Faculty Syllabus

PSYC-2301 Introduction to Psychology

Erin Campiotti


Credit Spring 2026

Section(s)

PSYC-2301-019 (18321)
LEC MW 12:00pm - 1:20pm SGC SGC1 1317

PSYC-2301-067 (18353)
LEC TuTh 3:00pm - 4:20pm RRC RRC8 8213.00

PSYC-2301-096 (18360)
LEC TuTh 10:30am - 11:50am RRC RRC8 8213.00

Course Requirements

Attendance & Class Participation

Regular and punctual attendance is expected of all students. Success in this course depends on consistent engagement with class activities, discussions, and course content.

Attendance will be evaluated through participation in scheduled course activities, including exit tickets and other in-class work. These activities serve as a record of engagement and contribute to the class participation portion of the final grade.

Students are responsible for arriving prepared, participating in class, and completing required in-class activities. Failure to regularly attend, participate, or comply with course policies may result in a lowered participation grade and may lead to withdrawal from the course in accordance with college policy.

If a class session is missed, it is the student’s responsibility to stay current with course materials, assignments, and announcements.

Campus Closures & Emergencies

In the event the college or campus closes due to unforeseen circumstances (such as severe weather or other emergencies), students are responsible for communicating with the instructor and completing any assignments or alternative activities designated to replace missed class sessions.

Course Withdrawal Policy

Withdrawal from this course is the responsibility of the student. The College defines a withdrawal as occurring after the official reporting date of the semester, typically the 12th class day.

Students who decide to withdraw must complete the official withdrawal process through the College and should verify that the withdrawal is properly recorded before the Final Withdrawal Date: Monday April 27th, 2026. Discontinuing attendance, failing to submit assignments, or ceasing participation does not constitute an official withdrawal and may result in a failing grade.

Students are strongly encouraged to retain documentation related to their withdrawal in the event that a discrepancy arises.

Students are responsible for understanding the academic and financial implications of withdrawing from a course, including the potential impact on financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.

In accordance with Texas state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at a public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a “W”) from more than six courses during their undergraduate academic career (“Rule of Six”). Certain exemptions for good cause may apply. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with an academic advisor when making decisions regarding course withdrawals.

Incomplete Grades

An Incomplete (grade of “I”) is granted only in cases of documented extenuating circumstances that prevent a student from completing required coursework by the end of the semester. What constitutes extenuating circumstances is determined by the instructor, in accordance with departmental and college guidelines.

Students may request an Incomplete if they believe their circumstances warrant consideration. The instructor will determine whether awarding an Incomplete is appropriate.

If an Incomplete is approved, the following conditions apply:

  1. Prior to the end of the semester, the student must meet with the instructor (in person or virtually) to determine which assignments and/or exams must be completed and to establish a completion deadline.
     
  2. A Report of Incomplete Grade form must be completed, signed by the instructor (and the student, when possible), and submitted according to departmental procedures.
     
  3. The deadline for completing remaining coursework is set by the instructor in consultation with the student and may not extend beyond the final withdrawal deadline of the subsequent long semester.
     
  4. Students will retain access to the course Blackboard site during the subsequent semester in order to complete remaining coursework.
     
  5. Upon completion of the required work by the established deadline, the instructor will submit a Grade Change Form to replace the “I” with the earned letter grade.

If the required coursework is not completed by the specified deadline, the Incomplete grade will automatically convert to an “F.” Approval to extend an Incomplete beyond the following semester is rarely granted.

Grading Policy

Final course grades are based on performance across a variety of assessments designed to measure preparation, participation, content knowledge, and application of course concepts. Specific grading criteria, expectations, and grading rubrics will be provided for all major assignments and are available in Blackboard.

Graded Components and Weights

  • Reading Quizzes (Blackboard) – 15%
    Weekly quizzes based on assigned readings. Quizzes may include multiple-choice, matching, and short-answer questions. Multiple attempts may be permitted, with questions varying between attempts. All reading quizzes must be completed by the final day of the course.
     
  • Class Participation & In-Class Activities – 15%
    Participation is evaluated through engagement in discussions, in-class activities, and exit tickets completed during scheduled class time. These activities may include short written responses, surveys, reflections, or collaborative work. Alternative assignments may be provided for excused absences.
     
  • Midterm Exam – 20%
    The midterm exam is administered in person using Blackboard with Respondus LockDown Browser or in a designated computer lab. The exam may include a combination of multiple-choice, short-answer, and applied response questions.
     
  • Final Exam – 20%
    The final exam is administered in person under the same conditions as the midterm exam and assesses cumulative course content. Question formats may include multiple-choice, short-answer, and applied response items.
     
  • Final Project – 30%
    The final project includes a recorded presentation via Loom (20%), peer evaluation forms (5%), and a written lesson plan (5%) submitted through Blackboard. Detailed guidelines and grading rubrics will be provided in advance.
     

Extra Credit Opportunities

Optional extra credit opportunities may be available during the semester to supplement your course grade. Participation is voluntary and intended to encourage engagement beyond required coursework.

Students may earn up to 5 extra credit points total through the following activities:

  • Participation in approved psychology research studies (2 points per study) conducted at ACC or another local college, accompanied by a brief written reflection on the experience.
     
  • Peer review of additional final projects (1 point per review) beyond the required peer evaluations.
     

Specific instructions, eligibility requirements, and submission deadlines will be provided in Blackboard. Alternative options will be available if students cannot participate in research studies for documented reasons.

Extra credit points are added to the final course grade and cannot replace required assignments or exams.
 

Grading Expectations and Grade Review

Students are responsible for reviewing assignment instructions, grading criteria, and rubrics prior to submitting work. If clarification is needed, students are encouraged to contact the instructor before the assignment deadline.

If a student has questions or concerns about a grade received on an assignment, they should wait 24 hours before contacting the instructor. During this time, students should review the assignment requirements, grading criteria, and instructor feedback.

Grades are open for discussion for [8] calendar days after they are posted in Blackboard. After this period, grades are considered final.

Students are responsible for monitoring their grades and tracking their progress throughout the semester using Blackboard.


 

Letter Grade

Percentage or Points

A

89.5 – 100 percent

B

79.5 – 89.4 percent

C

69.5 – 79.4 percent

D

59.5 – 69.4 percent

F

59.4 and below

I

Incompletes are only awarded in special extenuating circumstances.

Late Work Policy

Reading Quizzes: Weekly reading quizzes are administered through Blackboard and are intended to support engagement with course readings and may be completed at any point during the semester, provided they are submitted no later than the final day of the course.Quizzes not completed by that time will receive a zero.

In-Class Participation & Activities: In-class participation activities, including exit tickets, are completed during scheduled class time and contribute to the course participation grade. Students are expected to complete these activities during class. In cases of excused absences, alternative assignments may be arranged at the instructor’s discretion. Students must contact the instructor as soon as possible to discuss alternative arrangements.

Final Project: The final project consists of multiple required components, including a recorded presentation (Loom), peer evaluation forms, and a written lesson plan, all submitted through Blackboard. Final projects submitted after the deadline will incur a 10% deduction per calendar day late.Extensions must be requested in advance and are not guaranteed.

Missed Exam Policy

Midterm and final exams are administered in person using Blackboard with Respondus LockDown Browser. Students are expected to take exams at the scheduled date and time.

Make-Up Exams

Make-up exams are granted only for documented, excused absences, such as illness, family emergencies, or official college-related obligations.Students must notify the instructor as soon as possible if an exam will be missed.

Approved make-up exams will be completed during a scheduled office hour or other designated time and will be limited to the same time allotment as the original exam.
Failure to communicate in advance or provide documentation may result in a score of zero for the missed exam.
 

Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence

AI tools (such as ChatGPT, Claude, and similar platforms) can be helpful learning aids when used thoughtfully. This policy clarifies how AI may be used in this course, ensures academic integrity, and supports student learning.

Rationale

The goal of this policy is to encourage responsible use of AI as a supplemental tool while ensuring that all graded work reflects your own understanding, analysis, and effort. Improper or unacknowledged use of AI undermines learning and is considered academic misconduct.

Definition of AI Tools:For this course, Generative AI refers to software or online tools that generate text, ideas, or other content in response to prompts. Examples include ChatGPT, Claude, Bard, and other AI-powered text generation services.


 

Appropriate Uses: Students may feel free to use AI tools to support, but not replace their own thinking and work. Examples of appropriate uses include:

  • Overcoming “blank page” anxiety when starting assignments
  • Generating initial ideas or outlines for your lesson plan project
  • Explaining difficult concepts in alternative ways when you are stuck
  • Checking your understanding of psychological terms or theories
  • Brainstorming teaching strategies for your final project
     

Critical Requirement: Always verify AI-generated information against your textbook, lecture materials, or reputable academic sources. AI can be confidently wrong, especially regarding specific psychological research, statistics, or studies. Consider it like Wikipedia: a starting point, not a final source.

Usage for the Final Project 

AI may be used to brainstorm teaching approaches or activity ideas, but the lesson plan itself must be your own work and demonstrate your understanding of the psychological concepts you are presenting. Your recorded lesson will reflect your mastery of the material, so authentic engagement is required.

Academic Integrity and Penalties

Copying or submitting AI-generated work as your own violates ACC’s Academic Integrity policies. Misuse of AI may result in:

  • Reduction of grade or zero on the assignment
  • Referral to the Academic Integrity Board for further action

Readings

Required Texts/Materials/Software

Psychology 2E, Openstax 

ISBN-13: 978-1-951693-23-7

A free downloadable copy of the textbook is available here: Psychology 2e

Course Subjects

  • Research Methods
  • Personality
  • Learning
  • Life-Span Development
  • Physiological Basis of Behavior
  • Cognition (including Sensation, Perception, and Memory)
  • Stress (as well as intellectual, social, physical and emotional health)
  • Psychological Disorders
  • Social Psychology

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

Student Learning Outcomes

The common course objectives or goals include the following: The student will be able to demonstrate an understanding of representative theories, findings and/or principles concerning the following topics:

  • Research Methods
  • Personality
  • Learning
  • Life-Span Development
  • Physiological Basis of Behavior
  • Cognition (including Sensation, Perception, and Memory)
  • Stress (as well as intellectual, social, physical and emotional health)
  • Psychological Disorders
  • Social Psychology

 

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

Upon successful completion of 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 and standards in psychological assessment and evaluation.
  • Identify factors in physiological and psychological processes involved in human behavior.

 

Program Level Student Learning Outcomes:

  • Understand psychological concepts and be able to recognize them in real-world contexts.
  • Acquire a basic understanding of major perspectives in the field.
  • Gain an awareness of the breadth of the academic discipline of psychology.
  • Understand the various research methods psychologists use and critically evaluate evidence.

 

General Education Student Learning Outcomes For Psyc 2301

 

Critical Thinking Skills

Gather, analyze, synthesize, evaluate and apply information for the purposes of innovation, inquiry, and creative thinking.



 

Communication Skills

Develop, interpret, and express ideas and information through written,

oral and visual communication that is adapted to purpose, structure, audience, and medium.

 

Empirical and Quantitative Skills

Apply mathematical, logical and scientific principles and methods through the manipulation and analysis of numerical data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions.

 

Personal Responsibility

Identify and apply ethical principles and practices to decision-making by

connecting choices, actions and consequences.

 

Social Responsibility (Civic and Cultural Awareness)

Analyze differences and commonalities among peoples, ideas, aesthetic

traditions, and cultural practices to include intercultural competence,

knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in

regional, national, and global communities.

 

Teamwork

Consider different points of view to work collaboratively and effectively

in pursuit of a shared purpose or goal.

 

Office Hours

M T W Th 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM Virtual or Arranged

NOTE Standing office hours will be remote at these times and all other office hours will be arranged via email or in person and may be virtual or in person.

Office Hours

M T W Th 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM Virtual or Arranged

NOTE Standing office hours will be remote at these times and all other office hours will be arranged via email or in person and may be virtual or in person.

Published: 01/20/2026 14:04:58