PSYC 2301 Introduction to Psychology Instructor: Stephanie Chapman, PhD Fall 2014 Saturdays 9:00 AM 12:00 PM Regular Term 16 weeks Instructor Contact Information: work cell: 281.546.2998 (texting preferred over voice message) e-mail: stephanie.chapman@hccs.edu Course Description A survey of the basic principles underlying human behavior and mental processes. Emphasis will be placed on major areas of study in the field of psychology, such as motivation, development, thought processes, and personality. Core Curriculum course. Prerequisites PSYC 2301 requires college-level reading and writing skills. Research indicates that you are most likely to succeed if you have already taken and passed ENGL 1301. The minimum requirements for enrollment in PSYC 2301 and PSYC 2314 include placement in college-level reading (or take GUST 0342 as a co-requisite) and placement in college-level writing (or take ENGL 0310/0349 as a corequisite). If you have enrolled in this course without having satisfied these prerequisites, you are at higher risk of failure or withdrawal than students who have done so, and you should carefully read and consider the repeater policy notice that follows. Course Goals The goals of all psychology courses at Houston Community College are as follows: Upon completion of this course, students will be prepared to 1. Define terms and concepts that students will encounter in advanced courses taken by psychology majors. 2. Define terms and concepts that students will encounter in advanced psychology and psychology-based courses taken by students majoring in fields such as nursing and education. 3. Define psychological terms and concepts that students will encounter in news reports, self-help materials, and as part of the process of seeking and engaging in psychotherapy. Student Learning Outcomes The student will be able to: 1. Demonstrate knowledge in multiple (8) areas of psychology including concepts, facts and theoretical perspectives. 2. Define and identify the basic research and evaluation methods used in psychology, including the strengths and weaknesses of each method. 3. Demonstrate knowledge of and identify concepts related to personal development and the development and behavior of others. 4. Apply psychological concepts to the solution of current issues and problems including ethics, coping with stressful events, health and wellness, parenting, learning, memory, and /or evaluation of media presentations. Academic Discipline/CTE Program Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be prepared to 1. Succeed in advanced psychology courses that include related content and are required for an undergraduate major in psychology 2. Succeed in advanced psychology and psychology-related courses that include related content and are required in non-psychology majors such as nursing and education 3. Understand and evaluate psychological concepts that are covered in this course and are featured in news reports, self-help materials, and as a part of the process of seeking and engaging in psychotherapy
Learning objectives - see accompanying course supplement posted on website Core Curriculum Credit: 3 (3 lecture) PSYC 2301 satisfies the social science requirement in the HCCS core curriculum. The HCCS Psychology Discipline Committee has specified that address the goals of the core curriculum as follows: * Reading at the college level means having the ability to analyze and interpret a variety of printed materials, books, and document. All students in PSYC 2301 are required to read a college-level textbook. * Writing at the college level means having the ability to produce clear, correct, and coherent prose adapted to purpose, occasion, and audience. In addition to knowing correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation, students should also become familiar with the writing process, including how to discover a topic, how to develop and organize it, and how to phrase it effectively for their audience. All instructors in PSYC 2301 include at least one written assignment in their syllabi. * Effective speaking is the ability to communicate orally in clear, coherent, and persuasive language appropriate to purpose, occasion, and audience. Students in PSYC 2301 are required to communicate about course content in formal or informal ways as determined by the requirements of each instructor's course syllabus. * Listening at the college level means the ability to analyze and interpret various forms of spoken communication. Students in PSYC 2301 are required to listen to presentations and/or discussions of course content in formal or informal ways as determined by the requirements of each instructor's course syllabus. * Critical thinking embraces methods for applying both qualitative and quantitative skills analytically and creatively to subject matter in order to evaluate arguments and to construct alternative strategies. Problem solving is one of the applications of critical thinking used to address an identified task. Students in PSYC 2301 are required to exhibit critical thinking in formal or informal ways as determined by the requirements of each instructor's course syllabus. * Computer literacy at the college level means having the ability to use computer-based technology in communicating, solving problems, and acquiring information. Core-educated students should have an understanding of the limits, problems, and possibilities associated with the use of technology and should have the tools necessary to evaluate and learn new technologies as they become available. Students in PSYC 2301 are required to exhibit computer literacy in formal or informal ways as determined by the requirements of each instructor's course syllabus
PSYC 2301 Fall 2014: COURSE SCHEDULE Dates Chapter Activity or Material to be Covered Assignments Due (all assignments due dates posted online) August 30 Introduction to Course: Syllabus Obtain textbook Sept 06 Ch 1 Introduction to Psychology Sept 13 Ch 1 Online class: Introduction to Psychology (Continued) Online Quiz Ch1 Complete weekly online discussion post requirements Sept 20 Ch2 Biology of Behavior Sept 27 Ch2, Online class: Online Quiz Ch 2 and specific pages from Chs 3 and 4 3 and 4 (see Biology of Behavior (entire chapter) specific pages) Sensation and perception (pg 99) Conciousness (pg 128-129) October 4 Ch 5 Learning October 11 Ch 5 Online class: Learning Online Quiz Ch 5 October 18 Ch 6 Human Memory Online Quiz Ch 6 October 25 Online class: Review Week Review Assignment Part 1 Due October 24, 2014 11:59 PM posted online November 01 Ch 8 Ch 9 Human Development Motivation and Emotion pages 302, 312-313 November 08 Ch 11 Online class: Personality Theory and Assessment Online Quiz Ch 8 and select pages from Ch 9 Online Quiz Ch 11 November 15 Ch 10 Stress, Coping and Health Online Quiz Ch 10 November 22 Ch 12 Ch 13 Psychological Disorders Treatment of Psychological Disorders pages 434-435, 442, 446 November 29 Review Week NO CLASS THANKSGIVING WEEKEND Online Quiz Ch 12 and 13 (pg 434-435, 442, 446) Review Assignment - Part 2 Due online on December 05, 2014 at 11:59 PM. December 06 Final Exam Scheduled to be completed in regular classroom during class time (9am 11am) Extra credit assignment (optional) December 13 No Class - Course wrap-up and closure Last make-up document accepted (needs prior authorization) deadline 12:00 Noon. Prearranged permission to submit make-up documents required by December 06, 2014. December 15 Grades posted online 11:59 PM
Instructional Methods There will be a variety of learning activities scheduled for each unit. Although the topic for each unit will reflect material included in the assigned readings and powerpoint lectures, the format will differ from session to session, and it will focus on active learning. Student Assignments and Assessments Your final course grade will be calculated according to the following formula: Unit Quizzes 45% Online Writing Posts 25% Course Review Assignment 10% (5% part 1 and 5% part 2) Department Final Exam 20% TOTAL 100% 1) Unit Quizzes: Each unit will have an online quiz that must be completed prior to the assigned deadline. Students will have one opportunity to complete each quiz. Each quiz will be open-book, meaning that students are allowed to utilize learning resources (text, notes, ect). However, each student is required to complete quizzes independently. 2) Online Writing Posts: Each unit will require that students post responses to specified discussion post questions. Quality posts will reflect the student s prior reading of the course materials, and will reflect independent thought that directly responses to the question prompts. Students posts will also be evaluated to the extent that they reflect consideration and respect towards other students and differing points of view. 3) Course Review Assignment: Students are required to complete a short-answer course review assignment. The review will cover components of the entire course and will be graded on a pass/fail level based upon effort put forth. 4) Final Exam: The comprehensive Departmental Final Exam will be 100 multiple-choice questions. This course has a required on-campus final exam which must be completed during finals week. There are no exceptions to this requirement. It is a departmental exam that is required for all students who take PSYC 2301. The schedule of testing sites and times will be released during the first week of class. If you cannot be present for the final exam, you should contact your instructor about taking a makeup exam after the semester is over (appropriate paperwork documenting the reason will be required). Again, the department final exam cannot be administered early. Instructional Materials Mastering the World of Psychology, 5th edition, by Wood, Wood, and Boyd, published by Pearson ISBN 978-0-205-96808-4 Note: the digital version of this text is available at coursesmart (link here) http://www.coursesmart.com/mastering-the-world-of-psychology-fifth-edition/samuel-e-wood-ellen-green-wood-denise-gboyd/dp/9780205987290 Note: Given the high cost of new textbooks, students may find the purchase of an older edition of the textbook to be much more cost effective. You may be successful with an older edition of this text, especially if you cross check the text book content with a friend or peer who has the latest text edition. Use of an older textbook is not discouraged (I understand that we all need to keep costs of education low), although use of an older text will not be a valid excuse if points are missed on quizzes/exams.
HCCS Grading Scale A = 100-90 4 points per semester hour B = 89-80: 3 points per semester hour C = 79-70: 2 points per semester hour D = 69-60: 1 point per semester hour 59 and below = F 0 points per semester hour IP (In Progress) 0 points per semester hour W(Withdrawn) 0 points per semester hour I (Incomplete) 0 points per semester hour HCC Policy Statement - ADA Services to Students with Disabilities Students who require reasonable accommodations for disabilities are encouraged to report to [insert contact information for disabilities office at your college] to make necessary arrangements. Faculty is only authorized to provide accommodations by the Disability Support Service Office HCC Policy Statement: Academic Honesty A student who is academically dishonest is, by definition, not showing that the coursework has been learned, and that student is claiming an advantage not available to other students. The instructor is responsible for measuring each student's individual achievements and also for ensuring that all students compete on a level playing field. Thus, in our system, the instructor has teaching, grading, and enforcement roles. You are expected to be familiar with the University's Policy on Academic Honesty, found in the catalog. What that means is: If you are charged with an offense, pleading ignorance of the rules will not help you. Students are responsible for conducting themselves with honor and integrity in fulfilling course requirements. Penalties and/or disciplinary proceedings may be initiated by College System officials against a student accused of scholastic dishonesty. Scholastic dishonesty : includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion. HCC Policy Statements Course Participation it is important that you participate regularly! This will be the best way to succeed in this course. Research has shown that the single most important factor in student success is attendance. Simply put, going to class (whether in person or online) greatly increases your ability to succeed. You are expected to log onto the course website at least 2X weekly, and work through all class activities/materials each week. Although it is your responsibility to drop a course for nonattendance, the instructor has the authority to drop you for nonparticipation in online activities. Poor attendance records tend to correlate with poor grades. If you miss any class, including the first week, you are responsible for all material missed. It is a good idea to find a friend or a buddy in class who would be willing to share class notes or discussion or be able to hand in paper if you unavoidably miss a class. Class attendance equals class success. HCC Course Withdrawal Policy If you feel that you cannot complete this course, you will need to withdraw from the course prior to the final date of withdrawal. Before, you withdraw from your course; please take the time to meet with the instructor to discuss why you feel it is necessary to do so. The instructor may be able to provide you with suggestions that would enable you to complete the course. Your success is very important. Beginning in fall 2007, the Texas Legislature passed a law limiting first time entering freshmen to no more than SIX total course withdrawals throughout their educational career in obtaining a certificate and/or degree. To help students avoid having to drop/withdraw from any class, HCC has instituted an Early Alert process by which your professor may alert you and HCC counselors that you might fail a class because of lack of course participation and/or poor academic performance. It is your responsibility to visit with your professor or a counselor to learn about what, if any, HCC interventions might be available to assist you online tutoring, child care, financial aid, job placement, etc. to stay in class and improve your academic performance. If you plan on withdrawing from your class, you MUST contact a HCC counselor or your professor prior to withdrawing (dropping) the class for approval and this must be done PRIOR to the withdrawal deadline to receive a W on your transcript. **Final withdrawal
deadlines vary each semester and/or depending on class length, please visit the online registration calendars, HCC schedule of classes and catalog, any HCC Registration Office, or any HCC counselor to determine class withdrawal deadlines. Remember to allow a 24-hour response time when communicating via email and/or telephone with a professor and/or counselor. Do not submit a request to discuss withdrawal options less than a day before the deadline. If you do not withdraw before the deadline, you will receive the grade that you are making in the class as your final grade. Repeat Course Fee The State of Texas encourages students to complete college without having to repeat failed classes. To increase student success, students who repeat the same course more than twice, are required to pay extra tuition. The purpose of this extra tuition fee is to encourage students to pass their courses and to graduate. Effective fall 2006, HCC will charge a higher tuition rate to students registering the third or subsequent time for a course. If you are considering course withdrawal because you are not earning passing grades, confer with your instructor/counselor as early as possible about your study habits, reading and writing homework, test taking skills, attendance, course participation, and opportunities for tutoring or other assistance that might be available. Responsibilities As your Instructor, it is my responsibility to: Provide the grading scale and detailed grading formula explaining how student grades are to be derived Facilitate an effective learning environment through course activities, online discussions, and online lectures Description of any special projects or assignments Inform students of policies such as online attendance, withdrawal, tardiness and make up Provide the course outline and calendar which will include a description of any special projects or assignments Arrange to meet with individual students (via e-mail, telephone or in person) as required To be successful in this class, it is the student s responsibility to: Read and comprehend the textbook; complete all practice questions and quizzes in the textbook Review the 5 th edition Summary guide to ensure comprehension of key material Complete the required online assignments and quizzes/exams: Ask for help when there is a question or problem Keep copies of all paperwork, including this syllabus, handouts and all assignments