Course Syllabus
COURSE: PSYC101: Introduction to Psychology
SEMESTER: Fall 2022
INSTRUCTOR: Antoinette E. Morales, MA
Email: amorales@sussex.edu
Meeting times: Wednesdays, 6:30pm – 9:10pm
Location: B104
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 altered states of consciousness).
- 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)
ASSIGNMENT POLICY:
Any assignment submitted late will lose 2 points per day, unless previous arrangements are made or a documented medical/family emergency arises. All assignment due dates are clearly posted in the Syllabus and on Canvas. Vacations or lack of internet access at home are not valid excuses; only medical conditions or bereavement are acceptable excuses, and please discuss those conditions with me via e-mail or in class and I will make reasonable accommodations in those cases.
Methods of Evaluation
Exam 1 – 100 points (22%)
Exam 2 – 100 points (22%)
Exam 3 – 100 points (22%)
Assignment 1 – 25 points (6%)
Assignment 2 – 25 points (6%)
Assignment 3 – 25 points (6%)
Assignment 4 – 25 points (6%)
Attendance - 30 points (6%)
Participation – 15 points (4%)
|
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.
CLASS MEETING ATTENDANCE: Students are expected to attend all classes, for every course in which they are enrolled. It is the student’s responsibility to read his/her syllabus for course or departmental attendance policies. Attendance means more than just being present in class. It means that you are prepared and participate in each class. Being prepared includes completing all homework that is assigned (including reading), taking part in class activities, having your assignments on the day they are due, and maintaining a positive learning environment (being on time for class, using technology appropriately).
If you are struggling, please talk to me and take advantage of the resources the college offers, including the Academic Support Center and Advising & Counseling.
We will meet a total of 15 times. Each class is worth 2 points. This requires you to be reasonably on time and to stay in our meeting for the entire session. This is worth 30 points toward your final grade. Attendance will be taken during every class session. Coming in very late or leaving very early may result in your losing 1 point for the day. (30 points total)
CLASS PARTICIPATION: 15 points of your final grade. Insightful well-thought-out contributions to group discussions are encouraged. As mentioned before, assigned reading is to be completed for this purpose. Additionally, personal experiences, questions, or elaborations on material contribute toward making our class more interesting. It may help you and your classmates to better understand the concepts. Quality participation will earn you points throughout the semester. I do keep track of this participation. (15 points total)
ASSIGNMENTS: There will be 4 relevant assignments throughout the semester. Details will be provided on Canvas and in class. Each of these will add a potential total of 25 points to your final grade. Assignments are due on the Wednesday of their assigned week by 11:59pm on Canvas. Assignments submitted late on canvas will result in a 2 points deduction per day. (25 points each - 100 points total)
Scholarly writing across all disciplines is one of our goals at SCCC. With that in mind, Assignments 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. 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.)
EXAMS: Exams will be administered in class on the designated date as noted below and on Canvas. All exams are to be taken on their due date indicated on the calendar.
There is a total of 445 points available to you in class this semester. Your test grades, assignment grades, attendance grades and class participation grades will be added up and divided by 445. Your final grade will be assigned a letter grade as follows:
|
Grade to Point Value |
|
|
NUMERICAL SCALE |
LETTER |
|
93-100 |
A |
|
88-92 |
B+ |
|
83-87 |
B |
|
78-82 |
C+ |
|
71-77 |
C |
|
65-70 |
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 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:
|
September 6 |
Classes Begin; Late Registration begins |
|
September 12 |
Last day to late register or add a class |
|
September 19 |
Last day to drop a class with a 100% refund (tuition & fees). There are no partial refunds after this date. |
|
September 19 |
Last day to change to an audit |
|
October 10 |
Indigenous Peoples’ Day – College Closed |
|
October 17 |
Registration for Winter begins |
|
November 11 |
Veterans Day – College Open - Events Planned on Campus |
|
November 14 |
Registration for Spring begins |
|
November 23 (5:00 pm) to November 27 |
Thanksgiving Holiday – College Closed |
|
December 1 |
Last day to withdraw with a “W” |
|
December 21 |
Final day of the semester |
|
December 24 to January 2, 2023 |
Winter Break – College Closed |
Class Schedule:
Week In Class At home
Week 1 Introductions
9/7 Syllabus Read Chapter 1 and 2
Chapter 1 Introduction to Psych Review PP and watch videos
Week 2
9/14 Chapter 2 Psychological Research Review PP and watch videos
Read Chapter 3
Week 3
9/21 Chapter 3 Biopsychology Review PP and watch videos
Read Chapter 4
Week 4
9/28 Chapter 4: States of Consciousness Review PP and watch videos
Exam #1 Review Study for Exam #1
Chapter 1 - 4
Week 5
10/5 Exam #1 Read Chapter 6
Week 6
10/12 Chapter 6: Learning Review PP and watch videos
Read Chapter 7
Week 7
10/19 Chapter 7: Thinking and Intelligence Review PP and watch videos
Assignment #1 Due
Gardner Multiple Intelligence
Read Chapter 8
Week 8
10/26 Chapter 8: Memory Review PP and watch videos
Read Chapter 9
Week 9
11/2 Chapter 9: Lifespan Development Review PP and watch videos
Study Session Study for Exam #2
Chapter 6 – 9
Week 10
11/9 Exam #2 Read Chapter 11
Assignment #2 Due
Piaget Toy Assignment
Week 11
11/16 Chapter 11: Personality Review PP and watch videos
Assignment #3
Personality Assessment
Read Chapter 12
Week 12
11/23 ***Thanksgiving Week***
No class
Week 13 Chapter 12: Social Psychology Review PP and watch videos
11/30 Read Chapter 14
Chapter 14: Stress, Lifestyle, and Health Review PP and watch video
Read Chapter 15
Week 14
12/7 Chapter 15: Psychological Disorders/ Review PP and watch videos Chapter 16: Assignment #4 Due
Psych Disorder Critique
Study for Exam #4
Chapters 12, 14, 15 and 16
Week 15 Exam #4
12/14 ***Last Day of Class***
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|