Course Syllabus

COURSE:  PSYC101-04: Introduction to Psychology

SEMESTER: Fall 2024

INSTRUCTOR: Cory Homer, Ph.D. 

Class: Wednesdays 9:25am - 12:05pm

Room: A232

OFFICE HOURS: Wednesdays a 9am or by appointment

REQUIRED TEXT

This course utilizes open educational resources which are free.                                               

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, development, motivation, personality, attitude formation and prejudice, psychopathology and psychotherapy.

TOPICS TO BE COVERED

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).

 COURSE COMPETENCIES/LEARNING OUTCOMES:

In a manner deemed appropriate by the instructor, students should demonstrate the ability to:

1. Discuss key concepts as they are manifested in the major fields and theoretical perspectives of psychology. (GE 5, 6, 7; PG2, 3)
2. Apply psychological principles to everyday life by critically evaluating information from a variety of sources. (GE 3, 5, 9; PG 1, 2, 3)
3. Describe sociocultural influences on mental processes, behaviors, and social interactions. (GE 5, 6, 8, 9;  PG 2, 3)

ASSIGNMENT POLICY:

Please note that I do not accept late assignments. Any assignment submitted late will be graded as a zero, unless previous arrangements are made or a documented medical/family emergency arises. I will make reasonable accommodations in those cases.  All assignment due dates are clearly posted in the syllabus and on Canvas.

Methods of Evaluation

Grading Contents

Quiz One	5%
Quiz Two	10%
Quiz Three	10%
Quiz Four	10%
Quiz Five	10%
Weekly Reflection Prompts	40%
Final Project	15%
Total	100%

 

CRITICAL THINKING:

This course incorporates critical thinking throughout the curriculum. The rationale behind this is that critical thinking is a topic that requires practice in addition to theory.  The discussion assignments in this course are intentionally designed to assist students to interpret information, consider the influence of context, pose logical arguments, examine existing knowledge, and develop new ideas. 

 

DISCUSSION BOARDS/CLASS ATTENDANCE:

Students are expected to log into the Canvas system and respond to the postings placed there by the professor before the due date designated on the calendar.  Students are expected to participate in the discussion boards by posting their original responses to the professor’s posts, as well as to posts made by their peers. 

Scholarly writing across all disciplines is one of our goals at SCCC. With that in mind, Discussion Board topics are posted on Canvas. Topics will relate to the material in our textbook, and will require some real-life application of your knowledge. Your writing should be of a scholarly nature: eliminate use of slang language, back up your answers (where appropriate) with research from your textbook, the Internet, or other readings, and respond to your classmates in an inquisitive manner that will further the discussion. . Please use your textbook as well as other sources. Make sure your post is substantive. (Substantive: Having a firm basis in reality and therefore important, meaningful, or considerable.)

 

QUIZZES/EXAMINATIONS: 

All quizzes are taken through the Canvas system.  All quizzes are to be taken prior to the due date indicated on the calendar.  All quizzes are to be completed independently by each student.

 

Grade to Point Value

NUMERICAL SCALE	LETTER
95-100	A
90-94	A-
87-89	B+
84-86	B
80-83	B-
75-79	C+
70-74	C
65-69	D
Below 65	F

 

 DISABILITIES ASSISTANCE:

Students who require accommodations in order to pursue their higher education goals need to make an appointment with the adviser to the Disabilities Assistance Program (973-300-2153). The DAP office is located in the Learning Center. It is the student’s responsibility to provide current and comprehensive documentation, which would warrant such accommodation. The need to provide documentation applies to both academic and facilities accommodations.

RESPECT, CONFIDENTIALITY, AND ONLINE ETIQUETTE:

Class discussions via posts may sometimes contain personal concerns and self-disclosures.  These discussions will, at all times, be conducted within an atmosphere of mutual respect and confidentiality by all class members. If I feel that a student is violating this trust, I reserve the right to dismiss the student from class.

Conversations that do not pertain to class material during a lecture or class discussion are unacceptable. If a student engages in conversation unrelated to course material and I find that conversation disruptive, the student will be dismissed from the course and will receive a zero for class participation that day.

SMOKE AND TOBACCO FREE CAMPUS POLICY:

Sussex County Community College focuses on providing a healthier, cleaner environment for students, employees and visitors. Eight other community colleges in New Jersey also have a complete ban of smoking and tobacco on their campuses. While smoking has been off limits inside buildings, the campus grounds are also smoke free including the parking areas. This policy applies to employees and students as well as visitors, vendors and contractors.

 

IMPORTANT DATES:

Fall Academic Calendar

September 3	Classes Begin; Late Registration begins
September 9	Last day to late register or add a class
September 16	Last day to drop a class with a 100% refund (tuition & fees). There are no partial refunds after this date.
September 16	Last day to change to an audit
September 30	Last day to change Spring & Summer Incomplete grades
October 14	College Closed
October 15	Registration for Winter begins
November 18	Registration for Spring begins
November 27 (5:00 pm) to December 1	College Closed
December 2	Last day to withdraw with a “W”
December 20	Final day of the semester