Collincollege Course Syllabus

COLLINCOLLEGE COURSE SYLLABUS

FALL 2008

Course Number: PSYC 2301.P08

Course Title: General Psychology

Course Description: Introduction to scientific psychology as applied to humans behavior, including research methods, physiological factors, learning, motivation, emotions, personality, adjustment, stress, psychological disorders, and therapies. These principles will be applied to the human experience.

Course Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite: Placement Levels:Reading Assessment at College Level. Writing Assessment ENGL-1301

CollinCollege Course Enrollment Policy:

You may repeat these courses only once after receiving a grade, including W.

Course Delivery Method: Class sessions will consist of a variety of formats, including multimedia presentations, group exercises, lectures, and open discussion.

Instructor:Regina M. Hughes

Office Number: PRC, U157

Office Hours: M 2:30-4:00 pm; W 9:00-11:30 am; T/R 2:30-3:30, or by scheduled appointment.

Contact Information:

Office Phone: 972.377.1775

Division Office: 972.377.1725, F136

Email (preferred method of contact):

Website:

Class Meeting Times: TR, 11:30 am-12:45 pm

Class Meeting Location: Preston Ridge Campus – PRC, U142

Textbooks (Required):

Myers, D. (2007). Psychology Eighth edition. New York: Worth Publishers. (ISBN 0-7167-6428-8)
Lusk, B. & Johnson, A. (Eds.) (2007). General Psychology Laboratory Manual Seventh Edition. Reno, NV: Bent Tree Press. (ISBN 1-933005-72-6)
(OPTIONAL) MacDonald, M.P. (1999). All Souls: A Family Story from Southie, Boston, MA: Beacon Press. (ISBN 978-0-8070-7213-4)

**Please note that the required textbooks will be on reserve in the library

Supplies: Course textbooks, supplemental readings on reserve in the library, mini- and regular Scantrons, student ID and library card.

Measurable Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to do the following:

Demonstrate an understanding of the history of psychology and its development.
Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific methods used to study behavior and mental processes.
Demonstrate knowledge of the basic vocabulary of psychology.
Describe the basic theories of psychology, how they are used, and their current status in the discipline.
Demonstrate an understanding of basic process such as motivation, learning, emotions, group processes, personality, and human development.
Demonstrate an appreciation for the uniqueness of the individual.
Demonstrate a respect for cultural differences in the human experience.
Demonstrate an understanding of how to apply the above to every day life.

Course Requirements:

1.Attend class regularly and on time.

2. Demonstrate knowledge of all learning objectives as determined and approved by the professor.

3.Read all materials in both a timely and quality manner as determined by the group and/or the professor.

4. Take responsibility for personal learning process.

5. Cooperate freely with other students on the project and other class assignments.

6. Complete all exams and coursework.

Method of Evaluation:

Exams:

There will be 3 unit exams each worth 50 points toward the final grade.

A comprehensive final examination will be offered worth 50 points.

Exams will consist of [multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions.]

Make up exams policy: You must notify the professor via email at least two hours prior to scheduled exam date; must bring authorized note (signed doctor’s note, etc.) next class period indicating reason for absence otherwise, no exam make-up will be extended.

Participation: In-class and out of class homework assignments/quizzes/labs account for 190 points. In-class assignments cannot be made up. Therefore, if the student is absent he/she will receive a zero for that assignment. It is at the professor’s discretion when in-class assignments will be assigned. If absent, the student is responsible for obtaining notes from the class from a fellow classmate and finding out any changes to the schedule that may have been made during their absence. Absence from class is not an excuse for late work, or failure to be prepared for the following class.

In-class/Out-of-class Homework Assignments: Consists of a variety of assignments including the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, reaction papers to on-campus speakers and films, laboratory manual exercises, and in-class quizzes.

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Assessment (30 pts)30

Reaction-Critique papers (Two 1 page: 10pts. each)20

Podcast/TED Lecture Critique (Two 1page critiques: 10 pts each)20

Labs (7 Labs: 10 pts.each)70

Quizzes (5 quizzes: 10pts. each)50

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Assessment: Is available at the PRCCareer Services office (F109) from August 25-September 19. Inform the Career Services staff member which course you are taking. Allow 30-60 minutes to complete the assessment. You will need your student ID and driver’s license. The MBTI is worth 30 points.

Film/Speaker Critique Papers (2): You are required to complete a critique paperforone of the listed speakers/events, one film in the Auteur Film Series, or one film from a list provided by the professor for a total of 20 points. The assignment involves attending a presentation outside of class time and writing a two-page, paper using APA format.

The papers should include: typed, 12 pt. font, double-spaced

1. A brief summary of the film/event/speaker: (highlight the main points of the film/presentation) and how the topics presented relate to psychology;

2. Your opinion of the subject presented (what about the film/presentation interested you, how could you relate the film/presentation to your own life or people in your life);

3. Possible areas of future research or impact on psychology (what alternate explanation could there be for the topic at hand, how might this impact society).

Include cover page: Include name, course #, Date due, Assignment Title

Reference page

Speaker/Event Options:

Sept. 17: Constitution Day Teleconference: PRCEventsCenter, 7:00 pm; Dr. Larry Sabato, “A More Perfect Constitution”

Sept. 26: First Presidential Debate Watch; PRCEventsCenter, 7:30 pm

Oct. 7: Second Presidential Debate Watch; CPC Pike Hall, 7:30 pm

Oct. 15: Third Presidential Debate Watch; SCC Conf. Ctr., 7:30 pm

Oct. 14: The Sugar Babies, screened at the SCCConferenceCenter. Dr. Claudia Chiesi, one of the film's producers, will introduce the documentary and be available for Q&A following the screening.

Nov.12: SCC Conf. Ctr, Book-in-Common author, Michael Patrick MacDonald, 7:00 pm

Nov. 13: SCC, Writer’s Workshop w/ BIC author, Michael Patrick MacDonald, 10:00 am

Nov. 13: PRC Event Ctr., Author Michael Patrick MacDonald, 7:00 pm

Auteur Film Series options, go to

Film List suggestions (must have professor approval for film not listed):

A Beautiful Mind (2001): Topics---Schizophrenia

A Day Without a Mexican (2004): Topics---Diversity/Culture

American Beauty (1999): Topics---Depression/Mid-life crisis/Family Dysfunction

As Good As It Gets (1997): Topic--OCD/ Personality Disorder

Awakenings (1990): Neuropsychology/Treatment

The Aviator (2005): Topics—OCD/Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective

The Basketball Diaries (1995): Topic---Drug Abuse

Blue (1993): Topic---Grief/Coping

BrokebackMountain (2005): Topics---Sexual orientation/Bigotry/Discrimination

Crash (2004): Topics---Multicultural/PSTD

The Daytrippers (1997): Topics---Family Dysfunction

Fatal Attraction (1987): Topics—Borderline Personality Disorder

GardenState (2004): Topics---Existentialism/Mental Health

Gattaca (1997): Topics---Genes/Identity

Girl, Interrupted (1999): Topics—Depression/Personality Disorder

Good Will Hunting (1999): Topics—Treatment/Personality Disorder

House of Sand and Fog (2003): Topics---Family Crisis/Culture

Into Thin Air (2007): Topics---Depression/Suicide/Identity

Little Miss Sunshine (2006): Topics---Drug Abuse/Family Dysfunction

The Prince of Tides (1991): Topics---Treatment/Ethics

Matchstick Men (2003): Topics---OCD/Treatment/Personality Disorder

Memento (2000): Topics—Amnesia

Nell (1994): Topics—Child Development/Learning/Personality Disorder

Peaceful Warrior (2006): Topics---Perspective/Perception/Motivation

Radio (2003): Topics---Developmentally Delayed disorders/Motivation

13 Conversations About One Thing (2001): Topics---Perspective

What About Bob? (1991): Topics---Treatment/Personality Disorder/Family Dysfunction

What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993): Topics---Family Dysfunction/Childhood Disorder/Depression

Podcast/TED Lecture Critiques (2 required—one podcast, one TED lecture)

Go to , link to Higher Education and search for one or more sites listed below:

TexasTechUniversity(TTU) Department of Psychology

Great Ideas in Psychology

Psychology in Everyday Life: The Psych Files, Dr. Michael Britt

Big Ideas (TVO): Best Lecture Finalist, Gerald Cupchik

History of Psychology

Go to and watch one of the following (or get pre-approval from professor to view a selection off suggested list):

Chris Abani: Humanity

Keith Barry: Brain Magic

Ben Dunlap: Story of a Passionate Life

Helen Fisher: The Brain in Love

Louise Leakey: On Humanity’s Origins

Daniel Gilbert: Why Are We Happy?

Daniel Goleman: Compassion

Steven Pinker: On Language & Thought

Michael Pollan: Plant’s Eye View

Anthony Robbins:Why We Do What We Do

Sir Ken Robinson: How Schools Are Killing Creativity

Barry Schwartz: The Paradox of Choice

Martin Seligman: Positive Psychology

Michael Shermer: Why People Believe Weird Things

Amy Tan: Creativity

Jill Bolte Taylor: Stroke of Insight

Labs:7 Lab assignments are assigned throughout the semester and are worth 10 points each towards the final grade. The purpose of the assignments is to enhance critical thinking skills as well as appreciation for the various areas of psychology. Lab assignments that contain a writing component (essays or short answer questions) may be typed or hand-written.The majority of the lab assignments will come directly from the required Lab manual.

Group Work/Team Project:Students will receive a detailed description of the expectations for the team project during the semester. Team project options include 1). a team (3-4) Service-Learning project (20 hours required), 2). the Book-in-Common, 3). a book/research report from a reading list provided by professoron a topic relevant to the course. All written work required for completion of the group project must be in APA format. Project components include a written summary and an in-class presentation.The team project is worth 60 points. Select from one of the following by Sept. 23.

1. Service-Learning:

Service-Learning information can be found at Requirements include a 2 page summary paper (15 pts.), 20 hours of service (20 pts), copy of documented hours worksheet from Service Learning Pro website, (5 pts), an in-class oral presentation (10 pt), and a daily service journal (10 pts.).

2. Book-in-Common:

This year’s Book-in-Common (BIC) selection is Michael Patrick MacDonald’s, All Souls: A Family Story from Southie. You are required to read the book and complete the associated assignments. The author visit is scheduled at SCCConf.Center, Wed., Nov.12 or at PRC Events Ctr, Thurs, Nov. 13 beginning at 7:00 pm. The complete Calendar of Events for the BIC is available at

Part #1: Film critique of In America (10 points); PlanoAngelikaTheatre; Nov.6; 7:00 pm

Part #2: Reaction to author visit (15 points)

Part #3: My Story/Summary of BIC learning experience (20 points)

Part #4: Oral presentation (15 points)

3. Book/Research Report:

Biography or autobiography of psychologist, or subject relevant to psychology (book selection must be approved by professor by commitment deadline). Requirements include completion of book and 5 page summary paper (25 points), use of at least two primary resources outside of textbook (10 points), APA format (10 points), and oral presentation (15 points).

Grading:

Exam #1 / 50 points
Exam #2 / 50 points
Exam #3 / 50 points
Participation/In-out class/Quizzes / 190 points
Project / 60 points
Comprehensive Final / 50 points

A = 450-400

B = 399-350

C = 349 - 300

D = 299 - 250

F = <249

Attendance Policy:

Attendance will be taken at each class meeting. Attendance is critical for success in the course. Material covered in class will go beyond what is presented in the book,

Excessive unexcused absences (8 hours or more) will likely cost you a letter grade.

Religious/Holiday days: Please refer to the current Collin Student Handbook

Withdrawal Policy:

Texas Education Code 51.907 Course Drop Limit Provisions states that students who enroll for the first time during the fall 2007 semester or any subsequent semester are subject to the course drop limit of six (6) course drops. This includes any course a transfer student has dropped at another institution.

Drops after the term census date (12th class day) are considered withdrawals and appear as a “W” on the transcript. Students cannot withdraw on CougarWeb. Courses taken Fall 2002 and later can be repeated only once to replace the grade. As stated in the Collin catalog (p. 26) “a course in which a grade (including W) has been received can be repeated only one time to replace the grade.”

The last day to withdraw isFriday, November 14, 2008.Students are responsible for officially withdrawing themselves from the coursein accordance with college policy; failure to do so will result in a performance grade of "F".

ADA Statement:

It is the policy of CollinCountyCommunity College to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals who are students with disabilities. This college will adhere to al applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations as required to afford equal educational opportunity. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the ACCESS office, SCC-G200 or 972.881.5898 (V/TTD: 972.881.5950) in a timely manner to arrange for appropriate accommodations.

Behavior in Class:

The classroom is a scholarly environment and students are expected to behave accordingly. Expression of ideas, thoughts, opinions, etc are encouraged, but are to be presented in a scholarly and respectful manner. Students who express willful disrespect towards their classmates or the instructor may be asked to leave the classroom.

Electronic devices may be used in used in the classroom to enhance learning. Playing games, text messaging, listening to music, using cell phones, surfing the Internet, etc. would not be considered as appropriate use of an electronic device in a learning environment. Please turn off the audio features of these devices before you enter the classroom.

Academic Ethics:

The College District may initiate disciplinary proceedings against a student accused of scholastic dishonesty. Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, statements acts, or omissions related to applications for enrollment or the award of a degree, and/or the submission as one’s own work material that is not one’s own. Scholastic dishonesty may involve, but is not limited to, one or more of the following acts: cheating, plagiarism, collusion, use of annotated texts or teacher’s editions, and/or falsifying academic records.

Plagiarism is the use of an author’s words or ideas as if they were one’s own with out giving credit to the source, including, but not limited to, failure to acknowledge a direct quotation.

Cheating is the willful giving or receiving of information in an unauthorized manner during an examination, illicitly obtaining examination questions in advance, copying computer or internet files, using someone else’s work for the assignments as if it were one’s own, or any other dishonest means of attempting to fulfill the requirements of a course.

Collusion is intentionally aiding or attempting to aid another person in an act of scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to, providing a paper project to another student; providing an inappropriate level of assistance; communicating answers to a classmate during an examination; removing tests or answer sheets from a test site, and allowing a classmate to copy answers.

Academic dishonesty could result in a “zero” grade on the particular assignment or test.

Tentative Course Calendar (subject to change at Professor’s discretion):

Week / Before Class Chapter Reading / Topic/Discussion / Note
1
(8/26 & 8/28) / Prologue
/ Course Review/The Story of Psychology
Project Guidelines
;
; / Myers-Briggs in PRCCareer Services (F109) 8/25-9/19
Lab #1: Psychology: What Is It? DUE in-class
Film/Speaker Critique #1 DUE 9/23
2
(9/2 & 9/4) / Chapter 1 / Thinking Critically With Psychological Science
Online Library Tour / Lab #2 DUE in-class, pgs. 15-17
3
(9/9 & 9/11) / Chapter 2 / Neuroscience & Behavior
Quiz #1: Prologue, Chs. 1 & 2
4
(9/16 & 9/18) / Chapter 3/Chapter 4 / Nature, Nurture, Diversity/Developing Through the Lifespan / 9/19 MYERS-BRIGGS DEADLINE
9/17: Constitution Day teleconference: PRC Events Ctr, 7:00 pm
Quiz #1 DUE
5
(9/23 & 9/25) / Chapter 5/Chapter 6 / Sensation/Perception
Quiz #2: Chs. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Test #1: Chs. Prologue, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 in PRC Testing Center 9/26-9/30 by 10:00 am / Group Project Selection Due
9/26: Debate Watch #1: PRC Events Ctr., 7:30 pm
Film/Speaker Critique #1 DUE
6
(9/30 & 10/2) / Chapter 7 / MBTI Interpretation
States of Consciousness / Start Lab #4—Dreams, pg. 61-64
Quiz #2 DUE
7
(10/7 & 10/9) / Chapter 8 / Learning / 10/7: Debate Watch #2: CPC Pike Hall, 7:30 pm
Podcast/TED Lecture Critique #1 DUE
8
(10/14 & 10/16) / Chapter 8/Chapter 9 / Learning/Memory
Lab #3 in class Behavior Shaping pg. 77-78 / 10/14: Sugar Babies, SCC, 7:00 pm
10/15: Debate Watch #3, SCC Conf. Ctr, 7:30 pm
LAB #3 DUE in-class
9
(10/21 & 10/23) / Chapter 9/Chapter 10 / Memory/Thinking & Language
Quiz #3: Chs. 8, 9, 10, 11 / LAB #4 DUE
10
(10/28 & 10/30) / Chapter 11 / Intelligence
Lab #5: Internet EQ Test

TEST #2: CHS. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 in PRC Testing Center 10/31-11/4 by 10:00 am / Quiz #3 DUE
Text Review sheet available online
11
(11/4 & 11/6) / Chapter 12/Chapter 13 / Motivation/Emotion / VOTE: Nov. 4
Nov. 6: In America@ Plano Angelika
12
(11/11 & 11/13) / Social Psychology/Chapter 15 / Personality / Lab #5: Internet IQ Test
Emotional Intelligence DUEQueendom.com
Podcast/TED Lecture Critique #2 DUE
Nov. 12 & 13: Book-in-Common author visit
13
(11/18 & 11/20) / Chapter 15/Chapter 16 / Quiz #4: Chs. 12, 13, 15, Social Psychology
TEST #3: CHS. 12, 13, 15, Social Psychology in PRC Testing Center 11/21-11/25by 10:00 am / Team Project Paper Due
11/26-11/30 Campus Closed for Thanksgiving Break
Lab #6: Sensation-Seeking Scale pgs. 51-56 DUE
Film/Speaker Critique #2 DUE
14
(11/25 & 11/27) / MANDATORY ATTENDANCE
No Class 11/27 / **TEAM PROJECT PRESENTATIONS**
Quiz #5: Chs. 16, 17 / Quiz #4 DUE
(Note: Attendance this week is mandatory. Failure to attend class will result in a letter grade deduction of the student’s individual team project grade.)
15
(12/2 & 12/4) / Chapter 16/Chapter 17 / Psychological Disorders/Therapy
Final Review sheet available online / Lab #7 DUE: Basic Life Expectancy pgs. 121-123
Quiz #5 DUE
16
(12/11) / FINAL / FINAL EXAM In-class / Final: 11:30 am-1:30 pm

***Syllabus is subject to change at the professor’s discretion***