General Psychology Syllabus for 2014-2015
Return to Syllabus List

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.

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-2301-008 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

\N

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

TEXTBOOKS

PSYCHSMART, 2nd edition (2013) MCGRAW HILL PUBLISHER (this is an edited book so you will not see an author's name on the cover).  448 pages - ISBN 978-0-07-803528-9

This instructor makes her own study guides for all exams SO YOU DO NOT NEED TO PURCHASE AN ACCESS CODE OR A NEW TEXTBOOK. If you can get this edition USED, DO SO! Our bookstore will have used copies for you. IT IS THE STUDENT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO PRINT OFF STUDY GUIDES AVAILABLE IN YOUR AC ONLINE CLASS.  IF YOU NEED HELP ACCESSING AC ONLINE, GO TO THE 2ND FLOOR OF THE LIBRARY AND THEY WILL GET YOU SET UP.

You will have all EXAMS, ASSIGNMENTS and EXAM STUDY GUIDES posted in your AC ONLINE CLASSROOM for this course.  IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO GET ALL ASSIGNMENTS, STUDY GUIDES, AND, IF YOU LIKE, THE POWER POINT NOTES  (Power point NOTES ARE OPTIONAL, however, the EXAMS, STUDY GUIDES, and ASSIGNMENTS ARE REQUIRED!). If you do not have your OWN COMPUTER in order to access AC ONLINE, be sure and familiarize yourself with the computers available to you at the AC Library.  

Supplies

STUDENT SUPPLIES AND RESOURCES

HELP WITH YOUR WRITING:

• WRITER's CORNER:  If y

  Student Performance

  COURSE OBJECTIVES:

  \

  STUDENT PERFORMANCE AND LEARNING OUTCOMES for PSYC 2301:  These are the MINIMUM COMPETENCIES.  After studying the material presented in this course, the student will be able to do the following as evaluted by the faculty in the department/program:

  \ \
  \
  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

  Students are expected to engage in appropriate "netiquette" within the ONLINE PORTION OF THIS CLASS, and to engage in civil behaviors in the classroom portion of this course.  Inappropriate behaviors, such as swearing, discussion of inappropriate issues NOT related to the courseroom material, or any type of intolerance or rudeness to other learners will not be tolerated and may result in failing the class, or dismissal from Amarillo College. Treat others as you like to be treated and everything should be fine!

  Now, having said that, please remember that this is an COLLEGE LEVEL COURSE, and we will be discussing controversial issues in an ADULT MANNER!  You are expected to act like an adult in these discussions and realize that others may think and feel differently than you on a host of issues related to sociology!  Diversity is a GREAT THING and to be APPRECIATED in this instructors opinion.  If you find something offensive that is said by another student OR your instructor, please don't hesitate to contact me and discuss this with me.  However, it's important to remember that this course is not designed to CONFIRM YOUR OWN POLITICAL or RELIGIOUS BELIEFS, but rather to get you to think about sociology, society, and people in a bigger way than you may have already been exposed to. IN THAT, YOU MAY FIND YOURSELF UNCOMFORTABLE AT TIMES, AS YOU ARE BEING REQUIRED TO STRETCH OUTSIDE OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE! This is a part of what it means to get an education!  Obviously, learning to see the world in a different light is the goal of this course! 

  If you have a complaint about this course, please contact me first.  If you are uncomfortable doing that, you may contact my supervisor, Dr. Alan Kee at DUTTON HALL 202N or call him at 371-5183 or email him at jakee@actx.edu. He will be happy to address your concerns if you are not comfortable talking with me about it.

  If you have a concern that something you want to write would offend others in the courseroom, run it by me first. Simply contact me via the courseroom email. As well, if you are aware of any student being mistreated or harrassed in this course (including yourself), please bring it to my immediate attention.  We have zero tolerance for any student being mistreated here at Amarillo College. This will be a SAFE place for the expression of ideas and exchanges! Remember, you are an adult and differences of opinion and beliefs, and ideas is a critical part of adult education!   Thanks! Dr. Harding  

  Grading Criteria

  GRADING CRITERIA:

  YOU CAN SEE YOUR GRADES FOR THIS COURSE AT ALL TIMES BY GOING TO THE COURSE HOMEPAGE, AND NEXT TO THE SYLLABUS LINK, BELOW THE ANNOUNCEMENTS, YOU WILL SEE A SECTION THAT SAYS "ABOUT THIS COURSE: CLICK HERE TO SEE YOUR GRADES".  iF YOU THINK THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH YOUR GRADE, PLEASE LET ME KNOW IMMEDIATELY, SO WE CAN GET IT CORRECTED RIGHT AWAY! THANKS!

  Your final grade for this course will be based on the standard grading percentages:

  • 89.45 - 100 = A
  • 79.45 - 89.44 = B
  • 69.45 - 79.44 = C
  • 49.45 - 69.44 = D
  • Below 49.5 - F

  Your final grade is based on the following items:

  EXAMS: We have four units and four exams.  Exam 1, 2 and 3 are worth 100 points each and YOU MAY DROP YOUR LOWEST EXAM from EXAMS 1, 2 or 3.  Your last exam, EXAM 4 is also worth 100 points BUT YOU ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE IT.   You will have a couple of REVIEW questions over the MAIN and MOST important questions in the class.  MOST OF THE QUESTIONS on EXAM 4 are from the UNIT 4 material.  NOTE:  YOU SHOULD PLAN on TAKING ALL FOUR OF YOUR EXAMS in order to maximize your grade.   EXAMS ARE OPEN FOR ONE FULL WEEK, SO I USUALLY DO NOT ALLOW PEOPLE TO MAKE UP A MISSED EXAM, EXCEPT IN THE MOST UNUSUAL OF CIRCUMSTANCES!  See me if this is the case. YOU MAY NOT DROP YOUR LAST EXAM (EXAM 4),but if you miss either exam 1, 2 or 3 that zero for that missed exam will be your dropped score. Your total number of exam points = 300 pts and counts as about 70% of your total grade).

  INTRODUCE YOURSELF AND UNIT DISCUSSIONS:  To begin the class, you will be asked to introduce yourself in the UNIT 1 DISCUSSION , and you will need to watch a film first in order to participate in the discussion (as with Unit 1..,.you will need to watch the SECRETS OF THE WILD CHILD film first!).  As well, the discussions are connected to the textbook readings over Nature Nurture. For the Unit 4 DISCUSSION, you will watch a film online called THE HUMAN BEHAVIOR EXPERIMENTS.   The two UNIT DISCUSSIONS are worth 20 points each for a total of 40 points  =  worth about 12% of your final grade.

  SYLLABUS QUIZ: You will be asked to read through your online syllabus and to print it off. After you do that, you will need to take the 10 point ONLINE SYLLABUS QUIZ.  You are not considered as registered in this class until you have read the syllabus and taken that quiz. The syllabus quiz is worth 10 points or about 2% of your final grade.

  LABS and QUIZZES: We will have 3 LABS and TWO QUIZZES for you to complete this semester.  The first two of these labs, including the SCIENCE LAB in UNIT 1 and the LEARNING LAB in UNIT 2 will be followed by a QUIZ that you will take for 10 points credit.  You will complete the labs and then submit them to the drop box. The ANSWER SHEET will be open for you to view AFTER the DUE DATE OF THE LAB.  Be sure you compare your labs to the answer sheet to prepare for the SCIENCE and LEARNING QUIZZES. The third LAB should be considered your FINAL PROJECT and it looks at your PERSONALITY type, your motivations and passions in life, along with your style of stress management to determine some CAREER PATHS FOR YOU.  THE PERSONALITY AND CAREER LAB will be turned in to the ONLINE DROP BOX and will be graded for a total of 30 points. The three labs are worth a total of 70 points, about 13% of your total grade.

  EXTRA CREDIT: Finally, you will have the following EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY:SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY COURSE PROJEcT = will be up to 30 possible points.   Total = 30 possible extra credit points! You are not required to participate in the extra credit opportunity! It's up to you.

  THE TOTAL NUMBER OF POINTS FOR THIS CLASS INCLUDE:

  3 Exams (Exams 1, 2 and 3)  100 points each with dropping the lowest score = Total: 200 points

  1 Exam (Exam 4 REQUIRED)  = 100 points Total

   2 class discussions (20 pts each)  = 40 points

  Labs and Quizzes: (Science Lab & Quiz, Learning Lab and Quiz, (10 points for each lab and 10 points for each quiz ) Personality & Your Career (30 points) = 70 points Total

  Syllabus Quiz = 10 points

  And a possibility of 30 Extra Credit points We will also have a possibility for you to earn 30 EXTRA CREDIT POINTS by participating in a COMMUNITY GOOD PROJECT

  TOTAL 420 points possible in total (PLUS up to 30 extra credit points)

  Attendance

  STUDENT ATTENDANCE:

  "90% of Success is SHOWING UP":  While it may be tempting to ONLY CHECK INTO YOUR ONLINE CLASSES ONCE A WEEK, know that the #1 factor linked with good grades and SUCCESS IN ONLINE LEARNING is FREQUENT class attendance (Yes...it's just the same as the #1 factor in ON CAMPUS COURSES...BEING INVOLVED AND ENGAGED HELPS YOU SUCCEED!). If you haven't taken an online class, be sure you use the STUDENT TOOLS and HELP WITH BLACKBOARD tutorials, and you can call the AC HELPDESK at 371-5000, as well as get help in the LIBRARY on WASHINGTON STREET in the TLTC on the 1st floor and with the staff on the 4th floor!  We want you to do great in your online class, so please LET US HELP YOU! If we don't know your difficulties, we cannot be of service!  Also, call me if you want some help!  The best way to get me is on my cellphone....see my contact hours below!   ~THANKS! DR. HARDING

  Calendar

  CALENDAR FOR GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY 2301: ONLINE SUMMER 2015:

  WHAT IS DUE WHEN CHECKLIST: PRINT OFF AND KEEP BY YOUR COMPUTER:

   Check off items as you complete them! Keep Track of your work!

  NOTE: You must take EXAM 4 for this course.  Failure to complete this exam by the DUE DATE will result in a 0 on the exam.  However, you can DROP either exam 1, 2 or 3 as a low grade. Again, you must take exam 4.  

  Also, you may work ahead in this course.  On the first day of class, Units 1 and 2 will be open for those early birds! However, all assignments have closing dates and you may not turn in LATE WORK past those dates! Please be sure you pay attention to the timeline and due dates for this course. See below!

  • Introduction:  FIRST THINGS TO DO!
    • SYLLABUS QUIZ REQUIRED:  Review your online syllabus, print it off and then take Syllabus Quiz is Due NOT LATER THAN THURSDAY, JUNE 11th by 11:55 pm: Failure to read syllabus & take quiz may result in LOSS OF FINANCIAL AID!

  ​

  • Unit 1: Open Monday, JUNE 8th: Covers chapters 1, 2 and 4, the REQUIRED SCIENCE LAB and QUIZ, and the WILD CHILD FILM & Nature-Nurture video along with Unit 1 DISCUSSION. 
    • Read chapters 1, 2 and 4 and fill out study guide. Watch required videos and do discussion.
    • UNIT 1 INTRODUCTION and DISCUSSION: In your discussion, start by giving us an introduction about you and your interest in this class, your academic goals, family, hobbies and anything you would like us to know! THEN, Read chapter 1 about Nature and Nurture, pg 14, Watch SECRETS OF THE WILD CHILD film online and the short video on nature vs nurture. RESPOND TO ALL QUESTIONS in the DISCUSSION and EDIT YOUR WORK CAREFULLY.  This is considered a COLLEGE LEVEL ESSAY! Do not use texting language, use complete sentences and paragraphs Again, this is college level work and not a TEXT MESSAGE TO YOUR FRIENDS! You will be graded on your thoughts, grammar, spelling, and adding something of value to the class discussion!  BE SURE YOU answer all questions regarding the Wild Child film and your example of nature vs nurture. Then, for full credit, respond to at LEAST ONE OTHER STUDENT's post in a substantive way.  Responses like "Good job" or "I agree" are not going to get you credit! Again, add value to the discussion!  Due SUNDAY, JUNE 14th by 11:55 pm.
    • SCIENCE LAB and QUIZ:  Read Ch 1 on science & research, watch short video on science and read the lecture and  go over WHY WE NEED SCIENCE POWERPOINT NOTES. Then, Do the REQUIRED Science Lab and type in your answers on the ANSWER SHEET. SAVE LAB ANSWER SHEET to your computer as WORD or RICH TEXT FORMAT file.   UPLOAD YOUR REQUIRED LAB ANSWER SHEET in the SCIENCE LAB DROP BOX for your grade.  This is due THURSDAY, JUNE 18th in the DROP BOX by 11:55 pm.
    • As soon as the DROP BOX CLOSES on the science lab on THURSDAY, June 18th at 11:55 pm, YOUR ANSWER SHEET for the LAB will open, so you can study it for the SCIENCE QUIZ.  Take Science Quiz no later than SUNDAY, JUNE 21st by 11:55 pm.  NOTE: This lab and quiz is required by the STATE OF TEXAS.  YOU MUST COMPLETE THIS LAB and QUIZ!
    • UNIT 1 EXAM over chapters 1, 2 and 4, films and review questions over the SCIENCE LAB: Due TUESDAY, JUNE 23rd by 11: 55 pm. This exam is required and may not be dropped or missed!

   

  • Unit 2: Covers chapters 3, 5 and 6 along with the LEARNING LAB and QUIZ.
    • Read chapters 3, 5 and 6.  Open the Learning Lab and save it to your computer to type in your answers. Fill out Unit 2 Exam study guide!
    • LEARNING LAB & QUIZ: After you read Ch 5, Watch the videos, go over the study notes, and review the LEARNING LAB HANDOUT, then complete the Learning Lab.  SUBMIT IT IN THE DROP BOX BY TUESDAY, JUNE 30th for 10 points.  THE ANSWER SHEET WILL OPEN TUESDAY, JUNE 30th by 11:55 pm and you may use it to correct your work and study for the quiz.
    • Take the 10 point LEARNING QUIZ to prepare for Exam 1: Due THURSDAY, JULY 2nd by 11:55 pm.
    • UNIT 2 EXAM on Chapters 3, 5 and 6 & Learning Lab: Due MONDAY JULY 6th  by 11:55 pm. (This gives you the weekend off for the holiday)

   

  • Unit 3: Covers chapters 8, 9, 10, 11 and CAREER LAB.
    • Read Chapters 8, 9, 10 and 11 and watch all REQUIRED videos, and the 1 hour film on LOVE AND LOGIC PARENTING.  Fill out study guide.
    • UNIT 3 CAREER LAB: Read Chapters 8, 9, 10 and 11. TAKE THE MYERS BRIGGS PERSONALITY TEST.  DO UNIT 3 Lab over Personality and Career: Who are you and What do you Want to Be?  YOUR WELL WRITTEN AND WELL EDITED PAPER is Due in the DROP BOX by SUNDAY, JULY 19th 11:55 pm for grading
    • UNIT 3 EXAM over Chapters 8, 9, 10 and 11 and all required films and Career Lab: Due TUESDAY, JULY 21st by 11:55 pm

   

  • Unit 4: Covers chapters 12 Part 1 and 2, and 13, along with Human Behavior Experiments film.
    • Read Chapters 12 Part 1 over Abnormal Psychology and Part 2 over Therapy, and 13. Print out all REQUIRED HANDOUTS and WATCH ALL REQUIRED VIDEOS.  Fill out study guide for exam.
    • NOTE: You will have the chance to participate in the EXTRA CREDIT RAFFLE TICKETS drive to raise money for Amarillo College study scholarships.  Your tickets and monies are due to me (or to our assistant in the BEHAVIORAL STUDIES OFFICE, Promise Garrison, NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, July 29th if you want up to 30 points of extra credit! Last day to get them to me! 
    • REQUIRED UNIT 4 DISCUSSION: Watch Required Videos for Ch 13 and do UNIT 4 Discussion: Discuss Conformity, Obedience and Speaking Out.  Due TUESDAY, JULY 28th by 11:55 pm. There will be questions on the exam over the film. NOTE: Again, this is a college level essay!  Respond to one other student, along with editing your work!
    • UNIT 4 EXAM is required. NO EXCEPTIONS!!!  This exam is over Chapters 12 and 13 including all handouts, required videos and a few basic COMPREHENSIVE QUESTIONS over major concepts in class.  Due THURSDAY, JULY 30th by 12:00 pm NOON. Final grades will be posted by midnight.
  •  

  Additional Information

  HOW TO VIEW COMMENTS AND RUBRICS FOR YOUR PAPER AND DISCUSSIONS:

    In order to see your instructor's comments on your work (such as your discussions and your paper), GO TO "MY GRADES" tab in the menu to the left of your BLACKBOARD CLASSROOM SCREEN.  Find the item you want to look at in the LIST (they are not necessarily in order...sorry!).  Click on that and you will see a place that says RUBRIC and COMMENTS.  Click on comments to see anything your instructor has said, and click on RUBRIC to view the rubric grading system and how your instructor graded you.  PLEASE...this instructor SPENDS A LOT OF TIME to give you CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK...USE IT and make corrections accordingly! If you keep making the same error time and again, YOUR GRADES WILL CONTINUE TO GO DOWN!  I expect you to USE THE FEEDBACK I GIVE YOU TO BECOME A BETTER STUDENT and to IMPROVE IN YOUR SCHOOL WORK!

  Note: Any work that is turned in to this instructor MUST BE STAPLED!  I do not accept unstapled pages nor do I accept work that is paper-clipped or corners folded over. IT MUST BE STAPLED TOGETHER (for example, your study guides must be stapled!).  DO NOT TURN IN WORK THAT IS UNSTAPLED.  I SUGGEST YOU INVEST IN A TINY TOT STAPLER IN ORDER TO MEET THIS REQUIREMENT!

  Syllabus Created on:

  11/30/-1 12:00 AM

  Last Edited on:

  11/30/-1 12:00 AM