PSYCHOLOGY 1
General Psychology
Margaret L. Louie, Ph.D.
REQUIRED TEXT: Exploring Psychology, 7th edition, by David G. Myers.
A copy of the textbook is available from the Reserve Book Room in the Rosenberg Library. The
7th edition can be checked out for 3 hours; the 6th edition can be checked out for 24 hours. If you
use the 6th edition (or any other edition), you are responsible for any discrepancies between the
texts. If you borrow a book from the Reserve Book Room, you must pay for it if you lose it.
You do not need to bring your textbook to class, but you are expected to read each chapter in
preparation for the exams. It is recommended that you do the reading before or as we cover a
chapter so that you can ask about information you are unclear on. You are responsible for the
information in the text regardless of whether or not I cover the topic in lecture; you will receive
a study guide before each exam to let you know what will likely be on the exam.
GRADING: Grades are determined from the results of 5 multiple choice exams, 2 essay exams, and
your attendance.
Exams - Most of the exams consist primarily of multiple choice questions; there may be some
short-answer essay questions as well, but you will be told in advance. There will also be two inclass essay exams that will be given separately from the multiple choice exams; we will discuss
the content of these essay exams later in the semester.
The majority of exam questions are from the text, but many questions are taken from the lecture;
it is always in your best interest to take thorough notes. There are no opportunities for extra
credit; how well you know the material determines your grade.
I provide scantrons and paper (if needed) for exams. Bring your own pencil; I do not bring
pencils for students and I do not review scantrons completed in pen.
Students who miss an exam may make-up the exam but will be penalized; penalties increase
with each make-up. Students with a medical or family emergency may make-up an exam
without penalty; documentation (i.e., hospital verification) will be required.
 “I didn’t feel good” is not a medical emergency; an ongoing illness or stressor is also
not a medical emergency.
 Class time is not available for make-ups; arrange a time to meet me in my office.
 You must take responsibility for making-up an exam; I will not remind you, or drop
the lowest grade, or average your scores. If you miss an exam, you will receive a 0.
 Students must take their exams in the class they are registered for; you may not come
to a later class to take an exam.
DSPS students. DSPS students are expected to follow the same testing schedule. You are
responsible for getting your TAR submitted on time. DSPS requires at least one week to
schedule a testing room during the regular semester; DSPS requires at least two weeks
before the finals schedule begins. Late testing dates are marked as make-up exams.
 If you are a student with a disability, see what services are available to you at
www.ccsf.edu/Services/DSPS/index.htm
Psychology 1, MWF, page 2
Margaret L. Louie, Instructor
Attendance – City College policy allows six (6) absences for emergencies and illness, but
otherwise requires students to attend every class. Illness, appointments, late adds, etc. are
considered to be absences. Excused absences are allowed for family death, hospitalization, or
jury duty; documentation is required and I only allow a week of excused absence.
It is in your best interest to attend class regularly. I do not give out my lecture notes nor do I
give personal lectures. You are responsible for finding out about any information given out on
any day you are absent; do not ask me to review what you missed – ask one of your colleagues.
If you miss more than six classes for any reason, I am allowed to drop you from the class. I may
or may not drop you after six absences; it depends on the circumstances. Ultimately, it is your
responsibility to drop the class if you feel you cannot complete the course, or to let me know that
you wish to stay in the class. However, if you are absent more than one-fourth of the semester
(12 absences) REGARDLESS of the reasons, REGARDLESS of your exam performance, I will
definitely drop you from the class, or if it is too late to drop you, I will give you a failing grade.
On Day 1 of the semester, everyone has a perfect attendance grade. Your attendance grade will
be lowered by each absence until you reach 13 absences, at which point you will fail the class or
be dropped (see above). More than 6 absences will dramatically hurt your attendance grade.
Your attendance grade will also be affected if you consistently leave class early or come to class
late. You are responsible for making sure that I mark your presence if you come in late.
 You will be marked absent if you miss half the class (25 minutes).
 You will be given half-credit if you are 15 minutes late.
 For every five (5) tardies that are less than 10 minutes, you will be given an absence.
You may clear up to 6 absences, however, by volunteering an equal amount of hours at a nonprofit agency. We will discuss this option later.
Grade values – Grade values for the class are as follows:
Exams (5)
Essay Exams (2)
Attendance
Maximum Points (subject to change)
235 points
30 points
50 points
315 points
Grades are determined according to the following guidelines:
A = 90%
B = 80%
C = 70%
D = 50%
If you choose the P/NP option, you must receive a grade of C in order to pass this course.
You must petition for this option through the Registrar's office.
Cheating – Any student found cheating on an exam or plagiarizing a paper will be given a grade
of zero for that assignment. Academic dishonesty may be reported to the Dean of Students
Psychology 1, MWF, page 3
Margaret L. Louie, Instructor
GENERAL CLASS EXPECTATIONS
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This class is UC and CSU transferable; you can expect the class to be challenging.
It is highly recommended (but not required) that you qualify for ENGL 92, ESL 82, or ESL
160 before taking this class. College level writing is expected for all written assignments;
writing should be thorough and organized, and is graded accordingly.
Case examples that are described in class have been modified; if you think you recognize the
case being described, you are wrong because that person doesn’t exist as described.
Some of the topics in this class may trigger psychological issues for you; the classroom is
not the place to discuss them. See me privately if you’d like a referral to counseling.
City College has a Student Code of Conduct that delineates appropriate student behavior.
Consult this document to know what is expected from you as a student at City College. If
you do not follow these expectations, I may refer you to the Dean of Students for
disciplinary action. You can access this list at:
www.ccsf.edu/Offices/Student_Advocacy_Rights_and_Responsiblities/rules.
Disruptive behavior in the classroom is not tolerated. Here are some of the issues you
should be aware of:
 Racist, sexist, homophobic, or other disrespectful slurs are not acceptable in the
classroom.
 Be respectful of other people's perspectives and interests. There are no “stupid
questions” in my classes; if we are off topic, I am responsible for ending a discussion.
 Do not have separate discussions with your neighbors/friends. It is very distracting to all
of us. If you are distracted by a classmate’s chattering, please inform me and I will take
care of it. It is generally not useful for you to confront the student directly.
 Remember to turn off your phones, Blackberries, etc. during class.
 If you use your Blackberry to take notes, please let me know; otherwise, I will
assume you are texting and will ask you to stop.
 You are expected to stay in the classroom during the entire class; do not come in and out
of the classroom once class starts. You will be marked tardy or absent.
Cheating will result in an immediate grade of zero, and a referral to the Dean of Students.
To limit the temptation to cheat, the following behaviors are expected during an exam:
 You are expected to stay in the classroom until you have completed your exam. If you
need to go to the bathroom or need tissue, take care of it BEFORE you start the exam.
 Dictionaries, music, and/or any electronic devices are not allowed during an exam; you
must remove your hood while taking an exam.
 Cell phones should be turned off. Do not answer your phone during an exam; do not
refer to it to check the time.
 Desks are cleared of all items.
INSTRUCTOR AVAILABILITY (available on the CCSF website [see Employee Directory])
Office: Batmale 340
Office hours: Wednesdays and Fridays, 11:10am-Noon, and by appointment
Phone: (415) 239-3567
Psychology 1, MWF, page 4
Margaret L. Louie, Instructor
Email: mlouie@ccsf.edu
 Email and voicemail messages are not always reliable; I do not check messages daily
though I usually respond within 3 days. I do not check email on weekends or holidays.
Check with me if I have not responded to your email – sometimes it goes directly to
quarantine.
 Do not email me yesterday expecting a reply for an assignment that is due tomorrow;
your procrastination does not constitute an emergency that I must respond to. If you
have questions regarding an assignment, make sure you ask about it early.
 Suspicious email is routinely deleted due to the possibility of viruses; be sure to show
your name and/or write “Psych 1” on your subject line to avoid being deleted.
 I do not accept any completed assignments via email (or fax).
 Please do not invite me to join your Facebook, mySpace, LinkedIn, etc. As much as I
would like to get to know my students, I don’t have time to be on the Net; don’t be
offended when I decline your invitation.
 If I need to contact students, I will use the email address that has been assigned to you by
CCSF; you should check your CCSF email on occasion, or you may want to have
messages forwarded to your regular email account.
Website: http://fog.ccsf.edu/mlouie
 Most handouts will be available on my CCSF website after they are passed out to the
class.
 If you are absent, it’s a good idea to check my website for announcements.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
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Identify psychology as a science and the profession that applies the accumulated knowledge
of this science to practical problems.
Compare and contrast the major contemporary theoretical perspectives in psychology.
Describe, contrast and evaluate the basic research methods of psychology.
Evaluate psychological research and theory as presented both in the popular media and in
professional journals.
Summarize, discuss and evaluate current and past research and theory in the following major
content areas: physiological correlates of behavior, sensation and perception, learning,
memory, cognition consciousness, motivation, emotion, psychological disorders and
treatments for psychological disorders.
Apply the theories and research findings discussed in class to increase understanding of self
and others.
Welcome to the class! I hope you find it interesting and challenging.
Psychology 1, MWF, page 5
Margaret L. Louie, Instructor
Course Schedule
Spring 2011
Jan 19
21
class expectations
read chapter 1 – Thinking Critically with Psychological
Science
Jan 24
26
28
continue chapter 1
continue chapter 1
read chapter 2 – Neuroscience and Behavior
Jan 31
Feb 2
3*
4
5
continue chapter 2
continue chapter 2
HOLIDAY – LUNAR NEW YEAR
FACULTY FLEX DAY – NO CLASSES
LAST DAY TO ADD
Feb
Exam #1 – chapters 1 & 2
read chapter 3 – Nature, Nurture, and Human Diversity
LAST DAY TO DROP
continue chapter 3
7
9
10*
11
Feb 14
16
18
read chapter 9 – Thinking, Language, and Intelligence
read chapter 4 – Development through the Life Span
HOLIDAY – PRESIDENTS DAY
Feb 21
22*
23
25
HOLIDAY – PRESIDENTS DAY
LAST DAY TO REQUEST P/NP OPTION
continue chapter 4
continue chapter 4
Feb 28
Mar 2
4
Exam #2 – chapters 3, 9, & 4
Essay Exam #1
read chapter 5 – Sensation and Perception
Mar
continue chapter 5
read chapter 6 – States of Consciousness
continue chapter 6
7
9
11
Mar 14
16
18
read chapter 7 - Learning
continue chapter 7
continue chapter 7
Mar 21
23
25
Exam #3 – chapters 5, 6, & 7
review Critical Thinking Exam
HOLIDAY – CESAR CHAVEZ DAY
Mar 28 - Apr 3 SPRING VACATION
Psychology 1, MWF, page 6
Margaret L. Louie, Instructor
Apr
4
6
8
read chapter 8 - Memory
continue chapter 8
continue chapter 8
Apr 11
13
15
read chapter 10 - Motivation
continue chapter 10
read chapter 11 – Emotions, Stress, & Health
Apr 18
20
21*
22
continue chapter 11
continue chapter 11
LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW
Exam #4 – chapters 8, 10, & 11
Apr 25
27
29
Critical Thinking Essay Exam #2
read chapter 12 – Theories of Personality
continue chapter 12
May
2
4
6
continue chapter 12
read chapter 13 – Psychological Disorders
continue chapter 13
May
9
11
13
May 16
18
continue chapter 13
read chapter 14 - Therapy
continue chapter 14
continue chapter 14
continue chapter 14
read chapter 15 – Social Psychology
Finals Schedule begins Friday, 5/20/11. You will no longer be
meeting for classes – you only go to your scheduled finals. Finals
will take place in your regular classroom, but at a different time.
Find your corresponding class meeting time (or section) for the
date and time of your final exam. You are welcome to take your
final on one of the other dates, but only if there is space, and
you must speak with me first. Anyone who shows up for an exam in
which s/he is not registered without prior permission from the
instructor will be marked as taking a make-up exam.
Exam #5 – chapters 12, 13, 14, & 15
9:00 MWF in B715 (sec 003) on Monday, May 23, 9:00am-10:30am
10:00 MWF in B715 (sec 001) on Friday, May 27, 10:30am-12:00pm
12:00 MWF in B705 (sec 010) on Monday, May 23, 1l:00am-12:30pm