NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE COURSE SYLLABUS The North Central Texas College (NCTC) Course Syllabus provides the following as required by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB): (1) a brief description of the course including each major course requirement, assignment and examination; (2) the learning objectives for the course; (3) a general description of the subject matter of each lecture or discussion; and (4) any required or recommended readings. Contact information for the instructor is also provided. The Course Syllabus also provides institutional information to indicate how this course supports NCTC s purpose and mission. Information specific to a particular section of the course will be included in the Class Syllabus and distributed to enrolled students. Course Title: Introduction to General Psychology Course Prefix & Number: PSYC 2301 Section Number: 410 Term Code: 133S Semester Credit Hours: 3 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Course Description: An introduction to the scientific study of human and animal behavior, with the emphasis on the basic process of learning, perception, motivation, emotion, personality, and adjustment Course Prerequisite(s): None Course Type: - Academic General Education Course (from Academic Course Guide Manual but not in NCTC Core) - Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course - WECM Course Name of Instructor: Leslie Kelley Campus/Office Location: Corinth Campus, Room 337 Telephone Number: 940-498-6424 (Email preferred) E-mail Address: LKelley@nctc.edu Name of Chair/Coordinator: Leslie Kelley Office Location: Corinth Campus, Room 337 Telephone Number: 940-498-6424 (Email preferred) E-mail Address: LKelley@nctc.edu REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS Introduction to Psychology: Gateways to Mind and Behavior with Concept Maps and Reviews, 13 th Edition. Coon/Mitterer. Cengage. ISBN: 1133394833 1
COURSE REQUIREMENTS, EVALUATION METHODS AND GRADING CRITERIA # of Graded Course Elements Graded Course Elements Percentage or Points Values 2 Exams (Each exam will be worth 25%, totaling 50%) 50 percent 10 Reading Meditations (2% for each form) 20 percent 1 Group Research Presentation 30 percent 30 Attendance (points deducted depending on # of absences See Attendance Policy) 0 percent Grading Scale: A = 90-100 points; B = 80-89 points; C = 70-79 points; D = 60-69 points; F = 59 points & below ASSIGNMENT DETAILS Reading Meditations (20%): For 10 of the 18 chapters in your textbook, you will write a one page, typed & double-spaced meditation on the reading assignment. Please use 12-pt Times New Roman font. You may write a summary over several parts of the chapter or choose 1-2 topics from a chapter to write about in greater detail. Please do not simply write your general thoughts about what you are reading, but attempt to explain the concepts clearly and analyze the concepts deeply. Your meditations need to be turned in at the beginning of class on the dates specified on the calendar below. Your grade will be based on a total of 10 meditations. Two percent of your overall grade for the class will be deducted for every meditation which is not completed, including meditations less than a full page. No extra credit will be given for writing more than 10 meditations. No late meditations will be accepted. Exams (25% each = 50% total): The exams on June 16 th and July 3 rd will be administered in class. You will have 90 minutes to complete the exams. Questions will be taken directly from class lectures, student presentations, & your assigned readings, so take good notes and read your text. The test will consist of approximately 50-60 multiple choice type questions. Please bring a scantron form to the exam. You will not be allowed to take the exam without one. You will not be allowed to takes the exam late, i.e., after the 1 st person in the class has completed the exam and left the classroom. Group Research Presentation (30%): Research Presentation: With your research partner(s), create a research presentation discussing your research topic and the key concepts involved in the topic. You must have the following: a minimum of 15 PowerPoint slides (not including cover page and works cited page) focusing mainly on the primary aspects of the research, movement, and/or perspectives regarding your topic. You should also include some brief cultural, historical, and biographical information to contextualize your topic. PLEASE DO NOT SIMPLY PROVIDE A BIOGRAPHY OF THE THEORIST. You are required to present your research with your research partner(s) on the date specified. This presentation should be between 30 45 minutes in length and should include appropriate videos. Your group may include interactive 2
components for the class, and should be prepared to answer questions after the presentation. Your research presentation will be due during class on the date specified for your subject on the attached calendar. Failing to meet the minimum requirements of 15 slides and 30 minutes will result in a significant grade reduction. Your presentation should not utilize more than 10 minutes of video, unless your presentation is over 30 minutes long. Each group is responsible for bringing one copy of the handout of their presentation slides for the instructor, with all group members names, as well as each member s contribution clearly indicated on each page of the handout. Be sure to cite (throughout your presentation) all reference materials used!!! Make sure your slides are intelligible and your font is not too small!!! If you fail to show up for your presentation, then you will receive a grade of 0. Please save your presentation on a flash drive as a PowerPoint file & bring it to class for your presentation. This will help reduce technical problems. INSTITUTIONAL LEARNING GOALS A quality general education curriculum in all associate degree programs. Quality freshman and sophomore level courses in arts and sciences which parallel the lower division offerings of four-year colleges and universities. Quality technical programs leading directly to careers in semi-skilled and skilled occupations, and quality technical education programs up to two years in length leading to certificates and associate degrees. Quality programs and services in support of adult literacy and basic skills development as a mean of workforce enhancement and expanding access to higher education. PROGRAM PURPOSE STATEMENT NCTC seeks to implement its goal of offering quality general education curriculum in all associate degrees by offering a core of general education courses designed to help students achieve academic, career and lifelong goals. Acquiring knowledge, thinking critically, and utilizing the methodologies of various disciplines exposed students to experiences that serve to advance their personal growth. The chief focus of the General Education Core Curriculum at NCTC is to emphasize Exemplary Educational Objectives and Basic Intellectual Competencies. DEPARTMENTAL PURPOSE STATEMENT The NCTC Social Science Department provides students at NCTC a strong foundation in the liberal arts that is essential for career success, leadership, global citizenship, and a lifetime of learning. The department provides students with a broad knowledge and understanding of the world; significant intellectual, critical thinking and practical skills; and a strong sense of civic responsibility for enriching their lives and making a difference in society. 3
STATEMENT OF SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE EXPECTED OF NCTC GRADUATES NCTC seeks to implement its goal of offering a core of general education courses designed to help students achieve academic, career and lifelong goals. The chief focus of the General Education Core Courses at NCTC is to emphasize basic intellectual competencies and broad intellectual perspectives. FOUNDATIONAL COMPONENT AREA: SOCIAL & BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES Courses in this area focus on the application of empirical and scientific methods that contribute to the understanding of what makes us human and involve the exploration of behavior and interactions among individuals, groups, institutions, and events, examining their impact on the individual, society, and culture. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES Student Learning Outcome 1 Identify various research methods and their characteristics used in the scientific study of psychology. 2 Describe the historical influences and early schools of thought that shaped the field of psychology. 3 Describe some of the prominent perspectives and approaches used in the study of psychology. 4 Use terminology unique to the study of psychology. 5 Describe accepted approaches and standards in psychological assessment and evaluation. 6 Identify factors in physiological and psychological processes involved in human behavior. CORE OBJECTIVES A. Critical Thinking, Aspect 2: Students will demonstrate effective inquiry strategies. B. Critical Thinking, Aspect 3: Students will analyze information effectively. C. Critical Thinking, Aspect 4: Students will evaluate information effectively. D. Communication, Aspect 1: Students will demonstrate effective development, interpretation, and expressions of ideas through written communication. E. Empirical and Quantitative Skills, Aspect 1: Students will demonstrate effective manipulation of numerical data or observable facts. 4
F. Empirical and Quantitative Skills, Aspect 2: Students will demonstrate effective analysis of numerical data or observable facts. G. Empirical and Quantitative Skills, Aspect 3: Students will demonstrate effective use of numerical data or observable facts to reach informed conclusions. H. Social Responsibility, Aspect 1: Students will demonstrate intercultural competence. I. Social Responsibility, Aspect 3: Students will demonstrate the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF SUBJECT MATTER FOR EACH LECTURE/DISCUSSION Topic General Description of Subject Matter 6/2 Introduction Intro Activity; Presentation Sign-up; Chapter 1 6/3 Intro & Theories Chapter 1; Meditation #1 Due 6/4 Biology & Evolution Chapter 2 6/5 Biology & Evolution Chapter 2; Meditation #2 Due Thursday, June 5 Official Date of Record 6/9 Sensation & Perception Chapter 4; Meditation #3 Due 6/10 Consciousness & Chapters 4 & 5 Sensation Research Presentation #1 Presentation #1: The Eugenics Movement in the US IQ testing, forced sterilization, planned parenthood 6/11 Consciousness & Learning Chapters 5 & 6; Meditation #4 Due 6/12 Human Learning Research Presentation #2 Chapter 6 Presentation #2: Drug Use & Abuse Major Types of Drugs & their Effects; Major DSM Diagnoses Handout Midterm Review Guide 6/16 Exam #1 Exam #1: 12:00pm Chapters 1, 2, 4, 5, & 6 6/17 Human Memory Systems Chapter 7; Meditation #5 Due 6/18 Intelligence, Thought, & Chapters 8 & 9; Meditation #6 Due Language 6/19 Developmental Chapters 3 & 17 Psychology Research Presentation # 3 Presentation #3: Abortion Procedures & Debate: Shortterm & Long-term physiological & psychological effects of abortion 6/23 Motivation & Emotion Chapters 10 & 13; Meditation #7 Due 6/24 Personality & Sexuality Chapters 11 & 12 Research Presentation #4 Presentation #4: Pornography & Prostitution: 6/25 Personality & Sexuality Research Presentation #5 Demographics & Effects on individuals Chapters 11 & 12 Presentation #5: Difference between 5
6/26 Psychological Disorders & Therapy Saturday, June 28 th 6/30 Psychological Disorders & Therapy 7/1 Social Psychology Research Presentation #6 Transgender/Transsexual/Intersex & Gender Identity Disorder debate: Is transsexual ism a disorder or a normal variation of human sexuality? Chapter 14 & 15; Meditation #8 Due Handout Final Exam Review Guide Last Day to Drop with a W Chapter 14 & 15; Meditation #9 Due Chapters 16 & 17 Presentation #6: Social Influence of Video Game Violence (Brad Bushman) 7/2 Social Psychology Chapters 16 & 17; Meditation #10 Due 7/3 Final Exam Final Exam Thursday, July 3 rd 12:00-1:50pm Chapters 3 & 7 17 ATTENDANCE POLICY You are required to attend all classes in order to keep within the on-going discussion typically the nature of a psychology class. Not attending class can lower your grade as follows: More than two absences will result in a reduction of your overall grade for the course. If you come late to class you must sign in after class, otherwise you will be counted absent. I will be available to sign any necessary paperwork before and after class. If you need anything signed at a time other than this, ask a division dean or a counselor, or come by during my office hours. If you choose to drop this class, it is your responsibility to drop the class. Remember that the last day to drop is June 28 th. Last day to Withdraw Student Rights & Responsibilities Scholastic Integrity For the Spring 2014 semester, the last day to withdraw from a course with a W is June 28 th, 2014. NCTC Board policy FLB (Local) Student Rights and Responsibilities states that each student shall be charged with notice and knowledge of the contents and provisions of the rules and regulations concerning student conduct. These rules and regulations are published in the Student Handbook published in conjunction with the College Catalog. All students shall obey the law, show respect for properly constituted authority, and observe correct standards of conduct. Scholastic dishonesty shall constitute a violation of college rules and regulations and is punishable as prescribed by Board policies. Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but not be limited to cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion. 6
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES Disability The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides Accommodations accommodations for students who have a documented disability. A disability is anything that can interfere with learning, such as a learning disability, psychological challenge, physical illness or injury. Accommodations may include extra time on tests, tests in a distraction reduced environment, volunteer note taker in class, etc. On the Corinth Campus, go to room 170 or call 940-498-6207. On the Gainesville Campus, go to room 110 in the Administration (100) Building or call 940-668-4209. Students on the Bowie, Graham, Flower Mound, and online campuses should call 940-668-4209 to arrange for an intake appointment with OSD. North Central Texas College is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of federal equal opportunity legislation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, ADA Amendments Act of 2009, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-112). Student Success Center Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Veterans Services The Student Success Center is designed to help all students at NCTC develop tools to achieve their academic goals. This program also links students to FREE tutoring, including a Writing Center, a Math Lab, and free 24/7 online tutoring and helps new students acclimate to college by providing computer lab services for prospective students. All students are invited to visit the Student Success Center on the Corinth Campus go to rooms 170, 182, or 188; on the Gainesville Campus go to rooms 114 or 111; on the Flower Mound Campus go to room 111, on the Bowie Campus go to room 124. The Financial Aid Office is responsible for administering a variety of programs for students who need assistance in financing their education. The first step for financial aid is to complete a FAFSA. For more information, please visit your nearest Financial Aid Office. 7