MIAMI DADE COLLEGE -NORTH CAMPUS
FALL 2010
INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY
PSY 2012
Professor: Carola Pedreschi School Psychologist
University of Central Florida, M.S.
University of Georgia, B.A.
West Campus: (305) 237-8942
Department of Academic Programs
Fax: (305) 237-8978
West Campus
Email address:
Office West Campus:
Or Rooms 1240-1243
cpedresc@mdc.edu
Office hours: mdc.edu,
Faculty webpage:
Student/Current, Faculty schedule
http://faculty.mdc.edu/cpedresc
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REQUIRED MATERIALS This is an interactive class, where students will be required
to purchase a textbook and bring it to every class.
TEXTBOOK
Understanding Psychology - 9th Edition Robert S. Feldman
ISBN-13
9780077406547
No code will be required – There is free access to learning resources for students
STUDENTS MUST BRING THE TEXTBOOK TO EVERY CLASS, AS THEY WILL NOT BE TAKING
NOTES DURING LECTURE. IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT STUDENTS USE A
HIGHLIGHTER TO FOLLOW LECTURE. ENJOY LEARNING ABOUT PSYCHOLOGY BY READING
THE ASSIGNED CHAPTERS AHEAD OF TIME AND USING THE ON-LINE LEARNING
RESOURCES!
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This Course provides an overview of psychology as a social science and the
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. This course has value in helping students understand their own behavior
as well as the behavior of others. Credits: 3
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COURSE COMPETENCIES
1. The student will demonstrate knowledge of psychology as an academic
discipline and profession by:
-Describing the historical development of psychology
-Comparing the educational background, training, and professional activities and
various methods of scientific inquiry used in psychology.
-Contrasting various methods of scientific inquiry used in psychology.
2. The student will explain the various theories of personality and
behavior by:
human
-Contrasting psychodynamic, cognitive/social learning, humanistic and other
theories.
-Listing various categories of abnormal behavior and describing symptoms.
-Distinguishing the various forms of treatment for mental, emotional,
psychological disorders.
-Discovering the influence of culture on personality.
3. The student will review biological bases of human behavior by:
-Identifying the structures and processes of the brain and the nervous system.
-Explaining the senses and how they function.
-Discussing the nature/nurture controversy and its effects on human behavior.
-Identifying connections between health and stress.
4. The student will investigate the cognitive aspects of human behavior by:
-Discussing the concept of consciousness and altered states of consciousness.
-Describing the various theories of learning, memory, and intelligence.
-Relating how language and thinking affect human behavior.
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STUDENT EVALUATION
TESTS
Student learning will be evaluated during the semester by taking graded tests and nongraded assessment tools. Six tests will be administered during the semester. Test dates will
be announced ahead of time. Grades will not be rounded. Please purchase Scantron Forms,
pencils, erasers, and White-Out or equivalent to completely erase changed answers.
Students will not be allowed to take the tests if they do not bring their test-taking tools.
They may go to the bookstore and purchase what they need before they take the test, but
may not ask others for these items during testing session.
TEST SCHEDULE
TEST
TEST
TEST
TEST
TEST
TEST
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1
2
3
4
5
6
Chapters 1-2-3
Chapters 4-5-6
Chapters 7-8-9
Chapters 10-11-12
Chapters 13-14-15
Chapters 16-17
Students may only make-up one test. This test will not be the
same test administered in class. The make-up test may be madeup after class only in agreement with the professor. Any other
missed tests will receive a grade of zero.
LETTER GRADE ASSIGNMENT
A: 90-100
B: 80-89
C: 70-79 D: 60-69
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F: 59-
ATTENDANCE POLICY
In order for effective learning to occur, students must attend all classes and
must be in class by the scheduled start time. Student attendance is directly related
to student success. Tardiness and absenteeism are unacceptable.
ATTENDANCE WILL BE TAKEN AT THE BEGINNING OF EVERY CLASS SESSION.
Students will not be allowed in class if the professor has finished taking attendance.
This will be considered an absence.
No explanations are necessary out of respect for the students’ personal lives.
There are no excused or unexcused absences.
Five points will be subtracted from the final grade when a student is absent
four or more classes. Students will be dropped if they miss three or more
classes consecutively.
Keep records of your absences to increase awareness of your behaviors and
improve attendance. Any differences in records between the professor and
the student will be decided by the professor.
It is now mandatory to keep accurate records of student attendance in order
to receive federal funding.
HONESTY AND REGISTRATION POLICIES
Students are responsible for initiating and completing the process of officially
adding or dropping a course.
The highest academic standards are required of all MDC students. Any form
of academic dishonesty during an examination or assignment or act of plagiarism,
will result in a failing grade for the assignment, the test or the semester and a
letter filed with the Office of the Registrar.
*Please refer to MDC’s student handbook for questions regarding
student rights and responsibilities*
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CLASSROOM CODE OF CONDUCT
 No lecture interruption. Take care of personal matters before coming to class unless
there is an emergency. Please inform your professor of any emergencies prior to
start time. Students will not be allowed to get-up and leave class temporarily
while class is in session.
 Contact your professor if you miss class. Obtaining information when you miss class
is expected and it is the student’s RESPONSIBILITY.
 Students must completely turn off and put away all electronic devices. If the
professor sees or hears any device outside book bags, purses or pockets, the student
will be asked to leave the class and attendance will be affected.
 Please wait for your turn to share in class. Talking in class without permission is
distracting and disruptive. Students will be warned once, but if this behavior is
repeated the student will be asked to leave the classroom.
 Please respect the diversity of students present in our MDC classrooms.
 No food or beverages are allowed in the classroom.
PSY 2012 FAMILY
You will be asked to form a family of three members in class. The purpose is to develop a
sense of belongingness, cohesion, and support throughout the semester and beyond. Please
write the names and contact information of your family members on this form. this Family
Members:
1.
2.
3.
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SUGESTIONS FOR STUDENT SUCCESS:
1.
2.
Attend ALL classes and be on time.
Read your chapters ahead of time. You will be asked about chapter readings
in class without notice.
Read the outline of the chapter and its summary before reading the chapter.
Take notes in your own words as you read the chapter.
Test yourself before the actual test by using the list of key terms at the end
of the chapter or the textbook website. Studying in groups can be fun and
effective.
Practice diaphragmatic breathing to relax before taking a test.
3.
4.
5.
6.

The professor reserves the right to make changes on the syllabus at
her discretion.
Miami Dade College
West Campus
As graduates of Miami Dade College, students will be able to:
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.
*Please note that not all of the above Learning Outcomes will be addressed in this
course*
Revised/updated 1/19/2010
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IMPORTANT DATES
Aug. 23
Aug. 28
Classes begin week day and evening
Late registration begins ($50 fee)
Saturday and Sunday classes begin
Last day to change courses without penalty
100% refund - Mini term begins (12 week)
Purge process begins
Sep.
Purge process deadline for no shows
Aug. 28
Aug. 27
3
Oct . 19
Mid-term
Nov. 2
Nov. 12
Last day to withdraw with a W
Purge process ends
Dec. 10
Dec. 17
Last day of lecture
Last day of final exams
HOLIDAYS
Sep. 4-5-6
Saturday – Sunday – Monday
Nov. 11
Thursday
Nov. 25-26-27-28 Thursday - Friday
NOTES
Revised 8/23/2010
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