PSY 111 General Psychology I
CRN 10162, Spring 2015
Thursday 4:00 – 6:50, BLOWE 243
Instructor Information
Instructor: Christopher Percy, M.A., J.D.
Email: Cpercy@mcc.commnet.edu
Website: www.PercyPsych101.wordpress.com
Course Overview and Objectives – The purpose of this course is to introduce students to
the discipline of psychology and to the evolving body of knowledge that has been
produced by this discipline. It surveys basic topic areas within psychology including
psychology's history and scientific origins, the physiological correlates of experience and
behavior, human development, learning, memory, thinking, intelligence, personality, and
motivation and emotion.
Objective
Definition
Build Knowledge
Define, explain, and compare concepts in the
following areas of psychology: the evolution
of psychology as a science, foundational
schools of thought, research methods,
neuroscience, memory, learning,
intelligence, personality, and human
development
Apply Knowledge
Apply psychological concepts, theories, and
research findings to explain and analyze
human experience and behavior in diverse
contexts (e.g., home, school, workplace)
Develop the Critical Thinking Skills of a
Psychologist
Identify the types of questions that
psychologists ask about human experience
and behavior and apply the empirical
methods they use to investigate those
questions. Critically evaluate information
(e.g., journal articles, videos, etc.) about
human experience and behavior and use that
information accurately and ethically
Enhance Written Communication Skills
Effectively communicate the basic critical
thinking skills of a psychologist in written
assignments
Expand Sociocultural Awareness
Recognize how values and assumptions from
different cultural and historical contexts can
influence human experience and behavior
Textbook – Schacter, Gilbert, Wegner & Nock (2014) Psychology, 3rd Ed.
ISBN 13: 978-1-4641-8945-6
Blackboard Learn – Not used in this class.
Philosophy and Expectations – My philosophy for this course is that basic information
about the study of psychology is best delivered through discussion, real-life examples,
sharing, and recognizing core concepts. Each lecture should provide a framework for
studying, while also building on the information in your book. Quizzes will test your
knowledge of basic concepts, vocabulary, and application of the information.
I have structured this course with the idea that you can, and will, prepare for class by at
least skimming the chapter and that each student has read the syllabus and is familiar with
the schedule, email policy, and makeup policy. YOU are responsible for the information in
this syllabus.
Blog, Chapter Summaries, and Additional Resources – I have set up a blog which has
summaries of each chapter, links to personality tests, copies of the syllabus, and detailed
instructions for the written assignments. Sample reflection questions and book lists are
also available on the blog. To access the chapter summaries, go to
www.percypsych101.wordpress.com and select the topic from the drop-down menu.
Overview of Course Grading – Your grade in this class will be based on points earned on
quizzes/exams (100 points) and written assignments (60 points). I will be using the
following scale:
F
DD
D+
CC
C+
BB
B+
AA
<90
90points 94
9599
100104
105109
110114
115119
120124
125129
130134
135139
140+
Quizzes – 100 Points – There will be a quiz for each topic area covered in class, plus a quiz
on the syllabus. Each quiz will consist of ten multiple-choice questions. Quizzes are opennote, but closed-book, and last for 15 minutes starting at the beginning of class. Quiz
content will include information from your textbook as well as information covered
exclusively in lectures. We will have 11 quizzes during the semester, and I will drop the
lowest. Missed quizzes result in a score of zero.
Exams – We will have two exams: a mid-term and a final. These exams are optional and can
be used to bring up your quiz grade. Each exam will cover five chapters and will be fifty
questions long, and will replace your quiz total up to that point only if your score on the
exam is higher than your quiz total. You should consider taking the exams if any of the
following apply: you are unhappy with your quiz grade so far, and believe that you will do
better on the exams; you have missed too many quizzes and are in danger of failing the
class; you believe you can raise your grade by taking the exams.
Exam and Quiz Makeup Policy – I do not give makeup quizzes or exams. If you have
missed too many quizzes, you will have to take the optional mid-term and/or the final exam
in order to make up the difference. If you cannot make the scheduled mid-term or final
then you must notify me in advance so that you can take the exam prior to the scheduled
exam date.
Written Assignments – 60 Points – The remaining 60 points will come from written
assignments. There are a variety of assignments which you may choose from in order to
earn these points. Assignments which are returned with an unsatisfactory grade may be
“fixed” and resubmitted.
Please note that ONE of the assignments must be either a Book Report or the Women and
Minorities in Psychology paper (each worth 25 points). The remaining 35 points can be
earned by mixing and matching whichever assignments you like. A complete list of
assignment options and requirements can be found on the blog. Note: Papers will not be
accepted by email under any circumstances. All papers and assignments are due no
later than 5/7 for full credit OR during finals period for 75% credit.
Attendance Policy – An additional 5 points will be added to your final grade for students
who miss fewer than four classes during the semester. All absences are counted regardless
of the reason or whether you have documentation (i.e., a doctor's note). My attendance
sheet is the only official record of whether you have attended class, therefore it is your
responsibility to sign in. If you have not signed in, you will not be counted as present.
Online Gradebook – I will be using an online gradebook on www.engrade.com to keep
track of grades during the semester. Grades will be updated after each quiz, and you will
be able to see your progress up to that point in the class. Signing up for Engrade is entirely
optional, and you will be able to track your progress by emailing me if you wish.
Lecture and Assignment Outline
Dates Topic
Chapter
1/22
Syllabus, The History of Psychology
Ch. 1
1/29
The History of Psychology
Research Methods and Ethics
Ch. 1, Ch. 2
Quiz on Syllabus
2/5
Research Methods and Ethics
Ch. 2
Quiz on Chapter 1
2/12
Neuroscience and Behavior Pt. 1
Ch. 3
Quiz on Chapter 2
2/19
Neuroscience and Behavior Pt. 2
Ch. 3
Quiz on Chapter 3 (Pt. 1)
2/26
Learning and Conditioning
Ch. 7
Quiz on Chapter 3 (Pt. 2)
3/5
Conditioning/Mid-Term Review
3/12
Mid-Term Exam
1 - 3, 7
Quiz on 7/Mid-Term Exam
3/26
Memory
Ch. 6
4/9
Intelligence and Intelligence Testing Ch. 10
Quiz on Chapter 6
4/16
Lifespan Development Pt. 1
Ch. 11
Quiz on Chapter 10
4/23
Lifespan Development Pt. 2
Ch. 11
Quiz on Chapter 11 (Pt. 1)
4/30
Personality
Ch. 12
Quiz on Chapter 11 (Pt. 2)
5/7
Personality /Final Review
5/14
Final Exam, Late Papers for 75%
credit
6, 10 - 12
Quiz on 12/Final Exam
Final period is 3:30 – 5:30
Notes
Academic Integrity – Manchester Community College is committed to academic integrity.
An academically honest student submits for evaluation only such work, including tests,
papers, reports, presentations or ideas that have been written, performed or created
solely by that student. On those occasions when the stated rules of a course permit
collaborative efforts, the contributions of other individuals and sources should be
appropriately acknowledged. It is, at all times, the responsibility of the student to maintain
conduct consistent with the concept and definition of academic integrity, including not
only the avoidance of plagiarism, but also other actions further outlined under College
Policies in the Student Handbook.
Plagiarism is the act of taking someone else’s idea, writing or work, and passing it off as
one’s own. If you fail to give credit to the source of the material, whether directly quoted
or put in your own words, this lack of credit constitutes plagiarism. Whether you take, buy
or receive material from the Internet, from a book, from another student or from any other
source, and you fail to give credit, you are stealing ideas; you are engaged in plagiarizing.
Plagiarism is a serious violation of academic standards and has serious academic
consequences for the student. Please note that plagiarism will result in an “F” on the
assignment, and may result in you receiving an automatic “F” in the course.
Withdrawal Policy and Incompletes – Withdrawal from this course is a student initiated
process. I will not automatically assign a grade of “W” to students who simply stop
attending class and/or submitting work. If you choose to stop attending class or submitting
course work but do not formally withdraw from the course, then you will receive the grade
earned for the course (with zero’s assigned to all missing work).
General Fund (15-week Courses): During the first 14 calendar days of the semester
(January 22 through February 4, 2015), courses that a student drops or for which a student
receives a refund will be removed from the student’s schedule and will not appear on
his/her transcript. After 14 days (February 5, 2015), a student who wishes to withdraw
from any course must either withdraw online or submit the appropriate withdrawal form
to the Registrar’s office by April 1, 2015. The Course Withdrawal Form Prior to Two Thirds of
Semester and the Course Withdrawal Form after Two Thirds of Semester are available at the
Registrar’s office or online at http://www.manchestercc.edu/form-depot/. Prior to April 1,
2015, you do not need my permission or signature to withdraw from this course. Note: A
student must go to the Registrar’s office in the Student Services Center (SSC) to drop
or withdraw from a class.
A N INCOMPLETE IS A TEMPORARY GRADE ASSIGNED WHEN COURSEWORK IS MISSING AND THE
STUDENT AGREES TO COMPLETE THE REQUIREMENTS . INCOMPLETES ARE ASSIGNED WHEN THERE ARE
EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES , SUCH AS ILLNESS , THAT PREVENT THE STUDENT FROM COMPLETING
THE COURSE . A STUDENT MAY REQUEST AN INCOMPLETE BUT A FACULTY MEMBER IS NOT REQUIRED
TO HONOR THE REQUEST . R EFER TO THE STUDENT HANDBOOK OR C OLLEGE C ATALOG .
Class Cancellation – If class is cancelled by MCC due to inclement weather conditions or
other emergency, students will be notified via the school’s web page
(www.mcc.commnet.edu). Students may also call the MCC information line at 860-5123004. Although closing information may be broadcast on local news and radio stations, do
not rely solely on such outlets – check the website or information line. If class is cancelled
by me, students will be informed by a standardized, professionally-printed form posted at
the door of the classroom and signed by the Division Director or MCC Police.
Services for Students with Disabilities: – If you have a disability and require
reasonable accommodations, please contact me as early as possible. You must
be registered with the Office of Disability Services. MCC has three disability services
providers who can provide you with additional information and review
appropriate arrangements for reasonable accommodations. To make an
appointment with a disability services provider concerning a learning disability,
contact Gail Stanton (Student Services Center (SSC) L131, 860-512-3597,
gstanton@manchestercc.edu) or Joan Kantor (SSC L131, 860-512-3595,
jkantor@manchestercc.edu). To make an appointment with a services provider
concerning a physical or psychological disability, contact Joe Navarra (SSC L131,
860-512-3592, jnavarra@manchestercc.edu).