Blackboard

Myers, D. (2002). Exploring psychology, fifth edition.  New York: Worth Publishers

Other handouts, readings, and webpages to be distributed in class or on the web.

Go to the publisher's website for this book for chapter outlines, on-line quizzes, and extra information at  http://www.worthpublishers.com/exploring5e/

Prerequisites: No college level prerequisites, but a passing score in the Basic Reading Test is required.

Email: Email and Blackboard are  requirements for this course. You will need to check your email and Blackboard at least once before each class meeting time.  

Course Description
     This course surveys the major theories, principles, and methodologies of psychology with special emphasis on their relations to human behavior. The biological foundations of behavior, sensory processes, learning, perception, memory emotion, motivation, personality, and the social bases of behavior and behavior pathology are examined. Current research findings are included wherever applicable.  The course will follow a lecture/discussion format. Classroom activities, films, and brief presentations may also be used. Questions are encouraged. As a courtesy to other students, please turn off cell phones and beepers during class.

Course Objectives
     My goal and responsibility is to give you an overview of the field of psychology—the study of behavior and mental processes. We will assess the different theoretical approaches (psychodynamic, biological, cognitive, social, etc) to give you an appreciation of the very different approaches  psychologists take on human behavior. We will also examine 'hot topics' in psychology such as the debate over the effects of childcare on attachment, the ADHD label and diagnosis, and recovered memory in therapy (to name a few).  Critical examination of these topics will include an assessment of the prevailing wisdom, examination of the psychological literature, and drawing some conclusions based on the evidence. It is a goal that an in-depth examination of these hot topics in combination with theoretical background will serve as a basis for your critical thinking about why people do and think as they do.  
     It is also important for you to understand how psychology relates to other scientific disciplines, political agendas, and social movements. You should be mindful what psychologists have to offer (and not offer) to people. As a result, you should become a better consumer of psychology. Ultimately, I hope that you will use information in this course as a source of personal and social change. This course also serves as an introduction to all subsequent courses in the field of psychology. Skills gained in this course include: 
     ® Effective expression on psychologically relevant topics in written and oral form 
     ® The ability to think critically about the different perspectives in psychology
     ® The ability to integrate knowledge and ideas from different psychological perspectives in a coherent and meaningful manner
     ® An appreciation of  the validity of different theoretical perspectives in our understanding of mind and behavior 


Attendance
    Attendance is required.  More than one unexcused absence will lower your grade. No exceptions.  Sleeping in class is counted as an absence.

Evaluation
     Evaluation is based on the course objectives.   These objectives will be met by completing assignments, quizzes, in-class activities, exams as well as active participation and class attendance

Quizzes  (30%)
      Seven  quizzes will assess your understanding of the material. Quizzes will contain both multiple choice and short answer items. Quizzes will cover material since the last quiz or exam. There will be no make-up quizzes; if you are late to class the day of the quiz, you will not be able to take the quiz.
Exams (60%)
       There will be four exams throughout the semester.  These exams will draw on lecture, reading, assignment material and will contain both multiple choice and essay items. There will be three in-class exams and a cumulative final exam. Absolutely no make-up quizzes or exams.
Class participation/In-class assignments/Homework (10%)
    Contributions to discussion, thoughtful responses to homework and in class assignments, rapt attention, good attendance (no more than one absence -- "excused" or otherwise), actual (even feigned) interest in the course material, thoughtful comment, turntaking, and playing off of other students' comments are all encouraged. Class "dis-participation" (disrespect for other students, leaving beepers or cell phones during class [and/or answering them], SLEEPING, wandering out for a snack or to make phone calls, eating gross/crunchy things in class, chronic lateness, private conversations with a neighbor while others are speaking etc.) can not be tolerated.

Grading will be on a traditional grading scale where 88-89.9 is a B+, 90-92 is an A-,  93 or above is an A and so on.

Advice
     This course is intense.  We will progress quickly through the course material and it will be easy to fall behind.  The following four points are essential for success in this course.

• Focus. Come to class ready to learn. If you prepare for class and concentrate on the lecture and in-class activities you will need to spend less time studying.
• Prepare. Skim over the reading assigned for the day PRIOR to coming to class. After class, go back and thoroughly read the entire chapter.
• Read.  Actually read the textbook. Keep up with the material. Reading the summaries will give you an overall outline for the important points as you read the chapters making it easier for you to absorb information  Skim and then read the chapters as they are assigned so you can understand the in-class activities. 
• Rehearse. When quizzes and assignments are returned, review the answers to understand where you have gone wrong (and where you have gone right).   Learning occurs best when you have feedback on your performance and use that feedback to enhance your learning. 

Communication
     Communication is essential to the learning process. I understand that students need individual attention.  If you would like to discuss a class-related issue, please do not approach me before or after class when my attention is on the day's material and when privacy is at a minimum. Instead, make an appointment with me and give me some information regarding the question (s).   These appointments allow the privacy and individual attention you deserve.  If the question is brief, email is the most efficient method of contact.  Email also reduces the "phone-tag" that can occur between us.
     Communication between students is strongly encouraged.  It is a requirement to get two students' phone numbers and email addresses on the first day of class so that you may collaborate on notes and have a study partner.

Important Withdrawal Dates:   9/10 last day for 100% refund for withdrawal from a course;  10/17  last day for 50% refund for withdrawal from a course;  10/21  last day to academically withdraw from course (no refund) .

Academic Honesty
     It is expected that all work handed in for this class is based upon your learning and personal effort. Violations of academic integrity, including cheating, plagiarism, collusion, and lying, can not be tolerated. Please familiarize yourself with the University's Academic Honesty Policy. 

Course Schedule
This 28 course day schedule is a general outline and is subject to change.
Alterations to course schedule will be announced in class and updated on the electronic syllabus.