General Psychology Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

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As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

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Course

PSYC-2301-003 General Psychology

Prerequisites

RDNG 0331-minimum grade of C or a score on a state-approved test indicating college-level reading skills

Course Description

An introduction to psychology covering the principles of human behavior relating to heredity, maturation, intelligence, learning, motivation, perception, emotions and personality.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

\N

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Supplies

\ 4 green Scantrons, #2 pencils, pens and paper for note taking, access to computer, internet, printer and printing supplies.

Student Performance

\ After studying the material presented in this course of study, the student will be able to do the following:

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1. \ Define psychology and list and discuss the goals of psychology
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2. \ Compare and contrast the major theoretical perspectives in contemporary psychology.
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3. \ Explain what is meant by the scientific method and describe the various research methods.
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4. \ Describe the parts and functions of the nervous system.
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5. \ Define and discuss sensation and perception.
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6. \ Describe learning from the behavioral and the cognitive perspectives.
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7. \ Describe the functioning of sensory, short-term and long-term memory.
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8. \ Define motives, needs, drives, and incentives.
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9. \ Explain and evaluate the cognitive-appraisal theories of emotion.
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10. \ Discuss the nature-nurture controversy in developmental psychology.
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11. \ Define Piaget's concepts and outline Piaget's four stages of cognitive development, describing the major characteristics of each.
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12. \ Describe the major personality theories and projective and objective measures of personality.
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13. \ Describe the psychological disorders and the biomedical and psychological therapies that are used.
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14. \ Describe the social context of human behavior, emphasizing attribution theory, relationships between attitudes and action, conformity, group/cultural influences, prejudice, aggression, social conflict, attraction, altruism, and peacemaking.
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Students Rights and Responsibilities

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Expected Student Behavior

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Grading Criteria

\ GRADING:

\ A = 90 to 100
\ B = 80 to 89
\ C = 70 to 79
\ D = 60 to 69
\ F = Below 60

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\ Chapter Tests - 90% of grade
\ Class Participation & Attendance- 10% of grade

\ EXAMS: There will be a total of 4 multiple choice exams. Each exam will count equally in figuring the test average. Each exam will cover the assigned reading, lectures, discussions, and videos. You will need to take the exams on a regular Scantron that can be purchased in the Bookstore.

\ There is a final (the 4th exam) required of all students.

\ There is no extra credit work available for this class, however, your 12 quick quiz average can take the place of your lowest test grade.  If you are not in attendance on quick quiz day, you cannot make up this quiz.

\ *The last day to withdraw or drop a class/change from credit to audit is November 16, 2011. 
\ Please feel free to discuss any concerns you may have with your progress in this course with the instructor.

Attendance

\ ATTENDANCE POLICY:

\ In order to reinforce the idea of attendance as a positive factor in the learning process, it is the policy of this course to offer the following incentive for regular class attendance:
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\ If the student has a zero-one absence throughout the semester AND the student has taken all exams on the regularly scheduled dates, the student may drop the lowest grade on one of the
\ first three major exams (excluding the final exam).
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\ Class attendance is very important and I hope that you will make the choice to be in class on a regular basis. There is no doubt that students who attend class do better than those who do not.

Calendar

Additional Information

\ SYLLABUS:

\ A copy of this syllabus may be found on the Amarillo College Website.  Visit www.actx.edu; click the “Students” tab, then:  “Current”, “Academic”, “Course Syllabus”, “Psychology”, “Courses 2011-2012”, “Course Syllabi PSYC 2301” and then “View this Syllabus.”