General Psychology Syllabus for 2018-2019
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Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

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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

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

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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-2301-001 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

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Textbook: Exploring Psychology 11^th Edition Myers & DeWall with access code

Supplies

Pencil, pens, spiral notebook, and access to a computer. If you do not have your own computer, you will need to use AC computers located on the 4^th floor of the Library. You exams will be given online so you need to make sure you have reliable internet access.

Student Performance

These are the MINIMUM competencies. After studying the material presented in this course, the student will be able to do the following as evaluated by the faculty in the department/program:

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 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

I expect you all to attend class, check-up online, participate in class, be prepared for class discussion and exams, and respect everyone else who is the class. Turn the ringers off on your cell phones. If you are waiting on an important call you must talk with me before class so I am aware. If you decided to leave the classroom to answer the phone please do not return. If you leave and come back, you have interrupted my class twice and that is unacceptable. NO texting! If it is so important that you have to text right away, you may leave and please do not return. No tweeting, instant-gram or whatever else. Just wait until after class or you can do all of that before class. I want you to have your phone because it can be a very valuable resource, just be prespectful.If you do miss class it is your responsibility to get the material you missed. I will be giving assignments during class that will be due the next class so if you miss you will miss that assignment unless you contact me or someone else in the class. It is your responsibility!!  Each student is expected to engage in academic honesty and refrain from cheating and/or plagiarism. This means that although that some of this class is online you should be doing your own work. I whole heartedly expect you to use your notes and books on all assignments and exams, you just may not use your friend 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 everyone can learn and feels safe!!

Grading Criteria

Grading criteria:

            There will be a total of 850 possible points for the semester. I do not plan on changing the amount of points possible, but please check your points often and check online often in case there is a change. If the amount of points possible changes the amount of points needed to earn a certain grade will also change. 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:

100-90% 850-765 points= A

89-80% 764-680 points = B

79-70% 679-595 = C

69-50% 594- 425 = D

Below 50% 424 or below = F

The points will be earned:

400 points for exams (4 100 points exams and you will replace the lowest test grade with your highest test grade)

100 points for attendance/in class assignments

50 points for on-line discussion forum (you will be required to respond to discussion on-line about chapters and topics discussed in class)

150 chapter reading quizzes

150 points for Social Learning Project.

Total points possible: 850 points

• 4  50 question multiple choice exams which will be taken online on your own time. You will a few days to decide when you want to take the exam, but once you open it and start you will have to complete it.  Each exam is worth 100 points and you will replace the lowest test grade with your highest exam grade.
• 15 chapter quizzes. The quizzes will be given on Launchpad and that is why you will need the access code.
• On-line discussion forums:
  • you will be required to respond to different discussion topics on-line
  • the discussion will need to include relevant information discussed in class and in your textbook
  • You will also be required to respond to two of your classmates’ responses. Your responses should include discussion about the topic and not just critiquing the responses organization or formatting. Good job is not enough. You will need to responding explaining what you liked or did not like and why. Discuss the topic!! If you only respond with good job or critics not related to the topic in the question you will not receive the credit of the responses. Discussions will be worth a total of 50points.
• In class assignments and attendance will be giving randomly so you need to come to every class
•  150 points for social responsibility serving learning project
  • You will be required to do 4 hours of community service at your chosen agency in the community. You must provide signed documentation to be after your required hours. Your volunteer verification will be worth 50 points.
  • You will answer 5 questions 4 short essays and the fifth you will be required to read graphs and answer questions. You will be able to access the rubric when you are uploading your essays.
  • Do not wait until the last minute to complete your community service. I suggest you do it the first week of class so it is taken care of before it’s too late.

• •  

Attendance

It’s college; I know you want to skip, but if you just show up you will do better in the class. It’s an 8 week class so if you miss you will get behind very quickly. You will not be required to scan your ID for attendance each day in class. I will be passing around an attendance sheet each day so if you are over 30 minutes late then you will not be counted present. I understand that things come up, but please try you best to be in class and be on time!!! I will be taking attendance everyday and some days you will get points.

Calendar

Additional Information

Office Hours:

I will hold office hours by appointment.

The best way to reach me is my e-mail: eerodriguez@actx.edu

If you email me within the class then my response will go back to your gmail account. If you do not check this email than make sur to email me from the email account you check. Please make sure you tell me which class you are in so that I know how to respond.

You can try and contact me on my office phone (806)371-5192

Most issues can be resolved before or after class, however we can always set-up an appointment that will work for both of us if more time is needed.