I typically work Mondays through Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. until 5:15 p.m. and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00. To make sure I’m available, please contact me ahead of time. I will find a time to meet with you, even if it is earlier than I normally get to work, after hours, or on a weekend.
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.
Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.
If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.
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
The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.
Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016
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.
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 .
PSYC-2301-007 General Psychology
General Psychology is a survey of the major psychological topics, theories and approaches to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.
Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website
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.
(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)
Hybrid
Exploring Psychology, 11th Edition, David G. Myers & C. Nathan DeWall
This book is typically cheapest if you purchase both the print loose-leaf version along with the access code to the digital information available through LaunchPad. You will need that digital access code, because there will be assignments due throughout the course that are only accessible through it. If you are able to purchase the access code alone, that is fine, since you will also get access to the digital version of the book with the code.
Pencil, pens, spiral notebook, and access to a computer with Internet connection. If you do not have your own computer, you will need to use AC computers located on the 4th floor of Ware (the Library) or in The Underground (the basement of Ware). Your exams will be given online, so you need to make sure you have a reliable computer AND Internet connection.
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.
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".
Because this is a hybrid course, I will not be able to fully lecture over all chapters covered. You will need to read your textbook to get the best grade. In our course in Blackboard, I have also included short videos from the publisher that will help you understand the material, as well as my PowerPoint presentations from in-class lectures. All of these materials will help you learn the material that will be covered on exams. Exam questions are pulled directly from the textbook, and you will also need the access code to use LaunchPad (the publisher’s online textbook and supporting materials), so in my class, the book along with the access code are truly needed. The online access code is required specifically to enable you to complete required assignments throughout this course. The first week of class, you can sign up for free digital access to the book and everything in LaunchPad, but this free access will expire before all of our assignments are due, so at some point, you will need to buy this access code. The book is usually cheapest if you purchase the bundle, including the print version in a loose-leaf format as well as the digital version (with the access code you need to use LaunchPad). But, you might find an option to ONLY purchase the digital access – that alone will work fine, since that also gives you access to the book in digital format. The first assignment requiring the online access is due Week 2 of our class, so please sign up for your free access within the first week of class, even if you are waiting on financial aid or for your order to be delivered.
All students are expected to be tolerant and respectful of other students. There will be zero tolerance for any type of harassment. Please be courteous and respectful of the different opinions of your classmates. AC also expects that each student will engage in academic honesty and refrain from cheating and/or plagiarism. I expect each student to complete their own work independently rather than copying assignments from classmates or working collaboratively. Exams should be completed independently, as should all other assignments for this class. Penalties for cheating as well as plagiarism are outlined in the Amarillo College Student Handbook.
In our course calendar, I list due dates for all assignments. Please try to complete all assignments on time. Calendar all due dates, use phone reminders, take advantage of the time you have, and plan ahead. If an emergency is going to prevent you from completing an assignment by the deadline, you will need to let me know, and I require you to tell me before 5:00 p.m. on the day the assignment is due. Please do not procrastinate past that time to at least begin assignments. I rarely grant extensions on due dates; however, I will always open things up early for you, if that would fit better into your schedule. Most of my assignments are open throughout the course. If you can click on it to access it, you can work ahead and submit assignments before their deadlines.
You can check your grades in our course in Blackboard. For your final overall course grade, I will round up at the standard .5 and above. Grading will be on the scale:
100-89.5% = A
89.4-79.5% = B
79.4-69.5% = C
69.4-59.5% = D
59.4% and below = F
The points will be earned:
50% of overall grade – Exams (4); each Exam is worth 12.5% of your total grade
20% of overall grade – Social Responsibility Assignment
10% of overall grade – In-Class Participation (2%) & VidGrid videos (4 total, each worth 2%)
20% of overall grade – LaunchPad LearningCurve Activities (15); each is worth ~1.3% of your total grade
Attendance is measured not only by attending in-person classes but also by way of your completion of assignments by their due dates. If you do not attend our first class, then you must complete the first assignments in this course by their deadlines or communicate with me about why you are not participating, or you will be dropped from the class altogether. Automatic withdrawals occur if students do not submit their first assignments through Blackboard during the first week of classes.
Although I do not require attendance at every class and there is no strict attendance grade, I will award participation points for knowledgeable participation in class discussions, and by attending classes, you will also benefit from my explanations of information that could be on your exams.
Periodically, I will make announcements, which will be posted in our class on the “Announcements” page in our course and also sent out via email, so checking your email regularly is also highly recommended.
NOTE: If you suspect you have been exposed to COVID-19, do not come to class! Contact me, and I can make sure that you stay up-to-date. If you receive a positive diagnosis, shelter in place. Stay home, and please notify me immediately. I will let you know what steps the College requires of you, before you will be able to return to campus in person.
ALL assignments are due by 11:59 p.m. Exams will be available after 12:00 a.m. on the opening date. If something is going to prevent you from completing an assignment by deadline, IF you notify me before 5:00 p.m. on the due date, I will work with you. If you allow a due date to pass without communicating with me, you will receive a 0 on that assignment.
*Participation Topics will be assigned the first week of class. Check the Announcements page in our course and your email for your assigned topics. You do NOT need to turn in anything for these. Simply be prepared to fully discuss each of your topics during the in-class lecture. The due dates you see below are estimates and may vary depending on our pace. See the syllabus for additional information.
Date |
Chapter Covered |
Lesson/Lecture |
Assignment Due |
Week 1 |
Chapter 1 |
Thinking Critically Scientific Method |
*Participation Topics 1-3
VidGrids on Chapters 1 & 2 |
Chapter 2 |
Biology of Behavior |
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Chapter 3 |
Consciousness & the 2-Track Mind |
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Monday, August 30 |
Census Day. This means if you haven’t completed an assignment by now, you will be automatically dropped from this course. |
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Week 2 |
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
|
Consciousness & the 2-Track Mind
Developing Through the Life Span
|
LaunchPad LearningCurves for Chapters 1, 2, & 3 (3 total), all due Monday, 8.30
EXAM 1, covering chapters 1-3 Opens Tuesday, 8.31 Closes Tuesday, 9.7
Participation Topics 4 & 5 4: Be prepared for class discussion Week 2 5: Be prepared for class discussion Week 2 or 3 |
Chapter 5 |
Gender & Sexuality |
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Monday, September 6 |
It does not affect our Tuesday/Thursday class, but AC will be closed Sunday-Monday, 9.5 & 9.6, for Labor Day. |
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Week 3 |
Chapter 5
Chapter 14
Chapter 15 |
Gender & Sexuality
Psychological Disorders
Therapy |
Part 1 of Social Responsibility Assignment Tell me the name of the agency where you plan to volunteer. Simply email me or send me a Remind text with the name. Due Friday, 9.10
Participation Topics 6-8 6: Be prepared for class discussion Week 3 7-8: Be prepared for class discussion Week 3 or 4 |
Week 4 |
Chapter 15
Chapter 6 |
Therapy
Sensation & Perception |
LaunchPad LearningCurves for Chapters 4-5 & 14-15 (4 total), all due Monday, 9.13
EXAM 2, covering chapters 4-5 & 14-15 Opens Tuesday, 9.14 Closes Monday, 9.20
Participation Topic 9 Be prepared for class discussion Week 4 |
Week 5 |
Chapter 7
Chapter 8 |
Learning
Memory |
VidGrid on Chapter 4
Participation Topics 10-11 10 & 11: Be prepared for class discussion Week 5 |
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Tuesday, October 5 |
Last day to withdraw from 8-week classes. Sometime during week 6, talk to your instructor to begin the process. Along with your instructor, you must sign a form. You must then submit that completed form to your advisor and the Registrar, all BEFORE the drop date. Simply telling your instructor or advisor that you plan to drop is not enough. |
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Week 6 |
Chapter 9
Chapter 10 |
Thinking, Language, & Intelligence
Motivation & Emotion |
LaunchPad LearningCurves for Chapters 6-9 (4 total), all due Monday, 9.27
Exam 3, covering chapters 6-9 Opens Tuesday, 9.28 Closes Monday, 10.4
Participation Topic 12 Be prepared for class discussion Week 6 |
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Week 7 October 5 & 7 |
Chapter 12
Chapter 13 |
Personality
Social Psychology |
VidGrid on Chapter 6
Social Responsibility Assignment Submit your completed template through Blackboard. Due Wednesday, 10.6
Participation Topics 13-15 Be prepared for class discussion Week 7 |
Week 8 October 12 & 14 |
Chapter 11 |
Stress, Health, & Well-Being |
LaunchPad LearningCurves for Chapters 10-13 (4 total), all due Monday, 10.11
Exam 4, covering chapters 10-13 (NOT cumulative) Opens Thursday, 10.7 Closes Thursday, 10.14
Note: Thursday, 10.14 is the last day of the course. |
Friday, October 15 |
Final grades will be submitted first thing in the morning – BEFORE 10 a.m. |
Please contact me if you have questions or problems that are impacting your performance in this class. As much as possible, I will be happy to help you. My contact information is below.
I will hold office hours by appointment. I am happy to schedule times that are convenient for you, even after-hours or on weekends. If you are unable to meet with me in person, we could arrange a time for a call or a Blackboard Collaborate session (like Zoom).
The best way to reach me is by sending me an email (mseder@actx.edu) or a message using the GroupMe app.
You can also contact me on my office phone (806)345-5582, but that will only work during typical business hours. I typically work 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 on most Fridays. If you do not reach me when calling, leave me a message. I will check voicemail messages periodically throughout most workdays. If you do not leave a complete message, I may not be able to help you. Please tell me your full name and which class you are attending (for example, “Sue Smith in General Psychology 11:30 Tuesday/Thursday class”).
I cannot guarantee that I will respond to any messages after 5:00 p.m. I can guarantee that I will not respond to any messages left on my office number after 5:30 p.m. or to very many messages sent via email or text after 8:00 p.m.
08/11/21 2:40 PM
09/01/21 8:37 AM