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-2301-007 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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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ Required: Psychsmart, 1st Edition

\                    McGraw Hill Publishers,ISBN 9780078035234

\ Used textbooks are acceptable for this class. 

Supplies

You will need access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection and Microsoft Office software. You must be able to save your files in a .doc or .docx  or .rtf format. It is more convenien

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

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

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: It is expected that each online student will do their own work. Assisting a student while they are taking an online exam is cheating - don't do it and don't let others help you! Not only could you be caught (and the methods of catching cheaters are becoming more sophisticated daily) but you are cheapening your own education. The only purpose of grading this course (in this instructor's opinion) is to show your level of understanding the material. Education is your investment in YOURSELF - why would you want to cheat yourself?

Each student is expected to follow the guidelines in the AC Student Rights & Responsibilities document.  All students are expected to be tolerant and respectful of other students in the online classroom.  There will be zero tolerance for any type of harassment or disrespect based on gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious ideals.

Grading Criteria

You will be awarded points for exams and participation as follows:

Maximum Exam Points: 350

Maximum Participation Points: 80

Total Maximum Points for this Course: 430

Grading will be as follows:

Grade of A = 387 to 430 points

Grade of B = 344 to 386  points

Grade of C = 301 to 343 points

Grade of D = 258 to 300 points

Grade of F = Less than 258 points

Late assignments, discussion postings and exams will not be accepted. Work submitted after the deadline will receive the grade of zero(0). No make-up exams will be given - exams are open for several days and must be completed by due date. 

Attendance

Students are expected to attend all classes in which they are enrolled. For an online class, that means "attending" to your email, discussion groups, assignments and tests on time as stated in the Course Outline. Regular attendance for online classes means checking email at least every two or three days. If you miss two assignments or do not take one of the exams you will be in jeopardy of failing this class. You absolutely MUST communicate with me about any events that would necessitate you missing course due dates.

Calendar

Additional Information

None

If you experience difficulty in logging in to AC Online, please contact the Helpdesk at 806.371.5000 or email them at askac@actx.edu