Course Syllabus
COURSE: PSYC101-02: Introduction to Psychology
SEMESTER: Fall 2026
INSTRUCTOR: Prof. V. Shields, MA, M. Phil.
Class: T/Th 1:40 - 2:55 pm
Room: D307
OFFICE HOURS: 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
- The nature-nurture interaction (may include mind-body connection, diversity, and social construction of reality).
- The fundamentals of social science research (may include varied research methodologies).
- The active construction of reality (may include sensation, perception, altered states of consciousness, and sociocultural influences).
- The basics of lifespan development (may include cognitive, physical, moral, social and personality development).
- The fundamentals of learning (may include classical, operant , and observational/cognitive learning paradigms).
- 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:
- Discuss key concepts as they are manifested in the major fields and theoretical perspectives of psychology. (GE 5, 6, 7; PG2, 3)
- Apply psychological principles to everyday life by critically evaluating information from a variety of sources. (GE 3, 5, 9; PG 1, 2, 3)
- Describe sociocultural influences on mental processes, behaviors, and social interactions. (GE 5, 6, 8, 9; PG 2, 3)
MISSED QUIZ MAKE UP CLASS POLICY:
- Make-Up quizzes or exams will not be provided; as academic equivalence cannot be assured. To ameliorate a negative impact resulting from a missed quiz; each student will be allowed to drop his/her lowest quiz score during final grading
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Attendance is taken at each class meeting. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that a record of his/her attendance is made. Leaving early or arriving late will impact class credit evaluation. .
GRADING
This class runs for 15 weeks. There will be three graded quizzes. Each quiz will contribute 10% to the final grade for a total of 30%. There will be a mid-term examination (30%) and final examination (30%) which will constitute 90% of the final grade. Class participation will constitute 10%. There will be an opportunity for an extra credit project.
|
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.
Preliminary Course Calendar: Calendar is tentative and subject to change.
Date Topic Chapter Notes
|
9/8/26 |
Introduction to Psychology |
1 |
|
|
9/10/26 |
Psychological Research |
2 |
|
|
9/9/26 |
Biopsychology |
3 |
|
|
9/15/26 |
States of Consciousness |
4 |
|
|
9/17/26 |
Sensation and Perception |
5 |
|
|
9/22/26 |
|
1-5 |
Quiz 1 |
|
9/24/26 |
Learning |
6 |
|
|
9/29/26 |
Learning |
6 |
|
|
10/1/26 |
Thinking, Language and Intelligence |
7 |
|
|
10/6/26 |
Thinking, Language and Intelligence |
7 |
|
|
10/13/26 |
Memory |
8 |
|
|
10/15/26 |
Lifespan Development |
9 |
|
|
10/20/26 |
|
1-9 |
Midterm |
|
10/22/26 |
Motivation and Emotion |
10 |
|
|
10/27/26 |
Motivation and Emotion |
10 |
|
|
10/29/26 |
Personality |
11 |
|
|
11/3/26 |
Social Psychology |
12 |
|
|
11/5/26 |
Social Psychology |
12 |
|
|
11/10/26 |
Stress, Lifestyle and Health |
14 |
|
|
11/12/26 |
|
10-14 |
Quiz 2 |
|
11/17/26 |
Psychological Disorders |
15 |
|
|
11/19/26 |
Psychological Disorders |
15 |
|
|
11/24/26 |
Treatment of Psychological Disorders |
16 |
|
|
11/25 – 29/26 |
|
|
Thanksgiving Break |
|
11/30/26 |
Treatment of Psychological Disorders |
16 |
|
|
12/3/26 |
|
15-16 |
Quiz 3 |
|
12/8/26 |
Extra Credit presentation |
|
|
|
12/10/26 |
Extra Credit presentation |
|
|
|
12/15/26 |
Extra Credit presentation |
|
|
|
12/17/26 |
Review Exercise |
|
|
|
12/22/26 |
|
1-16 Ex. 13) |
Final Exam |