South Portland, Maine 04106
Title: Introduction to Psychology
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Laura Abbott, MS
Office Hours: By appointement
Catalog Number: PSYC 100
Total Contact Hours: 45
Office : labbott@smccme.edu
Email : labbott@smccme.edu
Course Syllabus
Course Description
This course is designed to provide a broad overview of the field of Psychology. Special attention will be
given to helping the student become a better thinker, by learning to take charge of ideas one has about
psychology. The goal of this course is to think consciously, deliberately and skillfully about human
behavior. Topics such as physiological psychology, perception, learning, cognition, emotions, health
psychology, psychological disorders, as well as others are included.
Prerequisite(s): none Co-requisite(s): ENGL-050, ENGL-075
Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Define psychology as a discipline and explain its history, and how it is distinct from and related to other
disciplines.
2. Explain how psychology is a science and become familiar with the research methods used by
psychologists, including research designs, limitations of research findings, and APA ethical principles.
3. Explore the subject matter of the field of psychology and become familiar with the vocabulary, major
concepts, theories, as well as research findings of psychology.
4. Further develop critical thinking skills by applying them to the field of psychology
5. Become a cautious and analytical consumer of psychological information that is proclaimed to be
scientific or based on research and recognize the usefulness and limitations of research findings.
6. Understand and apply psychological principles to personal, social, and organization issues.
7. Become aware and respectful of diversity issues which affect behavior and psychological processes. Be
more able to recognize that sociocultural contexts may influence the development and application of
psychological principles.
Learning Outcomes Competencies:
Critical Thinking: Upon Completion of this course students will have:
1. Read and demonstrated an understanding of complex ideas by identifying key concepts in the field of
psychology.
2. Applied theory to practice using problem solving techniques and data analysis.
3. Analyzed and evaluated research data to produce a well-reasoned argument or position on an issue.
4. Write thoughtfully about the material covered in the class. Writing improvement will be a goal
throughout the semester.
Global Citizenship: Upon completion of this course students will be able to use psychology concepts to:
1. Explain how social interactions are influenced by local, regional, national, and/or global cultures.
2. Recognize cultural and individual differences that underlie the complexities of human behavior and
social interaction.
3. Demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of cultures that are diverse from their own.
The Text
The text we will use this semester is: THE SCIENCE OF PSYCHOLOGY: AN APPRECIATIVE VIEW with Connect Plus
Psychology Access Card, 3rd Edition
Laura A. King, University of Missouri---Columbia
This fall semester we will study the following chapters:
1 and then move to chapters 3-12. Then move to chapters 15-17.
Topical Outline of Instruction- Content Standards
What is Psychology? – Chapter 1
After concluding this unit, students understand:
1. Defining psychology
2. Psychology in historical perspective
3. Contemporary approaches to psychology
4. What psychologists do
5. The science of psychology and health and wellness
Biological Foundations of Behavior – Chapter 3
After concluding this unit, students understand:
1. Structure and function of the neuron
2. Organization of the nervous system
3. Hierarchical organization of the structure and function of the brain
4. Technologies and clinical methods for studying the brain
5. Structure and function of the endocrine system
6. How heredity interacts with the environment to influence behavior
7. How psychological mechanisms are influenced by evolution
Sensation and Perception – Chapter 4
After concluding this unit, students understand:
1. Basic concepts explaining the capabilities and limitations of sensory processes
2. Interaction of the person and the environment in determining perception
3. Nature of attention
States of Consciousness – Chapter 5
After concluding this unit, students understand:
1. Nature of consciousness
2. Characteristics of sleep and theories that explain why we sleep
3. Theories used to explain and interpret dreams
4. Basic phenomena and uses of hypnosis
5. Categories of psychoactive drugs and their effects
Learning – Chapter 6
After concluding this unit, students understand:
1. Characteristics of learning
2. Principles of classical conditioning
3. Principles of operant conditioning
4. Components of social, observational, and cognitive learning
5. Roles of biology and culture in determining learning
Memory – Chapter 7
After concluding this unit, students understand:
1.Encoding, or getting information into memory
2. Sensory, working or short-term, and long-term memory systems
3. Retrieval, or getting information out of memory
4. Biological basis of memory
5. Memory constructions
6. Methods for improving memory
Thinking, Intelligence and Language – Chapter 8
After concluding this unit, students understand:
1. Basic elements comprising thought
2. Strategies and obstacles involved in problem solving and decision-making
3. Influence and interaction of heredity and environment on intelligence
4. Nature of intelligence and intelligence testing
5. Structural features of language
6. Theories and developmental stages of language acquisition
7. Links between thinking and language
Human Development-Chapter 9
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Exploring human development
Child development and the three fundamental processes of physical, cognitive and socio-emotional
Adolescence and the transition from childhood to adulthood.
Emerging adulthood, adult development and aging.
Human development and health and wellness.
Motivation and Emotion – Chapter 10
After concluding this unit, students understand:
1. The role of biology and learning in motivation and emotion
2. Major theories of motivation
3. Interaction of biological and cultural factors in emotions and motivations
4. Role of values and expectancies in determining choice and strength of motivation
5. Physiological, social cultural, cognitive, and behavioral aspects of emotions
6. Effects of motivation and emotion on perception, cognition, and behavior
Gender, Sex and Sexuality- Chapter 11
After concluding this unit, students understand:
1. Defining sex and gender
2. Theories of gender development
3. The psychology of gender differences
4. Sexual orientation
5. Sexual behaviors and practices
6. Sexual variations and disorders
7. Sexual health and wellness
Personality and Assessment – Chapter 12
After concluding this unit, students understand:
1. How to distinguish between personality and personality constructs
2. Personality approaches and theories
3. Assessment tools used in personality
Psychological Disorders – Chapter 15
After concluding this unit, students understand:
1. Characteristics and origins of abnormal behavior
2. Classifying abnormal behavior
3. Major categories of abnormal behavior
4. Impact of mental disorders
Therapies – Chapter 16
After concluding this unit, students understand:
1. Prominent methods used to treat individuals with disorders
2. Types of practitioners who implement treatment
3. Challenges involved in delivery of treatment
Health Psychology- Chapter 17
After concluding this unit, students will understand:
1.
Health psychology and behavioral medicine
2.
Making positive changes life changes
3.
Resources for effective life change
4.
Controlling stress
5.
Toward a healthier body (and mind): behaving as if your life depends on it
6.
Psychology and your good life
Student Evaluation and Grading
GRADED DISCUSSIONS
There will be discussion questions assigned throughout the semester. Click on “discussion” And you will be linked to the
discussion question area. Contribute to the discussion by responding to a previous comment or adding something to the
conversation. Always use “reply”, not “create message” when posting. These discussions are to test your critical thinking
skills. Your points will depend on how much you engage in the discussions in an intelligent and objective manner, and how
much your answer reflects what you have learned so far in the course (referring to theory from the book). These discussions
will also help you get a clearer understanding of the material, fine tune your own thoughts, as well as gain insight into how
other students interpret the material.
You must have a minimum of 6 postings throughout the semester. You will have an opportunity for extra credit if
you post more than 6 times.
Important: Each posting should be one or two paragraphs. You must refer to relevant information from the readings. Do not
wait until the last minute to post your responses. Remember these are discussions and you need other students’ input.
ESSAY QUESTIONS
The essay questions are to get you to think about some specific issues in the chapter. Show me your thoughts in answering
the questions, with specific support and references to the text.
The following will be used to grade your essay answers.
Objective/Criteria
Performance Indicators
Category
Impressive
16-20 Pts.
Adequate
11-15 Pts.
Not There Yet
6-9 Pts.
Not in the Ball
Park 0-5 Pts.
Addresses the
Question
The main idea
stands out and is
clearly introduced. All
parts of the
question have
been answered.
There is clearly a
main idea, and
most of the information
is relevant to the topic.
Most parts of the question
have been
answered.
There is a main idea, but
there is little information
pertinent to the topic at
hand.
Some part(s) of the
question has been
answered.
There is no clear
introduction of the main
topic or idea being
discussed. The answer is
totally off topic or has not
been answered at all.
Organization
Details are placed in a
logical and/or
sequential order.
The information
flows.
Evidence of logical
and/or sequential
order, but there
are breaks in the
flow.
Some organization
is evident, but the
piece does not flow
well.
No logical progression of
ideas.
Adequate Support
& Details
Several facts and
details have been
reported accurately.
Everything is relevant to
Almost all facts and
details are reported
accurately. Most
everything is relevant to
Some facts and
details are reported
accurately. Some
details are relevant
Either no facts are
reported, or all facts and
details reported are
inaccurate. The answer
the
topic.
the
topic.
to the topic.
has no relevance to the
topic.
The following will be used to grade your Discussions
Objective/Criteria
Performance Indicators
CATEGORY
Performance above
average
Meets minimal
expectations
Did poor or
minimal work
Did failing work
Posted informed
responses, either
by directly
responding to the
question, or by
reacting to another
student's posting.
(Informed means
to address all
facets of the
question in a clear,
organized
manner).
Posted 6 or more
informed postings
Posted at least one
informed posting.
Posted shallow or
uninformed postings
No posts
Referenced the
readings
(Referencing the
text means that
you need to back
up your statements
with supporting
facts. Either quote
something from
the text or mention
a page and
summarize what
you are referring
to, to support your
ideas).
Consistently
referenced the
readings to support
your ideas in two or
more postings
Referenced the
readings to support
your ideas some of
the time
Did not reference the
readings or incorrect
use of references
Used critical
thinking skills
when responding
to the readings and
other students'
posts.
Critical thinking used in
at least two
postings
Minimal use of critical
thinking or only used
in one posting
Did not demonstrate
the use of critical
thinking skills in
responding to the
readings and/or ideas
of other students in
any postings
GRADED TESTS:
There will be 14 graded exams. (See Black Board calendar for due dates.) Each one will cover the chapter for the week.
Each test will be worth 20 points. The questions will be multiple choice. The exams are open book. Once you begin a test,
you must complete it in 3 hours. Blackboard will lock you out of a test once the deadline for the particular test week has
passed. You will not be allowed to retake a test if you miss the deadline. Blackboard will lock you out of a test once you
submit the answers.
BASIS FOR STUDENT GRADING:
Discussions
14 Exams (20 Pts. each)
14 Essay Answers (20 points each)
Total
= 60 Pts.
= 220 Pts.
= 220 Pts.
= 500Pts.
Final Grade: You will need
450-500 points for a grade in the A range (90%),
400-449 points for a grade in the B range (80%),
350-399 points for a grade in the C range (70%),
315-349 for a grade in the D range (63%).
Note college catalog for specifics on letter grade system, quality points and numeric
range.
Class Attendance and Participation
You are required to participate every week. If you miss the first two weeks of class, you will be reported as
a NO SHOW to the administration and dropped from the class. Missing two weeks of class consecutively
without notifying me will result in you being dropped from the class and receiving an AF for the course
grade. Missing a total of two weeks will result in a lower grade, and missing over two weeks in class will
result in class failure.
Course Evaluation
In order to gain access to final course grades, students must complete evaluations for all courses. Students can now evaluate
their SMCC courses online and anonymously by going to Academics on the SMCC homepage and choosing Course
Evaluations. This feature is typically available the last two weeks of every class (in most cases, this will be the last two
weeks of the semester).
ADA Syllabus Statement
Southern Maine Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution and employer. For more
information, please call 207-741-5798.
If you have a disabling condition and wish to request accommodations in order to have reasonable access to the programs and
services offered by SMCC, you must register with the disability services coordinator, Mark Krogman, who can be reached at
741-5629. There will be some documentation for your teachers that must be supplied before accommodations can be given.
Further information about services for students with disabilities and the accommodation process is available upon request at
this number.
CC Pay-for-Print Policy
Students can print 150 pages per semester free of charge. If you print over 150 pages, you will be charged 10 cents per
page to your student billing account for tuition and fees.
Leftover pages from each semester will not be rolled over to the following semester.
The College’s pay-for-print system monitors printing on all public printers (i.e. those in general access labs, library printers,
the Academic Achievement Center, Noisy Lounge and technology labs). Each time you log-in to the system, the print station
displays the remaining print quota. Once the printing quota has been exceeded, users will be charged $ 0.10 per page or $.05
per side if the printer prints on both sides on their student accounts on a monthly basis. Color printouts will be charged at 11
page units. This means each color printout will count as 11 pages toward the quota and will cost $1.10.
Why? To save trees and reduce costs!
Due to exponential increases in paper and toner costs, and the volume of printing being done, it became necessary to look for
ways to conserve. Not to mention that saving paper is good for the environment.
Add-Drop Policy
Students who drop a course during the one-week “add/drop” period in the fall and spring semesters and the first three days of
summer sessions receive a 100% refund of the tuition and associated fees for that course. Please note any course that meets
for less than the traditional semester length, i.e., 15 weeks, has a pro-rated add/drop period. There is no refund for nonattendance.
Withdrawal Policy
A student may withdraw from a course only during the semester in which s/he is registered for that course. The withdrawal
period is the second through twelfth week of the fall and spring semesters and the second through ninth week of twelve-week
summer courses. This period is pro-rated for shorter-length courses. To withdraw from a course, a student must complete and
submit the appropriate course withdrawal form, available at the Enrollment Service Center (no phone calls, please). The
designation “W” will appear on the transcript after a student has officially withdrawn. A course withdrawal is an
uncompleted course and may adversely affect financial aid eligibility. Failure to attend or ceasing to attend class does not
constitute withdrawal from the course. There is no refund associated with a withdrawal.
Plagiarism Statement
Adherence to ethical academic standards is obligatory. Cheating is a serious offense, whether it consists of taking credit for
work done by another person or doing work for which another person will receive credit. Taking and using the ideas or
writings of another person without clearly and fully crediting the source is plagiarism and violates the academic code as well
as the Student Code of Conduct. If it is suspected that a student in any course in which s/he is enrolled has knowingly
committed such a violation, the faculty member should refer the matter to the College’s Disciplinary Officer and appropriate
action will be taken under the Student Code of Conduct. Sanctions may include suspension from the course and a failing
grade in the course. Students have the right to appeal these actions to the Disciplinary Committee under the terms outlined in
the Student Code of Conduct.