the course will be lecture. Other activities such as class discussions, videos, and student projects will also be utilized for a more enhanced learning experience. Each student is strongly encouraged to participate in all of the various class activities. Students will not be penalized for expressing ideas or beliefs in class or in assignments.
Course Grades:
Participation: 50
Exams (3): 300
Group Presentation: 100
Total Possible Points: 450
A = 405-450
B = 360-404
C = 315-359
D = 270-314
F = 0 – 269
Class Participation (50 points) – In order to be successful in this course, it is imperative that you participate in class. Not only will you learn a great deal more, but your grade will also be affected by your participation. I will take attendance at the beginning of each class. And, while you are in class, it is important that you stay engaged in the lectures as well as class discussions and other aspects of class. Your class participation grade will be based on your attendance and level of engagement in class. Approximately 2 points will be taken off your participation grade for each class missed (without an approved documented excuse). Class participation will be worth 11% of your grade.
Exams (300 points) – There will be three non-cumulative exams throughout this course. Each exam will consist of multiple choice and true/false questions. You will take each exam in class. You will need a green scantron and #2 pencil. Questions on the exams will be derived from both lecture material and the textbook. Each exam will be worth 100 points. The total amount of points you receive on all three exams will be worth 67% of your final grade.
Presentation (100 points) – Each student will work with a group on a presentation that relates some aspect of a film, series, or documentary to a topic included in this course. The groups will consist of approximately 3-5 students and will take place during the last three class periods. Each presentation will be about 20-25 minutes in length and 5-10 minutes additional time afterwards for discussion. Details about the presentation will be included in a handout and discussed further in class. Attendance in class during presentations is required for every student.
Attendance during class periods during which presentations are given will count towards 5 points of your grade. You will also turn in a proposal for the presentation mid-way into the course. Your proposal will also count towards 10 points of your total grade. In order to ensure that each student participate, your group members will grade you on how much you contribute to the project. This is worth 5 points of your grade. Therefore, the final grade will consist of 5 points for your contribution, 5 points for attendance, 10 points for the proposal, and 80 points for the actual presentation (100 total points).
The group presentation will be worth 22% of your final grade. The presentation proposal is due at the beginning of class on the due date.
**You will also need to submit a copy of your presentation to me 24 hours prior to the time/day you are presenting. You can send me your presentation electronically (by email).
Readings
This class utilizes a free open educational resource textbook (https://openstax.org/details/books/psychology-2e). You may download the book to your computer as a PDF file (at no cost). You may also purchase a hard copy of the book on Amazon or through other book sellers.
Psychology 2e; Senior Contributor Author: Rose M. Spielman; published by OpenStax and licensed under Creative Commons Attribution License v4.0
Course Subjects
Course Outline:
|
Date |
Topic |
Readings |
|
Jan 16 |
Introduction, Syllabus, Discussion |
|
|
Jan 18 |
Introduction to Psychology |
Chapter 1 |
|
Jan 23 |
Introduction to Psychology |
Chapter 1 |
|
Jan 25 |
Psychological Research |
Chapter 2 |
|
Jan 30 |
Psychological Research |
Chapter 2 |
|
Feb 1 |
Biopsychology |
Chapter 3 |
|
Feb 6 |
Biopsychology |
Chapter 3 |
|
Feb 8 |
States of Consciousness |
Chapter 4 |
|
Feb 13 |
States of Consciousness |
Chapter 4 |
|
Feb 15 |
EXAM 1 |
Includes chapters 1, 2, 3, 4 |
|
Feb 20 |
Sensation and Perception |
Chapter 5 |
|
Feb 22 |
Sensation and Perception |
Chapter 5 |
|
Feb 27 |
Learning |
Chapter 6 |
|
Feb 29 |
Learning |
Chapter 6 |
|
Mar 5 |
Memory |
Chapter 8 |
|
Mar 7 |
Lifespan Development |
Chapter 9 |
|
Mar 12 |
NO CLASS – SPRING BREAK |
|
|
Mar 14 |
NO CLASS – SPRING BREAK |
|
|
Mar 19 |
Lifespan Development |
Chapter 9 |
|
Mar 21 |
Emotion and Motivation PRESENTATION PROPOSALS DUE |
Chapter 10 |
|
Mar 26 |
Emotion and Motivation |
Chapter 10 |
|
Mar 28 |
EXAM 2 |
Chapters 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 |
|
Apr 2 |
Personality |
Chapter 11 |
|
Apr 4 |
Personality |
Chapter 11 |
|
Apr 9 |
Social Psychology |
Chapter 12 |
|
Apr 11 |
Social Psychology |
Chapter 12 |
|
Apr 16 |
Psychological Disorders |
Chapter 15 |
|
Apr 18 |
Psychological Disorders |
Chapter 15 |
|
Apr 23 |
Therapy and Treatment |
Chapter 16 |
|
Apr 25 |
Therapy and Treatment |
Chapter 16 |
|
Apr 30 |
EXAM 3 |
Chapters 11, 12, 15, 16 |
|
May 2 |
PRESENTATIONS |
|
|
May 7 |
PRESENTATIONS |
|
|
May 9 |
PRESENTATIONS |
|
Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives
Course Objectives:
At the completion of this course, each student will be able to demonstrate an understanding of representative theories, findings, and/or principles concerning the following topics:
1. Research Methods
2. Biological basis of behavior
3. Sensation and perception
4. Consciousness and dreams
5. Learning
6. Memory
7. Human development
8. Motivation and emotion
9. Personality theory and assessment
10. Psychological disorders
11. Therapies
12. Social psychology
Each student will be able to understand psychological concepts recognize them in real-world contexts as well as have a basic understanding of major perspectives in the field. Students will gain an awareness of the breadth of the academic discipline of psychology and understand research methods psychologists use to evaluate psychological issues. Each student will be able to think critically about a variety of psychological topics.
Office Hours
Published: 01/12/2024 10:02:06