General Psychology Syllabus for 2015-2016
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Instructor Information
Instructor
Diana Rudolph (Curriculum Vitae)Phone
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Office Hours
Course Information
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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-2301-018 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
Online Course
Syllabus Information
Textbooks
The web support for your textbook (Exploring Psychology, with updates for DSM-5, 9th ed.) is open for student registration. Use of these materials is optional but they are a great help in understanding the text material. At a minimum, you might want to take advantage of the 21 day free trial period. Of course if you bought a book with the necessary code, you can use the materials throughout the course.
To register for the online materials, called LaunchPad, go to:
http://www.macmillanhighered.com/launchpad/exploring9edsm5/3392328
PLEASE bookmark the page to make it easy to return to.
You have three options to enroll in LaunchPad: you can purchase direct access, you can buy an access code, or you can get free 21 day access while deciding. Your registration options are explained here.
To navigate and start using LaunchPad please consult the Get Started guide and/or view this video.
If you have problems registering, purchasing, or logging in, please contact Customer Support. You can reach a representative 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
- through the online form
- by chat
Or by phone at (800) 936-6899:
- Monday through Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.
- Friday 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Supplies
Print this syllabus
Student Performance
\ Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
\\ 1. Identify various research methods and their characteristics used in the scientific study of psychology.
\\ 2. Describe the historical influences and early schools of thought that shaped the field of psychology.
\\ 3. Describe some of the prominent perspectives and approaches used in the study of psychology.
\\ 4. Use terminology unique to the study of psychology.
\\ 5. Describe accepted approaches and standards in psychological assessment and evaluation.
\\ 6. Identify factors in physiological and psychological processes involved in human behavior.
Students Rights and Responsibilities
Student Rights and ResponsibilitiesLog 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
I expect you all to attend class online, participate in class discussion boards, be prepared for class discussion and exams, and respect everyone else who is in the class. Each student is expected to engage in academic honesty and refrain from cheating and/or plagiarism. This means that even though this class is online, you should be doing your own work. I wholeheartedly expect you to use your notes and books on all assignments and exams, you just may not use your friends or classmates. All students are expected to be tolerant and respectful of other students’ responses within class. There will be zero tolerance for any type of harassment. I want this to be an environment where everyone can learn and feel safe.
Grading Criteria
There will be a total of 1400 possible points for the semester. You will be able to check your grade on AC Online. To calculate your grade you will divide the number of points you have earned (the smaller number) by the number of possible points that you could have earned in the class (the larger number). Grading will be on the standard grade scale:
100-89.5% = A
89.4-79.5% = B
79.4-69.5% = C
69.4-49.5% = D
Below 49.5% = F
The points will be earned:
400 points for exams (4 exams for 100 points each ). These are 50 question, multiple choice exams based on the textbook chapters. You will have two opportunities to take each exam during the period in which it is open. Your highest score will be used. If you do retake the exam, the questions will be different the second time, but taken from the same pool of questions.
100 points for a quiz over scientific method, reading graphs and critical thinking (Core Exam). This is a 10 question multiple choice exam. Study suggestions for this exam are in Announcements in Blackboard.
100 points for Social Responsibility learning project and short essay exam. This is a 5 question essay exam. The questions and grading rubric are shown in the Calendar below.
800 points for on-line discussion forum . There will be a new discussion question each week that pertains to the reading assignment for the week. You will submit a response to all parts of the question. After reading the responses of your classmates, you will write responses to two of those. Grading will be done by the instructor after the discussion closes each week. A grading rubric is shown in the Calendar.
Attendance
You will need to check online every day for announcements, updates and assignments. If you miss assignment and exam due dates, that will negatively affect your grade.
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Calendar
Class Schedule/Outline:
The instructor reserves the right to change the calendar if needed.
DATE LESSON
Week of March 21 Read Chapter 1, “Thinking Critically with Psychological Science”
Read Chapter 2, “The Biology of Behavior”
Discussion 1: Introduce yourself to the class. (Initial post is due Tuesday, Mar 22 by midnight. Responses to two classmates due Friday, Mar 25 by 11:59 pm). Introduction should include why you are taking General Psychology and what you hope to get from the class. Also please tell whether you have ever taken any college class before this one and whether you have ever taken an online class before this one. Rubric for discussion responses follows:
|
Criteria |
Meets or Exceeds Expectations |
Needs Improvement |
Does Not Meet Expectations |
|
Timeliness of Initial Post |
20 points Initial post is made by Tuesday at 11:59 pm. |
5 points Initial post is made by closing day, 11:59 pm. |
0 points No initial post is made by closing day, 11:59 pm |
|
Timeliness of Response Posts |
20 points Both response posts are made by closing day, 11:59 pm |
10 points One response post is made by closing day, 11:59 pm |
0 points No response posts are made by closing day, 11:59 pm |
|
Initial Post Quality |
20 Points Contains clear, thorough responses to the question identified in the assignment. Shows good understanding of material by explaining terms and topics. Demonstrates sincere reflection when offering opinions; may share brief personal experience if that enhances the expression of an opinion. |
15 Points May be lacking in detail. Understanding of material is at a basic level and some concepts may be missing. Only a superficial reflection on question is evident. |
5 Points Minimally addresses the items in the assignment. Provides inaccurate information regarding facts or lacks supporting experiences regarding opinions. |
|
Later Posts Quality |
20 Points Comments are substantive and, contribute to the discussion; posts are made on more than one day to more than one person. Substantive means the comment reflects on and expands on what the other student wrote.
|
10 Points
One post meets criteria and other one does not. Or Comment reflects on initial post but does not expand on it. |
3 Points
Comment is superficial, e.g. “Good job” or “I agree”.
Comment is off topic.
|
|
Mechanics |
20 Points Proper grammar and spelling used throughout the answer to the question. Provides a reference if appropriate. |
15 Points Proper grammar and spelling usually used throughout the answer to the question but with major errors. |
5 Points Very poor grammar and spelling used throughout the answer to the question. |
Core Exam over scientific method, experiments and graph reading. (Core Exam opens Thursday, Mar 24 and you have until Tuesday, Mar 29 at 11:59 pm to complete it.)
Week of March 28 Read Chapter 3, “Consciousness and the Two-Track Mind”
Read Chapter 4, Developing through the Life Span
Discussion 2: Give an example of how our psychological selves are affected by the functioning of the body. (Initial post due by Tuesday, Mar 29 by midnight. Responses to two classmates due Friday, Mar 31 by 11:59 pm).
Exam 1: The first exam is over Chapters 1-4. It will be available from Monday, Mar 28 and you will need to take it by Sunday, Apr 3 at 11:59 pm.
Week of April 4 Social Responsibility Activity: Social Responsibility Service Learning Assignment. You have 4 weeks to complete the assignment and submit the essay quiz.
What is social responsibility? Social responsibility is an ethical structure which suggests that an individual has an obligation to act for the benefit of society as a whole. Social responsibility is a duty every individual has to perform so as to maintain a balance between the community and the individuals who live in them. For this assignment you will be required to serve 4 hours of community service at an agency of your choosing. You will be responsible for gathering the required documentation to prove that you did serve your required hours at the specific location. After completing the service, you will be required to turn in the documentation and reflect on your service learning in a short answer essay exam online. When answering these questions, you must answer in complete thoughts and complete sentences. Here is a small list of some possible places you could chose to volunteer. Please check with your professor if you have an idea of a place you would like to volunteer to make sure it will be applicable to this assignment. Be sure to email the instructor with your choice of placement. When you have completed your four hours, turn in the required signatures to the office in Dutton 202A.
Snack pack for kids
High plains food bank
Faith City mission
Kid’s cafe
City Church
Family Support Services
Evelyn Rivers
Dove Creek Equine Rescue
Hope and Healing place
Harrington Cancer Center (kids unit)
Here are the questions you will be required to answer for your essay exam. Please be sure you pay attention to the specific questions and the required word length for each question. Please study the rubrics for each question; this information will help you better answer the questions. You are allowed to use sources from your agency or online sources to help you answer these questions.
1. Describe some of the history of the agency where you selected to volunteer. What is the name of the agency/organization? Where is it located? What does your agency/organization do? You are required to research online about your chosen organization. This question must be a minimum of 100 words. (10 points)
|
Criteria |
Exceeds Expectation |
Needs Improvement |
Does not meet expectations |
|
Knowledge |
4 Points Contains clear, thorough responses to each of the parts of the question identified in the assignment. It provides evidence that the student has diligently researched the history of the agency. |
3 Points Does not address all of the parts of the questions in the assignment. It provides minimal evidence that the student has diligently researched the history of the agency. |
1 Points Minimally addresses the items in the assignment. It does not provide evidence that the student researched the history of the agency. |
|
Organization |
3 Points Information is clearly organized. |
2 Points Information is loosely organized. |
1 Points Information is present, but very difficult to understand due to poor organization. |
|
Mechanics |
3 Points Proper grammar and spelling used throughout the answer to the question. |
2 Points Proper grammar and spelling used throughout the answer to the question with major errors. |
1 Points Very poor grammar and spelling used throughout the answer to the question. |
2. What social problem is your agency working on and what specific intervention are they using? This question must be a minimum of 100 words. (10 points)
|
Criteria |
Exceeds Expectation |
Needs Improvement |
Does not meet expectations |
|
Knowledge |
4 Points Contains clear, thorough responses to the question identified in the assignment. It provides evidence that the student has diligently identified the tasks and worked alongside the staff at the chosen agency. |
3 Points Does not address the question in the assignment. It provides minimal evidence that the student has diligently identified the tasks and worked alongside the staff at the chosen agency. |
1 Points Minimally addresses the items in the assignment. It does not provide evidence that the student has identified the tasks and worked alongside the staff at the chosen agency. |
|
Organization |
3 Points Information is clearly organized. |
2 Points Information is loosely organized. |
1 Points Information is present, but very difficult to understand due to poor organization. |
|
Mechanics |
3 Points Proper grammar and spelling used throughout the answer to the question. |
2 Points Proper grammar and spelling used throughout the answer to the question with major errors. |
1 Points Very poor grammar and spelling used throughout the answer to the question. |
3. How does your time serving in the community influence your ideas and perceptions about the city of Amarillo and the people who live here? This question must be a minimum of 100 words. (20 points)
|
Criteria |
Exceeds Expectation |
Needs Improvement |
Does not meet expectations |
|
Knowledge |
8 Points Contains clear, thorough responses to the question identified in the assignment. It provides evidence that the student has diligently reflected on experiences, prior knowledge and new knowledge learned. |
6 Points Does not fully address the question in the assignment. It provides minimal evidence that the student has diligently reflected on experiences, prior knowledge and new knowledge learned. |
1 Points Minimally addresses the items in the assignment. It does not provide evidence that the student has reflected on experiences, prior knowledge and new knowledge learned. |
|
Organization |
6 Points Information is clearly organized. |
4 Points Information is loosely organized. |
1 Points Information is present, but very difficult to understand due to poor organization. |
|
Mechanics |
6 Points Proper grammar and spelling used throughout the answer to the question. |
4 Points Proper grammar and spelling used throughout the answer to the question with major errors. |
1 Points Very poor grammar and spelling used throughout the answer to the question. |
4. Relate what you have learned in the readings and class discussion to your experience in your agency. Specifically, you must relate at least 2 specific concepts from your textbook in this class to your experience in your agency. You MUST reference in the body of your paper the sources that you used with the specific page number. For example, if you used page 35 in the textbook Exploring Psychology by Myers, indicate in the body of your paper that you used this text and the page number: (Myers, 2014 p. 35). This question must be a minimum of 200 words. (50 points)
|
Criteria |
Exceeds Expectation |
Needs Improvement |
Does not meet expectations |
|
Knowledge |
30 Points Contains clear, thorough responses to each part of the question identified in the assignment. It provides evidence that the student has diligently applied or related concepts from at least 2 specific concepts from their textbook to their experience in their agency. |
20 Points Does not address all of the parts of question in the assignment. It provides minimal evidence of the student’s reflective thought. There is only minimal indication that the student applied or related 1 concept from their textbook in this class to their experience in their agency. |
1 Points Minimally addresses the items in the assignment. It does not provide evidence of the student’s reflective thought. There is no indication that the student applied or related any concepts from their textbook in this class to their experience in their agency. |
|
Organization |
10 Points Information is clearly organized. |
7 Points Information is loosely organized. |
1 Points Information is present, but very difficult to understand due to poor organization. |
|
Mechanics |
10 Points Proper grammar and spelling used throughout the answer to the question. And the student referenced the concepts they used in their paper with the specific page number from their text. |
7 Points Proper grammar and spelling used throughout the answer to the question with major errors. And the student referenced the concepts they used in their paper with the specific page number from their text. |
1 Points Very poor grammar and spelling used through the answer to the question. The student did not reference the concepts they used in their paper with the specific page number from their text. |
5. Will you continue to volunteer? What impact do you hope to have by continuing to volunteer at your selected agency? If you choose not to volunteer at your selected agency, then describe and discuss in DETAIL, ONE ACTION STEP that you would be willing to do to apply some aspect of “social responsibility” that you learned in your volunteer work in your life. This question must be a minimum of 100 words. (10 points)
|
Criteria |
Exceeds Expectation |
Needs Improvement |
Does not meet expectations |
|
Knowledge |
4 Points Contains clear, thorough responses to the question identified in the assignment. It provides evidence that the student has diligently described the impact he or she hopes to have by continuing to volunteer at their selected agency. If the student chose not to volunteer at their selected agency, then he or she described in detail one action step that they would be willing to do to apply some aspect of “social responsibility” that they learned in their volunteer work in your life. |
3 Points Does not address all of the parts of the questions in the assignment. It provides minimal evidence that the student has diligently described the impact he or she hopes to have by continuing to volunteer at their selected agency. If the student chose not to volunteer at their selected agency, then he or she described in detail one action step that they would be willing to do to apply some aspect of “social responsibility” that they learned in their volunteer work in your life. |
1 Points Minimally addresses the items in the assignment. It does not provide evidence that the student has described the impact he or she hopes to have by continuing to volunteer at their selected agency. If the student chose not to volunteer at their selected agency, then he or she described in detail one action step that they would be willing to do to apply some aspect of “social responsibility” that they learned in their volunteer work in your life. |
|
Organization |
3 Points Information is clearly organized. |
2 Points Information is loosely organized. |
1 Points Information is present, but very difficult to understand due to poor organization. |
|
Mechanics |
3 Points Proper grammar and spelling used throughout the answer to the question. |
2 Points Proper grammar and spelling used throughout the answer to the question with major errors. |
1 Points Very poor grammar and spelling used throughout the answer to the question. |
Read Chapter 5, “Gender and Sexuality”
Read Chapter 6, “Sensation and Perception
Discussion 3: What has research taught us about sexual orientation? In 2 or 3 sentences, describe one study result and give the reference that was mentioned in your text. Does the result seem like common sense to you? Does anything you learned about the scientific method (in Chapter 1) suggest something you would want to check out before accepting this result? Initial post is due Tuesday, April 5 by midnight and you must respond to two of your classmates no later than Friday, April 8 at 11:59 pm.
Week of April 11 Read Chapter 7, “Learning”
Read Chapter 8, “Memory
Social Responsibility Activity: Continue working at your chosen location.
Discussion 4: Write about either Ivan Pavlov or John B. Watson. What did you read about them and their works that surprised you or upset you? Do you admire the man you chose to write about? Why or Why not? Initial post is due Tuesday, April 12 by midnight; and you must respond to two of your classmates by Friday, April 15 at 11:59 pm.
Exam 2: The second exam is over Chapters 5-8. It will be available from Monday, Apr 11 and you will need to take it by Sunday, Apr 17 at 11:59 pm.
Week of April 18 Read Chapter 9, “Thinking, Language and Intelligence
Read Chapter 10, “Motivation and Emotion”
Social Responsibility Activity: Continue working at your chosen location. When you have completed your required hours, please turn in your dates and times of service with a signature from a responsible person at your agency to Promise Garrison in the Behavioral and Social Sciences Department in Dutton Hall, Room 202. Be sure to include your section number on the paper. Essay Quiz on Social Responsibility is available for completion beginning Monday April 18; it will close Sunday, May 1 at 11:59 pm.
Discussion 5: Look at Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs (p. 355 in Myers, 9th ed.). Which of the levels seems most important to you at this time? Explain a little about why this one is important now. Disclose only what you feel comfortable sharing with your classmates and instructor. This is a national election year; which level seems most important to any presidential candidate you pick? Why do you think that? Initial post is due Tuesday, April 19 by midnight; and you must respond to two of your classmates by Friday, April 22 at 11:59 pm.
Week of April 25 Read Chapter 11, “Stress, Health and Human Flourishing”
Read Chapter 12, “Personality”
Social Responsibility Activity: Complete your volunteer hours this week and turn in your signature sheet by Friday, April 28 at noon. Complete your Essay Quiz by Sunday, May 1 at 11:59 pm.
Discussion 6: Choose a concept from Freud’s psychodynamic theory of personality. Describe the concept and give your opinion of it. Did the book present any evidence from research that supports or refutes this concept? Initial post is due Tuesday, April 26 by midnight; and you must respond to two of your classmates by Friday, April 29 at 11:59 pm.
Exam 3: The third exam is over chapters 9-12. It will be available from Monday, April 25 and you will need to take it by 11:59 pm Sunday, May 1.
Week of May 2 Read Chapter 13, “Social Psychology”
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