General Psychology Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Instructor Information

Office Location

Office Hours

Contact me at the number above and we will set up an appointment.

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

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Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

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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-2301-018 General Psychology

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: 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

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ Myers, David G.  Exploring Psychology: An Exploration  8th Edition

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Supplies

\ Paper, pen/pencil and book required.

Student Performance

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\ Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

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\ 1. Identify various research methods and their characteristics used int he scientfic study of psychology.

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\ 2. Describe the historical influences and early schools of thought that shaped the field of psychology.

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\ 3. Describe some of the prominent perspectives and appraoches used in the study of psychology.

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\ 4. Use terminology unique to the study of psychology.

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\ 5. Describe accepted approaches and standards in pscyhological assessment and evaluation.

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\ 6. Identify factors in physiological and psychological processes involved in human behavior.

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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

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\ Each student is expected to follow the guidelines in the AC Students Rights and Responsibilities documents. 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 based on gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious ideals.

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Grading Criteria

There will be a total of 4 exams in this course and one assignment. Dates of exams are located in the course outline. Due to weather and unexpected events, dates of the tests may change and will be communicated during class. 

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

Any missed exams MUST be made up the last two weeks of class (after exam 3). Testing times for makeups will be announced. YOU MUST NOTIFY YOUR INSTRUCTOR IF YOU MUST MISS AN EXAM.
Assignment: ACConnect consists of 10 multiple choice questions and a 400-600 word essay. The grading rubric for the essay is included below. 
Evaluation 1 includes Chapters 1, 2, 3, and participation in class during the sessions in which the material is discussed.
Evaluation 2 includes Chapters 4, 5, 7, and participation in class during the session in which the material is discussed.
Evaluation 3 includes Chapters 8,9,10,11 and participation in class during the session in which the material is discussed.
Evaluation 4 includes Chapters 12,13,14 and participation in class during the session in which the material is discussed.

Rubric Detail

 

Levels of Achievement

Criteria

Exceeds Expectations

Meets Expectations

Needs Improvement

Does Not Meet Expectations

Knowledge

20 Points

Reflects knowledge gained through research of website and reflects on own experiences and  personal knowledge of the subject making sure to answer every part of the question presented

16 Points

Reflects using minimal information form website source and most from personal knowledge and experience making sure to answer all parts of the question presented.

 

12 Points

Reflects only using personal knowledge and nothing from website source

Answer most of the questions presented.

9 Points

Reflects only on using knowledge and doesn’t not answer all the question presented.

Organization

20 Points

Information is clearly organized.

16 Points

Information is semi-organized.

12 Points

Information is loosely organized.

 

9 Points

Information is present, but very difficult to understand due to poor organization.

Mechanics

10 Points

Proper grammar and spelling used throughout written and oral work.

7 Points

Proper grammar and spelling used throughout written and oral work with minimal errors.

 

5 Points

Proper grammar and spelling used throughout written and oral work with major errors.

3 Points

Very poor grammar and spelling used through written and oral work.

 

 

 

Attendance

Students are expected to attend class, to participate in class and to prepare for class lectures and discussions by reading the text prior to the lecture. Students must turn off all electronic devices (if you have a sick child, you may bring your phone and put it on vibrate). If you must miss a class, you are expected to contact the instructor and/or other students in the class to obtain missing assignments, lecture notes, etc.

Calendar

\ There will be a total of 4 exams in this course.

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\ The final exam is required.

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\ Course outline will be handed out in class.

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\ Week One: Thinking Critiacally with Psychological Science

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\ Week Two: The Biology of the Mind

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\ Week Three: Cosciousness and the Two-Track Mind

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\ Week Four:  Nature, Nurture and Human Diversity - Test 1 Review

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\ Week Five: Developing through the Life Span

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\ Week Six: Learning

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\ Week Seven: Memory

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\ Week Eight : Thinking, Language and Intelligence - Test 2 review

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\ Week Nine: Motiation

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\ Week Ten: Emotions, Stress and Health

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\ Week Eleven: Personality - Test 3 review

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\ Week Twelve: Psychological Disorders

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\ Week Thirteen: Therapy 

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\ Week Fourteen: Social Psychology - Final exam review

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\ Final Exam

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Additional Information

\ The Instructor reserves the right to change the syllabus and/or calendar if necessary.

Syllabus Created on:

11/30/-1 12:00 AM

Last Edited on:

11/30/-1 12:00 AM