General Psychology Syllabus for 2013-2014
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Instructor Information

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.

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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-2301-019 General Psychology

Prerequisites

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

Course Description

General Psychology is a survey of the major psychological topics, theories and approaches to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ Required: Psychsmart, 2nd Edition, McGraw Hill Publishers, ISBN: 0-07-803528-7

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\ Used textbooks are acceptable for this class. 

Supplies

\ You will need access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection and Microsoft Office software.  Open computer labs are available.

Student Performance

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\ Upon completion of this course, it is anticipated that the student will acquire an understanding for 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

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

\ ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:

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\ A responsible student is a successful student. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a mature and responsible manner, respect the opinions, rights, and personal property of others, and meet their financial obligations. Students are responsible for seeking help and guidance from all of the resources that the college makes available to them. They are expected to be proactive and remain informed about college dates and deadlines and understand academic and disciplinary policies. They are responsible for communication with their professors, advisors, and college staff and the commitment to being organized and prepared to learn. Above all, our students are expected to strive for honesty and academic integrity throughout their period of study.

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\ In order to provide a learning process and academic environment that permits you to pursue your educational goals, it is essential for all faculty, students, and staff to maintain academic integrity. You are expected to exhibit academic honesty in this and every class. Academic dishonesty includes cheating, plagiarism, and aiding or abetting others to cheat or plagiarize.

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\ It is expected that each student will do his/her own work. Assisting a student while he/she is taking an online exam is cheating. Not only could you be reprimanded, but you are cheapening your own education.

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\ 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 classroom.  There will be zero tolerance for any type of harassment or disrespect.

Grading Criteria

GRADING:

Grades for this course will be based on the highest scores of four of five exams and attendance/participation. Your final grade consists of the following:

4 (highest of 5) Examinations	80%	(100 points each) 400 total points
Attendance/Participation	20%	100 total points
		500 total points/5 = 100%

EXAMINATIONS:

1. There will be five multiple choice examinations.  Each exam will consist of 50 multiple choice questions and will be worth 100 total points.  The lowest exam score is automatically dropped.  Therefore, if you are happy with your scores on Exam 1, Exam 2, Exam 3, and Exam 4, then you have the option to not take Exam 5.  75% or 400 points of your final total points in the course will be based on your examination scores. 

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. All exams will be taken in AC Connect/Blackboard.  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.  

4. You will be given 90 minutes (1.5 hours) in which to complete each exam.

5. 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 indicating that you were not able to complete the exam.

ATTENDANCE/PARTICIPATION:

Attendance will be taken each class meeting.  Attendance and active participation in class will account for 25% of your final score or 100 total points.

FINAL GRADES:

            A = 90-100

            B = 80-89

            C = 70-79

            D = 60-69

            F = 0-59

 

 

Attendance

 

Calendar

Additional Information

If you experience technical difficulty with AC Connect/Blackboard, please contact the Helpdesk at 806.371.5000 or email them at askac@actx.edu.

WITHDRAWING FROM THE COURSE:

You are responsible for being knowledgeable and cognizant of important college dates and for withdrawing yourself from the course by the set deadline if you are unable to complete a course or courses for which you have registered.  Please refer to http://catalog.actx.edu/content.php?catoid=12&navoid=433#fall_term_2008 for important dates and deadlines.