General Psychology Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Instructor Information

Office Location

Dutton Hall 202N

Office Hours

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

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.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

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

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

PSYC-2301-H 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

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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Myers, D.G. (2011). Exploring Psychology (8th ed.) Worth Publishers. (Required)

Straub, R.O. (2011). Study Guide to Accompany Exploring Psychology (8th ed.), Worth Publishers. (This book is suggested because it has many example test questions.  It is not required.)

Bolt, M. (2004). Pursuing Human Strengths: A Positive Psychology Guide, Worth Publishers.  (Required)

Supplies

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Student Performance

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The course is an introduction to psychology covering the principles of human behavior relating to heredity, maturation, intelligence, learning, motivation, perception, emotions, personality, psychological disorders, therapies, and social context.

 

STUDENT PERFORMANCE / COURSE OBJECTIVES:


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

  1. Define psychology and list and discuss the goals of psychology
  2. Compare and contrast the major theoretical perspectives in contemporary psychology.
  3. Explain what is meant by the scientific method and describe the various research methods.
  4. Describe the parts and functions of the nervous system.
  5. Define and discuss sensation and perception.
  6. Describe learning from the behavioral and the cognitive perspectives.
  7. Describe the functioning of sensory, short-term and long-term memory.
  8. Define motives, needs, drives, and incentives.
  9. Explain and evaluate the cognitive-appraisal theories of emotion.
  10. Discuss the nature-nurture controversy in developmental psychology.
  11. Define Piaget's concepts and outline Piaget's four stages of cognitive development, describing the major characteristics of each.
  12. Describe the major personality theories and projective and objective measures of personality.
  13. Describe the psychological disorders and the biomedical and psychological therapies that are used.
  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.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

What are the ground rules for group discussion in class and any online discussion?


The objective of establishing ground rules is to honor free speech and the dignity, respect, and worth of everyone in the classroom.

• In order to create a climate for open and honest dialogue and to encourage the broadest range of viewpoints, it is important for class participants to treat each other with respect. Name calling, accusations, verbal attacks, sarcasm, and other negative exchanges are counterproductive to successful teaching and learning about topics.

• The purpose of class discussions is to generate greater understanding about different topics. The expression of the broadest range of ideas, including dissenting views, accomplishes this goal. However, in expressing viewpoints, students should try to raise questions and comments in a way that will promote learning, rather than defensiveness and conflict in other students. Thus, questions and comments should be asked or stated in such a way that will promote greater insight into and awareness of topics as opposed to anger and conflict.

Example of a question that may put students on the defensive: Why do you insist on calling yourself Hispanic? That's wrong. It seems to me that Latino is the correct term? Can you explain to me why you insist on using the term Hispanic?

Example of a non-defensive question: I don't understand. What is the difference between the terms Hispanic and Latino?

• Learning is both about sharing different views and actively listening to those with different views. Students in this class are expected to do both. Learning is maximized when many different viewpoints are expressed in the classroom.

• Keep the discussion and comments on the topic, not on the individual. Don't personalize the dialogue. Rather than personalizing the dialogue, please direct challenging comments or questions to the instructor or the entire class.

• Remember that it is OK to disagree with each other. Let's agree to disagree. The purpose of dialogue and discussion is not to reach a consensus, nor to convince each other of different viewpoints. Rather, the purpose of dialogue in the classroom is to reach higher levels of learning by examining different viewpoints and opinions.

 

What is expected in terms of classroom etiquette?

In order to maximize the group’s learning, some basic guidelines for the class are helpful.  The following issues rarely occur in class.  However, it is helpful for us all to be clear about my expectations in order to prevent any misunderstanding.

1. Turn off all pagers and cell phones before class.  Do not text message during class.  It is distracting and sends the message that you are not present.  Similarly, do not bring laptops or ipads to class.  Like texting, people can get lost in their email, messaging, and internet and not be involved in the class and the discussion in the class.  If you are texting or emailing during class time you will not receive credit for that day of class. 

2. Please do not bring children to class. In the past, this issue has caused resentment from other students because the children were distracting.  Students report that they could not concentrate on the discussion. 

3. When a student has the floor, please do not have side conversations with other students.  I believe it is disrespectful to that student who has the floor.  And, other students in the group report that they feel resentful because they are distracted by the side talking and cannot focus on the student who is speaking.

Grading Criteria

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE EXAMS?

1. Studying in college is a complex task in that it involves many factors such as time management skills, reading ability, nutrition, exercise, study skills, motivation, sleep, and stress among others. The guidelines offered in this section may help to some degree. However, I recommend that you take the course on Student Success at AC and/or read books on study skills, motivation, time management, and stress management.

2. Achieving success in this course will require a time commitment. I recommend that you prepare for your exams and for class by ACTIVELY reading and outlining (taking detailed notes) the assignments.

3. I recommend that you use a word processor to create your own outline of the reading material. After you complete this process, you have a way to test your knowledge level and you will have covered the material in a systematic and comprehensive manner. This process will allow you to “chunk” the material into smaller pieces, which is more effective than trying to “digest” it all at once by cramming or just “reading over” or skimming over the reading.

4. If you are having difficulty with the material, you may want to receive tutoring or study skills training free of charge from the Access Center (Library; 3rd floor). There are also many web sites on study skills and strategies.

5. Review the "How To Prepare For Exams" information to learn more about effective study methods.  This document can be found under the Lessons Tab. 
 

EXAMINATIONS:

1. There will be four multiple choice EXAMS.  Each exam is scored on a 100 point scale.  The four exams include Exam 1, Exam 2, Exam 3 and a Comprehensive Final Exam.  The lowest exam score is automatically dropped.  Therefore, if you are happy with your scores on Exam 1, Exam 2, and Exam 3, then you have the option to not take the Comprehensive Final Exam.  The three exams that are not dropped will count for a total of 70% of your grade in the course.  Each exam will be worth 23.33% of your grade in the course.

2. The lowest exam score will be dropped.  Because the lowest exam score is dropped, there will be no make-up exams.  If you miss a scheduled exam for any reason, that exam will be the exam score that will be dropped.   

3. There will be an item analysis on each exam.  If the majority of students miss a question, that question will be taken out and an adjustment will be made (points will be added to the students exam score).  This method takes 1 - 2 days to complete, but I believe it helps to make the evaluation process fairer.  Your exam will not be instantly scored with the adjustment after you complete it.  You will get your score with the adjustment 1 - 2 days after the end of the test date period.  I will send you all an email indicating when the adjustment has been made.

4. Each exam will have approximately 50 questions.  The exams start at 12:00 am on the scheduled start date, and they will turn off at 11:55 pm on the last day scheduled for the exam.  Therefore, you will need to be sure to allow plenty of time to take the exam.  You need to allow an hour and a half to take an exam, even though most students will finish in about 50 minutes. 

5. You will be able to see only one question at a time, and you will have one attempt for each question.  You are not penalized for guessing.  You will not be able to go back and review or answer questions.  Remember to click the “submit” button at the end of your exam.   

6. For test security reasons, you will not be able to see your exams after you take them.  However, I recommend you use the Study Guide To Accompany Exploring Psychology by Richard Straub; it will have many example test questions that will be similar to your actual exams.  The Study Guide To Accompany Exploring Psychologyis not required for this course.  If you do not have the Study Guide To Accompany Exploring Psychology, then you may use the Book Companion Website for Exploring Psychology. 

 

You can access the Book Companion Website for Exploring Psychology by going to

www.worthpublishers.com/myersand click on your textbook. You will need to register before you can access the Book Companion Site for Exploring Psychology.  You have to have an email address in order to register.  Once you get into the Book Companion Site for Exploring Psychology, you can you can review the concepts by doing the practice Quizzes.  You do not turn in any of the assignments from the Study Guide To Accompany Exploring Psychology or from the Book Companion Site for Exploring Psychology.  These resources provide similar practice exam questions.  They are not required, but they are highly recommended.   

7. In order to check your grades, you can go to the Home Page and see "About This Section" and click on "Click here to check your grades."  The other option to see your grades is to go to the Reports tab. Then, under Category, choose Grades. Under Report, choose Student Grades. 

When you look at your grades you may notice that the categories of "overall," and "exams overall," will appear low because as you take exams more points are added into these two categories. These two categories will not be complete and accurate until the very end of the semester - after you have completed all of the exams. 

Also, the "discussion participation overall" grade will not be calculated until the very end of the semester.  If you are on track with your participation assignments then you will not hear from me, and you can assume that you are receiving full credit for each participation assignment.  If there is a problem with one of your participation assignments, I will let you know so that you can correct the problem and get back on track. 

8. Each online exam will consist of about 50 questions.Each online exam will have a time limit.  You will be notified of the amount of time when you start your exam.  You will have approximately 1.5 minutes per test item.  After you answer a test item, you may not go back to that test item at a later time during the exam.  The questions for each exam will be presented to you one at a time.  The questions must be answered in the order given.  Do not skip any questions. If you do, the question will be counted as incorrect. There is no penalty for guessing.  For test security reasons, the exams are not released for review.

9. All exams will be taken online.  You are allowed to use your notes on the exams.  The exams are timed (approximately 1.5 minutes per test item) so you will not have much time to look up the answers.  In other words, you will need to know the information well before you take the online exams. 

You may not have another person with you at the time that you are taking one of the online exams.  If there is indication that you received help during an online exam, the penalty will be an F in the course and likely expulsion from Amarillo College.  

10. Please review the test dates in this course schedule. If your schedule cannot accommodate these dates and times, you will need to drop this course and find a course that will work with your schedule. No exams will be given after the deadlines posted in your course schedule with the exception of a true emergency such as death in the family or serious illness. In such a case you must provide documentation from a physician or psychologist indicating that you were not able to complete the final exam.

11. An example of how to calculate your grade: if you, for example, made an 82 on exam 1, 79 on exam 2, a 93 on exam 3, 100 on participation, 100 on service learning, and you dropped the final exam, you would do the following calculations.  Remember, each exam is worth 23.33% of the course grade, participation is worth 15% of the course grade, and service learning project is worth 15% of the course grade.  You would not include the final exam if you were happy with your scores on exams 1, 2, and 3.  Here are the calculations: 82 x .233 + 84 x .233 + 93 x .3 + 100 x .15 + 100 x .15 = 19.1 + 19.57 + 21.67 + 15 + 15 = 90.34  So, your grade in the class would be a "A."

12. Final Grades

            A = 90-100

            B = 80-89

            C = 70-79

            D = 60-69

            F = 0-59

DISCUSSIONS:


The discussion board has two purposes: 1) to provide a way to participate online, and 2) to allow students to post questions or confusing questions about the reading and have other students and/or the instructor respond to the questions.

If you have general questions (and answers) that other students may benefit from, please direct them to the instructor by posting them in General Questions and Answers. When I answer the question (or when you answer a question) in General Questions and Answers, all students will be able to see my (and your) responses.

 

DISCUSSIONS: PARTICIPATION / CONNECTION RESPONSES:


How do we participate in this class?

Your course schedule (found in the Lessons Tab) will give you the instructions for participation as you proceed through the assignments of the course. By participating in class, the class will become more interesting and rewarding as more students actively share their ideas.

 

Furthermore, the group discussion will be a safe place to share ideas. The rules of the group do not allow group members to put another person down for their idea. I will respect you, and I expect you to respect me and the other group members. I also expect you to have carefully read the assignment before you come to class.  You need to be prepared to discuss your connections when you come to class. 

The reason for assigning the connections (participation homework) is because it will help you become more actively involved in the reading.  This greater activity improves learning.  By participating in class, the class will become more interesting and rewarding as more students actively share their ideas.

 

Where do we go to post our response in the class?

Participation occurs in this class by clicking on the lessons tab, then go to discussion forums, and then click on the specific chapter.

A copy of your participation homework can be shared by posting it in the Discussions.  You can post your response in the class by clicking on the lessons tab, then go to discussion forums, and then click on the specific chapter. There will be Participation Homework assigned throughout the semester. In order to receive credit for your connections (participation homework) you must post it in the Discussions.  You will also need to turn in a hard copy to your instructor at the end of the class period when it is due.


Where do we find the homework assignments?

The way in which you participate is by following the instructions in your course schedule (found under the Lessons Tab), which will indicate the type of homework assignment.

 

What types of homework assignments will we have?

There are two types of assignments that are designed to facilitate your critical thinking about the reading: 1) a structured discussion question or 2) a connection response.

 

Can you explain the difference between a structured discussion question and a connection response?

The structured discussion questionis very straightforward in that it is a structured question that I design and you answer based on the reading assignment. The directions for each critical thinking exercise / discussion question is found in your course schedule. 

 

The connection responseis a detailed response consisting of your reaction and opinion to a reading assignment.  The connection response is more open-ended (less structured) than the discussion question. 

 

Each connection responseshould reflect how your own feelings, thoughts, and experiences relate SPECIFICALLY to a major concept from the chapter.You can also talk about how concepts from other readings from any source relate to a concept in your assigned reading. It is critical that you title each connection response with your name and the chapter that you are responding to.

Connection responses(like the structured discussion question)help students find meaning in what they read. The process of making connections to the main concepts in the reading helps with remembering the concepts. If you can remember a concept, you can then apply that knowledge in your life.

 

These connection responsesare not a summaryof the reading. No credit is provided for a summary of the reading. You may want to ask yourself the following questions as a way to help you create a connection response:

1) How does this concept (a concept from the reading that you choose) help you to cope with stress or to enrich your life?

2) How does the reading relate to your community, or your family?

3) Is there something in the news (or online) or something a friend has experienced that directly relates to something in the reading?

4) How does the reading relate to other books, films, web sites, or articles you have read?

5) You may also take one side or another with an issue in the reading. If you choose to take one side or another, you must support your opinion or viewpoint with facts either from the textbook or from another reputable source.


Do we need to save a copy of our responses?

Yes. I recommend that you write your response in Word, and save a copy in your files. If there is a problem with the online course, then you will have a backup copy. You also need to run spell check, grammar check, and then post it into the course.


How much will participation count in terms of the overall grade in the course?

Active and engaged participation is critical for this class!  It makes it more fun and interesting.  What we are going to do here is devote all our time and attention to the study of psychology, it is very difficult and it needs all our attention.  Therefore, please do not text in class.  Participation is accrued over the course of the semester i.e., you get points for showing up and being actively engaged in the discussions. 

If you are texting in the class, then it is as if you are not really present and actively participating.  I will give you a caution and you will not receive credit for participation for that day.  Similarly, do not bring laptops or ipads to class.  Like texting, people can get lost in their email, messaging, and internet and not be involved in the class and the discussion in the class.  If a student continues to break this rule, he or she will be asked to transfer to an online course. 

Participation will count as 15% of your final grade. The maximum score for participation at the end of the semester is 100.  You will receive a grade for participation at the end of the semester. You will notice that the overall grade for the course will not be accurate until the very end of the semester because your participation grade will not be included in the formula until after the final exam.

Each participation assignment will be graded as a pass or fail.  You can assume that you are passing each participation assignment unless you hear from me. If the quality of your participation assignment is low, I will email you with feedback to help get you back on track. 

The quality of your participation is based on what you bring to the course with regard to your responses and your responses to other persons responses. You will be able to determine the student who puts his or her heart into the response and discussion in contrast to the student who provides very little to the group. In addition, you will be able to see other students' connection responses (online) which will help you to improve your own responses.

How long should each response be?

Each response, whether it is a structured discussion question or a connection response, should have a main idea and several supporting statements. Make each connection response at least 300 – 600 words single-space and in 12 point character size.

 

Service Learning Project:

The service learning project will count for 15% of the grade in the course. 

Often the deepest learning is accomplished through EXPERIENCE. The concept of service learning connects teaching, learning and research in a vital way, called active practice. The goal of the service learning project is to facilitate the process of giving of yourself in a setting which is DIVERSE from your normal realms of experience and enhance the academic learning through the community service.

Another benefit of service learning is the insight you may gain into yourself and others as you explore unique territory. In addition, you may find your sense of interconnectedness with others is strengthened. By participating in a community setting, you will be able to obtain insights that are not possible by reading the textbook. Studies of students who participated in servicelearning reported that it was one of the most important experiences in college.  It is not uncommon for students to make career decisions based on their experiences in the community. 

A service learning project is also a powerful way to enrich your learning of the theories and principles of psychology through active participation in your community. An additional benefit to this learning experience is the acquisition of service hours that are often required or preferred in application to many psychology programs as well as other programs of study.

 

How Does the Service Learning Project Work? 

I. Complete a minimum of TEN hours of service in the community during the semester. I have selected a variety of community-based organizations that you can contact to request a placement.  You may also know of organizations that are not on my list. You can find this list of community-based organizations under the Lessons tab.  You must consult with me before securing your placement.

Some of you may choose to work individually with an agency, while others may prefer to work with other students in pairs or in a small group.

By January 31every student should have selected an agency for their Service Learning Project and contacted the agency to set up an initial visit.

The quality of your service to the agency is so important that it will be considered in your grade on this assignment.  Issues such as attitude, punctuality, dedication, and notification to the agency if you cannot keep a specific commitment to be there will be reported by your supervisor. If there are any problems that arise for you during this service, pleasetalk to your supervisor and/or me. Also if any problems regarding the quality of your work occur, the supervisor will contact me. Throughout the semester you will be asked in class for brief feedback on the service learning experience.

 

II. Collect a signed form that verifies your minimum volunteer hours. This verification will also include comments regarding the value of your work.  This form is due on April 23.

 

III. Write a Service-Learning Project Paper (due on April 23) which will include:

A 2-3 page, double-spaced proposal of your selected service learning site and your proposed project.  These are the questions you will need to consider when you approach an organization to request a placement.

In the heading; state your name, the organization, and your contact person at that organization with his/her telephone number.

1.    What does your agency/organization do?

2.    What will you be doing for that organization?

3.    What concepts and theories will your project focus upon?

4.    What reasons did you have for selecting the site?

5.    With whom will you be working?

6.    What do you hope to learn from this placement?

 

A 2-3 page, double-spaced detailed description of your placement activities.

1.    Describe some of the history of the agency.

2.    What social problems is your agency working on, and what specific interventions are they using?

3.    What are the tasks of the staff at our placement?

4.    What is your role in the placement? How do you fit into the team?

5.    What is your assessment of the service that is provided by the agency?

6.    What theories do you see reflected in the population that you are serving?

7.    How have these theories influenced your observations of and behavior toward the population you are serving?

 

A 2-3 page, double-spaced reflective summary.

1. In the context of self-exploration and self-discovery, complete a description of your FEELINGS, OBSERVATIONS, PERSONAL VALUES, ATTITUDES and even ETHICAL ISSUES related to the experience. You may consider your reactions to being at the site that is diverse from your normal experiences, any shifts in your attitude, as well as your INTENTIONS upon completing the assignment.

2. What have you learned about the population that you served, the agency that serves them and the broader social issues that affect them?

3. How does what you learned at your placement relate to the theories that have been explored in the readings and class discussions?  Provide a DEPTH analysis of the experience in relation to at least FIVE SPECIFIC PRINCIPLES and CONCEPTS of the material that was covered in the course. Students have to identify specific elements from lecture, text, discussion, videos which are amplified by your community service. The goal of this section is to illustrate that the accomplishment of service enhances your academic study and learning.

IV. Prepare a thank you letter to the agency. Include in this letter: appreciation for their help with this assignment, specific strengths and weaknesses of the experience, some comments as to the ways the service learning experience related to the course and the overall benefits of the experience.  This thank you letter is due when you turn in your Service-Learning Project Paper on April 23

V. Participate in a presentation and group discussion of the Learning Project. I will announce the date for these discussions.  

 

IT MAY BE USEFUL:

- Use a notebook to jot down your experiences after each visit to your site.

- Ask questions at your site if you are confused.

- After participating in your first meeting or visit, what is something that surprised or interested you?

- Think about your goals for the semester. What do you hope to learn by being in the community? What do you think you will be able to contribute to the people at the community site?

- Select some experiences from your service setting and explain how they helped you to gain a better understanding of course material. Use concrete examples and try to be as specific as possible.

- What are possible ways that information from introduction to psychology could be applied to the setting? Use concrete examples and try to be as specific as possible.

- Describe an incident or situation that presented a problem of some type or left a lasting impression on you. For example, seeing a person in a totally different way because of something that happened, seeing yourself in a new way because of a conversation or discussion with others. Maybe the event was dramatic or maybe it was a simple exchange during a daily routine.

 

How will the Service Learning Project be graded?

You will have to successfully complete a minimum of TEN hours of service in the community during the semester in order to receive credit for this part of the course.  In addition, you will have to complete the Service Learning Project Paper.  The Service Learning Project Paper is worth 100 points, and it counts for 15% of the grade in the course.  This paper must be typed, double spaced, and turned in by April 23.   Late papers will accrue a 10 point penalty for each day that they are late. Also, there is a 20 point penalty for not completing all supervisory forms.  No exceptions.

 

Guidelines for Evaluating The Service-Learning Project Paper:

The "A/B" paper (100 points) contains clear, thorough responses to the items identified in the assignment.  It provides a critical analysis of the project experience. It provides evidence that the student has diligently applied ideas and theories from the course to the service learning experience.  It follows normal written conventions for good sentence construction, paragraph development and spelling. There is a clear organizational plan, meaning a well-organized introductory paragraph that indicates to your reader where you are going in your paper. Major points are developed logically and are supported with concrete, specific evidence or details that arouse the reader's interest. It is punctual.


The "C" paper (70 points) meets only the basic criteria, and those in a minimal way.It responds to the items of the assignment, but leave questions for the reader as to the facts and impressions of the writer. It needs to be proof read for spelling or mechanics.  Generally avoids both the monotony created by series of choppy, simple sentences and the incoherence caused by long, tangled sentences. Although the essay may contain a few serious grammatical errors and several mechanical errors, they are not of sufficient severity or frequency to obscure the sense of what the writer is saying. Supporting examples from the assigned reading are evident, but are generally not used adequately throughout the essay or may be inadequately developed. Writing may contain some extraneous or loosely related material.

The '"D/F"' paper (50 points) does not adequately address all of the items in the assignment. They do not provide evidence of the student’s reflective thought and they contain errors in sentence structure, paragraph development. It lacks a clear organizational plan.  It does not develop its points or develops them in a repetitious, incoherent, or illogical way.  There may be little, if any, development of supporting examples from the assigned reading. 

 

Possible Areas of Service:

AC Learning Frameworks

Adoption

Bullying prevention

Child care / intervention services

Civic engagement

Community development

Community gardens

Disaster services

Diversity and cultural awareness

Dropout prevention

Economic opportunity

Education

Environmental stewardshipHealth and wellness

Healthy futures

Historic preservation

Homeland security

Homelessness

Human rights

Hunger

Immigrants and migrant populations

Justice system

Mentoring

Mental Health

Peace

Pregnancy prevention

Substance abuse prevention

Tutoring

Veterans and military families

Violence prevention

 

Attendance

DISABILITY STATEMENT:


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

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY:


Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. It is the responsibility of the student to attend class.

 

MAKEUP POLICY:

Please review the test dates in the course schedule. If your schedule cannot accommodate these dates and times, you will need to drop this course and find a course that will work with your schedule. No exams will be given after the deadlines posted in your course schedule with the exception of a true emergency such as death in the family or serious illness. In such a case you must provide documentation from a physician or psychologist indicating that you were not able to complete the final exam.

Calendar

Dr. Alan Kee

Professor of Psychology

Amarillo College

 

Course Schedule

                                                                             

General Psychology Honors (On Campus)

Spring, 2012

MW 1:30pm - 2:45pm

 

 

Welcome to General Psychology!

 

Please read and review carefully all of the policies in the syllabus. Then, read and review carefully this course schedule.  These two documents are your roadmap to the entire course.  Also, do not hesitate to call or email me if you have any questions regarding the policies in this course.  

Active and engaged participation is critical for this class!  It makes it more fun and interesting.  What we are going to do here is devote all our time and attention to the study of psychology, it is very difficult and it needs all our attention.  Therefore, please do not text in class.  Participation is accrued over the course of the semester i.e., you receive points for showing up and being actively engaged in the discussions. 

If you are texting in the class, then it is as if you are not really present and actively participating.  I will give you a caution and you will not receive credit for participation for that day.  Similarly, do not bring laptops or ipads to class.  Like texting, people can get lost in their email, messaging, and internet and not be involved in the class and the discussion in the class.  If a student continues to break this rule, he or she will be asked to transfer to an online course. 

Participation will count as 15% of your final grade. The maximum score for participation at the end of the semester is 100.  You will receive a grade for participation at the end of the semester. You will notice that the overall grade for the course will not be accurate until the very end of the semester because your participation grade will not be included in the formula until after the final exam.

Each participation assignment will be graded as a pass or fail.  You can assume that you are passing each participation assignment unless you hear from me. If the quality of your participation assignment is low, I will email you with feedback to help get you back on track. 

The quality of your participation is based on what you bring to the course with regard to your responses and your responses to other persons responses. You will be able to determine the student who puts his or her heart into the response and discussion in contrast to the student who provides very little to the group. In addition, you will be able to see other students' connection responses (online) which will help you to improve your own responses.  

The Participation Assignment / Critical Thinking Exercises are due on the day indicated in the course schedule. You will need to bring your hard copy to class to use in your small group discussions, and you will need to post your assignment in the Discussion Forum under the appropriate chapter heading in order to receive credit.

 

This is a three hour course. An estimate of study time outside of class is 3 hours for every 1 hour in class. Therefore, you need to plan on spending at least 9 hours per week in studying for this class outside of class. 

 

Note the following authors and how they appear in the schedule:

 

Myers = Exploring Psychology (text)

 

Straub= Study Guide To Accompany Exploring Psychology 

 

Bolt = Pursuing Human Strengths: A Positive Guide (text)

 

When the assignment requires you to read an article on REBT (Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy), you can access this document by going to the Supplemental Reading folder located under the Lessons tab.

 

The most critical actionfor you to take is to carefully read and outline the assigned reading. Please read the information provided on how to prepare for exams (go to Lessons Tab to find this paper). After you complete the reading and outlining of the assigned chapter, I suggest you complete the practice exam questions provided in the Study Guide To Accompany Exploring Psychology, or the Book Companion Site for Exploring Psychology (www.worthpublishers.com/myers). 

 

Unit One

January  

Wednesday January 18:

Orientation / Introductions

Lecture on Memory & Study Skills

 

Introduction: Chapter 1 in Myers is an introduction to the science of psychology. The purpose of the chapter is to get you to think about how you think. It is common for people to accept things they read and hear in the media as the “truth” without asking how they reached such a conclusion. This chapter teaches us how to think critically about the information we receive in many different forms. The introduction in Bolt’s text provides an overview of the themes of positive psychology. 

 

Monday January 23:

Ch. 1 - Thinking Critically with Psychological Science (Myers) 

 

Appendix C: Careers in Psychology

 

 

Wednesday January 25: 

Introduction of Pursuing Human Strengths - Bolt 

 

Participation Assignment / Critical Thinking Exercise #1:

This structured discussion question is based on Introduction of Pursuing Human Strengths (Bolt).  After you take the self-assessment on entity versus incremental theory, describe which theory most relates to your personality. Give specific examples of why you see yourself more as the entity theory or incremental theory. Second, explain how you see yourself in terms of locus of control.  Do you see yourself more inclined toward external control or more toward an internal locus of control?  Are there any aspects that you would like to change about yourself in terms of entity, incremental, or locus of control? In order to post your response, go to the lessons tab, then to discussion forums, and click on the Introduction chapter by Bolt.

In order to post your response, go to the lessons tab, then to discussion forums, and click on the appropriate chapter. Your response to the question needs to be 300 - 600 words in 12 point type size. Also, remember to post your response in the discussion forum under Introduction, and bring a hard copy to class.

 

This participation assignment is due today!

 

 

Your Body: We cannot understand our psychological selves without understanding our physical selves. These chapters describe how brain activity, neurons, drugs, and hormones affect your psychological functioning.

 

Monday January 30:

Ch. 2 - The Biology of Mind (Myers)

 

 

February  

Wednesday February 1:  

Ch. 2 - The Biology of Mind / applications (Myers)  

 

Monday February 6:

Ch. 3 - Consciousness and the Two-Track Mind (pages 65-87) (Myers)

                                   

Wednesday February 8:

Ch. 3 - Consciousness and the Two-Track Mind (pages 88-100) (Myers)

 

Participation Assignment / Critical Thinking Exercise #2:

This structured discussion question is based on Chapter 3 - Consciousness and the Two-Track Mind.  You have just been assigned the task of writing an article tentatively titled "Alcohol and Alcoholism: Roots, Effects, and Prevention." What information should you include in your article?  Write a detailed response based on the information provided in your text.  In addition to integrating the information provided in your textbook, talk about your own observations/experiences with alcohol and alcoholism; how do your own observations relate to the roots, effect, and prevention?

In order to post your response, go to the lessons tab, then to discussion forums, and click on the appropriate chapter. Your response to the question needs to be 300 - 600 words in 12 point type size. Also, remember to post your response in the discussion forum under Introduction, and bring a hard copy to class.

 

This participation assignment is due today!

 

 

 

Your Mind: “I think, therefore I am,” said the philosopher Rene Descartes. This section discusses the impressive ways in which human beings think - and why they so often fail to think and reason well.

 

Monday February 13:

Ch. 9 - Thinking, & Intelligence (read only pages 291 – 301 and 313 - 334) (Myers)

 

Wednesday February 15:

Ch. 4 – Wisdom (Bolt) 

 

Participation Assignment / Critical Thinking Exercise #3:

This structured discussion question is based on Chapter 4 - Wisdom. Depending on the situation, practical intelligence requires that we do one of the following: Adapt (adjust to the environment), Shape (make the environment more compatible with ourselves), or Select (leave the environment and find a new one).  Wisdom demands that we balance adaptation, selection, and shaping.  In pursuing human strengths, Dr. Bolt talks about the importance of learning to strike an appropriate balance between knowing when to adapt and when to select a new environment.  For example, it is important to know when to stay in a marriage or romantic relationship.  You don’t leave after your first big fight in the relationship. For this homework assignment, I would like for you to reflect on a situation in which you had a difficult choice to make; you had to choose to adapt, shape, or select. Describes the situation, and describe your thoughts and feelings that related to the situation.  Describe your choice -- did you adapt, shape, or select? Looking back on the situation now, would you have made a different choice? Remember, wisdom demands that we balance a adaptation, selection, and shaping. In retrospect, did you reflect on all three options in a serious way before making your decision? 

 

In order to post your response, go to the lessons tab, then to discussion forums, and click on the appropriate chapter. Your response to the question needs to be 300 - 600 words in 12 point type size. Also, remember to post your response in the discussion forum under Introduction, and bring a hard copy to class.

 

This participation assignment is due today!

 

 

Your Study Skills: This section discusses the fascinating process of learning and memory. How do you learn? How do you study? How can you improve your own process of learning to make college a more enjoyable and successful experience? In what ways does the reading below help you become a more effective learner? Consider writing your connection on how the chapter on learning and self-control can help you in your life, for example with regard to improving your study skills or some other area of your life where you would like to gain greater self-control.

 

 

Monday February 20:  

Ch. 7 - Learning (Myers)

 

Participation Assignment / Critical Thinking Exercise #4:

I want you to be aware of one of the ways advertisers manipulate you into buying their product. Scenario: Many beer ads prominently feature attractive young women wearing bikinis. The young women naturally elicit a favorable, mildly aroused feeling in most men. The beer is simply associated with this effect. In order to better understand how the advertisers manipulate you, break down this example into the following component parts: 1) Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS), 2) Unconditioned Response (UCR), 3) Conditioned Stimulus (CS), and 4) Conditioned Response (CR). Explain how this knowledge in learning is used to get you to buy the beer. Can you describe other examples that you have observed in the media? 

In order to post your response, go to the lessons tab, then to discussion forums, and click on the appropriate chapter. Your response to the question needs to be 300 – 600 words in 12 point type size. Also, remember to post your response in the discussion forum under Introduction, and bring a hard copy to class.

 

This participation assignment is due today!

 

 

Wednesday February 22:

Ch. 3 Self-Control (Bolt) 

Participation Assignment / Critical Thinking Exercise #5:

This structured discussion question is based on Ch. 3 - Self-Control. A well-defined plan is critical in order to change a problem behavior. You need a well-structured plan and strong motivation. Your objective here is to identify one behavioryou want to change. Examples of behavioral deficits include: poor study habits, lack of assertiveness, poor time management, poor eating habits, lack of exercise, lack of public speaking skills, lack of appropriate social skills, inability to relax, lack of positive thoughts. Examples of behavioral excesses include: being overweight, smoking cigarettes, substance abuse (for example alcohol abuse), negative thoughts, use of bad language, jealousy, overuse of caffeine, procrastination, too much stress, test anxiety, poor budget management. 

After you identify one behavior you want change, write out your plan.  Remember to get specific and write out your plan for each step.  Your assignment is to include each of the following factors in your behavior change plan.

1. Set a target behavior that is realistic and measurable.

2. Identify the potential benefits of reaching your target. Also identify the costs of not reaching the target!

3. Set up a daily schedule that utilizes your favorite activities as rewards.

4. Enlist social support from family and friends who - describe how, when, where?

5. Identify the specific obstacles you're likely to encounter in reaching your target and construct strategies for overcoming them. Remember that the hardest part is minimizing the influence of immediate rewards and maximizing the impact of your rewards.

6. Use tracking (self-monitoring system) to keep you focused; describe what will your tracking system look like? What can you do to make sure you stay on track with your goal?

7. If you slip, keep trying; remember that behavioral change takes time.  4 out of 5 people experience backsliding.  It is worth the effort!

In order to post your response, go to the lessons tab, then to discussion forums, and click on the appropriate chapter. Remember, your response to the question needs to be 300 words in 12 point type size. 

 

In order to post your response, go to the lessons tab, then to discussion forums, and click on the appropriate chapter. Your response to the question needs to be 300 – 600 words in 12 point type size. Also, remember to post your response in the discussion forum under Introduction, and bring a hard copy to class.

 

This participation assignment is due today!

 

Monday February 27:

Exam 1: This exam is taken online; it is not taken in the classroom. You may take the exam anytime on this day. Exam 1 covers the material in Unit One (from January 18– February 22.)

 

 

Unit Two

Your Mental Health: At some point, many of us struggle with psychological problems, which range from everyday difficulties to incapacitating conditions. This part describes the major mental and emotional disorders and evaluates the therapies that have been designed to treat them.

 

Wednesday February 29:

Ch. 13 - Psychological Disorders (Myers)   

 

Monday March 5:

Ch. 14 – Therapy (Myers) 

 

Wednesday March 7:

Film on Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy

This day counts as a participation day. Take notes on the film; there will be several foundational questions submitted to the test generator. 

Monday March 12: 

Spring Break

 

Wednesday March 14:

Spring Break

 

Monday March 19:

Ch. 8 – Hope (Bolt)

  

Participation Assignment / Critical Thinking Exercise #6:

This structured discussion question is based on Chapter 8 - Hope. Explain how Dr. Bolt defines optimism and pessimism in terms of explanatory style.  Also, explainthe advantages of having optimism according to Dr. Bolt.  Do you believe that you tend to lean more toward optimism or pessimism?  Explain what these tendencies look like in your life.  Where do your tendencies come from? Explain your understanding of periods of pessimism in your life.  What do you think caused these episodes of pessimism? How could you increase optimism in your life?

 

In order to post your response, go to the lessons tab, then to discussion forums, and click on the appropriate chapter. Your response to the question needs to be 300 – 600 words in 12 point type size. Also, remember to post your response in the discussion forum under Introduction, and bring a hard copy to class.

 

This participation assignment is due today!

 

 

 

Your Life: A satisfying life depends on having healthy emotions, coping well with stress, and knowing how to reach your goals. In these chapters, we see how personality, body, mind, and environment affect your emotional health. In what ways do the readings below help you better manage the stress in your life?

 

Wednesday March 21:

Lecture on Cognitive Behavior psychotherapy

 

Monday March 26: 

REBT Article: Emotional Disturbance & Its Treatment in a Nutshell

 

REBT Article: Toward an Egoless State of Being

 

REBT Article: Overcoming Self-Esteem

 

(Note: go under Lessons Tab to find Supplemental Readings. These articles are in Supplemental Readings.)

 

Participation Assignment / Critical Thinking Exercise #7:

For this participation assignment, post one Connection Responsethat relates to the following articles: Toward an Egoless State of Beingand/or Overcoming Self-Esteem. You will need to go to the syllabus for instructions on how to write a Connection Response.

 

In order to post your response, go to the lessons tab, then to discussion forums, and click on the appropriate chapter. Your response to the question needs to be 300 – 600 words in 12 point type size. Also, remember to post your response in the discussion forum under Introduction, and bring a hard copy to class.

 

This participation assignment is due today!

 

 

Wednesday March 28: 

Film on Cognitive-Behavior Psychotherapy

 

 

April

Monday April 2: 

Ch. 11 - Emotions, Stress, & Health (Myers)

 

Participation Assignment / Critical Thinking Exercise #8:

For this participation assignment, post one Connection Responsefor Ch. 11 - Emotions, Stress, & Health (Myers). You will need to go to the syllabus for instructions on how to write a Connection Response.

 

In order to post your response, go to the lessons tab, then to discussion forums, and click on the appropriate chapter. Your response to the question needs to be 300 – 600 words in 12 point type size. Also, remember to post your response in the discussion forum under Introduction, and bring a hard copy to class.

 

This participation assignment is due today!

 

 

Wednesday April 4: 

Ch. 6 – Happiness (Bolt)

 

Participation Assignment / Critical Thinking Exercise #9:

For this participation assignment, post one Connection Responsefor Ch. 11 - Emotions, Stress, & Health (Myers). You will need to go to the syllabus for instructions on how to write a Connection Response.

 

In order to post your response, go to the lessons tab, then to discussion forums, and click on the appropriate chapter. Your response to the question needs to be 300 – 600 words in 12 point type size. Also, remember to post your response in the discussion forum under Introduction, and bring a hard copy to class.

 

This participation assignment is due today!

 

 

Monday April 9:

Exam 2:This exam is taken online; it is not taken in the classroom. You may take the exam anytime on this day. Exam 2 covers the material in Unit Two (from February 29– April 4.)

 

 

Unit Three

Your Self: At the heart of psychology lies a question: What is a person? This section shows how psychologists from three perspectives address this question. What traits define personality, and where do they come from? What milestones occur on the way to becoming a person?

 

 

Wednesday April 11:

Ch. 5 - Developing Through the Life Span (pages 137-161) (Myers)

 

Participation Assignment / Critical Thinking Exercise #10:

In today’s lesson we are looking development from birth through adolescence.  Your assignment for today is to 1) write a response to one of the four structured discussion questions below, and 2) reflect on the other three questions and be ready to discuss them in the group.

 

In order to post your response, go to the lessons tab, then to discussion forums, and click on the appropriate chapter. Your response to the question needs to be 300 – 600 words in 12 point type size. Also, remember to post your response in the discussion forum under Introduction, and bring a hard copy to class.

 

This participation assignment is due today!

 

Question 1: How would you explain the parenting style your parents used in raising you? Were they highly restrictive, permissive, or more democratic? In what ways has their approach affected your self-esteem? If you are a parent, do you parent in the same way or differently?

 

Question 2: When there is a divorce in a family or the death of a parent or sibling or a major move to a new home, people say of a young child, "Oh, she's young, she'll adjust" or "He's young, he's flexible." Do you think this is an accurate appraisal of young children's emotional capabilities? 

 

Question 3: On a scale of 1 to 5 (with 1 being "no impact" and 5 being "most significant"), rate your mother's impact on your becoming who you are as an adult. Now do the same for your father. Is one parent becoming more influential as you get older?

 

Question 4: When you were an adolescent, who had the most influence on how you saw the world and yourself? Was it your parents, your peers, or a best friend? Who has had the most lasting influence? 

 

 

Monday April 16: 

Ch. 5 - Developing Through the Lifespan (pages 162-175) (Myers)

 

Participation Assignment / Critical Thinking Exercise #11:

In today’s lesson we are looking development from adulthood through later life.  Your assignment for today is to 1) write a response to one of the four structured discussion question below, and 2) reflect on the other three questions and be ready to discuss them in the group.

 

In order to post your response, go to the lessons tab, then to discussion forums, and click on the appropriate chapter. Your response to the question needs to be 300 – 600 words in 12 point type size. Also, remember to post your response in the discussion forum under Introduction, and bring a hard copy to class.

 

This participation assignment is due today!

 

Question 1: Talk to three people you would expect to have contrasting views on love and marriage (differences in age, gender, upbringing, experience, and religion might affect attitudes). Ask each the same questions and then compare their answers. 

 

Question 2: Vocational identity is fluid in early adulthood. Talk with several people over age 30 about their work history. Are they doing what they expected when they were younger? Are they settled in their vocation and job? Pay attention to their age when they decided on their jobs. Was age 25 a turning point?

Question 3: If, starting tomorrow, you could no longer work, attend school, or have any family or close friends, and you did not know how many more years you had to live -- what would you do or think about? How do you think you might feel about living a life "in limbo," away from the mainstream of life?

 

Question 4: If death is a natural part of life -- it's a natural progression of life, birth, growth, maturity, aging, and death -- then why do so many people regard death as bad? Also, would you fill out a do-not-resuscitate order or living will for yourself? Why or why not?

 

 

Wednesday April 18: 

Ch. 1: Love (Bolt) 

 

REBT: How to Stop Being A Love Slob

 

REBT: Self-Interest and Assertion

 

(Note: go under Lessons Tab to find REBT Supplemental Readings. These articles are in Supplemental Readings.)

 

Participation Assignment / Critical Thinking Exercise #12:

This structured discussion question is based on Ch. 1: Love (Bolt), REBT: How to Stop Being A Love Slob, and REBT: Self-Interest and Assertion. What do you look for in a mate?  Do you observe differences in what men and women look for in a mate? Also, do you see any "love-slob" in your personality? Or, are you the other extreme in that you are fiercely independent, keeping yourself at a distance in your close/romantic relationships? Finally, do you see yourself as assertive in your relationships with people in your work and in your personal life? Or, do you tend to allow people to take advantage of you too much? Are there aspects in these areas you would like to change?

 

In order to post your response, go to the lessons tab, then to discussion forums, and click on the appropriate chapter. Your response to the question needs to be 300 – 600 words in 12 point type size. Also, remember to post your response in the discussion forum under Introduction, and bring a hard copy to class.

 

This participation assignment is due today!

 

 

Monday April 23: 

Ch. 10 - Motivation (Myers) Read only pp.339-342 and pp.357-373.

 

Participation Assignment / Critical Thinking Exercise #13:

For this participation assignment, post one Connection Responsethat relates to the following chapter: Ch. 10 - Motivation (Myers) Read only pp.339-342 and pp.357-373.

You will need to go to the syllabus for instructions on how to write a Connection Response.

 

In order to post your response, go to the lessons tab, then to discussion forums, and click on the appropriate chapter. Your response to the question needs to be 300 – 600 words in 12 point type size. Also, remember to post your response in the discussion forum under Introduction, and bring a hard copy to class.

 

This participation assignment is due today!

 

 

 

Your Environment: Even unsociable hermits are influenced by their surroundings and by other people. In this section you will learn how physical and social environments - from the immediate situation to the larger cultural context - affect your actions and attitudes. 

 

 

Wednesday April 25:

Ch. 15 - Social Psychology (Myers)

 

Participation Assignment / Critical Thinking Exercise #14:

 

This structured discussion question is based on Ch. 15 - Social Psychology (Myers) and the following scenario:

 

Research indicates that most terrorists are not Muslim and that the vast majority of Islamic people has no connection with and do not sympathize with terrorism. Yet many people continue to believe that practically all Islamic people are likely terrorists. Your task in this assignment is to pretend that you are a social psychologist, and your job is to 1) educate Americans with regard to explaining how prejudice develops; also give a personal example of prejudice that you have observed, and 2) develop a comprehensive plan that will help decrease prejudice in the United States. Your job is to integrate at least five concepts from Chapter 15 into your comprehensive plan to help eradicate prejudice.  In addition, talk about several of your own ideas that you would incorporate into your plan to decrease prejudice.

 

In order to post your response, go to the lessons tab, then to discussion forums, and click on the appropriate chapter. Your response to the question needs to be 300 - 600 words in 12 point type size. Also, remember to post your response in the discussion forum under Introduction, and bring a hard copy to class.

 

This participation assignment is due today!

 

 

 

Monday April 30:

Service Learning Projects

 

May

Wednesday May 2:  

Service Learning Projects

 

 

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