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Psychology 1A, General Psychology
Distance Learning Off-line
Spring 2007
Instructor: Patti Bench
Taft College E-mail: pbench@taft.org
Telephone: (661) 763-7757
Fax (661) 763-7816
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
Advisory: Eligibility for English 50 and 54 strongly recommended
Scientific study of behavior and mental processes through the exploration of
major theories and concepts, methods, and research findings. Topics
include the biological bases of behavior; perception; cognition; learning;
emotion and motivation; lifespan development; personality; social
psychology; psychological disorders; therapy; and applied psychology.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to
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Identify the purposes of studying psychology
Identify the methods of psychological research
Identify the characteristics of psychology as it exists in society
Analyze the structure and functions of the nervous system
Analyze the influences of heredity and environment on human
behavior
Compare and contrast sleep and dreaming as altered states of
consciousness
Identify the uses and effects of psychoactive drugs
Explain basic theories of motivational psychology
Compare and contrast basic theories of emotions
Analyze the structure and functions of the human sense organs
Identify types of extrasensory perception and issues related to
determining whether or not extrasensory perception exists
Explain the basic principles and processes of classical conditioning
Explain the basic principles and processes of operant conditioning
Apply the techniques for improving memory
Compare and contrast the concepts of intelligence and creativity
Explain the basic characteristics, types, and uses of tests employed for
psychological assessment
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Provide examples of social cues used to monitor and manage human
behavior
Analyze the relationship between attitudes and behavior
Identify the processes of human development
Recognize the basic principles and purposes of personality theories
Distinguish between normal and abnormal behavior
Identify theories and techniques of psychotherapies
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK:
Understanding Psychology (7th edition)
Charles G. Morris with Albert A. Maito (Prentice Hall, Inc., 1999), available as a
rental from the Taft College Library or for purchase from several online
bookstores. ISBN 0-13-193199-7
The required textbook, Understanding Psychology, Seventh Edition, is
divided into 14 chapters on topics ranging from brain physiology to social
psychology. Every chapter starts with an overview, which could serve as a
guide to creating an outline for study purposes. Key terms, along with
definitions, appear in the margins of the pages. Because this is an
introductory course, understanding key terms is extremely important. You
can bet that the quizzes and exams will cover these terms. Summary tables
and review questions are provided to help students organize and understand
concepts. A chapter review can be found at the end of each chapter.
WHAT IS DISTANCE LEARNING OFF-LINE?
Distance Learning Off-line is a mode of delivery that does not require
Internet access. If you found a copy of this syllabus, you already have the
materials needed to proceed. You do not have to come to campus. Instead,
you will follow the directions given in this syllabus, complete and submit
your assignments by the deadlines given, take your exams, and contact me
if you have any questions, comments, or concerns. All assignments must
reach me by the deadlines given in the class calendar. You can submit your
assignments through email, postal mail, or dropped of to me in my office.
Just make sure your work gets to me by the stated deadline. Plan ahead for
mailing delays.
HOW DOES THIS CLASS WORK?
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You will need to read this syllabus carefully. All assignments are listed
below. In addition, there is a class calendar attached at the end of this
syllabus that shows what you need to complete each week. If you are taking
several courses, this may be a bit challenging. Not meeting deadlines due to
other courses is not extenuating circumstances. Being on time with your
assignments is vital to your grade. Working ahead will ensure you meet the
deadlines. My late policy is an automatic 10% reduction of points plus 1
point for each day you are late. Harsh, I know. Without this penalty,
students will often wait until it is too late to turn work in and get
overwhelmed. Distance learning does not mean work at your own pace. If
you have any questions or concerns, be sure to contact me immediately.
Even though this is a distance learning class, it does not mean you are
completely on your own. You can contact me by correspondence forms
available through the education offices.
PAPER ASSIGNMENTS
Paper 1: Paper 1 is to be a one-page biography and informational
assignment. Because this is a distance learning course, I want to know who
you are, your mailing address, why you are taking this course, and what you
hope to learn. I also want to make sure you read the syllabus, so please let
me know what you think the goals of this class are, how we will reach these
goals, and what I expect of each of you. What is the penalty for late
assignments? What happens if you miss exam 1 through 3? What is the last
day to take Exam 4? What is plagiarism? How do you cite from your two
sources in the concept papers? How do you test for this class? Do you think
this is an effective method of instruction? Have you ever taken distancelearning courses before? Do you have any concerns? Without reading the
first chapter, how would you define psychology? When you think of this
topic, what comes to your mind?
This assignment is worth 10 points. All papers should be grammatically
correct, thoughtfully written, and relevant to the questions stated above.
Please attach a cover page with your name, date, assignment title, the title
Psych 1A, my name, and your address. To earn full points, I would expect
one full page of content with 1” margins, Times New Roman Font, and
double spaced.
PAPERS 2 - 4: Each student is to write 3 short concept papers, each worth
50 points. The topics are listed below. You choose one question or topic for
your paper. Do not answer all three questions in one paper. The due date
for each paper is listed in the Class Calendar. Late papers will result in
point reduction. You will automatically loose 10% plus one point for each day
the assignment is late. Paper 4 will not be accepted after May 9. It pays to
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plan ahead. When writing each paper, use the content provided from the
textbook and one other source in order to think about and respond to the
questions. A minimum of two clearly identified sources within the
body of your text is required for each paper (and one must be your
textbook.)
The format for each paper is as follows:
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Cover page with your name, date, and paper assignment number, your
address, Psych 1A, and my name, Patti Bench
Restate the questions exactly as presented in the following charts on
the first content page of your paper (do not paraphrase or split it in
the body of the paper—just retype it at the top of the first content
page
Answer the questions in a thoughtful manner using material from the
textbook and your second source (remember not to plagiarize.) It is
required that you cite your source in parentheses at the end of each
instance within the body of the paper. (To ensure full credit, make
sure you have cited from your two sources somewhere in your paper.)
Conclude with your own thoughts, feelings, or comments relevant to
the question
Works Cited page
Each paper is to be a minimum of 2 content pages with a maximum of 4
content pages, typed, double-spaced, with 12-point New Times Roman font
and 1-inch margins on all four sides. If you are using the word processing
program Word, be advised that the margins are often preset to 1.5 inch on
the left and the right. Be sure to change the margins to 1 inch or your
paper will be short.
If you quote or paraphrase from the textbook or other source, please cite
the author’s last name and page number or the video number in parentheses
immediately after the quotation or paraphrase. Example of our textbook:
(Morris, p. 49) Also, use quotation marks when appropriate. If you quote
or paraphrase from a source other than those required by the class, then an
embedded cite is still to be placed in parentheses after the pertinent
material. In addition, a works cited page will be needed and is to be placed
after the required content pages. Consult Modern Language Association
(MLA) guidelines for correct work-cited format.
Be respectful and take pride in your work. Proof read each paper carefully,
and make any necessary corrections. Do not rely upon the computer to
identify every spelling or grammatical mishap. It is helpful to read your
paper out loud to yourself a day or two after you have written it. This allows
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you to notice confusing or awkward phrasing and to have ample time to
make corrections and improvements yet still meet the due date. Having
someone else read your paper can be very beneficial.
All papers are to be submitted by the deadlines listed in the class calendar or
points will be taken off the total.
Concept Paper Topics:
Concept Paper 2 Topics: Choose 1 from the following choices:
Choose an aspect of human behavior such as kindness,
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intelligence, or aggressiveness, and then describe how a
contemporary psychologist might use multiple perspectives to
understand it.
How do twin studies help determine the relative contribution of
genes and environment to human differences?
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Prepare two arguments—one supporting the position that
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alcoholism is a genetically inherited disease, and the other
supporting the position that alcoholism is not a medical disease
but results from learning.
Concept Paper 3 Topics: Choose 1 from the following choices:
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In what ways has intelligence testing had a profound influence
on our lives? So you think that this influence has been
predominantly positive or negative? What could be done to
improve intelligence tests and make their impact more
positive?
In your view, which theory or combination of theories best
explains motivation: drive-reduction theory, arousal theory, or
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs? Which theory do you find least
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convincing? Support your answers.
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Suppose you hear on the news that a researcher claims to
have “proven” that day care is harmful to infants. How could
you use what your have learned in this chapter about research
methods to evaluate this statement?
Concept Paper 4 Topics: Choose 1 from the following choices:
Which of Erikson’s stages are you in? Write a paper explaining
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how well you’re mastering the appropriate task for your stage,
according to Erikson’s theory. How important do you regard
this task for someone at your stage of life? If possible,
comment on how your past development affects your
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experience in the present stage of development.
Think of a particular situation in which you reacted defensively.
Which defense mechanism did you rely on? How well did you
cope with this situation? If you face a similar situation in the
future, how would you like to handle it differently?
Of the many therapies discussed in chapter 13, which do you
feel you would be most responsive to if you were suffering
from depression? Explain your thoughts.
Evaluation criteria for papers
Thoughtfulness; substantive use of evidence to support your opinions and
ideas; incorporation of both textbook and your second source; clarity of
expression; demonstration of logical reasoning; thoroughness; staying
focused; organization; fluidity of language; answering the questions asked
rather than being tangential; and the use of good grammar and spelling are
the criteria by which each paper will be assessed. These papers are quite
easy to complete, and I think you will find them interesting topics to write
about.
The format and evaluation criteria for each concept paper is as follows:
Paper
component
Cover page
Question
Answer the
question
Component
requirements
Name, date, paper
assignment number,
class, and your address
Retype the entire
question or topic you are
answering at the top of
the first content page.
Make sure it is exactly as
it appears in the chart
above.
Answer the question in a
thoughtful manner using
material from the
textbook and another
source. Avoid plagiarism
by citing your sources
after the material you
use.
Point reductions
Leaving this off will cost
you 5 points
Leaving this off your first
content page will cost
you 5 points
Not using the required
textbook and/or another
source will cost you a
minimum of 5 points. To
ensure full credit, make
sure you have cited from
your two sources
somewhere in your
paper. Thoughtless,
sloppy work will cost
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Your own opinion Conclude with your own
thoughts, feelings, or
comments relevant to
the question
Works Cited
Include a Works Cited
Page
page identifying your
two required sources
Length of paper
The content part of your
paper must be 2 full
pages in length. Make
sure you use 12-point
font and 1 inch margins.
Do not include headings
or footers or your paper
will be considered
shorter
between 5 – 25 points
Not including your
opinion or thoughts will
cost you at least 5 points
Not including a works
cited page will cost 5
points
Papers not meeting the
2-page content
minimum will loose a
minimum of 5 points.
DISCUSSION TOPIC PAPERS
In addition to the concept papers, you will have two discussions topic papers
where I have given you the topics below and require you to discuss the topic
listed with fellow classmates or other people available to talk with you about
the topic. Follow the directions given below. Each paper is worth 20 points.
Points will be given for thoroughness, thoughtfulness, and well-worded
submissions. Each Review must be at least one full typed content page and
address the question listed. Cite as appropriate and include a Works Cited
page if you do cite. Include a cover page with your name, date, location,
assignment title, Psych 1A, and Patti Bench. This ensures proper delivery to
me and prompt return to you. Late assignments will loose the same point
reduction as the concept papers.
Discussion Topic One
To complete this assignment, you will need to find people to talk with (I
suggest you talk to at least 5 or 6 people.) Please be respectful and
remember everyone is entitled to his or her own views and should not be
afraid to express them. Don’t push your views on them if you want an
honest opinion to talk about in your paper. At the end of your discussion,
you need to write a one-page (typed, double spaced, 1” margins, New Times
Roman font) recap of your experience and the decisions that you came
across. Address the topic; what does the research show, what opinions did
you come across; what was your view; did your view change as a result of
your discussion or research. Be sure to include a cover page.
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Topic 1: Animal Research: There currently exists a heated controversy
over the use of animals in psychological research. Do you think animals
should be used in psychological research? Why or why not?
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Answer the questions above
Keep track of each other’s opinion
Be sure to tell me who you talked to (full names are not needed)
Consider information from the textbook
Consider other sources (CD, web sources, articles)
What are the pro’s and cons?
Is there consensus among those you talked to?
Can you understand other people’s opinions when they don’t
match your own?
If you did not agree with the others, did they change your
mind? Why?
What other ways can this type of research be done, if any?
Would that research be as thorough?
Discussion Topic Two
Again, you will need to find people to talk with. Please be respectful and
remember everyone is entitled to his or her own views and should not be
afraid to express them. Don’t push your views on them if you want an
honest opinion to talk about in your paper. At the end of your discussion,
you need to write a one-page (typed, double spaced, 1” margins, New Times
Roman font) recap of your experience and the decisions that you came
across. Address the topic; what does the research show, what opinions did
you come across; what was your view; did your view change as a result of
your discussion or research. Be sure to include a cover page.
Topic of discussion: Drugs
Chapter 4 considers the ways in which a variety of drugs artificially alter our
states of consciousness. Interestingly, although the enormous societal and
financial consequences of legal drug use (such as alcohol and nicotine) are
well-documented, few topics arouse as much public and political concern as
does the use and abuse of illegal drugs. Drug abuse emerged as an
important public in the 1960’s with the rise of the counterculture and its
experimentation with drugs such as heroin, marijuana, and LSD. In the
80’s, the high price of cocaine led to the development of cheap substitutes
(such as crack, a highly addictive, smokable form of cocaine), which
produced violent disorderly behavior and led to street wars between gangs
fighting over control of its distribution. This epidemic of drug use and
violent crime led to the current “war on drugs” (declared during the Reagan
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and Bush administrations), which advocates stiff penalties for drug use and
drug-related crimes.
Has the so-called war on drugs improved the drug problem in this country?
Should drugs be legalized?
• Answer the questions above
• Keep track of each other’s opinion
• Be sure to tell me who you talked to (full names are not needed)
• Consider information from the textbook
• Consider other sources (CD, web sources, articles)
• What are the pro’s and cons?
• Is there consensus among those you talked to?
• Can you understand other people’s opinions when they don’t match
your own?
• If you did not agree with the others, did they change your mind?
Why?
EXAMS
The 4 exams will cover only those chapters before the exam. Each exam is
worth 50 points. Each exam will consist of a combination of objective
questions (true/false, multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, and/or matching)
plus short essay questions, which will ask you to discuss, compare/contrast,
or explain in some detail certain facets of the course. The short essay
questions will require the ability to write multiple paragraphs in essay form
and to express your ideas in a clear, well-organized manner. I may combine
more than one question in the design of a test question in order to stimulate
your critical thinking about the field of psychology. There is a great deal of
overlap between the key terms and the chapter review material, so knowing
the former reinforces being able to explain the latter.
These exams need to be proctored. If you live within driving distance, you
can take the exams at the college LRC. If you do not live within driving
distance, you will need to get a proctor approved. Please see the orientation
page for proctor identification procedures or go to
http://www.taftcollege.edu/dl/proctor_procedures.htm and follow the
directions given. Not doing this in time for the proctor to be cleared, exams
mailed, and you taking the exam before the deadline will result in a 0 for the
exam.
The textbook provides all that is necessary to master the material of each
chapter. You may use your textbook and your notes when you take the
exam. The exams are open book but not open neighbor. Anyone
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talking or sharing answers will receive a 0 for the score. You will be allowed
90 minutes to take the exams. This does not mean you should not be
prepared. Open book exams are tough. You should still prepare beforehand
by taking notes as you read. If you miss the deadline on the Class
Calendar, you will be allowed a make-up exam, but it will probably
not be the same exam and it will not be open book. A 10% late
penalty will also be assessed along with 1 point for each day it is late. You
will not be able to take Exam 4 late.
EXTRA CREDIT
I will include an extra credit question on each exam. These questions will be
similar to the essay questions, but they will require extra thought. Thorough,
thoughtful answers will earn up to 5 points per exam. You must have
completed all other essay questions on the exams in order to take
advantage of this extra credit option.
GRADING POLICY
Your final grade will be based upon 1 paper worth 10 points; 3 papers worth
50 points each; 2 discussion topic reviews worth 20 points each; and 4
exams worth 50 points each. The total number of points for all papers,
discussion topics, and exams will determine your final grade. If a letter
grade is not important to you, consider taking the course for credit/no credit
grading. Forms are available in the TCI Education Department or through
your counselor/advisor.
Plagiarism is not acceptable. Plagiarism refers to using other peoples’
words and ideas as your own, either verbatim or by close paraphrasing
without providing necessary quotation marks and/or citations. If you quote
or closely paraphrase material from the textbook, CD, videos or other
material, you must use quotation marks if appropriate and cite the source.
You may cite the source by embedding it in the text of the paper. Do this by
listing, in parentheses and immediately after the quoted or paraphrased
material, either the text and pertinent page number(s) or the video number.
If you use a different source, then it needs to be cited in the content of your
paper, and you must include a works cited page at the end of your paper.
DO NOT PLAGIARIZE; PLAGIARISM MERITS AN AUTOMATIC “F” OR
“0” ON THE ASSIGNMENT. CONTINUED PLAGIARISM MERITS AN “F”
GRADE IN THE COURSE.
Grading Scale
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A = 360 – 400 points
B = 320 – 359 points
C = 280 – 319 points
D = 240 – 279 points
F = 239 or below points or a student who withdraws after the deadline for
withdrawal (refer to deadline sheet)
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Because this is a distance-learning course, attendance is determined by the
coursework you submit. If you do not submit the first assignment by the
submission deadline listed on the class calendar, I will assume you do not
wish to remain in attendance and will drop you from the class. I will usually
not drop you after that date. Students may choose to drop the course unless
the deadline for dropping with a “W” has passed. It is your responsibility to
notify the College if you wish to drop the course.
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Date
Week 1
1/16/07
Week 2
1/22/07
Week 3
1/29/07
Week 4
2/5/07
Class Material
Orientation
Introductions
The Science of
Psychology
Biological Basis
of Behavior
Sensation &
Perception
Reading
Syllabus
Week 5
2/12/07
Week 6
2/20/07
States of
Consciousness
Learning
Chapter 4
Week 7
2/26/07
Memory
Chapter 6
Week 8
3/5/07
Cognition &
Chapter 7
Mental Abilities
Week 9
3/12/07
Week 10
3/19/07
Week 11
3/26/07
Week 12
4/9/07
Week 13
4/16/07
Motivation &
Emotion
Life Span
Development
Personality
Chapter 8
Stress & Health
Psychology
Psychological
Disorders
Chapter 11
Week 14
4/23/07
Week 15
4/30/07
Week 16
5/7/07
Week 17
5/14/07
Therapies
Chapter 13
Social
Psychology
Study for final
Chapter 14
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 5
Assignments
Paper 1
Assigned
Mind Matters
History & Methods
Mind Matters
Biopsychology
Mind Matters
Sensation &
Perception
Paper 2
Assigned
Mind Matters
Learning
Discussion Topic 1
Mind Matters
Memory
Exam 1
Chapters 1-3
Due 2/8/07
Paper 2
Due 2/23/07
Topic 1 Review
Due 3/2/07
Exam 2
Chapters 4-7
Due 3/9/07
Discussion
Topic 2
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Deadlines
Paper 1
Due 1/19/07
Topic 2 Review
Due 3/23/07
Paper 3
Assigned
Paper 3
Due 4/13/07
Exam 3
Chapters 8-11
Due 4/20/07
Chapter 12
Paper 4
Assigned
Paper 4
5/4/07
Final Exam 4
Chapters 12-14
Due 5/15/07