The mission of Motlow State Community College is to enrich and empower its students and the community it serves.
PSYC 1030 General Psychology
Semester/Year of Course(e.g.: Fall 2016, Spring 2017, etc.)
This Course Outline is subject to change with notice.
Credit Hours:3.0
Prerequisites:
Exemption from or completion of ENGL 0810 and READ 0810
Catalog Description:
This is an introductory survey course focused on the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Topics include the history of psychology, critical thinking and research methods in psychology, the biological and biological bases of consciousness, sensation, perception, memory, learning, cognition, development across the lifespan, motivation, emotion, sexuality, stress and health, social psychology, personality, psychological disorders, and psychological therapies. (Formerly PSY 1310, PSY 1320, and PSY 1410)
Group for Whom the Class is intended:
Students pursuing the Associates of Art (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) Psychology Tennessee Transfer Pathway (TTP) or as a required or elective social/behavioral science course in other TTPs, and any student interested in the scientific study of human behavior. PSYC 1030 General Psychology is a Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) approved General Education Core course.
Professor Information:
Name, Rank, and Title
Office Location
Office Phone Number and Email Address
Required Texts:
Exploring Psychology, 10th Edition by David G. Myers & C. Nathan Dewall. Worth Publishers,
2016. ISBN: 9781464154072
OPTIONAL (not required) supplementary resource: Study Guide for Exploring Psychology, 9th Edition by Richard O. Straub. Worth Publishers, 2014. ISBN: 9781464108365
Copies of the required texts are on reserve at the library. For questions regarding the textbook and purchasing/rental options, students should contact the Follett Bookstore on the campus of Motlow State Community College:
Web: Click on Bookstore under Quicklinks (upper right) on MSCC home page.
Phone: (931) 393-1570
Fax: (931) 455-0298
Email:
Supplemental Materials: (D2L) LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Students should obtain either a physical textbook or an e-textbook for all their reading assignments (see printable Course Calendar in the Getting Started section on the Course Content page for a schedule of reading assignments and all course deliverables). Other than the assigned reading, everything else is completed/submitted in D2L. All digital course content can be located under the five tabs: Course Materials, Communications, Assessment, A-Z Listing, and ePortfolio. Students should familiarize themselves with all the links under these tabs. Chapter-specific digital content is located on the Course Content page under the Communications tab in D2L. This may include a chapter overview, chapter learning objectives, key terms, PowerPoint slides (both regular lecture slides and PDF slides for note taking during chapter reading), and links to no-cost, open source videos (with close caption capability) that supplement and enhance the assigned chapter reading. Students are strongly encouraged to utilize this digital material as they prepare for chapter quizzes and module exams.
Students are strongly encouraged to login to the course in D2L daily to check their D2L email and the News section on the course home page for any announcements and reminders. The assigned chapter reading and deliverables for that week are updated weekly in the News section on the course home page.
Other Requirements:
Because this course will make extensive use of education technology, access to a computer and broadband internet service as well as basic competency in computer operation is required. Students may use any computer on any campus of the college that is authorized for student use. This course will use instructional technology in the form of D2L (Desire-to-Learn) which is the online learning management system the college uses for delivering web-based (i.e., online) instructional content. Students can expect to spend another two to three hours per week outside of class time with the requirements of this course; this is standard for collegiate level academic work.
Program Learning Outcomes:
The PSYC 1030 General Psychology program learning outcomes (course goals, objectives, and student learning outcomes) are taken from and aligned with the APA Guidelines for the Undergraduate Psychology Major, Version 2.0. American Psychological Association, 2013.
Goal 1: Knowledge Base in Psychology
Students should demonstrate fundamental knowledge and comprehension of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings to discuss how psychological principles apply to behavior problems. Students should demonstrate breadth of their knowledge and application of psychological ideas to simple problems.
Objectives
1.1Describekeyconcepts,principles,andoverarchingthemesinpsychology
1.2.1Develop a working knowledge of psychology’s contentdomains
1.3Describe applicationsofpsychology
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs
Studentswill:
1.1aUsebasicpsychologicalterminology,concepts,andtheoriesinpsychologytoexplainbehavior
and mental processes
1.1bExplainwhypsychologyisascience,withtheprimaryobjectivesofdescribing,understanding,predicting, and controlling behavior and mentalprocesses
1.2aIdentifykeycharacteristicsofmajorcontentdomainsinpsychology(e.g.,cognitionandlearning,developmental/life span, biological andsociocultural)
1.2bIdentifyprincipalmethodsandtypesofquestionsthatemergeinspecificcontentdomains
1.3aDescribeexamplesofrelevantandpracticalapplicationsofpsychologicalprinciplestoeverydaylife
1.3bSummarizepsychologicalfactorsthatcaninfluencethepursuitofahealthylifestyle
Goal 2: Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking
The skills in this domain involve the development of scientific reasoning and problem solving, including effective research methods. Students should learn basic skills and concepts in interpreting behavior, studying research, and applying research design principles to drawing conclusions about psychological phenomena.
Objectives
2.1Use scientific reasoning to interpret psychologicalphenomena
2.2Demonstrate psychology informationliteracy
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will:
2.1aIdentifybasicbiological,psychological,andsocialcomponentsofpsychologicalexplanations(e.g.,inferences, observations, operational definitions,interpretations)
2.1eDescribe common fallacies in thinking (e.g.,confirmation bias, post hoc explanations,implyingcausationfromcorrelation)thatimpairaccurateconclusionsandpredictions
2.2bDescribewhatkindsofadditionalinformationbeyondpersonalexperienceareacceptableindevelopingbehavioralexplanations(i.e.,popularmediareportsversusscientificfindings)
2.2dArticulatecriteriaforidentifyingobjectivesourcesofpsychologyinformation
Major Assignments and Method for Calculating the Final Grade:
This course utilizes a weighted percentage grading system. The student’s final numerical grade is based upon the following five variables (collectively referred to as “deliverables”) completed within the specified time limits and deadlines:
1.The average of four (4) Module Exams counting for 50% of the finalgrade
2.Theaverageoffifteen(15)weeklyChapterQuizzescountingfor25%ofthefinalgrade
3.Theaverageoffour(4)ResearchandWritingActivities(RWA)countingfor10%ofthefinalgrade
4.Theaverageoffifteen(15)weeklyDiscussionQuestionResponses(DQR)countingfor10%ofthe finalgrade
5.Theaverageoffour(4)moduleSummaryandReflectionscountingfor5%ofthefinalgrade
6.MinusexcessiveabsencespertheAttendanceRequirement/AbsenteeismPolicy(below)
Graded and required assessments and assignments include the Module Exams, Chapter Quizzes, Module Summary and Reflections, Research and Writing Activities (RWA), and chapter Discussion Question Responses (DQR). These are collectively referred to as “deliverables” since these are the required graded events that the student must complete and deliver by the due date and time specified on the printable Course Calendar. The specific deliverables for this course are:
- Anonline,timed50questionModuleExamforeachofthefour(4)modules(locatedon
Assessments page) completed by the specified due date
- Anonline,timed25questionquizforeachofthefifteenchaptersinthetextbook(locatedon
Assessments page) completed by the specified due date
- DiscussionQuestionResponses(DQR)containingoneoriginalthreadof75wordminimumand at least one reply to the thread of a classmate) for each chapter (located on Discussions page) completed by the specified duedate
- Four (4) Research and Writing Activity (RWA) assignments (one per Module) located on the CourseContentpage,uploadedtothedesignatedfolderontheDropboxpagebythespecifieddue date
- AModuleSummaryandReflectionforeachofthefour(4)modules(locatedatbottomof
Discussions page) submitted by the specified due date
All deliverables are available for completion from the very first day of the course so students may work- ahead in the course as desired. All deliverables must be completed by the specified due date given in the printable Course Calendar. Except for the Module Research and Writing Activities (RWAs), no late work is accepted. The professor will consider make-up for non-completed coursework only if acceptable medical documentation is provided by the student. The professor reserves the right to determine what constitutes acceptable medical documentation and whether or not to extend the opportunity for any make-up work in the course.
Course Topics
Module 1: Psychological Science and Biological Foundations (1—4)
Chapter 1: Thinking Critically With Psychological Science Chapter 2: The Biology of Behavior
Chapter 3: Consciousness and the Two-Track Mind Chapter 4: Developing Through the Life Span
Module 2: Sexuality, Sensation/Perception, Learning, Memory (5—8)
Chapter 5: Gender and Sexuality Chapter 6: Sensation and Perception Chapter 7: Learning
Chapter 8: Memory
Module 3: Intelligence, Cognition, Motivation, Emotion, Health, and Personality (9—12)
Chapter 9: Thinking, Language, and Intelligence Chapter 10: Motivation and Emotion
Chapter 11: Stress, Health, and Human Flourishing Chapter 12: Social Psychology
Module 4: Social Psychology, Psychopathology, and Therapy (Chapters 13—15)
Chapter 13: Personality
Chapter 14: Psychological Disorders Chapter 15: Therapy
The content of this course is divided into fifteen chapters corresponding to the textbook and grouped into four (4) modules. One chapter per week will be covered. Except for the assigned reading in the textbook, everything else in this course is completed online in D2L. This is a reading intensive course and students are expected to read each assigned chapter according to the timeline in the printable Course Calendar (attached and also located in the Getting Started section on the Course Content page). Your textbook and notes can be used during the quizzes and exams.
Module Exams and Chapter Quizzes
Both weekly Chapter Quizzes and periodic Module Exams are located on the Assessment page in D2L and are completed online. The Respondus LockDown Browser will not be used or needed. All Chapter Quizzes and Module Exams are available to be completed from the first day the course opens but must be completed by the due date specified in the printable Course Calendar located in the Getting Started section on the Course Content page in D2L. While students may use their textbooks and notes on the Chapter Quizzes and Module Exams, because of the nature of the questions and the time limits, students are strongly advised to carefully read and study each chapter before attempting a quiz or exam. All Chapter Quizzes and Module Exams are open book and open notes. Students may, if they choose, make two attempts on all Chapter Quizzes and Module Exams. If a second attempt is made, a different subset of questions will appear on the second attempt though drawn from the same chapter. If a second attempt is made, the student’s final score for that assessment will automatically be the higher of the two scores. A second attempt cannot lower the student’s score on the Chapter Quiz or Module Exam. It is recommended that students consider making the first attempt well before the specified due date so they will have time to go back and re-study if needed (referred to as a formative assessment) before making the second and final attempt (summative assessment).
Chapter Quizzes and Module Exams are scored immediately and results populated to the individual student’s Grades page in D2L. Questions that were answered incorrectly (but without the correct answers) are viewable to the student so that they can re-study the material before making a second attempt. Students will also be able to view the class average and standard deviation for each Chapter Quiz and Module Exam so they can assess their individual performance relative to their classmates.
Students should save their Quiz and Module Exam answers as they go along and should plan to complete the assessment in one sitting. Attempting to logout and then later log back in to a Quiz or Module Exam is not recommended. Students should also be mindful of adverse weather conditions when planning their times to complete assessments as interruptions in their power and internet connectivity may occur.
Weekly Chapter Quizzes
The weekly Chapter Quizzes are accessed on the Assessments tab in D2L and consist of 25 questions with a 40 minute time limit. Save your answers as you go along. The specific due date for each Chapter Quiz is given in the printable Course Calendar located in the Getting Started section on the Course Content page.
Module Exams
Module Exams covering the chapters grouped in that module are accessed on the Assessments tab in D2L and consist of 50 questions with an 80 minute time limit. Save your answers as you go along. The
specific due date for each Module Exam is given in the printable Course Calendar located in the Getting Started section on the Course Content page.
Writing Assignments
The writing assignments for this course comprise the weekly Discussion Question Responses (DQR), Module Summary and Reflections, and the Module Research and Writing Activities (RWA). The specific instructions for each of these are given below. Intelligent and effective writing is a learned skill. Students needing assistance with all writing assignments are encouraged to schedule an appointment at the Writing Center at the nearest Motlow State campus. The email address is
1.Research and Writing Activities(RWA)
Students must complete four (4) Research & Writing Activities (RWAs) by the specified due date and time deadlines given on the printable Course Calendar. The specific instructions for the RWAs are located in the Research and Writing Activity (RWA) section on the Course Content page in D2L but generally consist of viewing the assigned video and completing the assignment adhering to the instructions for the RWA. The videos assigned for the RWAs are all accessed on the MSCC Library Films on Demand streaming media page and have transcripts available. No outside sources are necessary to complete the RWAs and students must not copy the video transcript or any portion of the transcript into their RWA assignment. In order to earn the maximum 100 points for each RWA, the student must adhere to all requirements fully (see RWA Grading Rubric in RWA section on the Course Content page). Although the content of the student’s RWA is most important, points will be deducted for deviations from the RWA instructions and for errors of spelling, punctuation, and grammar. All time deadlines are according to Central Time. Students must upload RWAs in docx, doc, pdf or rtf file formats only. Please contact D2L Help if you need assistance with file conversion. Late submissions are accepted into the designated Late Folder but will be reduced by 10 points for each day late. D2L will automatically generate a confirmation email to the student that their submission to the dropbox was received. If this confirmation email is not received students should check their submission and resubmit by upload if necessary.
Each RWA will be automatically screened by the TurnitIn plagiarism detection program. Students may view their TurnitIn Similarity Index by clicking on the colored box next to their submission in the Dropbox folder. Students should strive for an index of less than 10 percent but the lower the Similarity Index the better. Students may revise their RWA as many times as desired as long as revisions are uploaded before the specified deadline. This option to revise and resubmit is not available for RWAs submitted to the Late Folder, however. RWAs found to contain plagiarism will receive a grade of zero (0) and may result in the student receiving a grade of F for the course as well as additional disciplinary actions. The best way to avoid plagiarism is to simply write in your own words. See the document on Turnitin in the Getting Started section on the Course Content page for additional information. The Writing Center is available to help students with all writing assignments, including RWAs. Students should check the professor’s feedback, comments, and notations regarding spelling, grammatical, and composition errors on the RWA by clicking on the Grademark tab in Turnitin.
2.Module Summary andReflections
Each of the four (4) modules requires the student to compose a Module Summary and Reflection in the designated forum on the Discussion page by the specified due date and time in the printable Course Calendar. The professor will read all summary and reflections and may leave feedback. Students may reply to the Summary and Reflection of a classmate if they wish but are not required to do so. A maximum grade of 100 is possible if all requirements listed below are met fully. Each module Summary and Reflection asks the student to compose a 100 word response to each of the following questions:
Modulefocuseson. Respond to the following questionsbywritingone full paragraph (100 word minimum) for each numberedquestion:
- What was your overall impression with the information presented in the chapters contained in this module? For example, was it challenging, fascinating, did it make you question your previous assumptions,etc.?
- Name three concepts that you found to be of particular interest in this module. Why were they of special interest to you?
- How do you think the information in this module applies to your life?
While there are no right or wrong answers to the Module Summary and Reflections, general conventions of college-level writing proficiency are expected including the following:
- The more detailed information supported by in-test citations (textbook author(s) and page numbers) corresponding to material in the textbook thebetter.
- RememberthatyourclassmatescanviewyourModuleSummaryandReflectionsochooseyour wordscarefully.
- Students should always write in complete sentences devoid of grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. Points will be deducted if present. Proofread and use the built-in spell-check function beforeposting.
- No slang, “test-ese,” emoticons, abbreviations, profanity, or offensive language should bepresent.
- Responsesmustprovideareasonablydetailed,intelligent,andarticulateresponsepresentingthe student’s own personal response to the threequestions.
Assistance with the Module Summary and Reflection is available to students by contacting the Writing Center.
3. Weekly Discussion Question Responses (DQR)
Each chapter has a Discussion Question to which the student is required to make two (2) responses. To earn the maximum ten (10) points for the chapter DQR the student must make the two required posts that meet fully the grading criteria and directly address the questions posed. Since the DQRs are derived from the content of the chapter to which they are associated, it is especially important that the student be knowledgeable of the material in the assigned chapter pertaining to the discussion question before posting.