MIAMI-DADE COLLEGE
KENDALL CAMPUS
COURSE SYLLABUS
COURSE TITLE:
CREDITS:
REFERRENCE #:
SCHEDULE:
TEXTBOOK:
INSTRUCTOR:
E-mail:
OFFICE HOURS:
Room # 6206-10
PSY2012 Introduction to Psychology
3
667361
TR 11:15AM – 12:30PM
Feist and Rosenberg (2010). Psychology Making
Connections.
Jose A. Guntin LMHC, CAP
jguntin@mdc.edu Phone 305-237-2668
Monday
: 12:00 - 3:00pm
Tuesday
: 7:50am – 9:50am & 12:40pm – 3:10pm
Wednesday : 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Thursday : 12:40pm – 3:10pm
This syllabus is subject to change as per the instructor’s discretion. Changes
will be submitted to the students in writing.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The course provides an overview of psychology as a social science including the history
and methodology used in the field. Biological bases of behavior will be examined, as
well as theories and concepts that provide explanations in such areas as personality,
mental health, memory, intelligence, learning, motivation, and emotions. We will blend
classical material with most recent developments in psychological theory. This course
emphasizes critical thinking skills.
Courses Competencies:
1. YOU WILL DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF PSYCHOLOGY AS AN ACADEMIC
DISCIPLINE AND PROFESSION BY
a. describing the historical development of psychology
b. comparing the educational background, training, and professional
activities of various mental health practitioners
b. contrasting various methods of scientific inquiry used in psychology
2. YOU WILL EXPLAIN THE VARIOUS THEORIES OF PERSONALITY AND HUMAN
BEHAVIOR BY
a. contrasting psychodynamic, cognitive/social learning, humanistic and other
theories
b. listing various categories of abnormal behavior and describing their symptoms
c. distinguishing the various forms of treatment for mental, emotional, and
psychological
disorders
c. discovering the influence of culture on personality
3. YOU REVIEW BIOLOGICAL BASES OF HUMAN BEHAVIOR BY
a. identifying the structures and processes of the brain and the nervous system
b. explaining the senses and how they function
c. discussing the nature/nurture controversy and its effects on human behavior
d. identifying connections between health and stress
4. YOU WILL INVESTIGATE THE COGNITIVE ASPECTS OF HUMAN BEHAVIIOR
BY
a. discussing the concept of consciousness and altered states of consciousness
b. describing the various theories of learning, memory, and intelligence and their
influence on behavior
c. relating how language and thinking affect human behavior
5. YOU WILL EXPLORE OTHER INFLUENCES ON HUMAN BEHAVIOR SUCH AS
MOTIVATION, EMOTION, SEXUALITY AND GROUP MEMBERSHIP BY
a. acquiring concepts regarding such influences
b. identifying physical determinants of such behavior
c. examining psychological determinants of such behaviors
MDC Learning Outcomes
1. Communicate effectively using listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
2. Use quantitative analytical skills to evaluate and process numerical data.
3. Solve problems using critical and creative thinking and scientific reasoning.
4. Formulate strategies to locate, evaluate, and apply information.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of diverse cultures, including global and historical
perspectives.
6. Create strategies that can be used to fulfill personal, civic, and social
responsibilities.
7. Demonstrate knowledge of ethical thinking and its application to issues in
society.
8. Use computer and emerging technologies effectively.
9. Demonstrate an appreciation for aesthetics and creative activities.
10. Describe how natural systems function and recognize the impact of humans on
the environment.
* See the College’s Learning Outcomes Web Site:
http://www.mdc.edu/main/academics/learning outcomes.asp
Course Requirements:
You must meet all course requirements in order to pass this course. Course
requirements include
(1) attendance to all scheduled classes
(2) completion of two reflection papers
(3) one group presentation
(4) four tests
(5) service learning
Make-up and Attendance Policy:
Attendance is MANDATORY. You are expected to arrive punctually at the designated
time of class. Two consecutive unexcused absences may result in a whole letter
grade deduction from your final grade. Three consecutive absences will result in
withdrawal from the course. Having a history of being late shall result in loss of
points, up to a whole letter grade will be deducted for recurrent tardiness or
having three consecutive absences. No attendance points will be awarded the
day you are late. Assignments must be handed in on the day and time they are due.
NO MAKEUPS unless previously arranged. A deduction of up to 75% of the points will
be made for late work, even when approved due to extenuating circumstances. For
instance, if the original assignment was worth 100 points, you may get up to 25 points if
you submit your work late.
Reflection Papers:
The course requires you to write three reaction papers. In a reflection paper, you are to
share your own analysis, evaluation, and interpretation about issues, problems, and
questions related to the course. Although you may draw from personal experience,
your ideas must be founded on sound research. Please refer to rubric included below.
Presentation:
Students will be responsible for a group presentation. This group will be provided with a
topical issue regarding any phase of life. This presentation should be between 20 to 30
minutes per group. The instructor will grade the students on the overall presentation,
information gathering and team effort following rubric included in this syllabus.
Evaluation:
Students are expected to become proactive in their grade. This means that you are
responsible and accountable for your grade. Your final grade will depend upon: written
assignments, class participation, attendance, test/quizzes, the presentation, and overall
attitude toward the class and your peers. Tests may only be taken on the designated
date. Do not assume that I will approve any deviations from this syllabus in
relation to paper deadlines, presentation dates, or exam dates.
Attendance/Participation/Quizzes (3 pts. daily)*
Reflection Papers (50 pts. each)
Group Presentation
Tests (100 pts. each)
Service-Learning
100 points
100 points
100 points
400 points
100 points
---------------800 points
*Perfect attendance gives you additional points
Grading System:
A
B
‘
C
‘
D
‘
F
‘
720-800
640-719
560-639
480-559
< 479
Extra Credit:
Several extra credit opportunities will be available during the semester for up to 20
extra points. You may be considered for extra credit after completing all regular
assignments.
Rubric for Written Work and Presentations
90-100
45-50
80-89
40-44
70-79
35-39
60-69
30-34
0
Shows ability to analyze and explore points presented. Ability to incorporate
own ideas and external ideas other than textbook. Ability to self-question.
Recognizes other possible perspectives.
Points presented come from textbook. Recognition of points for further study
without exploration. If there are references to emotional reaction, they are
not explored. In presentation, PowerPoint has aesthetic value.
Lacks detail and depth. Key argument or information is missing. Flow of ideas
is disconnected. In presentation, PowerPoint lacks aesthetic value.
Demonstrates lack of effort or comprehension of assignment. Does not have
minimal requirements. Minimal or no creativity. In presentation, reading slides
with minimal or no explanation.
Assignment is missing.
Access Disability Services:
Students with documented disabilities should contact ACCESS Disability Services in
advance for information and for obtaining assistance. No retroactive accommodations
can be provided. The ACCESS department is located in Room 2121 at the Kendall
Campus. They may be reached at 305-237-2767.
Policy Against Academic Dishonesty:
All students are expected to meet the College’s academic conduct standards. Acts of
academic misconduct, including cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation, and facilitating
academic dishonesty will be referred to the Dean of Students. Students caught
plagiarizing will be charged with misconduct charges. For more information on these
standards, refer to Student’s Rights and Responsibilities Handbook at:
http://www.mdc.edu/policy/student rights and responsibilities.pdf Any form of academic
dishonesty will result in an “F” for that test or assignment and may result in an “F” in the
course.
Withdrawal Policy
Withdrawal from a course is not encouraged and should be considered as a last
alternative. You are responsible for filling out the withdrawal card and turning it in to the
Registration Office before the deadline. NOTE: Failure to attend class without an official
withdrawal will result in failing the course. Failing or dropping out of PSY 2012 may
jeopardize your future enrollment at the college. The last day to drop a class to
receive a “W” is March 14, 2012.
Policy regarding the use of electronic devices in the classroom:
Electronic devices for personal use such as pagers, cellular phones and i-Pods should
not be used in the classroom. Please turn off or place on vibrate all gadgets before
entering the classroom. Students failing to turn off these electronic devices will be
asked to leave the room. Continual failure to do this may result in the lowering of points
for non-participation/attendance.
Visitors in the classroom:
In order to maintain an appropriate learning environment, only individuals that are
registered and have paid will be allowed in the classroom. Any special arrangement
must be made in advance with the instructor.
Academic Calendar of Events
Unit/Test
Syllabus/Introduction/Group Work
Introduction to Psychology
Chap
1
Assignment
Documentary/Discussion
Conducting Research in Psychology
The Biology of Behavior
Sensing and Perceiving our World
Test 1
Human Development
Documentary/Discussion
Consciousness
Memory
Learning
Test 2
Presentations (11-12-13-14-15-16)
Language and Thought
Intelligence, Problem Solving
Motivation and Emotion
Stress and Health
Test 3
Personality
Social Behavior
Psychological Disorders
Treatment
Test 4
FINAL
HOLIDAYS:
2
3
4
(1-2-3-4)
5
Reaction Paper 1
6
7
8
(5-6-7-8)
Reaction Paper 2
9
10
11
12
(9-10-11-12)
13
14
15
16
(13-14-15-16)

Letter to the Student
Dear Student,
It is my intention to provide the best learning environment that I can. Although I have been teaching
for more than seven years, it is difficult to predict what will happen in this course. I personally find it
stimulating and fun when students get involved in class discussions. As a student, you will be
provided with daily opportunities to share your thoughts on topics related to the material at hand.
Through the years I have been obtaining feedback from my students about both how to get A’s and
how to make the course more engaging for students. Successful students indicate that getting A’s is
not a matter of intelligence or studying long hours and denying yourself. They indicate that getting
A’s is a matter of studying effectively. Keeping up with the work weekly seems to be linked with
success, while studying without a plan is linked to feeling lost in the course and getting low grades.
With the aim of helping you succeed in the course, I will provide you with copies of PowerPoints for
each of the chapters that we cover. The PowerPoints can be used as a guide when you study.
I will now give you the secret to get an A in this course. This secret is the result of years of
feedback collected from students who got A’s in the tests. The secret consists of four simple steps.
If you follow the next four steps regularly, you will see that your grades will improve. First, survey the
chapter in the textbook and the PowerPoint that will be available to you. It will take you no more than
five minutes; doing this will get you ready for the lecture. Second, pay attention during the lecture,
bring a copy of the PowerPoint that I sent and add information or underline key concepts right on the
slides. Third, review the slides as soon as possible after each class. Make sure you pay close
attention to the key concepts that are underlined or highlighted by you. This will help you keep up to
date. Finally, review the information before the test. This will help you to get good grades. If you
find that you have to study before a test, you are doing too much and working too hard to be able to
get the A that you want. If you follow the simple four steps regularly, you will be surprised to find that
getting A’s may not be that hard. Getting A’s doesn’t require extra work or studying long hours before
a test. Getting A’s requires getting used to doing a little bit of work throughout the semester.
I understand that we will be covering a lot of material and a lot of new terms; but, if you keep up with
the work, not only you will get good grades, but you will find that this course could be fun and
interesting.
One final and most important word: I’m here to help you. Come to see me during office hours, talk
to me before or after class, or keep in touch by sending e-mails about any concerns you may have. I
will always try to help you.
I wish you the best of success.