Course Syllabus

THE FOLLOWING IS AN OVERVIEW OF THE COURSE. THE OFFICIAL SYLLABUS IS HERE 

Course Description:

This course is an introduction to the science of human behavior and mental processes. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between the nervous system and behavior, learning, perception, language, personality, intelligence, psychopathy, and development.

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Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Discuss the history of Psychology (GE 5, PG 3)
• Define the scientific method in psychology. (GE 3, PG 1)
• Explain the processes of adaptation and natural selection (GE 5, PG 1, PG 2)
• Describe aspects of the cognitive processes of learning, memory and perception (GE 5, PG 2)
• Explain selected aspects of motivation (GE 5, PG 2)
• Discuss developmental processes (GE 5, PG 2)
• Examine the influence of culture on selected psychological processes (GE 8, PG 1, PG 2, PG 3)
• Discuss theories of personality. (GE 5, PG 2)
• Define psychopathology and discuss treatment modalities. (GE 5, PG 1, PG 2)
• Explain major issues in Social Psychology. (GE 8, PG 2, PG 3)

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Course Content:

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Textbook:

Great news: your textbook for this class is available for free online!
Psychology 2e from OpenStax, ISBN 978-1-975076-45-0

You have several options to obtain this book:

• View online (Links to an external site.)
• Download a PDF (Links to an external site.)

You can use whichever formats you want. Web view is recommended -- the responsive design works seamlessly on any device.

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Important Notes:

• Student Accessibility Services (SAS) is committed to supporting students with documented disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations. Students requesting services under SAS must self-identify and provide appropriate documentation (i.e. IEP, 504 Plan, medical documents, etc.) of disability.  Reasonable environmental and academic adjustments will be provided according to the student’s documented need. The mission of these reasonable accommodations is to ensure equity in education at Sussex County Community College. To reach the Student Accessibility Services office: (973) 300-2153

• The Student Success Center can help students who are having difficulties managing stress, adjusting to college, or feeling sad and hopeless. You can reach The Student Success Center by calling 973-300-2346 or visiting (https://www.sussex.edu/student-support/student-success-center/personal-counseling-services/). Services are free for currently enrolled students.

 

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Copy of the Syllabus

Sussex County Community College

Introduction to Psychology - PSYC 101-ON (3 cr.)

Course Syllabus – Spring 2024
Online

 

 

INSTRUCTOR: Bailey Higgins (she/her), DSW, LSW, Adjunct Professor

Email: bhiggins@sussex.edu

Office Hours: available by appointment, please use this link to schedule: https://calendly.com/bharmanhwcm/case-management-support

Wednesday 3-4 PM via Zoom:

Zoom Link

 

REQUIRED COLLEGE INFORMATION

 

 

COLLEGE CATALOG COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course is an introduction to the science of human behavior and mental processes. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between the nervous system and behavior, learning, perception, language, personality, intelligence, psychopathy, and development. (Prerequisite: None)

 

 

COURSE COMPETENCIES/LEARNING OUTCOMES/ASSESSMENT STATEMENT:

In a manner deemed appropriate by the instructor, students should be able to:

1. Discuss the history of Psychology (GE 5, PG 3)
2. Define the scientific method in psychology. (GE 3, PG 1)
3. Explain the processes of adaptation and natural selection (GE 5, PG 1, PG 2)
4. Describe aspects of the cognitive processes of learning, memory and perception (GE 5, PG 2)
5. Explain selected aspects of motivation (GE 5, PG 2)
6. Discuss developmental processes (GE 5, PG 2)
7. Examine the influence of culture on selected psychological processes (GE 8, PG 1, PG 2, PG 3)
8. Discuss theories of personality. (GE 5, PG 2)
9. Define psychopathology and discuss treatment modalities. (GE 5, PG 1, PG 2)
10. Explain major issues in Social Psychology. (GE 8, PG 2, PG 3)

 

TOPICS TO BE INCLUDED:

1. The nature-nurture interaction (may include mind-body connection, diversity, and social construction of reality).
2. The fundamentals of social science research (may include varied research methodologies).
3. The active construction of reality (may include sensation, perception, altered states of consciousness, and sociocultural influences).
4. The basics of lifespan development (may include cognitive, physical, moral, social and personality development).
5. The fundamentals of learning (may include classical, operant, and observational/cognitive learning paradigms).
6. The understanding of the unique qualities of being human (may include personality theory, psychological health, psychological disorders, psychotherapy, mind-body connections, and selected aspects of evolutionary theory).

 

 

REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS:

Spielman, R., Jenkens, W., & Lovette, M. (2020). Psychology 2e . OpenStax .

 

(the book is free online!)

 

CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS AT SCCC:

One of the hallmarks of a college education is learning how to think critically about what you are learning. Critical thinking is the ability to look at a scenario from varied viewpoints, without your inherent bias of “right” or “wrong,” to see a problem, analyze it, and come to logical, well thought-out conclusions. It means thinking outside of the box and outside of your own worldview. A good critical thinker can evaluate statements to understand if they are valid, can combine information from multiple sources into one coherent argument, and can fully explain the new, consolidated knowledge in terms that a novice audience can understand. Assignments such as our Discussion Boards, the Writing Assignment, and classroom discussions enable students to do just that. Enjoy these assignments; you will make use of your critical thinking skills for the entirety of your college career and far beyond.

 

ADA STATEMENT:

Student Accessibility Services (SAS) is committed to supporting students with documented disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations. Students requesting services under SAS must self-identify and provide appropriate documentation (i.e. IEP, 504 Plan, medical documents, etc.) of disability.  Reasonable environmental and academic adjustments will be provided according to the student’s documented need. The mission of these reasonable accommodations is to ensure equity in education at Sussex County Community College. To reach the Student Accessibility Services office: (973) 300-2153

 

 

COUNSELING & MENTAL HEALTH:

            The Advising and Counseling Center can help students who are having difficulties managing stress, adjusting to college, or feeling sad and hopeless. You can reach The Advising and Counseling Center by calling 973-300-2346 or visiting (https://sussex.edu/student-support/advising-and-counseling-center/personal-counseling-services/). Services are free for currently enrolled students.

 

NEED-TO-KNOW FOR THIS COURSE

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION:

This course will provide students with a practical overview of the science of psychology, which is the study of behavior and mental processes. We will focus on the link between our actions/reactions to the nervous system. Most of what we will learn about will be common sense – in fact as we go through the course you will recognize many familiar behaviors and be able to understand their relevance in everyday life. We will, however, also delve into unfamiliar material – theories not widely known outside of academia and sometimes those that are controversial.

You are responsible for reading the assigned material each week. Students are expected to utilize Canvas for all class assignments. It is required that a Writing Assignment be submitted via Canvas using Microsoft Word. 

You are responsible for your own technology. If you do not have MS Office, please contact IT to learn how to get free access to the full Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Power Point, Excel, and Access.

            Canvas is our online Learning Management System (LMS) and will be an integral part of the class. You should have or be willing to learn the following technological skills:

• The ability to use all Canvas components.
• The ability to save files and to attach a file to e-mail via Canvas, or to attach a file for the submission of an assignment.
• The ability to copy and paste from one program to another.
• The ability to work on two browser windows simultaneously.
• The ability to handle any of your own technology issues. This includes having access to a backup system if your computer is down.

Speaking of technology…

Use of AI-

The use of generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Dall-e, etc.) is permitted in this course for the following
activities:

• Brainstorming and refining your ideas;
• Fine tuning your research questions;
• Finding information on your topic;
• Drafting an outline to organize your thoughts; and
• Checking grammar and style.

The use of generative AI tools is not permitted in this course for the following activities:

• Impersonating you in classroom contexts, such as by using the tool to compose discussion board prompts assigned to you or content that you put into a Zoom chat.
• Completing group work that your group has assigned to you, unless it is mutually agreed upon that you may utilize the tool.
• Writing a draft of a writing assignment.
• Writing entire sentences, paragraphs or papers to complete class assignments.
  
  

You are responsible for the information you submit based on an AI query (for instance, that it does not violate intellectual property laws, or contain misinformation or unethical content).

In short, please do your own work.

Attendance is not a graded component of this course because we do not meet for a scheduled class, but you do need to log into Canvas regularly and participate in the assignments. There are assignments due weekly. 

Academic integrity: Don’t cheat. Don’t plagiarize. Do your own work. If you are unsure of whether or not you are committing an infraction, ask. The policy can be found in the Student Handbook. Infractions can be penalized by a failing grade for the assignment and/or the course. Repeated offenses will be referred to the academic dean. People work really hard to do that work- make sure you are giving credit.

Check the syllabus! What you need to know about this course is contained within this document. I am available via email to assist, but remember most of your questions can probably be answered in this document. Please note that this syllabus is subject to change but notification of any changes will be provided via Canvas.

 

ASSIGNMENT POLICY:  

All assignments may be completed any time starting Sunday at 12:01 a.m. and are due no later than 11:58 p.m. on the next Sunday. Discussion boards are due on a schedule of first post by Wednesday and two response posts by Sunday. Remember: Murphy was an optimist. Please do not wait until the last minute to complete assignments.

Please email me if you think you will need accommodations and I will do my best to support your efforts. However, improperly submitted assignments are not accepted, so make sure you submit your work in the proper format per the instructions. If you demonstrate a pattern of experiencing barriers to completing work I may request a meeting to help you develop a plan for success. Please be proactive- it is much easier to find solutions earlier in a process then wait until it becomes a crisis.

 

SELF-ADVOCACY POLICY:

There is a reason that due dates, class rules about late submissions, and other class policies exist. As a general rule, late assignments will not be accepted unless there are extenuating circumstances. If for some reason you are thinking that you need an extension on a deadline, a change made to an assignment/grade, or something else to make this experience meaningful for you (towards your educational goals) please email me to make your request. Please use this opportunity to practice advocating for you needs, making asks, and negotiating processes. All reasonable requests will be considered. Timeliness and communication is an important component of this. Connect me with as soon as you are able. I will not be able to extend deadlines after the assignment is due.

 

GRADING POLICY:

Below you will find the various components of your grade and the weight each component carries. Your grades will be frequently updated on Canvas.

 

REQUIREMENT	WEIGHT
Discussion Boards	50%
Weekly Knowledge Checks	10%
Exams	10%
Writing Assignment	25%
Final Exam	5 %
Total:	100%

 

NUMERICAL SCALE	LETTER
93-100	A
88-92	B+
83-87	B
78-82	C+
71-77	C
65-70	D
Below 65	F

 

DISCUSSION BOARDS:

            During the semester there will be weekly discussion boards. The discussion boards are found on Canvas, in the module for that week. The purpose of these discussion posts is to provide you an opportunity to discuss the class material. The discussion boards ask you to share information about yourself- it is completely up to you how much detail you share. Please be respectful of your classmates by minding their privacy and remain grateful that they chose to share with you.

The discussion boards will become available on Sunday (before class). Your initial post is due by Wednesday of that week. Please review the posts made by others in the class and reply at least twice, by the following Sunday. The discussion board will provide a prompt and any other instructions needed to complete the assignment. Both the initial post and replies will count toward the grade for that assignment. Full points will not be awarded for late submissions.

The discussion boards are worth 50% of your final course grade. There is a grading rubric for discussions, found on Canvas with each discussion forum.

 

KNOWLEDGE CHECKS:

            Each week there will be a “quiz” related to the material from the chapter in the module. You must complete this “quiz” to check your knowledge and understanding of the material from that week. They are not timed and you have the ability to take them more than once.

            The Knowledge Checks are worth 10% of your final course grade.

WRITING ASSIGNMENT:

            You are asked to complete a reflective essay connecting the material we learned this semester to your experience with working towards a goal during the semester. Utilize your notes, text, and other resources (please cite!) to back up your claims. APA 7 formatting, including in text citations will be utilized. If you are unfamiliar with this format please see the resources in Canvas, seek assistance from the Writing Center, or contact me to schedule a time to talk.

 

Step 1-(DB points only) We will be completing a DB early in the semester that asks you to set a goal. Make it meaningful and realistic for you. It does not have to be specific to school or this class, but the time frame for accomplishing the goal should be by the end of the semester (mid April). Think about how you are going to accomplish that goal and work towards it through the semester.

Step 2(100 points)- Write About It. Follow the outline provided to complete the reflective essay about your experience. You can be as personal as you wish. If you don’t wish to share your exact experience, make it up or speak “in general.” Pick three (3) concepts from your learning this semester to explain why or how you made progress towards your goal.

• What was your goal? What steps did you plan to accomplish your goal? Did you accomplish your goal? Why or how? *Note: If you did not accomplish your goal that is okay. You do not need to come up with a new goal to satisfy the requirements of this paper- talk about what you did accomplish and what gains you did make. (2 paragraphs)
• Identify at least three (3) concepts from your learning this semester that connect back to your goal, explain why you did or did not accomplish it, or if you will utilize some new knowledge to try something new next time you set a goal. (­2-3 pages)
• What is your goal for next semester and how will you accomplish it? Is there anything you learned from this class that will help you to be successful in your mission? (1-2 paragraphs)
• APA 7 References

Step 3 (5 points) (for in person classes only)- Participate in an informal discussion in class about your experience. Be prepared to share with the class any key takes away from your experience or connections you made to the material.

The Writing Assignment is 25% total of your final course grade. There is a grading rubric for the writing assignment available on Canvas.

 

 

 

EXAMS:

You will have three (3) unit exams consisting of 20 multiple choice and true false questions. You will be able to take the exam two (2) times and it will be timed at 90 minutes. The higher grade will be recorded. The material for the exams will the chapters covered in class up to the exam date. The exams will be available on Canvas during Week 5, Week 9, and Week 14. Exams are worth 15% of your final course grade.

 

 

Optional Discussion Board:
I understand that not all students are great test takers or paper writers, and a poor exam or paper grade is no reflection of what you know or what you have learned. Therefore, a bonus discussion board will be posted at the end of the semester where you can reflect on your learning and growth from this semester. A prompt will be provided. Responses to peers will not be required. The optional discussion board will be worth 5% and is optional.

 

ASSIGNMENT CALENDAR*

 

You should use this Assignment Calendar to inform you about what we’re doing in class, what you have assigned and what is due on any day of the semester. Keeping track of dates is your responsibility. Weeks are scheduled from Sunday-Sunday each week. Modules will open in Canvas on Sunday at midnight. You must submit assignments (quizzes, discussions, assignments) no later than 11:58 p.m. on Sunday each week. See the instructions for each assignment above for more information about due dates and times. *subject to change

 

 

 

DAY/DATE	TO-DO LIST
Jan 21 Week 1 Introductions	Introduction Discussion Board Success Discussion Board due by 02/04 Last day to late register or add a class- January 26
Jan 28 Week 2	Class Plan Discussion Board Knowledge Check Chapter 1 -The Science of Psychology Chapter 2- Psychological Research
Feb 4 Week 3	Discussion Board Knowledge Check Success Discussion Board Due by 02/04 Chapter 3- Biopsychology
Feb 11 Week 4	Discussion Board Knowledge Check Chapter 4- States on Consciousness
Feb 18 Week 5	Discussion Board Knowledge Check Exam 1 due by Feb 18 Chapter 5- Sensation and Perception
Feb 25 Week 6	Discussion Board Knowledge Check Chapter 6- Learning
March 3 Week 7	Discussion Board Knowledge Check Chapter 7- Thinking and Intelligence Chapter 8- Memory
March 10- March 17	Spring Break
March 17 Week 8	Discussion Board Knowledge Check Review Writing Assignment Chapter 9- Lifespan Development
March 24 Week 9	Discussion Board Exam 2 due by March 31 Chapter 10- Emotion and Motivation
March 31 Week 10	Discussion Board Knowledge Check Chapter 11- Personality
April 7 Week 11	Discussion Board Knowledge Check Chapter 12- Social Psych
April 14 Week 12	Writing Assignment due by April 21 Chapter 14- Stress, Lifestyle, and Health
April 21 Week 13	Discussion Board Knowledge Check Chapter 15- Psychological Disorders Chapter 16- Therapy and Treatment
April 28 Week 14	Optional Discussion Board Final Exam due by May 8
May 5 Week 15	Wrap Up/Final Exam Due May 8 Final Day of the Semester: May 10