INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

PSYC 2301

INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

Instructor:	Abigail McNeely, LCSW
Course Title:	Introduction to Psychology
Course Abbreviation Number:	PSYC 2301
Course Section & Synonym Numbers:	37997
Time & Location of class (optional)	PCM online
Study Group

Instructor’s Office Hours	T/Th 3-4pm
Instructor’s Telephone Number & Email:	512.223-2016 profmcn@ibwell.com
Instructor’s Office location & number	CYP 1004 Student Services
Conferences /contact outside of office hours	Tuesday 9 am – noon Call 223-2010 for appt.

Required Text &/or Materials:

The World of Psychology, 5^th Ed.

Wood, Wood & Boyd

ISBN: 0-205-36137-4

Supplemental Material: (Optional)

Companion web site: http://wps.ablongman.com/ab_wood_worldofpsy_5

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is a survey of introductory topics such as learning, memory, sensation and perception, personality, life-span development, physiological basis of behavior, stress and health, psychological disorders, social psychology, and research methods. Additional topics such as language development, states of consciousness, and psychotherapy may also be included as determined by the instructor.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

The format of this course is discussion and independent study. In addition to reading your text, and viewing powerpoint presentations on Blackboard, you will be required to do some interactive exercises and research on the web to enhance your learning. You will be responsible for keeping up with all material made available to you. Your preparation and participation is essential to your learning and is therefore strongly encouraged and evaluated. Some projects may require working within groups. Part of your grade will depend upon your ability to function effectively and productively within a group situation.

COURSE RATIONAL AND /OR PURPOSE

Success in a social situation, whether it is playing, working, or making a family, is much more likely when you understand people! Psychology courses provide the basic knowledge and understanding of human behavior applicable for all social interactions. Students preparing for careers in social services, business, education, medicine, law, and advertising will all find useful tools in psychology.

COMMON COURSE OBJECTIVES/ STUDENT OUTCOMES:

The common course objectives or goals include the following: The student will be able to discuss representative theories, findings and/or principles concerning the following topics:

· Research Methods

· Personality

· Learning

· Life-Span Development

· Physiological Basis of Behavior

· Cognition (including Sensation, Perception, and Memory)

· Stress (as well as intellectual, social, physical and emotional health)

· Psychological Disorders

· Social Psychology

COURSE GRADE / EVALUATION SYSTEM:

Grades are earned on a percentage basis, as follows:

> 89% = A

80 - 89 = B

70 -79 = C

60 - 69 = D (a "D" is not a transferable grade)

< 60 = F

You will earn an "F" for any form of scholastic dishonesty or if you fail to withdraw from class but stop attending. (Last day to withdraw is November 28)

TASK LIST FOR GRADE

DISCUSSION BOARD 40%

Participation includes signing on and using Blackboard and actively participating in the course. Your participation must show that you have studied the assigned material, that you have given thoughtful consideration to what you are learning, and that you are not relying on personal experience alone. It is your responsibility to keep up with discussions as they are posted on Blackboard. There will be a minimum of one discussion questions each week. You must post a response to each discussion question and give feedback to at least one other student on his/her discussion post.

EXAMS 25%

There will be 2 exams through the semester. A missed exam results in a score of 0. Exams will be completed online. It is imperative that you use a reliable internet connection to take exams. If connection is lost for any reason, your exam will not be graded and you will be required to make special arrangements to complete an alternate examination. This is unavoidable because the primary testing method is electronic. Use of the ACC network connection, or other high speed connection, will eliminate 90% of the problems students encounter. There will be no retests except in the event of a documented emergency.

PROJECTS 35%

There will be various projects throughout the semester to enhance the topics covered. These projects will be important opportunities to learn and teach your fellow students. They should be approached with creativity and conscientiousness. Grades will reflect thoroughness, accuracy, creativity, and understanding. Each separate project assigned will have specific directions.

COURSE POLICIES

A. Attendance

Students are expected to participate in the online environment in order to progress satisfactorily toward completion of course objectives.

B. Withdrawal

Students or instructors may initiate withdrawals any time during the semester before the official withdrawal deadline. Withdrawal forms are available from the Admissions offices. When the instructor withdraws a student, ACC will send written notice to the student's address on record, as contained in the student's permanent file. (Last day to withdraw is April 26, 2006)

C. Incomplete

A grade of incomplete may be granted if you have made substantial progress and have extenuating circumstances arise (for example: illness, family crisis). An incomplete will not be granted if you have not made substantial progress and/or simply fail to come to class. It is up to you to withdraw if you cannot keep up with the course.

D. Scholastic Honesty/ Ethical Conduct:

“Acts prohibited by the college for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing outside work. Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their thought, research, or self-expression. Academic work is defined as, but not limited to tests, quizzes, classroom presentations, and homework.” (Student Handbook) Any form of scholastic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will result in a grade of "F".

E. Academic Freedom:

Each student is strongly encouraged to participate in class. In any classroom situation that includes discussion and critical thinking, there are bound to be many differing experiences and viewpoints. Students may not only disagree with each other at times, but the students and instructor may also find that they have disparate views on sensitive and volatile topics. It is my hope that these differences will enhance the class and create an atmosphere where students and instructors alike will be more encouraged to think and learn. Therefore, be assured that your grade will not be adversely affected by any beliefs or ideas expressed in class or assignments. Rather, we are all expected to respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions. Demonstration of disrespect toward other students or the instructor will not be tolerated.

F. Office of Students with Disabilities

ACC is an equal opportunity institution. If you have a disability or special need that may require accommodations in the classroom, please contact me outside of class to discuss your needs. You should also meet with the disability services office on the campus you attend regularly. Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office for Students with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes. Students are encouraged to do this three weeks before the start of the semester. .” (Student Handbook)

G. Privacy

In compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, I will not give out information concerning your grades, academic progress, attendance, address, phone, or email address to anyone (including parents) unless you give your written permission. In addition, I will not give grade information over the telephone or by email.

H. ECS Students

This is a college course and all students enrolled in this course will be treated as college students. All sections of this syllabus and orientation pertain equally to all students in this course, regardless of age or educational status. Regardless of their age, high school students who are enrolled in a college course are protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. In compliance with this Act, I will not discuss your grades or your academic progress with your parent(s), unless you are present, or unless I have your written permission to do so. Email will not be accepted.