General Psychology Psychology 150 (102 & 302) Fall 2009 Heather Kirby Instructor of Psychology Class Meetings: Office: HEC-104C Mon. & Wed. Ph: (410) 822-5400 EXT 347 1:00pm -2:15pm Email: hkirby@chesapeake.edu Tech 104, Camb 105 Office Hours: M, W 11:30-12:30 T, TH 10:30-12:30 Or by appointment Catalog Description: An introduction to the scientific study of psychology with emphasis on learning, cognition, motivation and emotion, individual differences, and adjustment patterns. Course Goals & Objectives: By the end of the course the student will be able to: 1) Describe the major theories in psychology. 2) Discuss the biological factors that shape human behavior. 3) Describe the stages of human development. 4) Understand the basic scientific approach to behavior used by psychologists. Together we will reflect upon readings, think critically about the issues, and respectfully contribute the collective learning process. My goal as an instructor is to instill an understanding of how psychology is useful and relevant in everyone s lives. Required Text: Wade, C. & Tavris C. (2008). Invitation to Psychology (4th ed.). NJ: Pearson Education Inc. ISBN: 9780558326968 Course Requirements: Exams: There will be four exams during the course of the semester, but no final. You are REQUIRED to take all exams scheduled during the semester. Exams will be primarily multiple choice with some short answer questions and focus on applied knowledge. Note that exams will be based on the material in the book AND material presented in class (lecture notes; discussion; films; etc.). Make-up exams and assignments will NOT be given except in documentable emergency situations. In the event of an emergency, it is the responsibility of the student to contact the professor for approval prior to the assignment or exam. Documentation must be provided as soon as possible after the missed assignment. There will be no exceptions to this rule; failure to provide prior notification of an emergency or proper documentation in a timely manner may result in a zero for the missed exam or assignment. Assignments: This course also includes a writing/presentation component. For this requirement, the student is responsible for three specific
assignments that will be explained in detail as the semester progresses. Reflection Papers: Homework: Class participation: Extra Credit: These will need to be 1-2 pages in length and include the thoughts and ideas of the student that are generated by the material being covered during the week. Details will be provided. There will be a total of 7 homework assignments due throughout the semester and their due dates can be found on the class calendar. These will vary in nature, but all will serve to supplement or guide the chapter readings. All homework assignments will be located and completed on Angel. There will be no late homework assignments accepted. Attendance is mandatory and every student is expected to participate actively in class discussions and activities. Staying on top of the readings will help you to prepare for such discussions. It is also expected of each student to listen respectfully to their fellow classmates and offer thoughtful comments. Throughout the semester unannounced group work will be conducted during class and it is participation in these activities that will make up your class participation points. Extra credit is possible for those students interested and will consist of collaborating with the professor and classmates on a special project. This will take place outside of class time and will be worth 10 points toward the final grade as shown below. Grading: #points out of 400 Exams (4 @ 30) 120 Assignments ( 3 @ 30) 90 Reflections (3 @ 20) 60 Home work (7 @10) 70 Class participation 60 Extra Credit 10 Letter grades will be assigned based on the following breakdown: POINTS GRADE 358 400 A (90-100%) 318 357 B (80-89%) 278 317 C (70-79%) 238 277 D (60-69%) 0 237 F (0-59%) Notes: 1. Plagiarism or cheating of any kind will NOT be tolerated. Plagiarism is stealing or passing off the ideas or words of another as one's own without properly crediting the source. This behavior is unethical and a violation of the Student Conduct Code. Evidence of either plagiarism or cheating may result in an automatic F for that assignment and a deduction of 40 points from the final grade. The instructor also
reserves the right to assign an F as a final course grade if either cheating or plagiarism occurs. 2. Students with Disabilities seeking services or accommodations through Chesapeake College must disclose the need for these services or accommodations to the Office of Disability Services. Given sufficient notice and proper documentation, the College will provide reasonable accommodations, auxiliary aids, and related services required by persons with disabilities to allow access to our programs and services, if it is not an undue burden to do so. Students requiring accommodations are urged to submit requests at least 14 days in advance of the need to use them. To be eligible for academic accommodations through Chesapeake College, a student must have a documented disability as defined by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. For information on eligibility, contact: Judy Gordon Developmental Studies Cass Manager/ ADA Coordinator jgordon@chesapeake.edu 3. Academic Instruction Emergency Management Plan: In the event that Chesapeake College needs to close for an extended period of time due to a flue pandemic, severe weather event, or other emergency situation, consideration will be given to the timing and duration of the closure as follows: 1. Closure during the semester for up to one week- there will be an opportunity to make up work missed without significant alteration to the semester calendar. 2. Closure extending beyond one week (or in situations where classes are cancelled on the same days/evenings over multiple weeks) the College may extend the length of the semester. Depending on the timing of the closure, scheduled breaks, end of semester dates, and/or the processing of final grades might be impacted. Students can acquire information about closures on the College website or by calling 410-822-5400 or 410-228-4360. Chesapeake College courses held at off campus sites will follow the protocol of the host facility. 4. The instructor retains the right to alter this syllabus as is deemed necessary, but all changes will be discussed thoroughly with the class.
Class Calendar MONDAY August 24 Course Overview / Introduction Review Syllabus Why Psychology August 26 WEDNESDAY Chapter 1 What Is Psychology August 31 Chapter 1 What Is Psychology September 2 Chapter 2 Personality September 7 HOLIDAY September 14 HW 1 September 9 Chapter 2 Personality September 16 Reflection 1 Due HW 2 September 21 September 23 EXAM 1 Assignment 1 Due September 28 October 5 Chapter 4 The Brain Chapter 5 Consciousness September 30 Chapter 4 The Brain October 7 Chapter 6 Sensation & Perception HW 3 October 12 Chapter 6 Sensation & Perception HW 4 October 14 EXAM 2 Reflection 2 Due October 19 Chapter 7 Thinking & Intelligence October 26 Chapter 8 Memory October 21 Chapter 7 Thinking & Intelligence October 28 HW 5 Chapter 9 Learning Assignment 2 Due
November 2 MONDAY Chapter 9 Learning November 4 WEDNESDAY EXAM 3 November 9 Chapter 10 Behavior November 16 Chapter 11 Psychological Disorders November 11 Chapter 10 Behavior November 18 Chapter 11 Psychological Disorders HW 6 November 23 HW 7 November 25 Reflection 3 Due THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY November 30 Chapter 12 Treatment & Therapy December 7 EXAM 4 December 2 Chapter 13 Emotion Assignment 3 Due Final Exam Week Meeting :TBA