Course Syllabus
Introduction to Psychology
PSYC 2301
Semester with
Course Reference
Number (CRN)
Fall 2014
PSYC 2301 – 0016 – 25447
PSYC 2301 – 0039 – 25034
PSYC 2301 – 0012 – 25194
Instructor contact
information
(phone number
and email
address)
713-225-2280 / ProfDrLJennings@aol.com / Lesajean.Jennings@hccs.edu
Office Location
and Hours
By Appointment; Before and After Class
Course
Location/Times
EDC A219 PSYC 2301 – 0016 – 25447; Tuesday 10:00AM – 11:30AM
EDC A219 PSYC 2301 – 0039 – 25034; Tuseday 11:30AM – 1:00PM
EDC A219 PSYC 2301 – 0012 – 25194; Tuesday 1:00PM – 2:30PM
Course Semester
Credit Hours
(SCH) (lecture,
lab) If applicable
Credit Hours
3.00
Lecture Hours
3.00
Laboratory Hours
Total Course
Contact Hours
Lecture
**ProfDrLJennings@aol.com is preferred because Dr. Jennings will see it
quicker.
+ 28 HRS ELECTRONIC INSTRUCTION
Continuing
Education Units
(CEU): if
applicable
Course Length
(number of
weeks)
16 Weeks
Type of
Instruction
Lecture
Course
Description:
A survey of the basic principles underlying human behavior and mental
processes. Emphasis will be placed on major areas of study in the field of
psychology, such as motivation, development, thought processes, and
personality. Core Curriculum course.
Course
Prerequisite(s)
PREREQUISITE(S):


Placement in co-requisite GUST 0342
Placement into ENGL 0310/0349
FREQUENT REQUISITES


College Level Writing
College Level Reading
Academic
Discipline/CTE
Program Learning
Outcomes
1. Define terms and concepts that students will encounter in advanced courses
taken by psychology majors.
2. Define terms and concepts that students will encounter in advanced
psychology and psychology-based courses taken by students majoring in fields
such as nursing and education
3. Define psychological terms and concepts that students will encounter in news
reports, self-help materials, and as part of the process of seeking and engaging
in psychotherapy.
Course Student
Learning
Outcomes (SLO):
4 to 7
1. 1. Discuss the major issues in at least nine subject areas of psychology.
2. 2. Explain the scientific method and how it applies to psychological research.
3. 3. Demonstrate knowledge of and identify concepts related to personal
development and the development and behavior of others.
4. 4. Apply psychological concepts to the solution of issues and
problems including ethics, coping with stressful events, health and wellness,
parenting, learning, memory, and /or evaluation of media presentations.
Learning
Objectives
(Numbering
system should be
linked to SLO e.g., 1.1, 1.2, 1.3,
etc.)
1. Discuss the major issues in at least nine subject areas of psychology.
1. 1.1 Major schools of thought in psychology
1.2 Components of the neuron
1.3 Components of the synapse
1.4 Action potential
1.5 Major neurotransmitters
1.6 Medulla
1.7 Cerebellum
1.8 Hypothalamus
1.9 Limbic system
1.10 Components of the cerebrum
1.11 Plasticity
1.12 Endocrine system
1.13 Learning
1.14 Reinforcement
1.15 Punishment
1.16 Observational learning
1.17 Characteristics of short-term memory
1.18 Characteristics of long-term memory
1.19 Phases of prenatal development
1.20 Piaget's stages of cognitive development
1.21 Erikson's stages of psychosocial development
1.22 Alzheimer's disease
1.23 General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)
1.24 Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
1.25 Definition of personality
1.26 Conscious, unconscious, preconscious mind
1.27 Id, ego, and superego
1.28 Freud's psychosexual stages
1.29 Phobias
1.30 Panic disorder
1.31 Obsessive-compulsive disorder
1.32 Dissociative identity disorder
1.33 Schizophrenia
1.34 Major subtypes of schizophrenia
1.35 Major depressive disorder
1.36 Bipolar disorder
1.37 Personality disorders
2. Explain the scientific method and how it applies to psychological
research.
1. 2.1 Scientific method
2.2 Descriptive methods
2.3 Representative sample
2.4 Experimental method
2.5 Methods of studying the brain
2.6 Methods used by Pavlov, Watson, and Skinner
2.7 Recall
2.8 Recognition
2.9 Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS)
2.10 Objective Tests (inventories)
2.11 Projective Tests
2.12 Purpose, organization, and content of the DSM-IV
3. Demonstrate knowledge of and identify concepts related to personal
development and the development and behavior of others.
1. 3.1 Differences among the major theoretical perspectives in psychology
3.2 Processes that occur when a neuron is activated
3.3 How neurotransmitters affect behavior
3.4 Functions of the frontal lobes
3.5 Difference between the central and peripheral nervous systems
3.6 Functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
3.7 How the pituitary gland affects behavior
3.8 How the adrenal glands affect behavior
3.9 How classical conditioning modifies an organism's responses to stimuli
3.10 How operant conditioning modifies an organism's responses to stimuli
3.11 Difference between positive and negative reinforcement
3.12 Factors that influence the effectiveness of punishment
3.13 Information-processing approach to memory
3.14 Reconstructive memory
3.15 The function of schemas
3.16 Causes of forgetting
3.17 Effects of teratogens and other negative factors on prenatal development
3.18 Relationship between contact comfort and attachment
3.19 Differences among the various patterns of attachment
3.20 Difference between the social learning and gender schema theory
explanations of gender role development
3.21 Process of cognitive development as Piaget explained it
3.22 Proposed causes of Alzheimer's disease
3.23 Effects of stress on the immune system
3.24 Effects of daily hassles on stress
3.25 Factors that influence individual's capacity for resisting the effects of stress
3.26 Function of defense mechanisms in Freud's theory
3.27 Views of humanistic theorists regarding the personality
3.28 Bandura's concept of reciprocal determinism
3.29 Criteria for abnormal behavior
3.30 Possible causes of schizophrenia
3.31 Symptoms of major depressive disorder.
3.32 Symptoms of Bipolar disorder
4. Apply psychological concepts to the solution of issues and
problems including ethics, coping with stressful events, health
and wellness, parenting, learning, memory, and /or evaluation of media
presentations.
1. 4.1 Ethical standards for psychological research
4.2 Principles of behavior genetics
4.3 Principles of behavior modification
4.4 Techniques for improving memory
4.5 Effects of the authoritarian, authoritative, and permissive parenting styles on
children's development
4.6 Difference between problem-focused and emotion-focused coping
4.7 Views of Abraham Maslow regarding self-actualization
4.8 Difference between psychologists and psychiatrists
SCANS and/or
Core Curriculum
Competencies:
Core Curriculum Competencies:
Intellectual
Computer Literacy
Intellectual
Critical Thinking
Intellectual
Listening
Intellectual
Reading
Intellectual
Speaking
Intellectual
Writing
Instructional
Methods
Face to Face
Web-enhanced (49% or less)
Student
Assignments
1. Discuss the major issues in at least nine subject areas of psychology.
Each professor will create assignments for use in the class.
2. Explain the scientific method and how it applies to psychological
research.
Each professor will create assignments for use in the class.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of and identify concepts related to personal
development and the development and behavior of others.
Each professor will create assignments for use in the class.
4. Apply psychological concepts to the solution of issues and
problems including ethics, coping with stressful events, health
and wellness, parenting, learning, memory, and /or evaluation of media
presentations.
Each professor will create assignments for use in the class.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Grading
Your final grade in this course will be dependent upon your performances on:
1) Five Test (50%) *Six Testzes will be given. Your lowest Test will be dropped.
2) Final Exam (15%)
3) Paper (15%)
4) Oral Presentation (10%)
5) Assignments (10%)
Class Participation is very important as it helps Students to incorporate the
information and to make it “make sense” in real world terms, in addition to the
very important, book knowledge.
Each day you should be prepared with the assigned readings. Be prepared to
participate in didactic exercises in class in order to increase skills in these areas.
IStudent
Assessment(s)
1. Discuss the major issues in at least nine subject areas of psychology.
TBA
2. Explain the scientific method and how it applies to psychological
research.
TBA
3. Demonstrate knowledge of and identify concepts related to personal
development and the development and behavior of others.
TBA
4. Apply psychological concepts to the solution of issues and
problems including ethics, coping with stressful events, health
and wellness, parenting, learning, memory, and /or evaluation of media
presentations.
TBA
Instructor's
Requirements
Six Testzes (50%)
Six Testzes will be constructed to sample your knowledge of the material as it is
presented in your text and in lecture.
 All Testzes will be given face to face, in class, using Scan-Tron sheets.
Students are responsible for providing the #2 Pencils and Scan-Tron
sheets, which are available from the bookstore
 All Testzes will have a Time Limit of 1 hour and 15 minutes.
 You will have One Attempt on each Test.
 Each Test will consist of 40 to 60 multiple-choice questions.
 The questions will come from text materials and information from the
lectures. You need to study the text materials and your lecture notes in
order to be well prepared for each Test. You need to be able to apply the
information presented in order to answer the Test questions correctly.
 Each Test will be graded on a 0-100% scale and the average of all five

exams will count for 60% of your final average.
Only five Testzes will be considered in your grade, as your lowest Test
will be dropped.
Final Exam (15%)
The final exam will be comprehensive and will consist of 100 to 120 multiplechoice questions. This is a DEPARTMENTAL FINAL. You should study the
Supplemental Handbook (this is a link on your syllabus), in addition to course
book in preparation for this exam. The CLOSED BOOK final exam will occur
IN CLASS and will require a Student provided pencil & a Scan-tron sheet.
Paper (15%)
You will be required to prepare a seven to nine page research paper, which will
relate the study of psychology to your chosen discipline, current job or future
vocation / occupation. If psychology is your chosen discipline, then write about
the area of psychology that you believe that you want to study, or that most
interests you; and how you will utilize this in your desired career. Your paper
must be seven to nine pages long, include at least five references, be typed in
APA style, describe your chosen area well and talk specifically about how you will
(or are) use the chosen area of psychology in your job or career.
Final papers will be due IN YOUR CLASS, BEFORE THE END OF YOUR
CLASS on Tuesday,
November 4, 2014.. Papers may be turned in
late, however, five points will be deducted for everyday that the paper is late,
including the weekend days. Papers are considered LATE if they are turned in
AFTER YOUR CLASSTIME.
Oral Presentation (10%)
You will be required to prepare and present an Oral Presentation that will relate
the study of psychology to your chosen discipline, current job or future vocation /
occupation. Basically, you are answering the question, “How can psychology be
used in my field / major / current job / future job.”
If psychology is your chosen discipline, then talk about the area of psychology
that you believe that you want to study, or that most interests you; and how you
will utilize this in your desired career. If psychology is your chosen discipline,
also discuss the educational and practical requirements that will be necessary for
you to work in your chosen field of psychology.
Your presentation must:
 be three to five minutes long,
 describe your chosen area well and
 speak specifically about how you will (or are) use the chosen area of
psychology in your job or career.
 include a visual aide that represents your topic
Assignments (10%)
 You will complete one assignments for each chapter covered, plus, a
Paper related assignment that is noted below. Answering these
questions is required and the process should assist in preparing you for
your Testzes.
 The Assignments for each chapter are due In Person in your class ON
THE TEST DAYS THAT INCLUDE THAT CHAPTER.


LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL NOT BE RECORDED OR ACCEPTED.
Although late assignments are not accepted, if you find yourself late in
the completion of an assignment, you are still encouraged to complete
the assignment, as the process should assist you in doing well on the
final exam..
INCOMPLETE POLICY
The grade “I” may be given at the discretion of the instructor if for some agreed
upon reason you had missed an assignment and 75% of the course have been
completed. You are responsible for contacting me and arranging to complete the
assignments prior to the following semester. If the work is not completed during
the following semester, a grade of “F” will be given as a final grade.
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR
Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. This includes using cell phones, talking
in class or any other rude or disrespectful actions to the instructor or classmates.
Instructors may drop students who interfere with the academic process.
EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES:
I will offer various extra credit opportunities to the class as the semester
progresses. Several topic related film clips 20 – 60 minutes in length will be
posted on Eagle Online. You must type a one page review paper summarizing
and discussing the film clip, including your opinion of the film. These will be
worth various amounts of points based on the length (i.e. 10 – 30 pts), to be
applied to the cumulative of your un-averaged Test grades at the end of the
semester.
Program/Disciplin
e Requirements: If
applicable
HCC Grading
Scale
A = 100- 90
4 points per semester hour
B = 89 - 80:
3 points per semester hour
C = 79 - 70:
2 points per semester hour
D = 69 - 60:
1 point per semester hour
59 and below = F
0 points per semester hour
IP (In Progress)
0 points per semester hour
W(Withdrawn)
0 points per semester hour
I (Incomplete)
0 points per semester hour
AUD (Audit)
0 points per semester hour
IP (In Progress) is given only in certain developmental courses. The student must
re-enroll to receive credit. COM (Completed) is given in non-credit and continuing
education courses. To compute grade point average (GPA), divide the total grade
points by the total number of semester hours attempted. The grades "IP," "COM"
and "I" do not affect GPA.
See "Health Science Program/Discipline Requirements" for grading scale.
Instructor Grading
Criteria
Instructional
Materials
Textbook
Wood, S.E., Wood, E.G, Boyd, D. (2014). Mastering the World of Psychology (5th
edition).
Pearson
ISBN 10 0-205-97214-4
ISBN 13 978-0-205-97214-2
This book can also be accessed online for a lower fee through this link:
http://www.coursesmart.com/mastering-the-world-of-psychology-fifthedition/samuel-e-wood-ellen-green-wood-denise-g-boyd/dp/9780205987290
HCC Policy Statement:
Access Student
Services Policies
on their Web site:
http://hccs.edu/student-rights
Distance Education and/or Continuing Education Policies
Access DE
Policies on their
Web site:
http://de.hccs.edu/Distance_Ed/DE_Home/faculty_resources/PDFs/DE_Syllabus.
pdf
Access CE
Policies on their
Web site:
http://hccs.edu/CE-student-guidelines
Class Schedule for PSY 2301 – Introduction to Psychology
Fall 2014
EDC A219 PSYC 2301 – 0016 – 25447; Tuesday 10:00AM – 11:30AM
EDC A219 PSYC 2301 – 0039 – 25034; Tuseday 11:30AM – 1:00PM
EDC A219 PSYC 2301 – 0012 – 25194; Tuesday 1:00PM – 2:30PM
Day
TUES
Date
August 26
Class Topic
Second Start Fall Semester classes begin.
Review Syllabus and Class requirements.
TUES
SEPT 2
Chapter One. Introduction to Psychology
TUES
SEPT 9
Chapter Two. The Biological Bases of Behavior
Assignment One Due In Class Today. You are to type one paragraph
describing the topic on which you plan to write your final paper, after
having completed some preliminary research. This will give me an
opportunity to make comments and / or suggestions on your topic.
TUES
SEPT 16
Test One. Chapters One and Two
Assignments Due Over Chapters 1 & 2
TUES
SEPT 23
Chapter Three. Sensation and Perception
Chapter Four. Consciousness
TUES
SEPT 30
Test Two. Chapters Three and Four
Assignments Due Over Chapters 3 & 4
TUES
OCT 7
Chapter Five. Learning
Chapter Six. Memory
TUES
OCT 14
Test Three. Chapters Five and Six
Assignments Due Over Chapters 5 & 6
TUES
OCT 21
Chapter Seven. Cognition, Language nad Intelligence
Chapter Eight. Human Development
TUES
OCT 28
Test Four. Chapters Seven and Eight
Assignments Due Over Chapters 7 & 8
TUES
NOV 4
Your Papers Are Due Today. 5 point deduction for every late day.
Chapter 9. Motivation and Emotion
Chapter 10. Health and Stress
Chapter 14. Social Psychology
TUES
NOV 11
Test Five. Chapters 9, 10 & 14
Assignments Due Over Chapters 9, 10 & 14
TUES
NOV 18
Chapter 11. Personality: Theory, Research and Assessment
Chapter 12. Psychological Disorders
Chapter 13. Therapies
TUES
NOV 25
Test Six. Chapters 11, 12 & 13
Assignments Due Over Chapters 11 & 12 & 13
TUES
DEC 2
LAST DAY OF CLASS
All Oral Presentations are today. Please bring your visual aid and be
ready to present.
TUES
DEC 9
FINAL EXAM – In Class. Face to face, paper format
PLEASE BRING A SCAN-TRON & #2 Pencil
MON
DEC 15
Grades Due At Noon Today.
Grades Available to Students.
o
*Dr. Lesajean M. Jennings reserves the right to change this syllabus and schedule of events at
any time. Students will be informed of any changes with as much advanced notice as possible.