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 Enrollment Center, Suite 700. 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
Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.
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-DC002 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)
Online Course
Dr. Alan Kee
Professor of Psychology
Amarillo College
General Psychology / PSYC-2301-DC002 (WEB)
Syllabus
1/16/2024 - 5/10/2024
Welcome to General Psychology Online!
If you have any concerns about any aspect of this course over the course of the semester, please talk to me directly. I will do my best to work out the issue. You can email me or call me on my cell at 806-336-2143.
The Syllabus and the Course Schedule / Assignments explain how everything works in the course. Both of these documents are found under Lessons. If you do not read these two documents, you will be lost in the course! Please read these two documents carefully, and let me know if you have any questions about the course.
Critical Information on How To Use Email in This Course!
It is critical for us to be able to communicate with email. Here is the first way we can communicate with email. I will use the “Messages” function inside of Blackboard. I can use this function to send an email to the entire class or to a specific student. You also can use this function to email your professor. Go to “Messages” at the top of your screen. Then, click on “New Message” at the right of your screen. Next, click in the window under “Recipients” to find your professor’s name. My name is listed as Jeffery Kee in Blackboard.
A second way we can communicate is through your AC Connect Google Email account.
Here are the steps to access your Student Email Address:
To send email to your professor, do the following:
Introduce Yourself Assignment
If you are attending this class, your Introduction Assignment is to complete an introduction on yourself in order to be counted as attending. This Introduction Assignment also allows me and your classmates to get to know you. Please briefly tell the class your name, major, and your career plan. You will post your response by clicking on Discussions. You will find “Discussions” at the top left of the screen. Then click on “First Assignment: Your Introduction.” Next, go to Responses and copy and paste your response into the window where it says “Type a response.” After you copy and paste your response into this window click the “Respond” button below the window.
You must make this post by Tuesday January 30. The reason for this assignment is that the college needs proof that you are participating in the class before your first written assignment. **If you do not complete this assignment, you will be considered NOT attending and you WILL BE DROPPED from the course. And, your financial aid can be terminated. **
Why Take a Course in the General Psychology?
Even if you are not majoring in psychology, you can definitely benefit from learning more about the human mind and behavior by taking a psychology course. Many universities require students to take at least one class in psychology. Why is psychology often included as part of a core general education requirement? There are a few great reasons.
It Can Help You Better Understand Other People
If you are majoring in a subject that will lead you to a career that involves working directly with lots of different people, such as teaching or nursing, understanding more about how people think and behave will be extremely helpful in your career. Even if you don't plan to work with people, psychology is still beneficial in helping you understand how and why the people in your life think and behave the way they do. Understanding others can be extremely fulfilling and lead to better, stronger relationships with your family, friends, and co-workers.
It Can Help You Better Understand Yourself
Just like it helps you better understand others, taking a psychology class can help you understand yourself too, including areas like what motivates you, what sort of personality you have, and how your personality contributes to the way you think and behave. Understanding yourself better can help you improve your relationships with others, your communication skills, your motivation, and how you relate to the world around you.
It Can Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills
Psychology classes emphasize things like the scientific method, evaluating your sources of information, and thinking critically about the information you encounter on a daily basis. Such classes can help you hone these skills, which may prove useful in a variety of careers and different areas of life.
COURSE NAME: General Psychology (Online)
COURSE NUMBER: Psychology 2301
HOURS: 3 Credit Hours
FACULTY: Dr. Alan Kee, Ph.D.
OFFICE: Dutton Hall 202N
PHONE: 806-371-5183 is my office number. The best way to reach me is through email using your AC Connect Google Email account. If you need to contact me by phone, you are more likely to reach me by my cell #: 806-336-2143.
E-MAIL: I prefer that you email me using the instructions I provided at the beginning of this syllabus.
OFFICE HOURS: I have office hours Mon. – Thu. 8:00 am – 9:00 am; I prefer to meet by phone or zoom due to Covid. Please email me or call me on my cell at 806-336-2143 to set an appointment by phone or zoom.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The course is an introduction to psychology covering the principles of human behavior relating to heredity, maturation, intelligence, learning, motivation, perception, emotions, personality, psychological disorders, therapies, and social context.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
TEXTS:
Myers, D.G. and DeWall, C.N. (2022). Exploring Psychology (12th Ed.), (Does NOT need LaunchPad)., Worth Publishers. ISBN: 13-9781319470760 (Required) This book can be purchased at the AC Bookstore.
OR you may use the 11 ed of Exploring Psychology:
Myers, D.G. and DeWall, C.N. (2014). Exploring Psychology (11th ed.) (Does NOT need LaunchPad)., Worth Publishers. ISBN-13: 978-1-319-12774-9 (Required) This book can be purchased at an online used book seller.
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 (Location: WARE 300B;
(806) 345-5639) as soon as possible.
MENTAL HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES AT AC
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 need 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 www.actx.edu/arc
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. It is the responsibility of the student to attend class.
ADMINISTRATIVE DROP POLICY:
Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped.
Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. In this case, the instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the students to the appropriate tutoring service.
MAKEUP POLICY:
No exams will be given after the deadlines posted in your course schedule with the exception of a true emergency such as death in the family or serious illness. In such a case you must provide documentation from a physician or psychologist indicating that you were not able to complete the exam.
EXAMS:
1. How many exams are there in this course?
There will be three multiple choice EXAMS. The exams will be taken online. Each exam is scored on a 100-point scale.
2. How do I prepare for the exams?
Studying in college is a complex task in that it involves many factors such as time management skills, reading ability, nutrition, exercise, study skills, motivation, sleep, and stress among others. The guidelines offered in this section may help to some degree. However, I recommend that you take the course on Student Success at AC (First Year Seminar), which teaches important areas such as study skills, motivation, time management, and stress management.
Achieving success in this course will require a time commitment. I recommend that you prepare for your exams and for class by ACTIVELY reading and outlining (taking detailed notes) the assignments.
I recommend that you use a word processor to create your own outline of the reading material. After you complete this process, you have a way to test your knowledge level and you will have covered the material in a systematic and comprehensive manner. This process will allow you to “chunk” the material into smaller pieces, which is more effective than trying to “digest” it all at once by cramming or just “reading over” or skimming over the reading.
If you are having difficulty with the material, you may want to receive tutoring or study skills training free of charge from the Access Center (Library; 3rd floor). There are also many web sites on study skills and strategies.
Under Lessons, click on “Study Skills (Handouts and Videos).” Here you will find handouts on how to study: ("How Do I Prepare For Exams" and “How to Study by Summarizing and Marking the Text, and Study Skills Videos Youtube Links”). This information will help you to develop effective study skills.
3. How many questions are on the exams? How much time do we have to take each exam?
4. What time do the exams open and close?
The exams start at 12:00 am on the scheduled start date, and they will turn off at 11:59 pm on the last day scheduled for the exam. Therefore, you will need to be sure to allow plenty of time to take the exam. You need to allow an hour and a half to take an exam, even though most students will finish in about 60 minutes.
5. What are the basic instructions for taking the exams online?
I have opened the lockdown browser practice exam. You all need to take this exam in the next two or three days. The sooner the better. The reason for this exam is to make sure you’re able to maneuver through the lockdown browser that is used on Exams. This practice exam has five simple questions that you all will definitely answer correctly. Also remember this practice exam will count as 5% of your grade.
In order to locate the lockdown browser practice exam, go to lessons and then click on “lockdown browser practice exam.” Once you click on the exam it will open and you can quickly answer the five questions.
Please carefully read the instructions here in the syllabus regarding the lockdown browser before you attempt to take this exam so you understand how to proceed.
WHAT IS RESPONDUS LOCKDOWN BROWSER? (Camera Instructions)
All exams will be taken online. A web camera is required in order to take an exam. We will use Respondus LockDown Browser to ensure test security.
LockDown Browser is a locked browser for use with exams in Blackboard. It prevents you from printing, copying, going to another URL, or accessing other applications during an assessment. If a Blackboard exam requires that LockDown Browser be used, you will not be able to take the exam with a standard web browser.
LockDown browser records the student as they take their exams in order to ensure test integrity. If a different person from whom started the exam is spotted in the video, the incident is flagged. It will also alert the instructor to the use of unauthorized materials during the exam. No other person apart from the student should be involved in the test.
WHAT ARE THE STEPS I NEED TO TAKE IN ORDER TO USE MY CAMARA DURING AN EXAM?
1. Make sure you have a broadband Internet connection. Call your Internet provider if you are uncertain about which type of Internet connection you have.
2. A web camera is required for all exams. If your computer system does not have one, you will need to purchase one.
3. A computer microphone is required for all online exams. An embedded microphone is acceptable. Go to your computer settings or control panel to check your microphone settings.
4. Before you begin an online exam, make sure that LockDown Browser is the only open program on your computer.
5. LockDown Browser is required for all online exams. It is not required for the Reading Quizzes. To install the software, go to this link and follow the directions:
https://www.actx.edu/ctl/respondus-lockdown-browser-download-instructions
6. If you are having trouble with these procedures, you can call Student and Faculty Help Center (806.371.5429) for assistance. Visit the Underground website for hours of operation.
7. On a Mac, the LockDown Browser program will be located in the Applications folder. On a Windows PC, you can find the program in the Start menu. On a Chromebook, LockDown Browser is an extension of the Chrome browser and will be automatically activated when needed if installed properly.
8. If you try to log in to an exam through your regular browser, you’ll get an error message and a request for a password. If that happens, close your browser and run LockDown Browser.
9. The next task is to take the practice exam. This will allow you to become familiar with how taking an exam with LockDown Browser works and troubleshoot problems that arise. The practice exam is worth 5% of your final grade. The exam will not require any preparation other than installing LockDown Browser.
10. At the beginning of the exam, LockDown Browser will ask you to take a picture of yourself and then it will ask you to show your identification. You need to use either your driver’s license or your Amarillo college ID. You must show a valid photo ID to the web camera. If you fail to show a valid photo ID, you will receive no credit for the exam.
13. After you show your valid ID to the web camera, then you need to do a complete environment scan. Turn your web camera in a 360-degree pan to look at the room. Lift your webcam or laptop and slowly turn it around to give a 360-degree view of your exam environment. It is required for you to show each corner of the room and your desktop area. Do not move the camera too fast or it won't provide a clear video.
14. A student who has any music or audio recordings playing during exams, or who talks with anyone for any reason during the exam, will receive no credit for the exam. No one besides the student is allowed to be in the room during an exam or quiz. The student should alert family/friends of your need for privacy.
15. The only resource you are allowed to use during the exam is your notes. You may not use your textbook or any electronic devices other than the computer you are taking the exam on. If you are recorded with unauthorized material, you will receive no credit for the exam and potentially face additional disciplinary action.
1. You are not penalized for guessing. Remember to click the “submit” button at the end of your exam.
2. The computer will allow you to stop the exam at any given time during the time allowed. You can then go back into the exam and resume taking the exam. However, no matter how many times you stop and resume the exam, the timer NEVER STOPS. For example, let's say that you have an exam set for 75 minutes. You start taking the exam at 3:00 pm. Again, no matter how many times you stop and resume the exam, the timer NEVER STOPS. (If you stop an exam, the timer will continue to run.) Therefore, your access to the exam will be over at 4:15 (75 minutes) no matter how many times you start and stop the exam.
3. No exams will be given after the deadlines posted in your course schedule with the exception of a true emergency such as death in the family or serious illness. In such a case you must provide documentation from a physician or mental health provider indicating that you were not able to complete the exam.
4. A student may be able to take a missed exam if he/she emails the instructor before the exam is given explaining the circumstances that require him or her to miss it. Being granted permission to make up a missed exam is not guaranteed: all excuses will be evaluated on a case by case basis, and how timely a student gets in touch with the instructor will be considered as well. Students should not casually miss exams: generally, only unavoidable and serious matters will be considered acceptable excuses.
6. Am I allowed to use notes on the exams?
Yes. You may use hand-written or typed notes on the exams. You may not use the textbook or other electronic device.
7. What is the penalty for cheating on an exam or paper?
You may NOT have another person with you at the time that you are taking one of the online exams. If there is indication that you received help during an online exam or paper, the penalty will be an F in the course and likely expulsion from Amarillo College.
Honesty and ethical behaviors are imperatives in any career. Therefore, cheating will not be tolerated. Amarillo College’s “Student Code of Conduct” will apply to all work in this course. Cheating on an Exam includes, but is not limited to, all of the following:
8. Do you release the tests or allow additional time to go back and review the exams?
For test security purposes I do not release the tests or allow additional time to go back and review the exams. I offset this policy with open notes exams, simulated practice test questions, Discussion / Participation grade, and grade adjustments for each exam based on the number of questions missed by the class.
9. Do you offer extra credit?
There is not an “extra credit” option. I want you to learn how to do college level work and do well in your class as opposed to passing a class based on extra credit. I want you to learn the study skills necessary to be successful as you continue taking courses in college. I recommend that you take the First Year Seminar course at AC on how to be a successful student - you would need to talk to your advisor about this class. That course teaches you how to study and take exams so you can be successful in your future college courses.
10. Do you round up grades that are “borderline?”
Yes, I round up grades that are “borderline”, for example, 79.5 would be rounded up to a “B” and a 79.4 would round to a “C.”
11. Where do I go to check my grades?
In order to check your grades, you can go to “Gradebook” inside of Blackboard.
12. How do I calculate my grade in the course?
Here is an example of how to calculate your grade. The Exams are worth 55%, the LockDown Browser Practice Test is worth 5%, the Discussion Assignments are worth 20%, the Service Learning Project is worth 10%, and the Lecture / Reading Quizzes are worth 10%
Let us say, for example, that you made the following grades in the course:
Exam 1 = 82; Exam 2 = 88; Exam 3 = 85
LockDown Browser Practice Test = 100
Discussion Assignments: 100, 100, 100
Lecture / Reading Quizzes: 100 + 100 + 100 + 100 + 90 + 100 + 100 + 100 + 70 + 100 + 100 + 100
Service Learning Project = 100
Here is how you would do the math:
Average the Exam grades: 82 + 88 + 85 = 255. 255/3 = 85.00
LockDown Browser Practice Test = 100.00
Average the Discussion Assignments: 100 + 100 + 100 = 300/3 = 100.00
Average the Reading Quizzes: 100 + 100 + 100 + 100 + 90 + 100 + 100 + 100 + 70 + 100 + 100 + 100 = 1160 / 12 = 96.70
85.00 X .55 = 46.75 (Exams)
100 X .05 = 5.00 (LockDown Browser Practice Test)
100 X .20 = 20.00 (Discussions / (PBL) Assignments)
100 X .10 = 10.00 (Service Learning Project)
96.70 X .10 = 9.67 (Reading Quizzes)
Now, add the numbers for each category: 46.77 + 5.00 + 20.00 + 10.00 + 9.67 = 91.44 = A (Course Grade)
13. What is the Grading Schema for the Final Grades?
89.5 to 100 = A
79.5 to 89.4 = B
69.5 to 79.4 = C
59.5 to 69.4 = D
0 to 59.4 = F
14. What are the weight of the assignments?
The Exams, Discussion Assignments, and Service Learning Project are each worth 100 points. The Exams are worth 55% of the course grade, the LockDown Browser Practice Test is worth 5%, the Discussion Assignments are worth 20% of the course grade, the Service Learning Project is worth 10%, and the Lecture / Reading Quizzes are worth 10% of the course grade.
DISCUSSIONS / PARTICIPATION:
1. How do we participate in this online class?
Students participate in this course by doing the Discussion Assignments and the Service Learning Projects. Your Course Schedule / Assignments (found in the Lessons Tab) will give you the instructions for each Assignment as you proceed through the course. By participating in class, the class will become more interesting and rewarding as more students actively share their ideas.
Furthermore, the Discussion Assignments will be a safe place to share ideas. The rules of the group do not allow group members to put another person down for their idea. It is critical that we all respect each other.
The reason for assigning the discussions (participation homework) is because it will help you become more actively involved in the reading. This activity improves learning. By participating in class, the class will become more interesting and rewarding as more students actively share their ideas.
2. Where do we go to post our Assignments in the class?
The Course Schedule / Assignments will give you specific directions as to how to post each Assignment. Do not post your paper as an attachment. After the paper is posted, it is the student’s responsibility to check to make sure that their Assignment in fact was posted.
3. Where do we find the homework assignments?
All homework assignments are found in your Course Schedule / Assignments (found under the Lessons Tab).
4. What types of homework assignments will we have?
Homework assignments consist of reading and outlining the assigned reading material, watching and taking notes on the video lectures, taking Lecture / Reading Quizzes, taking the exams, completing Discussion Assignments, and completing a Service Learning Project. I recommend you outline (take notes) on the video lectures and reading assignments, but you do not turn in the outlines to your professor.
5. Are we required to respond to other students posts?
Yes, depending on the assignment. The Course Schedule / Assignments will give you the instructions for each Assignment. Please refer to your Course Schedule for the minimum word count for each written assignment. No credit is given for a peer response that does not meet the minimum word requirement for the written assignment. Your word processor should give you a word count for your discussion papers.
6. Do we need to save a copy of our responses?
You should save an electronic copy of your paper in your files. If there is a problem with the online course, then you will have a backup copy. You also need to run spell check, grammar check, and then post it into the course. Do NOT post your paper as an attachment.
7. How will the Discussion Assignments and Service Learning Project be graded?
The details / instructions for the Discussions / (PBL) Problem Based Learning Assignments and Service Learning Project and the rubric for each of the Unit Assignments are found in the
Course Schedule / Assignments. A rubric is a document that articulates the expectations for an assignment by listing the criteria, or what counts, and describing levels of quality from excellent to poor.
8. Is there a penalty if my Discussion Assignments and Service Learning Project does not meet the required length?
I will not accept a paper that does not meet the minimum word requirement. If you turn in a paper below the minimum required word count, you may redo the paper and incur a 20-point penalty. See the Course Schedule for the specific word requirement for each assignment. You should use a word processor to write your papers. Your word processor should give you a word count.
If you turn in any of these assignments late, you can still get partial credit and incur a 20-point penalty. I will not take any late work past 4/29/24.
9. What are the ground rules for group discussion?
The objective of establishing ground rules is to honor free speech and the dignity, respect, and worth of everyone in the classroom.
• In order to create a climate for open and honest discussion and to encourage the broadest range of viewpoints, it is important for class participants to treat each other with respect. Name calling, accusations, verbal attacks, sarcasm, and other negative exchanges are counterproductive to successful teaching and learning about topics.
• The purpose of class discussions is to generate greater understanding about different topics. The expression of the broadest range of ideas, including dissenting views, accomplishes this goal. However, in expressing viewpoints, students should try to raise questions and comments in a way that will promote learning, rather than defensiveness and conflict in other students. Thus, questions and comments should be asked or stated in such a way that will promote greater insight into and awareness of topics as opposed to anger and conflict.
Example of a question that may put students on the defensive: Why do you insist on calling yourself Hispanic? That's wrong. It seems to me that Latino is the correct term? Can you explain to me why you insist on using the term Hispanic?
Example of a non-defensive question: I don't understand. What is the difference between the terms Hispanic and Latino?
• Learning is both about sharing different views and actively listening to those with different views. Students in this class are expected to do both. Learning is maximized when many different viewpoints are expressed in the classroom.
• Keep the discussion and comments on the topic, not on the individual. Don't personalize the dialogue. Rather than personalizing the dialogue, please direct challenging comments or questions to the instructor or the entire class.
• Remember that it is OK to disagree with each other. Let's agree to disagree. The purpose of dialogue and discussion is not to reach a consensus, nor to convince each other of different viewpoints. Rather, the purpose of dialogue in the classroom is to reach higher levels of learning by examining different viewpoints and opinions.
TECHNICAL PROBLEMS:
If you experience a technical problem with some online aspect of the course, you will need to contact the Helpdesk at 371-5992.
DROPPING/AUDITING THE CLASS:
If you are struggling with this course, please call me well before you drop the class! In many cases we are able to make some adjustments and get the student back on track. Please do not feel embarrassed to call me. In many cases we can find ways to keep you in the class. Withdrawing from a class should be a last resort only when all other options and interventions have been exhausted.
The last day to withdraw is 4/18/24. You must first visit with your instructor in order to officially drop a class. If you must drop the course, you will need to fill out a signed drop form.
Then, you need to send this completed drop form to the Registrar's office. If you simply stop attending, a grade of F will appear on your transcript. An F will have a strong negative effect on your GPA. Grades of F on your transcript can hurt your chances of gaining admission to programs in the future.
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".
Dr. Alan Kee
Professor of Psychology
Amarillo College
General Psychology / PSYC-2301-DC002 (WEB)
Course Schedule and Assignments
1/16/24 - 5/10/24
Welcome to General Psychology Online!
You must carefully read this entire document in order to understand how to navigate this course.
Please read and review carefully all of the policies in the Syllabus. Then, read and review carefully all the information in this Course Schedule / Assignments document. These two documents are your roadmap to the entire course! Also, do not hesitate to call or email me if you have any questions regarding the policies in this course.
This document, the Course Schedule / Assignments document, may appear intimidating when you first read it. However, in reality it is not all that complicated. It is lengthy because I’m going to great length to anticipate most of your questions. Please read this document carefully several times so that you will understand how this course works. If you do not carefully read this document, you will be lost in the course.
Please do not make the written assignments more complicated than they actually are. Do not hesitate to ask me questions if you feel like you don’t understand some aspect of the assignments.
I also recommend that you thoroughly take notes (outline) on the lectures as well the assigned reading. These notes (outlines) are for your own study purposes – you do not turn them in to me. You can use these notes on the exams.
In addition, I strongly recommend that you write the due date for all of the assignments into your daily planner / calendar. This way you can see the big picture of how much time you have to complete all of the assignments. Please take the time to look at all of the assignments ahead of time and plan your time so that you can complete them on time.
If you see an error in the Course Schedule, please text me as soon as possible so I can correct it!
If you are attending this class, your Introduction Assignment is to complete an introduction on yourself in order to be counted as attending. This Introduction Assignment also allows me and your classmates to get to know you. Please briefly tell the class your name, major, and your career plan. You will post your response by clicking on Discussions. You will find “Discussions” at the top left of the screen. Then click on “First Assignment: Your Introduction.” Next, go to Responses and copy and paste your response into the window where it says “Type a response.” After you copy and paste your response into this window click the “Respond” button below the window.
You must make this post by Tuesday January 30. The reason for this assignment is that the college needs proof that you are participating in the class before your first written assignment. **If you do not complete this assignment, you will be considered NOT attending and you WILL BE DROPPED from the course. And, your financial aid can be terminated. **
*Service-Learning Project
*I also want to alert you early in the semester that the Service Learning Project is due April 29, 2024. You should go ahead and get started on this project now so you will not be rushed to complete it at the end of the semester. You can find the details on this assignment by skipping down to the end of this document. This project requires you to write four paragraphs and then answer some graph questions. I suggest you do one paragraph per week. This approach will prevent you from the stress of doing all at the last minute! If you do not complete this project, it can reduce your grade by a letter grade (for example from a “B” to a “C.”)
In order to locate the instructions on how to complete the Service Learning Project, go into your Blackboard class and click on “Content” at the upper left-hand corner of the screen. Then, click on “Service Learning Project.” After you click on “Service Learning Project” you will see “Service Learning Project Instructions.” Click on “Service Learning Project Instructions” to open this document. Follow the steps in this document.
Do not stop reading here! You will not understand the instructions and due dates on each assignment unless you read the detailed description of the assignments below! Keep reading!
You need to put all the due dates for all of the Discussions, Peer Responses, Lecture/Reading Quizzes, and Exams for each unit into your personal calendar so you can plan accordingly!
Unit One
Unit One consists of assignments 1 through 5, the Unit One Discussion, and Exam 1. These Assignments are to be completed between the dates of 1/16 – 2/27. You will need to budget your time so that you can complete these assignments during the time allowed.
Lockdown browser practice exam:
I opened the lockdown browser practice exam. You need to take this exam in the next two or three days. The sooner the better. The reason for this exam is to make sure you’re able to maneuver through the lockdown browser that is used on Exams. This practice exam has five simple questions that you all will definitely answer correctly. Also remember this practice exam will count as 5% of your grade.
In order to locate the lockdown browser practice exam, go to Lessons and then click on “lockdown browser practice exam.” Once you click on the exam it will open and you can quickly answer the five questions.
Please carefully read the instructions in the syllabus regarding the lockdown browser before you attempt to take this exam so you understand how to proceed.
How to Prepare for Exams:
Read: How to Study by Summarizing and Marking the Text
Read: How Do I Prepare for the Exams?
Read: Study Skills Videos Youtube Links
*You will find these articles by clicking on “Lessons”. Then scroll down until you see “Study Skills (Handouts and Videos).” You are not tested over these articles on how to study. However, they will help to improve your study skills.
Assignment One (1/16 – 1/23)
Here are the steps to take in order to complete Assignment One. Please follow these same steps for all of the Assignments in this course.
Step 1: Go to the “Lessons,” scroll down to “Guided Notes.” Click on “Guided Notes,” and then click on “Guided Notes Ch 1 Thinking Critically with Psychological Science.”
Step 2: Save this document onto your computer. Have this document open as you view the video lectures. As you view the video lectures, add your additional notes to the “Guided Notes Ch 1 Thinking Critically with Psychological Science” document.
Step 3: As you work your way through the lecture, I encourage you to read chapter 1 as well. You can add additional notes based on the reading as well. After you complete these notes, print them. You may use these notes on the exams. You do not turn in these notes to your professor. Taking detailed notes is critical for your success in learning the material and preparing for the exams.
I have recorded the lectures with a PowerPoint show to help explain and reinforce the assigned reading. Some of the lectures are not a reinforcement of the material in the textbook; these lectures are indicated as additional information.
View: Lecture 1: What Is Psychology?
View: Lecture 2: Why Do Psychology?
View: Lecture 3: The Scientific Method
*You can access the lectures by going to “Lessons” on the Home Page and then click on “Video Lectures.”
Read: Chapter 1 - Thinking Critically with Psychological Science – (This is your textbook: Exploring Psychology by Myers and DeWall)
Step 4: Lecture/Reading Quiz One. This reading quiz is over the assigned reading and lectures in Assignment One. All Lecture/Reading Quizzes in the course are due by 11:59 pm on 5/6. (* Note: LockDown Browser is not required for Reading Quizzes.)
Note regarding all Lecture/Reading Quizzes: After you listen to the lectures and read the assigned reading, you are ready to take the Lecture/Reading Quiz. All of the Reading Quizzes you take in this course are “open book, open notes” quizzes. The reading quizzes are not timed, meaning that they stay open until the day that they are due. You may take the reading quiz as many times as you need during the allotted time. The reading quiz can be thought of as a study guide, helping you to better understand the information and providing you with simulated practice exam questions. The test questions on the exams will be similar to the reading quiz questions.
** You will notice there is a file under Lessons entitled “Discussion Questions for Exam Review” under Lessons. These Discussion Questions are only for your study purposes. Before you spend time on them, be sure you have completed the lectures and reading and your notes. Having good notes is a priority over these “Discussion Questions for Exam Review.” If you have time after you listen to the lectures and read the assigned reading, then review the “Discussion Questions for Exam Review.” You are not required to answer these questions in written form. You do not turn them in to your instructor. They are there only as a study tool.
Assignment Two (1/24 – 1/31)
Please follow the same steps that you completed for Assignment One for this assignment. In other words, add your own notes to the “Guided Notes” as you take notes on the video lectures and the reading. After you add your own notes, you can then print them off and use them on the Exams. Then, take the Lecture/Reading Quiz which will give you practice for the exams.
View: Lecture 1: Neural Communication
View: Lecture 2: The Nervous System
View: Lecture 3: The Endocrine System
View: Lecture 4: The Brain
Read: Chapter 2 - The Biology of Behavior (11ed or 12ed: read only pages 37-68) – Myers and DeWall
Read: Chapter 9 - Thinking, Language, and Intelligence (11ed: read only pages 316-317, The Brain and Language) or (12ed: read only pages 302 – 303, The Brain and Language) – Myers and DeWall
Lecture/Reading Quiz Two. This quiz is over the assigned reading and lectures in Assignment Two.
Assignment Three (2/1 – 2/8)
Please follow the same steps that you completed for Assignment One for this assignment. In other words, add your own notes to the “Guided Notes” as you take notes on the video lectures and the reading. After you add your own notes, you can then print them off and use them on the Exams. Then, take the Lecture/Reading Quiz which will give you practice for the exams.
View: Lecture 1: The Brain and Consciousness
View: Lecture 2: Sleep and Dreams
View: Lecture 3: Consciousness and Hypnotherapy
View: Lecture 4: Drugs and Consciousness
Read: Chapter 3 - Consciousness and the Two-Track Mind - Myers and DeWall
Read: Chapter 6 – Sensation and Perception (11ed: read only page 224, hypnosis) or (12ed: read only pages 215 – 216, hypnosis) – Myers and DeWall
Lecture/Reading Quiz Three. This quiz is over the assigned reading and lectures in Assignment Three.
Assignment Four (2/9 – 2/16)
Please follow the same steps that you completed for Assignment One for this assignment. In other words, add your own notes to the “Guided Notes” as you take notes on the video lectures and the reading. After you add your own notes, you can then print them off and use them on the Exams. Then, take the Lecture/Reading Quiz which will give you practice for the exams.
View Lecture 1: Thinking
View Lecture 2: Intelligence
Read: Chapter 9 – Thinking, Language and Intelligence (11ed: read only pages 297 – 310 and 323 - 346) or (12ed: read only pages 287 – 298 and 308 – 318) – Myers and DeWall (note: we are covering Thinking and Intelligence only; we are not covering Language)
Lecture/Reading Quiz Four. This quiz is over the assigned reading and lectures in Assignment Four.
Assignment Five (2/17 – 2/24)
Please follow the same steps that you completed for Assignment One for this assignment. In other words, add your own notes to the “Guided Notes” as you take notes on the video lectures and the reading. After you add your own notes, you can then print them off and use them on the Exams. Then, take the Lecture/Reading Quiz which will give you practice for the exams.
View: Lecture 1: Classical Conditioning
View: Lecture 2: Operant Conditioning and Observational Learning
View: Lecture on Self-Control - note: this lecture is not a reinforcement of material in the text; this is additional information.
Read: Chapter 7 - Learning – Myers and DeWall
Lecture/Reading Quiz Five. This reading quiz is over the assigned reading and lectures in Assignment Five.
Unit One Discussion / (PBL) Problem Based Learning Assignment:
Your Unit One Discussion / (PBL) Assignment is due 2/25. Your assignment is to complete the discussion question below on Self-Control.
This Unit One assignment on Self-Control is based on the lecture on Self-Control (see Assignment Five). You will need to have completed the lecture on Self-Control in order to do this assignment. A well-defined plan is critical in order to change a problem behavior. You need a well-structured plan and strong motivation. Your objective here is to identify one behavior you want to change. Examples of behavioral deficits include: poor study habits, lack of assertiveness, poor time management, poor eating habits, lack of exercise, lack of public speaking skills, lack of appropriate social skills, and the inability to relax. Examples of behavioral excesses include: being overweight, smoking cigarettes, substance abuse (for example alcohol abuse), use of bad language, overuse of caffeine, procrastination, and poor budget management.
After you identify one behavior you want change, your goal is to write out your behavior change plan. Remember to get specific and write out your plan for each step. Your assignment is to copy and paste each of the 6 steps below into your paper. Be sure you answer each of the 6 steps below in your paper. Break your paper into at least 6 paragraphs to address each item below; do not make it one long paragraph! (I will ask you to redo your paper if you do not break it into separate paragraphs.)
1. Set a target behavior (goal) that is realistic and measurable. For example, if you want to increase exercise, you need to specify what that means e.g., “I will walk for 30 minutes five days per week.” Other examples of specific / measurable goals: “My goal is to lose 10 pounds.” “My goal is to drink 1 cup of coffee per day.” Your plan is less likely to work if your goal is vague. It needs to be specific and measurable. Do not set a vague goal! If you goal is not specific and measurable, then set a different goal.
2. Identify the potential benefits of reaching your target. Also identify the costs of not reaching the target!
3. Set up and describe a daily schedule that utilizes your favorite activities as rewards.
4. Enlist social support from family and friends. Describe who, how, when, where?
5. Identify the specific obstacles you're likely to encounter in reaching your target and construct strategies for overcoming them. Remember that the hardest part is minimizing the influence of immediate rewards and maximizing the impact of your rewards.
6. Use tracking (self-monitoring system) to keep you focused; describe what your tracking system look like? What can you do to make sure you stay on track with your goal? For example, when my goal is to outline a chapter in psychology, I have a file in my word processor where I state the date, the realistic goals for the day, and the rewards at the end of the day after I complete the goals. I also track time on task, meaning I set a timer for 30 minutes. I stay on task for 30 minutes and then take a 5 minute break. At the end of the day, I add up my time spent (in 30 minute intervals) on the task. If you slip, keep trying; remember that behavioral change takes time. 4 out of 5 people experience backsliding. It is worth the effort!
Remember, your discussion response to the question needs to be a minimum of 500 words in 12- point type size.
In order to post your discussion, go to “Discussions” and then click on the appropriate Discussion (for example, Unit One Discussion, Unit Two Discussion, etc). Then, under Responses, copy and paste your Discussion into the window that says “Type a response.” Next, click on the “Respond” button and you will have submitted your Discussion.
Please use this rubric (assessment tool) below to help you to formulate (develop) your answer to the question for this essay.
Rubric used to grade Unit One Discussion Assignment:
Criteria | Exceeds Expectation | Needs Improvement | Does not meet expectations |
Knowledge | 60 Points The response is exceptionally clear, providing a detailed and well-articulated response to each of the 6 items identified in the assignment.
| 40 Points Does not address all of the 6 items in the assignment. It provides minimal evidence of the student’s reflective thought. It demonstrates a limited understanding of the topic. The student has a target behavior (goal) but he/she did not make the target behavior (goal) realistic and measurable. | 30 Points Minimally addresses the items in the assignment. It does not provide evidence of the student’s reflective thought. The discussion does not meet the required 500 word minimum.
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Organization | 20 Points Information is clearly organized. | 15 Points Information is loosely organized. | 10 Points Information is present, but very difficult to understand due to poor organization. |
Mechanics | 20 Points Proper grammar and spelling used throughout written work. | 15 Points Proper grammar and spelling used throughout written work with major errors. | 10 Points Very poor grammar and spelling used through written work. |
If you have any questions about the Unit Discussions please let me know. These papers do take some time but they are not that difficult to complete. I hope you get something meaningful out of the assignments. They are designed to help you reflect and find meaning in the reading and not to be “busy work.”
Exam One: Exam 1 opens 12:00 am (midnight) on 2/26 and closes at 11:59 pm on 2/27. To get into an exam, click on Lessons and then click on Exams. Exam 1 covers Unit One, consisting of Assignments 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Please carefully read the instructions in the syllabus regarding the lockdown browser before you attempt to take this exam so you understand how to proceed. You are allowed to use your notes (typed or hand-written) on the exam but not your textbook or any other electronic device.
Unit Two
Unit Two consists of assignments 6 through 9, the Unit Two Discussion, and Exam 2. These Assignments are to be completed between the dates of 2/28 – 4/12. You will need to budget your time so that you can complete these assignments during the time allowed.
Assignment Six (2/28 – 3/6)
Please follow the same steps that you completed for Assignment One for this assignment. In other words, add your own notes to the “Guided Notes” as you take notes on the video lectures and the reading. After you add your own notes, you can then print them off and use them on the Exams. Then, take the Lecture/Reading Quiz which will give you practice for the exams.
View: Lecture 1: Perspectives on Psychological Disorders
View: Lecture 2: Anxiety Disorders
View: Lecture 3: Other Psychological Disorders
Read: Chapter 14 - Psychological Disorders – Myers and DeWall
Lecture/Reading Quiz Six. This reading quiz is over the assigned reading and lectures in Assignment Six.
Assignment Seven (3/7 – 3/21)
Please follow the same steps that you completed for Assignment One for this assignment. In other words, add your own notes to the “Guided Notes” as you take notes on the video lectures and the reading. After you add your own notes, you can then print them off and use them on the Exams. Then, take the Lecture/Reading Quiz which will give you practice for the exams.
View: Lecture 1: Psychological Therapies (Psychoanalytic and Humanistic)
View: Lecture 2: Psychological Therapies (Behavioral, Cognitive, Group, and Family)
View: Lecture 3: Evaluating Psychotherapies
View: Lecture 4: The Biomedical Therapies and Prevention
View: Lecture on Hope - note: this lecture is not a reinforcement of material in the text; this is additional information.
Read: Chapter 15 - Therapy – Myers
Lecture/Reading Quiz Seven. This reading quiz is over the assigned reading and lectures in Assignment Seven.
Assignment Eight (3/22 – 4/1)
Please follow the same steps that you completed for Assignment One for this assignment. In other words, add your own notes to the “Guided Notes” as you take notes on the video lectures and the reading. After you add your own notes, you can then print them off and use them on the Exams. Then, take the Lecture/Reading Quiz which will give you practice for the exams.
In this assignment, I want to go deeper into one specific form of psychotherapy called Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). The material in this assignment will help you learn how to cope more effectively with the stress in your life by teaching you to evaluate and change your thinking about events that lead to emotional and behavioral upset.
Read: REBT - Emotional Disturbance and Its Treatment in a Nutshell
Read: REBT - Toward an Egoless State of Being
Read: REBT - Overcoming Self-Esteem
*The REBT articles can be found by going to “Lessons” and then click on “Supplemental Reading – REBT.”
View: Lecture 1: REBT and Mentalization In Stressful Life Situations (Part 1)
View: Lecture 2: REBT and Mentalization In Stressful Life Situations (Part 2)
View Video Lecture: Help for Stressful Life Situations: an REBT Approach to Coping with COVID-19
*You can access the lectures by going to “Lessons” on the Home Page and then click on “Video Lectures.” Scroll down until you find the videos.
There is a lot of overlap in these videos. The video lecture on REBT/Covid will reinforce many of the ideas in the “REBT and Mentalization In Stressful Life Situations” lecture; it will also show how we can apply REBT to the stress of a pandemic and to more severe situations.
Read: REBT Healthy VS Unhealthy Emotion
* To view this handout, go to “Lessons,” then to “Supplemental Reading – REBT,” and then to “REBT Healthy Negative Emotions VS Unhealthy Negative Emotions.” This handout summarizes in one handout all of the emotions covered in the REBT lectures. You may skip over this part of the lectures to save time because this information is summarized in this handout.
Read: “Dr. Kee’s application of REBT to Severe Anxiety.”
*I have provided an example where I am talking about a very stressful time in my adolescence. I was experiencing severe anxiety when I was a sophomore in college. This handout will help you see how REBT can be applied in a real-life situation. To view this document, go to “Lessons” and then to “REBT for Stressful Life Situations.” Then click on “Dr. Kee’s application of REBT to Severe Anxiety.”
Lecture/Reading Quiz Eight. This reading quiz is over the assigned reading and lectures in Assignment Eight.
*Additional REBT Resources for your learning:
You are not required to buy or use these additional REBT Resources. I provide them for your practice to better learn this model of coping with stress. It is through continual learning and practice of REBT that you gain the rewards and benefits to help you reduce your stress.
*In order to learn more about REBT (which will help you cope more effectively with your stress!), I recommend you study the book entitled How to Stubbornly Refuse to Make Yourself Miserable About Anything--Yes, Anything by Dr. Albert Ellis. To be clear, you are not required to buy this book. It is just a recommendation.
*I also recommend Dr. Matweychuk’s website that offers many outstanding free audio and video recordings to help you continue your study of REBT. Dr. Matweychuk is an expert in REBT. He also offers a free REBT conversation hour to help you learn REBT every Saturday morning at 8:00 am. You can volunteer for a free session! (I have volunteered twice!) I go to this free discussion every Saturday morning at 8 am. See his website for details. http://rebtdoctor.com/index.html
Unit Two Discussion / (PBL) Problem Based Learning Assignment:
Part 1:
This assignment is based on the articles and / or lectures on REBT that you completed in Assignment Eight. The objective of this assignment is to discuss in what specific ways can you apply aspects of REBT to your life now to help you better manage a current stressful situation? Describe a stressful situation that you are currently experiencing or that you experienced in the past. (See Dr Kee's Model REBT Discussion as an example of how I applied REBT to a stressful situation in my life.) In order to get full credit on this assignment, you will need to address the following: Describe the Activating Event (stressful situation). What were your unhealthy negative emotions in this situation? What were your specific unhealthy, irrational, rigid beliefs in this situation? Describe the specific healthy, rational, flexible beliefs you would need to develop and practice in order to better cope with your stressful situation. Explain. (Break your paper into separate paragraphs.)
Your response is not a summary of the lecture. No credit is provided for a summary of the lecture. The minimum length for your Discussion is 500 words. If you do not meet the required word count you may redo your paper with a 20-point late penalty. Your Unit Four Discussion is due 4/10.
Part 2:
Part 2 is your Peer Response. The goal is for you to relate (connect) to your classmate’s discussion response by connecting your personal experience and/or observations to their response. There is no right or wrong answer to this second part. You may want to reflect on one or more of the following: 1) How does your peer’s Discussion relate to your life, experiences, feelings and ideas?, 2) How does your peer’s Discussion increase your understanding of a particular issue? Did it change your perspective in any way?, 3) Is there any advice you would recommend from your own life experience to possibly help your peer? The minimum length for this paragraph is 200 words in 12-point type size. Part 2 is due 4/13.
Here are the instructions on how to submit your Discussion and your Peer Response:
In order to post your discussion, go to “Discussions” and then click on the appropriate Discussion (for example, Unit One Discussion, Unit Two Discussion, etc). Then, under Responses, copy and paste your Discussion into the window that says “Type a response.” Next, click on the “Respond” button and you will have submitted your Discussion.
In order to respond to a peer, first read through your peers discussions and determine which one you want to respond to. Then, click on the lower left-hand corner of the student’s discussion where it days “Reply.” Copy and paste your response into the window where it says “Type a reply.” Then click on “Reply” and your response will be submitted.
Please use this rubric (assessment tool) below to help you to formulate (develop) your answer to the question for this essay.
Rubric used to grade Unit Two Discussion Assignment and Peer Response:
Criteria | Exceeds Expectation | Needs Improvement | Does not meet expectations |
Knowledge | 50 Points Contains a clear and thorough responses to the assignment. Provides evidence that the student has clearly connected to concepts from the assigned lecture and/or reading. | 40 Points It provides minimal evidence of the student’s reflective thought. There is only minimal indication that the student connected to specific concepts from the assigned lecture and/or reading. | 20 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 connected to concepts from the assigned lecture and/or reading. The discussion does not meet the required 500 word minimum. |
Organization | 10 Points Information is clearly organized. | 7 Points Information is loosely organized. | 5 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 major errors. | 5 Points Very poor grammar and spelling used through written and oral work. |
Peer Response | 30 Points Peer response meets the minimum 200-word requirement. The student’s response engages thoughtfully with the original post. The response provides detailed personal experience and/or observations to their peer’s discussion. | 16 Points Peer response meets the minimum 200-word requirement. The response lacks engagement with the original post or fails to contribute meaningfully to the discussion. | 0 Points The student does not provide a peer response. The peer response does not meet the minimum 200-word requirement.
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Assignment Nine (4/2 – 4/10)
Please follow the same steps that you completed for Assignment One for this assignment. In other words, add your own notes to the “Guided Notes” as you take notes on the video lectures and the reading. After you add your own notes, you can then print them off and use them on the Exams. Then, take the Lecture/Reading Quiz which will give you practice for the exams.
View: Lecture 1: Theories of Emotion
View: Lecture 2: Embodied Emotion
View: Lecture 3: Expressed Emotion
View: Lecture 4: Experienced Emotion
View: Lecture 5: Emotions (Stress and Health)
View: Lecture 6: Emotions and Promoting Health
View: Lecture on Happiness - note: this lecture is not a reinforcement of material in the text; this is additional information.
Read: Chapter 10 – Motivation and Emotion (11 ed: read only pages 367 - 382) or (12 ed: 347 – 362) – Myers and DeWall
Read: Chapter 11 – Stress, Health, and Human Flourishing – Myers and DeWall
Lecture/Reading Quiz Nine. This reading quiz is over the assigned reading and lectures in Assignment Nine.
Exam Two: Exam 2 opens 12:00 am (midnight) on 4/11 and closes at 11:59 pm on 4/12. To get into an exam, click on Lessons and then click on Exams. Exam 2 covers Unit Two, consisting of Assignments 6, 7, 8, and 9. This exam is online. Please carefully read the instructions in the syllabus regarding the lockdown browser before you attempt to take this exam so you understand how to proceed. You are allowed to use your notes (typed or hand-written) on the exam but not your textbook or any other electronic device.
Unit Three
Unit Three consists of assignments 10 through 12, the Unit Three Discussion, Service Learning Project, Exam 3 and the Final Exam. These Assignments are to be completed between the dates of 4/13 – 5/8. You will need to budget your time so that you can complete these assignments during the time allowed.
Assignment Ten (4/13 – 4/20)
Please follow the same steps that you completed for Assignment One for this assignment. In other words, add your own notes to the “Guided Notes” as you take notes on the video lectures and the reading. After you add your own notes, you can then print them off and use them on the Exams. Then, take the Lecture/Reading Quiz which will give you practice for the exams.
View: Lecture 1: Childhood Cognitive Development
View: Lecture 2: Childhood Social Development
View: Lecture 3: Adolescence
View: Lecture 4: Adulthood
Read: Chapter 4 - Developing Through the Lifespan – Myers and DeWall
Lecture/Reading Quiz Ten. This reading quiz is over the assigned reading and lectures in Assignment Ten.
Assignment Eleven (4/21 - 4/28)
Please follow the same steps that you completed for Assignment One for this assignment. In other words, add your own notes to the “Guided Notes” as you take notes on the video lectures and the reading. After you add your own notes, you can then print them off and use them on the Exams. Then, take the Lecture/Reading Quiz which will give you practice for the exams.
View: Lecture 1: Motivation
View: Lecture 2: Sexual Motivation
Read: Chapter 10 – Motivation and Emotion (read only pages 347 - 359, Basic Motivational Concepts, Affiliation, and Achievement) – Myers and DeWall
Read: Chapter 5 – Gender and Sexuality (read only pages 172 – 188 Human Sexuality) – Myers and DeWall
Read: REBT - How to Stop Being a Love Slob
Read: REBT - Self-Interest and Assertion
*The REBT articles can be found by going to “Lessons” and then click on “Supplemental Reading – REBT.”
Lecture/Reading Quiz Eleven. This reading quiz is over the assigned reading and lectures in Assignment Eleven.
Unit Three Discussion / (PBL) Problem Based Learning Assignment:
Part 1:
In this Discussion Response, I want you to reflect on the Lecture on Love and the REBT Articles in Assignment Eleven. Your discussion response to the question needs to be a minimum of 500 words in 12-point type size. Please divide your 600-word discussion paper into paragraphs! Part 1 is due 5/4.
I want you to choose one to three major themes from any aspects of the Lecture on Love and/or the REBT articles in Assignment Eleven. I am not asking you to respond to several themes for the Lecture on Love and several themes for each REBT Article! I want you to make connections to any aspects of the Lecture on Love and/or the REBT Articles that you wish. I want you to reflect on how your feelings, thoughts, and experiences relate SPECIFICALLY to any aspects of the Lecture on Love and/or the REBT Articles. Your response is not a summary of the reading. No credit is provided for a summary of the reading.
You may choose from these question to help you create your connection response. Note, I am note asking you to respond to all four of the questions. The purpose of these questions is to help you formulate your Discussion response.
1) How does this major concept or theme (a concept from the lectures and/or reading that you choose) help to enrich your life or relate to your life or your family?
2) How does this major concept or theme (a concept from the lectures and/or reading that you choose) relate to problems in our present-day world?
3) How does this major concept or theme (a concept from the lectures and/or reading that you choose) relate to your life, experiences, feelings and ideas?
4) Did the lectures and/or reading assignments increase your understanding of a particular issue? Did it change your perspective in any way? Explain.
Part 2:
Part 2 is your Peer Response. The goal is for you to relate (connect) to your classmate’s discussion response by connecting your personal experience and/or observations to their response. There is no right or wrong answer to this second part. You may want to reflect on one or more of the following: 1) How does your peer’s Discussion relate to your life, experiences, feelings and ideas?, 2) How does your peer’s Discussion increase your understanding of a particular issue? Did it change your perspective in any way?, 3) Is there any advice you would recommend from your own life experience to possibly help your peer? The minimum length for this paragraph is 200 words in 12-point type size. Part 2 is due 5/7.
Here are the instructions on how to submit your Discussion and your Peer Response:
In order to post your discussion, go to “Discussions” and then click on the appropriate Discussion (for example, Unit One Discussion, Unit Two Discussion, etc). Then, under Responses, copy and paste your Discussion into the window that says “Type a response.” Next, click on the “Respond” button and you will have submitted your Discussion.
In order to respond to a peer, first read through your peers discussions and determine which one you want to respond to. Then, click on the lower left-hand corner of the student’s discussion where it days “Reply.” Copy and paste your response into the window where it says “Type a reply.” Then click on “Reply” and your response will be submitted.
Rubric used to grade Unit Three Discussion Assignment and Peer Response:
Criteria | Exceeds Expectation | Needs Improvement | Does not meet expectations |
Knowledge | 50 Points Contains a clear and thorough responses to the assignment. Provides evidence that the student has clearly connected to specific concepts from the assigned lecture and/or reading. | 40 Points It provides minimal evidence of the student’s reflective thought. There is only minimal indication that the student connected to specific concepts from the assigned lecture and/or reading. | 20 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 connected to concepts from the assigned lecture and/or reading. The discussion does not meet the required 500 word minimum. |
Organization | 10 Points Information is clearly organized. | 7 Points Information is loosely organized. | 5 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 major errors. | 5 Points Very poor grammar and spelling used through written and oral work. |
Peer Response | 30 Points Peer response meets the minimum 200-word requirement. The student’s response engages thoughtfully with the original post. The response provides detailed personal experience and/or observations to their peer’s discussion. | 16 Points Peer response meets the minimum 200-word requirement. The response lacks engagement with the original post or fails to contribute meaningfully to the discussion. | 0 Points The student does not provide a peer response. The peer response does not meet the minimum 200-word requirement.
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Assignment Twelve (4/29 – 5/6)
Please follow the same steps that you completed for Assignment One for this assignment. In other words, add your own notes to the “Guided Notes” as you take notes on the video lectures and the reading. After you add your own notes, you can then print them off and use them on the Exams. Then, take the Lecture/Reading Quiz which will give you practice for the exams.
View Lecture 1: Social Thinking
View Lecture 2: Social Influence (Conformity and Obedience)
View Lecture 3: Social Influence (Group Influence)
View Lecture 4: Social Relations (Prejudice)
View Lecture 5: Social Relations (Aggression)
View Lecture 6: Social Relations (Attraction, Altruism, and Conflict)
Read: Chapter 12 - Social Psychology - Myers and DeWall
Lecture/Reading Quiz Twelve. This reading quiz is over the assigned reading and lectures in Assignment Twelve.
Service Learning Project
The Service Learning Project is due 4/29. In order to locate the instructions on how to complete the Service Learning Project, go into your Blackboard class and click on “Service Learning Project” in the upper left-hand corner. Start by reading the “Service Learning Project Instructions.” These instructions will guide you through the process.
* The last day to turn in late work with a penalty is 4/29.
Exam Three: Exam 3 opens 12:00 am (midnight) on 5/7 and closes at 11:59 pm on 5/8. To get into an exam, click on Lessons and then click on Exams. Exam 3 covers Unit Three, consisting of Assignments 10, 11, and 12. This exam is online. Please carefully read the instructions in the syllabus regarding the lockdown browser before you attempt to take this exam so you understand how to proceed. You are allowed to use your notes (typed or hand-written) on the exam but not your textbook or any other electronic device.
Dr. Alan Kee
Professor of Psychology
Amarillo College
General Psychology (Hybrid)
Course Schedule / Assignments
M/W 9:00 AM - 10:15 AM
10/24/2022 - 12/16/2022
Dutton Hall 103
Welcome to General Psychology!
If you see any errors on the dates below in this document, please call me asap!
Why Take a Course in the General Psychology?
Even if you are not majoring in psychology, you can definitely benefit from learning more about the human mind and behavior by taking a psychology course. Many universities require students to take at least one class in psychology. Why is psychology often included as part of a core general education requirement? There are a few great reasons.
It Can Help You Better Understand Other People
If you are majoring in a subject that will lead you to a career that involves working directly with lots of different people, such as teaching or nursing, understanding more about how people think and behave will be extremely helpful in your career. Even if you don't plan to work with people, psychology is still beneficial in helping you understand how and why the people in your life think and behave the way they do. Understanding others can be extremely fulfilling and lead to better, stronger relationships with your family, friends, and co-workers.
It Can Help You Better Understand Yourself
Just like it helps you better understand others, taking a psychology class can help you understand yourself too, including areas like what motivates you, what sort of personality you have, and how your personality contributes to the way you think and behave. Understanding yourself better can help you improve your relationships with others, your communication skills, your motivation, and how you relate to the world around you.
It Can Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills
Psychology classes emphasize things like the scientific method, evaluating your sources of information, and thinking critically about the information you encounter on a daily basis. Such classes can help you hone these skills, which may prove useful in a variety of careers and different areas of life.
National surveys of employers show that they value skill sets such as critical thinking and problem solving more than specific majors Psychology majors’ training places them at a distinct advantage over other graduates. In order to take a closer look at some of the skills valued by employers and how they compare to the competencies students acquire through the psychology major, go to the following website:
What employers seek in job applicants: You’ve got the skills they want
https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/psn/2013/09/job-applicants
Attendance by the Census Date
You must physically attend this course before the Census Date of 10/28/22. If you do not attend class before the Census Date, the registrar will consider you as NOT attending and YOU WILL BE DROPPED from the course. Your financial aid can also be terminated.
Critical Information on How To Use Email in This Course!
In order to receive email from the instructor you must use your AC Connect Google Email account. If you do not activate and use your AC Connect Google Email account, you will be lost in this course because you will not be able to receive email from your instructor. Thus, students are responsible to check their AC Connect Google Email account on a daily basis.
In order to set up your AC Connect Google Email account, you go to the AC Home Page and click on AC Connect. Then scroll down and click on “Amarillo College Email (managed by Google). Then you will enter your AC Gmail account (all emails from Google end with @amarillocollege.com; for example, hlvoran@amarillocollege.com). Click next and enter your AC Password and click next.
To send email to your instructor, do the following:
• Click Send Email in the course menu.
• Click All Instructor Users.
• Type a Subject, just like you would in an email.
• Type your message, then click Submit again.
• When your instructor responds to your email, it will go to your AC Student Gmail account in AC Connect.
Furthermore, you can SEND email from Blackboard, but you will never RECEIVE email there. You will only receive email at your AC Connect Gmail account.
You will need to learn how to use email in this course by viewing two tutorial video on how to access email as a student in the portal and on how to send email from Blackboard.
Summary / Overview of Assignments:
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Date |
Assignment |
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Unit One |
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Orientation Syllabus / Schedule |
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Assignment One Ch 1 Thinking Critically with Psychological Science Lecture 1: What Is Psychology? Lecture 2: Why Do Psychology? Lecture 3: The Scientific Method Reading Quiz (A1) Due
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M 10/31 |
Assignment Two Ch 2 The Biology of Behavior (11ed or 12ed: read only pages 37-68) Ch 9 Thinking, Language, and Intelligence (11ed: read only pages 316-317 The Brain and Language) or (12ed: read only pages 302 – 303) Lecture 1: Neural Communication Lecture 2: The Nervous System Lecture 3: The Endocrine System Lecture 4: The Brain Reading Quiz (A2) Due
Assignment Three Ch 3 Consciousness and the Two-Track Mind Ch 6 – Sensation and Perception (11ed: read only page 224, hypnosis) or (12ed: read only pages 215 – 216, hypnosis) Lecture 1: The Brain and Consciousness Lecture 2: Sleep and Dreams Lecture 3: Consciousness and Hypnotherapy Lecture 4: Drugs and Consciousness Reading Quiz (A3) Due |
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Assignment Four Ch 9 – Thinking, Language and Intelligence (11ed: read only pages 297 – 310 and 323 - 346) or (12ed: read only pages 287 – 298 and 308 – 318) Lecture 1: Intelligence Lecture 1: Thinking Lecture: Wisdom Reading Quiz (A4) Due Discussion / PBL Assignment Due |
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Assignment Five Ch 7 Learning Lecture 1: Classical Conditioning Lecture 2: Operant Conditioning and Observational Learning Lecture: Self-Control Reading Quiz (A5) Due Discussion / PBL Assignment Due |
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Exam 1 |
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Unit Two |
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M 11/14 |
Assignment Six Ch 14 Psychological Disorders Lecture 1: Perspectives on Psychological Disorders Lecture 2: Anxiety Disorders Lecture 3: Other Psychological Disorders Reading Quiz (A6) Due Discussion / PBL Assignment Due |
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W 11/16 |
Assignment Seven Ch 15 Therapy Lecture 1: Psychological Therapies (Psychoanalytic and Humanistic) Lecture 2: Psychological Therapies (Behavioral, Cognitive, Group, and Family) Lecture 3: Evaluating Psychotherapies Lecture 4: The Biomedical Therapies and Prevention Lecture: Hope Reading Quiz (A7) Due Discussion / PBL Assignment Due |
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M 11/21 |
Assignment Eight REBT - Emotional Disturbance and Its Treatment in a Nutshell REBT - Toward an Egoless State of Being REBT - Overcoming Self-Esteem Lecture: REBT and Mentalization In Stressful Life Situations (Part 1) Lecture: REBT and Mentalization In Stressful Life Situations (Part 2) Lecture: Help for Stressful Life Situations: An REBT Approach to Coping with COVID-19 Reading Quiz (A8) Due Discussion / PBL Assignment Due |
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W 11/23 |
Assignment Nine Ch 10 Motivation and Emotion (11 ed: read only pages 367 - 382) or (12 ed: 347 – 362) Ch 11 Stress, Health, and Human Flourishing Lecture 1: Theories of Emotion Lecture 2: Embodied Emotion Lecture 3: Expressed Emotion Lecture 4: Experienced Emotion Lecture 5: Emotions (Stress and Health) Lecture 6: Emotions and Promoting Health Lecture: Happiness Reading Quiz (A9) Due Discussion / PBL Assignment Due |
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M 11/28 |
Exam 2 |
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Unit Three |
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W 11/30 |
Assignment Ten Ch 4 Developing Through the Lifespan Lecture 1: Childhood Cognitive Development Lecture 2: Childhood Social Development Lecture 3: Adolescence Lecture 4: Adulthood Reading Quiz (A10) Due Discussion / PBL Assignment Due
Service Learning Project Due |
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M 12/5 |
Assignment Eleven Ch 10 – Motivation and Emotion (11ed: read only pages 347 – 359) or (12ed: read only pages 328 – 340) Ch 5 Gender and Sexuality (11ed: read only pages 172 – 188) or (12ed: read only pages 166 – 180) Lecture 1: Motivation Lecture 2: Sexual Motivation Lecture: Love REBT - How to Stop Being a Love Slob REBT - Self-Interest and Assertion Reading Quiz (A11) Due Discussion / PBL Assignment Due |
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W 12/7 |
Assignment Twelve Ch 13 Social Psychology in 11ed or Ch 12 Social Psychology in 12ed View Lecture 1: Social Thinking View Lecture 2: Social Influence (Conformity and Obedience) View Lecture 3: Social Influence (Group Influence) View Lecture 4: Social Relations (Prejudice) View Lecture 5: Social Relations (Aggression) View Lecture 6: Social Relations (Attraction, Altruism, and Conflict) |
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M 12/12 |
Exam 3 |
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*Service Learning Project
I want to alert you early in the semester that this Service-Learning Project is due Wednesday 11/30/22. You should go ahead and get started on this project now so you will not be rushed to complete it at the end of the semester. You can find the details on this assignment by skipping down to the end of this document. This project requires you to write four paragraphs and then answer some graph questions. I suggest you do one paragraph per week. This approach will prevent you from the stress of doing all at the last minute! If you do not complete this project, it can reduce your grade by a letter grade (for example from a “B” to a “C.”)
In order to locate the instructions on how to complete the Service Learning Project, go into your Blackboard class and click on “Service Learning Project” in the upper left-hand corner. Start by reading the “Service Learning Project Instructions.” These instructions will guide you through the process.
Unit One
Discussion Questions for Exam Review:
Purpose:
According to research on memory, the best way to learn material is to get ACTIVE in the reading (note taking) process! This approach to learning will ask you to summarize the concepts and make a connection to the concepts. This active method of learning will promote discussion which will make learning the material more interesting and easier. It is more interesting than just passively listening to a lecture. This class will be more enjoyable if we can stimulate discussion and at the same time stay focused on the topics in the assigned reading. Also, sharing your answer will help others to feel safe and confident to share their thoughts about the content. This Course Schedule will indicate the days Discussion Questions are due.
Also, the list of Discussion Questions will also serve as a study guide for the exams.
Task:
I will assign a discussion question in advance for each student in class. In order to find your discussion question, first go to Lessons, and then click on Discussion Questions for Exam Review. Then, open this document and find your assigned discussion question that relates to the assigned chapter (lecture).
In order to get full credit for participation on the days that a discussion question is assigned, you’ll need to 1) attend class, and 2) submit your answer to your assigned Discussion Question before class. In order to submit your answer to your assigned Discussion Question, go to “Discussions / PBL Assignments,” then go to the “Assignment” you are turning in. Then, go to Create Thread, provide a subject (title) and copy and paste your discussion into the “Message” window and click “Submit.”
Your task is to answer the questions by summarizing the information in your own words based on the lecture and / or the reading assignment. Then, if your discussion question lends itself to also reflecting on how your own feelings, thoughts, and experiences relate SPECIFICALLY to the major concept in your assigned question, then please add this information. You can also make a connection by talking about how concepts from other readings from any source (other chapters in your textbook, articles, website, movies etc.) relate to a concept in your assigned reading.
For example, let’s say you get a discussion question on depression. You first need to summarize the information from the text and / or lecture that applies to your discussion question. Then perhaps you have had personal experience with depression or know a friend with depression. You would want to add this information to your discussion question answer. Then, let’s say you found an interesting article on depression. You can also add some summarized information from the article you found. Be sure to reference your source (text chapter, article, website, etc.) in your paper.
Your response to the discussion question must be a minimum of 200 words in 12 point type size. It is ok to go beyond the 200 word minimum requirement. I will not take a discussion response that does not meet the 200 word minimum requirement. Please be sure to use your word processer to provide a word count.
Criteria:
On days that discussion questions are assigned, you will receive 50 points for attendance and 50 points for submitting your answer inside of Blackboard. If you attend class but do not turn in your answer, you will receive 50 points for that day. If you turn in your discussion but do not attend class, you will receive 50 points for that day. You will accrue a total of 100 points per day for attending class and completing your discussion.
Also, this is a hybrid course so we only meet 50% of the time in the classroom. The expectation is that you attend all of the in-class meetings. If, however, you are unable to submit your paper on time, you may submit your Discussion late and incur a 20-point late penalty.
If you miss a class and consequently you do not get an assigned discussion question, it will be your responsibility to choose a Discussion Question from the list for you to prepare for the next class. You must tell me at the start of class which Discussion Question you completed.
M 10/24
Orientation / Introductions / Study Skills
W 10/26
Assignment One
Chapter 1 is an introduction to the science of psychology. The purpose of the chapter is to get you to think about how you think. It is common for people to accept things they read and hear in the media as the "truth" without asking how they reached such a conclusion. This chapter teaches you how to think critically, and apply this type of thinking to your life.
Read: How to Study by Summarizing and Marking the Text
Read: HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE EXAMS?
Here are other videos on How to Outline a Textbook / Lecture:
How To Take Notes From a Textbook | Reese Regan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJ4F27K8nh8
How to create a chapter outline (This one shows how to outline on your laptop.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpfquDfKg5A
Outline Method (This one focuses on taking lectures notes in class.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6aSgwUw1qM
How to study efficiently: The Cornell Notes Method
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSYnGhlnzyw
*You will find these articles by clicking on Lessons (top right of home page). Then scroll down until you see the title of each article. You are not tested over these articles on how to study. However, they will improve your study skills.
Read: Chapter 1 - Thinking Critically with Psychological Science - Myers
View: Lecture 1: What Is Psychology?
View: Lecture 2: Why Do Psychology?
View: Lecture 3: The Scientific Method
*You will find the lectures under Lessons Tab on the Home Page of the course. I have recorded the lectures with a PowerPoint show to help explain and reinforce the assigned reading. Some of the lectures are not a reinforcement of the material in the textbook; these lectures are indicated as additional information.
*In order to view a lecture, go to “Lessons” and then go to “Video Lectures.” Then, click on the lecture you want to view. If you have any difficulties viewing the lectures, please call tech support at 371-5992.
I recommend that you make the time to take notes on the lectures and then read / outline (take notes) the assigned readings. The recorded lectures will help reinforce your learning in the assigned readings. You do not turn in these notes to your professor. Taking detailed notes is critical to your success in learning the material and preparing you for the exams.
Reading Quiz One. This reading quiz is over the assigned reading and lectures in Assignment One. After you listen to the lectures and read / outline the assigned reading, you are ready to take Reading Quiz One. The Reading Quiz is an “open book, open notes” quiz. In order to stay caught up on the quizzes, I recommend you complete it BEFORE you come to class today. However, the quizzes will remain open through the day before the exam. These reading quizzes are critical to your learning the material in this class. The reading quizzes are not timed, meaning that they stay open until the day that they are due. You may take the reading quiz as many times as you need during the allotted time. The reading quiz can be thought of as a study guide, helping you to better understand the information and providing you with simulated practice exam questions. The test questions on the exams will be similar to the reading quiz questions.
* Note: all Reading Quizzes are found under the Lessons Tab.
* Bring your notes, discussion questions and textbook to class. You will need them for the in-class application.
*A Discussion Question is NOT due today.
M 10/31 (*note that assignment two and assignment three are due today)
Assignment Two
We cannot understand our psychological selves without understanding our physical selves. This assignment describe how brain activity, neurons and hormones affect your psychological functioning.
Read: Chapter 2 - The Biology of Behavior (11ed or 12ed: read only pages 37-68) – Myers
Read: Chapter 9 - Thinking, Language, and Intelligence (11ed: read only pages 316-317, The Brain and Language) or (12ed: read only pages 302 – 303, The Brain and Language) – Myers
View: Lecture 1: Neural Communication
View: Lecture 2: The Nervous System
View: Lecture 3: The Endocrine System
View: Lecture 4: The Brain
Reading Quiz Two. This reading quiz is over the assigned reading and lectures in Assignment Two. After you listen to the lectures and read / outline the assigned reading, you are ready to take the Reading Quiz. The Reading Quiz is an “open book, open notes” quiz. In order to stay caught up on the quizzes, I recommend you complete it BEFORE you come to class today. However, the quizzes will remain open through the day before the exam. These reading quizzes are critical to your learning the material in this class. The reading quizzes are not timed, meaning that they stay open until the day that they are due. You may take the reading quiz as many times as you need during the allotted time. The reading quiz can be thought of as a study guide, helping you to better understand the information and providing you with simulated practice exam questions. The test questions on the exams will be similar to the reading quiz questions.
* Note: all Reading Quizzes are found under the Lessons Tab.
* Bring your notes, discussion questions and textbook to class. You will need them for the in-class application.
*A Discussion Question is NOT due today.
Assignment Three
In this assignment we will explore the fascinating world of consciousness, sleep, dreams, hypnosis, and the connection between drugs and consciousness.
Read: Chapter 3 - Consciousness and the Two-Track Mind - Myers
Read: Chapter 6 – Sensation and Perception (11ed: read only page 224, hypnosis) or (12ed: read only pages 215 – 216, hypnosis) - Myers
View: Lecture 1: The Brain and Consciousness
View: Lecture 2: Sleep and Dreams
View: Lecture 3: Consciousness and Hypnotherapy
View: Lecture 4: Drugs and Consciousness
Reading Quiz Three. This reading quiz is over the assigned reading and lectures in Assignment Three. After you listen to the lectures and read / outline the assigned reading, you are ready to take Reading Quiz Three. The Reading Quiz is an “open book, open notes” quiz. In order to stay caught up on the quizzes, I recommend you complete it BEFORE you come to class today. However, the quizzes will remain open through the day before the exam. These reading quizzes are critical to your learning the material in this class. The reading quizzes are not timed, meaning that they stay open until the day that they are due. You may take the reading quiz as many times as you need during the allotted time. The reading quiz can be thought of as a study guide, helping you to better understand the information and providing you with simulated practice exam questions. The test questions on the exams will be similar to the reading quiz questions.
* Bring your notes, discussion questions and textbook to class. You will need them for the in-class application.
*Remember to submit your answer to your assigned Discussion Question before class.
W 11/2
Assignment Four
"I think, therefore I am," said the philosopher Rene Descartes. This assignment discusses the impressive ways in which human beings think - and why they so often fail to think and reason well. This assignment also looks at the importance of developing emotional intelligence and wisdom.
Read: Chapter 9 – Thinking, Language and Intelligence (11ed: read only pages 297 – 310 and 323 - 346) or (12ed: read only pages 287 – 298 and 308 – 318)
View Lecture 1: Intelligence
View Lecture 1: Thinking
View Lecture 1: Wisdom – note: this lecture is not a reinforcement of material in the text; this is additional information.
Reading Quiz Four. This reading quiz is over the assigned reading and lectures in Assignment Four. After you listen to the lectures and read / outline the assigned reading, you are ready to take Reading Quiz Four. The Reading Quiz is an “open book, open notes” quiz. In order to stay caught up on the quizzes, I recommend you complete it BEFORE you come to class today. However, the quizzes will remain open through the day before the exam. These reading quizzes are critical to your learning the material in this class. The reading quizzes are not timed, meaning that they stay open until the day that they are due. You may take the reading quiz as many times as you need during the allotted time. The reading quiz can be thought of as a study guide, helping you to better understand the information and providing you with simulated practice exam questions. The test questions on the exams will be similar to the reading quiz questions.
* Bring your notes, discussion questions and textbook to class. You will need them for the in-class application.
*Remember to submit your answer to your assigned Discussion Question before class.
M 11/7
Assignment Five
How do we learn and develop Self-Control? This assignment discusses the fascinating process of learning. The chapter on Learning and the lecture on Self-Control can be applied to improving your own process of learning to make college (and your life) a more successful experience. For example, you can apply this information to improving your study skills, reducing procrastination or some other area of your life where you would like to gain greater self-control.
Read: Chapter 7 - Learning – Myers
View: Lecture 1: Classical Conditioning
View: Lecture 2: Operant Conditioning and Observational Learning
View: Lecture 1: Self-Control - note: this lecture is not a reinforcement of material in the text; this is additional information.
Reading Quiz Five. This reading quiz is over the assigned reading and lectures in Assignment Five. After you listen to the lectures and read / outline the assigned reading, you are ready to take Reading Quiz Five. The Reading Quiz is an “open book, open notes” quiz. In order to stay caught up on the quizzes, I recommend you complete it BEFORE you come to class today. However, the quizzes will remain open through the day before the exam. These reading quizzes are critical to your learning the material in this class. The reading quizzes are not timed, meaning that they stay open until the day that they are due. You may take the reading quiz as many times as you need during the allotted time. The reading quiz can be thought of as a study guide, helping you to better understand the information and providing you with simulated practice exam questions. The test questions on the exams will be similar to the reading quiz questions.
* Bring your notes, discussion questions and textbook to class. You will need them for the in-class application.
*Remember to submit your answer to your assigned Discussion Question before class.
W 11/9
Exam 1: This exam is taken in the classroom. You may use your notes during the exam but not your book. Exam 1 covers the material assigned in Unit One.
Unit Two
M 11/14
Assignment Six
This assignment concerns your mental health. At some point, many of us struggle with psychological problems, which range from everyday difficulties to incapacitating conditions. This part describes the major mental and emotional disorders and then later we will look at the therapies that have been designed to treat them.
Read: Chapter 14 - Psychological Disorders – Myers
View: Lecture 1: Perspectives on Psychological Disorders
View: Lecture 2: Anxiety Disorders
View: Lecture 3: Other Psychological Disorders
Reading Quiz Six. This reading quiz is over the assigned reading and lectures in Assignment Six. After you listen to the lectures and read / outline the assigned reading, you are ready to take Reading Quiz Six. The Reading Quiz is an “open book, open notes” quiz. In order to stay caught up on the quizzes, I recommend you complete it BEFORE you come to class today. However, the quizzes will remain open through the day before the exam. These reading quizzes are critical to your learning the material in this class. The reading quizzes are not timed, meaning that they stay open until the day that they are due. You may take the reading quiz as many times as you need during the allotted time. The reading quiz can be thought of as a study guide, helping you to better understand the information and providing you with simulated practice exam questions. The test questions on the exams will be similar to the reading quiz questions.
* Bring your notes, discussion questions and textbook to class. You will need them for the in-class application.
*Remember to submit your answer to your assigned Discussion Question before class.
W 11/16
Assignment Seven
Psychotherapy, also called counseling or talk therapy, is a way to help people with a broad variety of emotional difficulties. Psychotherapy can help eliminate or control troubling symptoms so a person can function better and can increase well-being and healing. Problems helped by psychotherapy include difficulties in coping with daily life; the impact of trauma, medical illness or loss, like the death of a loved one; and specific mental disorders, like depression or anxiety. There are several different types of psychotherapy and some types may work better with certain problems or issues. Psychotherapy may be used in combination with medication or other therapies.
Read: Chapter 15 - Therapy – Myers
View: Lecture 1: Psychological Therapies (Psychoanalytic and Humanistic)
View: Lecture 2: Psychological Therapies (Behavioral, Cognitive, Group, and Family)
View: Lecture 3: Evaluating Psychotherapies
View: Lecture 4: The Biomedical Therapies and Prevention
View: Lecture: Hope - note: this lecture is not a reinforcement of material in the text; this is additional information.
Reading Quiz Seven. This reading quiz is over the assigned reading and lectures in Assignment Seven. After you listen to the lectures and read / outline the assigned reading, you are ready to take Reading Quiz Seven. The Reading Quiz is an “open book, open notes” quiz. In order to stay caught up on the quizzes, I recommend you complete it BEFORE you come to class today. However, the quizzes will remain open through the day before the exam. These reading quizzes are critical to your learning the material in this class. The reading quizzes are not timed, meaning that they stay open until the day that they are due. You may take the reading quiz as many times as you need during the allotted time. The reading quiz can be thought of as a study guide, helping you to better understand the information and providing you with simulated practice exam questions. The test questions on the exams will be similar to the reading quiz questions.
* Bring your notes, discussion questions and textbook to class. You will need them for the in-class application.
*Remember to submit your answer to your assigned Discussion Question before class.
M 11/21
Assignment Eight
In this assignment, I want to go deeper into one specific form of psychotherapy called Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). The material in this assignment will help you learn how to cope more effectively with the stress in your life by teaching you to evaluate and change your thinking about events that leads to emotional and behavioral upset.
Read: REBT - Emotional Disturbance and Its Treatment in a Nutshell
Read: REBT - Toward an Egoless State of Being
Read: REBT - Overcoming Self-Esteem
* These articles on REBT (Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy) can be found by going to the “Lessons” and then to the “Supplemental Reading – REBT” folder.
View Lecture: Applications of REBT and Mentalization In Stressful Life Situations (Part 1)
View Lecture: Applications of REBT and Mentalization In Stressful Life Situations (Part 2)
View: Lecture: Help for Stressful Life Situations: An REBT Approach to Coping with COVID-19
*To view these lectures, go to “Lessons” and then to “REBT and Mentalization In Stressful Life Situations Lectures.”
Read: REBT Healthy Negative Emotion VS Unhealthy Negative Emotion
* To view this handout go to “Lessons” and then to REBT and Mentalization In Stressful Life Situations Lectures. This handout summarizes in one handout all of the emotions covered in the Lectures.
Additional REBT Resources for your learning:
You are not required to buy or use these additional REBT Resources. I provide them for your practice to better learn this model of coping with stress. It is through continual learning and practice of REBT that you gain the rewards and benefits to help you reduce your stress.
*In order to learn more about REBT (which will help you cope more effectively with your stress!), I recommend you study the book entitled How to Stubbornly Refuse to Make Yourself Miserable About Anything--Yes, Anything By Albert Ellis. To be clear, you are not required to buy this book. It is just a recommendation.
*I also recommend Dr. Matweychuk’s website that offers many outstanding free audio and video recordings to help you continue your study of REBT. He also offers a free REBT conversation hour to help you learn REBT every Saturday morning at 8:00 am. You can volunteer for a free session! See his website for details. http://rebtdoctor.com/index.html
Reading Quiz Eight. This reading quiz is over the assigned reading and lectures in Assignment Eight. After you listen to the lectures and read / outline the assigned reading, you are ready to take Reading Quiz Eight. The Reading Quiz is an “open book, open notes” quiz. In order to stay caught up on the quizzes, I recommend you complete it BEFORE you come to class today. However, the quizzes will remain open through the day before the exam. These reading quizzes are critical to your learning the material in this class. The reading quizzes are not timed, meaning that they stay open until the day that they are due. You may take the reading quiz as many times as you need during the allotted time. The reading quiz can be thought of as a study guide, helping you to better understand the information and providing you with simulated practice exam questions. The test questions on the exams will be similar to the reading quiz questions.
* Bring your notes, discussion questions and textbook to class. You will need them for the in-class application.
*Remember to submit your answer to your assigned Discussion Question before class.
W 11/23
Assignment Nine
A satisfying life depends on having healthy emotions, coping well with stress and knowing how to reach your goals. In these chapters, we see how personality, body, mind and environment affect your emotional health.
Read: Chapter 10 – Motivation and Emotion (11 ed: read only pages 367 - 382) or (12 ed: 347 – 362) – Myers
Read: Chapter 11 – Stress, Health, and Human Flourishing – Myers
View: Lecture 1: Theories of Emotion
View: Lecture 2: Embodied Emotion
View: Lecture 3: Expressed Emotion
View: Lecture 4: Experienced Emotion
View: Lecture 5: Emotions (Stress and Health)
View: Lecture 6: Emotions and Promoting Health
View: Lecture: Happiness - note: this lecture is not a reinforcement of material in the text; this is additional information.
Reading Quiz Nine. This reading quiz is over the assigned reading and lectures in Assignment Nine. After you listen to the lectures and read / outline the assigned reading, you are ready to take Reading Quiz Nine. The Reading Quiz is an “open book, open notes” quiz. In order to stay caught up on the quizzes, I recommend you complete it BEFORE you come to class today. However, the quizzes will remain open through the day before the exam. These reading quizzes are critical to your learning the material in this class. The reading quizzes are not timed, meaning that they stay open until the day that they are due. You may take the reading quiz as many times as you need during the allotted time. The reading quiz can be thought of as a study guide, helping you to better understand the information and providing you with simulated practice exam questions. The test questions on the exams will be similar to the reading quiz questions.
* Bring your notes, discussion questions and textbook to class. You will need them for the in-class application.
*Remember to submit your answer to your assigned Discussion Question before class.
M 11/28
Exam 2: This exam is taken in the classroom. You may use your notes during the exam but not your book. Exam 2 covers the material in Unit Two.
Unit Three
W 11/30
Assignment Ten
At the heart of psychology lies a question: What is a person as they develop across the lifespan? What role does work and love play in our development? What milestones occur on the way to becoming a person?
Read: Chapter 4 - Developing Through the Lifespan – Myers
View: Lecture 1: Childhood Cognitive Development
View: Lecture 2: Childhood Social Development
View: Lecture 3: Adolescence
View: Lecture 4: Adulthood
Reading Quiz Ten. This reading quiz is over the assigned reading and lectures in Assignment Ten. After you listen to the lectures and read / outline the assigned reading, you are ready to take Reading Quiz Ten. The Reading Quiz is an “open book, open notes” quiz. In order to stay caught up on the quizzes, I recommend you complete it BEFORE you come to class today. However, the quizzes will remain open through the day before the exam. These reading quizzes are critical to your learning the material in this class. The reading quizzes are not timed, meaning that they stay open until the day that they are due. You may take the reading quiz as many times as you need during the allotted time. The reading quiz can be thought of as a study guide, helping you to better understand the information and providing you with simulated practice exam questions. The test questions on the exams will be similar to the reading quiz questions.
* Bring your notes, discussion questions and textbook to class. You will need them for the in-class application.
*Remember to submit your answer to your assigned Discussion Question before class.
Service Learning Project
The Service Learning Project is due Wednesday 11/30/22. In order to locate the instructions on how to complete the Service Learning Project, go into your Blackboard class and click on “Service Learning Project” in the upper left-hand corner. Start by reading the “Service Learning Project Instructions.” These instructions will guide you through the process.
M 12/5
Assignment Eleven
In this assignment we will explore the fascinating area of what motivates humans, the importance of belonging, love and human sexuality. We will also continue to learn about REBT as it applies to love.
Read: Chapter 10 – Motivation and Emotion (read only pages 347 - 359, Basic Motivational Concepts, Affiliation, and Achievement) – Myers
Read: Chapter 5 – Gender and Sexuality (read only pages 172 – 188 Human Sexuality) - Myers
View: Lecture 1: Motivation
View: Lecture 2: Sexual Motivation
View: Lecture: Love – note: this lecture is not a reinforcement of material in the text; this is additional information.
Read: REBT - How to Stop Being a Love Slob
Read: REBT - Self-Interest and Assertion
* These articles on REBT (Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy) can be found by going to the “Lessons” and then to the “Supplemental Reading – REBT” folder.
Reading Quiz Eleven. This reading quiz is over the assigned reading and lectures in Assignment Eleven. After you listen to the lectures and read / outline the assigned reading, you are ready to take Reading Quiz Eleven. The Reading Quiz is an “open book, open notes” quiz. In order to stay caught up on the quizzes, I recommend you complete it BEFORE you come to class today. However, the quizzes will remain open through the day before the exam. These reading quizzes are critical to your learning the material in this class. The reading quizzes are not timed, meaning that they stay open until the day that they are due. You may take the reading quiz as many times as you need during the allotted time. The reading quiz can be thought of as a study guide, helping you to better understand the information and providing you with simulated practice exam questions. The test questions on the exams will be similar to the reading quiz questions.
* Bring your notes, discussion questions and textbook to class. You will need them for the in-class application.
*Remember to submit your answer to your assigned Discussion Question before class.
M 12/12
Assignment Twelve
Your Environment: Even unsociable hermits are influenced by their surroundings and by other people. In this assignment you will learn how physical and social environments - from the immediate situation to large cultural context - affect your actions and attitudes.
Read: Chapter 12 - Social Psychology - Myers
View Lecture 1: Social Thinking
View Lecture 2: Social Influence (Conformity and Obedience)
View Lecture 3: Social Influence (Group Influence)
View Lecture 4: Social Relations (Prejudice)
View Lecture 5: Social Relations (Aggression)
View Lecture 6: Social Relations (Attraction, Altruism, and Conflict)
Reading Quiz Twelve. This reading quiz is over the assigned reading and lectures in Assignment Twelve. After you listen to the lectures and read / outline the assigned reading, you are ready to take Reading Quiz Twelve. The Reading Quiz is an “open book, open notes” quiz. In order to stay caught up on the quizzes, I recommend you complete it BEFORE you come to class today. However, the quizzes will remain open through the day before the exam. These reading quizzes are critical to your learning the material in this class. The reading quizzes are not timed, meaning that they stay open until the day that they are due. You may take the reading quiz as many times as you need during the allotted time. The reading quiz can be thought of as a study guide, helping you to better understand the information and providing you with simulated practice exam questions. The test questions on the exams will be similar to the reading quiz questions.
* Bring your notes, discussion questions and textbook to class. You will need them for the in-class application.
*Remember to submit your answer to your assigned Discussion Question before class.
M 12/12
Exam 3: This exam is taken in the classroom. You may use your notes during the exam but not your book. Exam 3 covers the material in Unit Three.
01/05/24 9:55 AM
01/05/24 9:58 AM