Introductory Psychology (Psy100)
Fall Semester, 2014
Instructor: Ryan Colclasure
Meeting: Tuesdays: 9:00 - 11:30am
Office: Quad Cities Complex - 1219
Quad Cities Complex - 2204
Phone: 309-762-3999 / ext. 62349
Email Address: RM-Colclasure@wiu.edu
Office Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 11:30-12:30, or by appointment.
Required Text: Myers, David G. (2009). Psychology: Ninth edition in modules.
Course Description: Psychology is the study of human mental processes and behavior. This is an introductory
course on the scientific study of psychology, and various theories, disciplines and applications within this field.
Our objectives through this semester are to:
1) serve as an introduction to scientific inquiry into human behavior
2) explore aspects of psychology, including motivation, learning, personality, development and disorders
3) gain a greater understanding of how psychology is applied in professional and external settings
4) improve upon critical skills in academic development at the collegiate level
Grading Rubric: Final grades in this course will be based on 3 major exams, 1 course project, and
in-class activities:
B+ = 89-87%
C+ = 79-77%
D+ = 69-67%
A = 100-93%
B = 86-83%
C = 76-73%
D = 66-63%
A- = 90-92%
B- = 82-80%
C- = 72-70%
D- = 62-60%
F = 59% and below.
Component
Points
Unit Points
Exams (3)
Course Project (1)
Quizzes (7)
Class Activities (10)
75/85
60
15
10
235
60
105
100
500
Total Points:
Western Online: This course utilizes an online content management system called Western Online (Desire 2
Learn). To access this, point your browser to www.westernonline.wiu.edu or, on the WIU homepage click on the
icon titled “web tools” at the top menu, and then Western Online. If you experience difficulties logging in,
please contact uTech at (309) 762-9481 - ext. 62294 or email them at qc-helpdesk@wiu.edu, or go to
http://www.wiu.edu/university_technology.
From this portal, you will be able to view your grades, view supplementary content, and review the syllabus and
announcements. You should become familiar with the D2L system as quickly as possible, as this and many other
courses include an online technology component.
Exams: Two exams will be given during the course of the semester at 75 points each, and a final exam at 85
points, for a total of 235 points toward your final grade. Exams will consist of a combination of multiple-choice,
matching and short answer questions. On exam days, students who arrive more than 10 minutes late will be
considered absent. A maximum of 1 missed exam may be made up without penalty on your own time,
scheduled within 1 week in at the QC Complex Testing Center. Missing more than 1 exam will result in a penalty
of 5 points per day.
Course Project: A short paper through which you will explore the symptoms and treatment of a psychological
disorder will be due at semester’s end. This will not only provide an opportunity to research an aspect of
psychology of your choosing, but to apply and imagine the difficulties that these disabilities present to everyday
activities. Full instructions are available online, and both the rough and final drafts must be turned-in via D2L.
The body of your paper (see hand-out) should be a minimum of 3 double-spaced typed pages, and include a title
and reference page. Any sources you use, online or in print, must be referenced on a separate page according
to the reference instructions provided. The original draft is worth 15 points, and should be submitted by
October 24th, with final revisions due by December 2nd. The final version of your paper is worth 45 points
toward your grade. Class discussion of your findings may be included as an activity item.
Quizzes: Through the semester, 7 short quizzes will be administered online. These will be announced during
the previous meeting, and be worth 15 points each for a total of 105 points. Your lowest grade will be dropped.
In-Class Activities: To encourage collaborative learning and attendance, 10 in-class activities will be introduced
during the semester. These will be based on the assigned readings and lecture. Each is worth 10 points for a
total of 100 points toward your final grade, and will be graded on accuracy. The lowest score will be dropped.
STUDY RESOURCES ON THE WEB: There are a number of resources on our textbook website:
http://bcs.worthpublishers.com/myers9einmodules from here you can take practice quizzes (these do not count
as course quizzes, but as practice only), down load flash cards, review the glossary for vocabulary, and take
tutorials and psych simulations. These are free and available to all students. Consider forming study groups
outside of class to meet once/week to discuss the readings, lectures, and to quiz each other on the text and
lecture notes. Plan to study for this class a minimum of 9 hours each week until you determine whether you
personally need to study more or less to meet your own goals for the course.
Attendance: As the in-class portion of this course is integral to maximal understanding of psychological
concepts, regular attendance is necessary to succeed in this course. Students who do not attend regularly are
likely to struggle and/or fail.
Academic Dishonesty: All students are expected to abide by the WIU code of conduct:
http://www.wiu.edu/policies/stucode.php. Any violation of academic honesty (plagiarism, cheating on an
exam) will result in, at the very least, a zero on the assignment. Dishonest students may receive a failing grade
for the course and may be expelled from the university. For more information about academic honesty:
http://www.wiu.edu/policies/acintegrity.php
Classroom Etiquette: As each individual comes to this course with his or her own unique background of
upbringing, education, challenges and life experiences, I expect all students to show respect and tolerance for
one-another’s perspectives as we explore the topics presented this semester. Only by contemplating the
thoughts of others are we able to truly explore what it is to be human, and better understand our own thoughts
and behaviors. This applies to both online and classroom discussions.
Americans with Disabilities Act: In accordance with University policy and the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA), academic accommodations may be made for any student who notifies the instructor of the need for
an accommodation. It is imperative that you take the initiative to bring such needs to my attention, as I am not
legally permitted to inquire about such particular needs of students. Students who may require special
assistance in emergency evacuations (i.e. fire, tornado, etc.) contact me as to the most appropriate response to
your needs. Contact Disability Resource Center (DRC) at (309) 762-3999 / ext. 62573 for additional services.
Cell Phone Policy: All phones must be silenced and put away during class hours. Any infraction of this policy will
first result in a warning, followed by the student being asked to leave for the day. If an urgent personal matter
exists, notify me at the beginning of class. Computers may be used in class for note taking only.
Technology Problems: Computers and internet access have simplified many tasks in education; however you
are ultimately responsible for deadlines and requirement for this course. All materials must be turned in on
time, whether in class or online. I cannot make exceptions if your personal electronics prevent you from
meeting a deadline. Only system-wide outages will be considered for alteration of dates due.
Because this is an introductory class many students make the mistake of thinking that it will be easy. Although
the material can be challenging, it is the amount of information we must cover that creates the difficulty. There
are several things you can do to improve your performance in this class and all of your classes.
1. Read and re-read your syllabus; make sure you understand the requirements.
2. Distribute your study time. Don’t cram the night before an exam.
3. In class, listen actively. If you have questions, ask them. If you have a point of view, share it. If you
participate in class you will find that you get a lot more out of the class and are less likely to lose focus!
4. Over-learn the material. If you can talk to your friends about the various concepts we will be discussing you
probably know the material. Remember, psychology is around us every day and if you can identify various
psychological processes that go on in your day-to-day life you have probably learned these concepts very
well and it will show when you take the exams.
5. Be a smart test-taker. Know what type of test you will be taking: multiple-choice, essay, or a combination.
**Note: Late assignments will be penalized by 1 point per day until zero points remain. It is your
responsibility to submit late work electronically or in person regardless of attendance or online access.
Tentative Schedule: Fall 2014
The syllabus is intended to let you know what the planned topic areas are, but is flexible and may be subject to change.
Be sure to keep up with the schedule by coming to class and by referring to your syllabus on a regular basis.
(entries in parentheses denote partial module coverage)
Date
Week 1 – August
August 26
Week 2 – Sept.
September 2
Week 3
September 9
Topic
Modules
What is Psychology? Introductions and cover syllabus
The Origins of Psychology
1, (2)
Critical Thinking and Research
Neural and Hormonal Systems
(2), 3
4
Tools and the Old Brain
Cortical Specialization
5
6
Week 4
September 16
Week 5
September 23
Week 6
September 30
Week 7 - Oct.
October 7
Week 8
October 14
Week 9
October 21
Week 10
October 28
Week 11 - Nov.
November 4
Week 12
November 11
Week 13
November 18
Consciousness, Sleep and Dreams
Sleep and Dreams, Psychoactive Drugs
(7), 8
10
Nature / Nurture
**Disorders Paper topics due
11
Exam 1: Introduction through Nature / Nurture
Prenatal Development
(13)
Early Childhood
Adolescence and Adulthood
14
(15, 16)
Sensation, Vision
Perception
17, 18
(21, 22)
Observational Learning & Classical Conditioning
Operant Conditioning
**1st draft of “Disorders” paper due online October 24th
(25), 23
24
Memory
Memory
26, 27
28, (29), 30
**Nov. 2nd last day to withdraw
Exam 2: Nature/Nurture → Memory
Motivation
36, (37)
Motivation
Emotion
(39), 40
41, (42, 43)
Personality
Personality, begin Disorders
45, 46
(47), 48
Nov. 24-28
Week 14- Dec.
December 2
Week 15
December 9
Tuesday., Dec. 16th
**Thanksgiving Break -- No Classes
Final draft of “Disorders” paper due online December 2nd
Psychological Disorders, Therapy
Psychological Disorders, Therapy
49, (50), 51
52, 53, (55)
Social Psychology
Social Psychology
56, 57
58, (59)
Exam 3: Motivation → Social Psychology 9:00-10:30am