I. ASCRC General Education Form (revised 1/27/11)
Use to propose new general education courses (except writing courses), to change existing
gen ed courses and to remove designations for existing gen ed courses.
Note: One-time-only general education designation may be requested for experimental courses
(X91-previously X95), granted only for the semester taught. A NEW request must be
submitted for the course to receive subsequent general education status.
Group
III. Language
VII: Social Sciences
(submit
III Exception: Symbolic Systems * VIII: Ethics & Human Values
separate forms
IV: Expressive Arts
IX: American & European
if requesting
V: Literary & Artistic Studies
X: Indigenous & Global
more than one
VI: Historical & Cultural Studies
XI: Natural Sciences
general
w/ lab  w/out lab 
education
group
*Courses proposed for this designation must be standing requirements of
designation)
majors that qualify for exceptions to the modern and classical language
requirement
Dept/Program COT/APPLIED ARTS & SCIENCES
Course #
PSYX100
Course Title
Prerequisite
Introduction to Psychology
NONE
Credits
II. Endorsement/Approvals
Complete the form and obtain signatures before submitting to Faculty Senate Office
Please type / print name Signature
4
Date
2/24
Instructor
Linda EagleHeart-Thomas, Ph.D.
Phone / Email X7906
Program Chair Cathy Corr
Dean
Barry Good
III. Type of request
New
One-time Only
Renew X
Change
Remove
Reason for Gen Ed inclusion, change or deletion
Retain S designation
Description of change
NO Changes
IV. Description and purpose of new general education course: General Education courses
must be introductory and foundational within the offering department or within the General
Education Group. They must emphasize breadth, context, and connectedness; and relate course
content to students’ future lives: See Preamble:
http://umt.edu/facultysenate/archives/minutes/gened/GE_preamble.aspx
This course will give students a broad, general introduction to psychology -- its basic subject matter, scientific
approaches to gathering and evaluating evidence about the causes and correlates of behavior in humans and other
animals, and also the means by which psychological knowledge is (or can be) applied to improve the quality of
individual and communal life.Successful completion of this course means that students have met the following
objectives with the specific outcomes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Objective: To gain a better understanding of the field of psychology both historic and current.
Outcomes: Students will be able to identify the major fields of study and theoretical perspectives within
psychology and articulate their similarities and differences.
Objective: To become familiar with the research methodology commonly used by psychologists. To
become familiar with the scientific method, and examine the benefits and limitations of this method of
inquiry as it relates to developmental psychology. Outcomes: Students will be able to differentiate
between the major observational, correlational, experimental, and quasi-experimental designs used by
developmental psychologists and articulate the benefits and limitations of each. Students will be able to
critique various studies and theories based on this information.
Objective: To become familiar with the biological bases of behavior. Outcomes: Students will be able to
identify and discuss the biological bases of behavior on both the micro (e.g. neurocellular,
neurophysiological, and neurochemical) and macro (e.g. central and peripheral nervous system) levels.
Objectives: To develop an understanding of processes involved in learning and cognition. Outcomes:
Students will be able to articulate the basic principles, major theories, and research concerning learning
and cognition.
Objective:To develop an understanding of the various types of development that an individual
experiences across the life-course. Outcomes: Students will be able to discuss the major theories of
development, critical research on development, and developmental concepts from across the life course.
Objectives: To become familiar with the theories concerning psychological health and disorders.
Outcomes: Students will be able to discuss the symptomology, possible etiology, and proposed treatment
for the major categories of psychological disorders.
Objective: To become familiar with the theories concerning human behavior in a social context.
Outcomes: Students will be able to identify and discuss the major theories and research from the area of
social psychology.
Objective: To become familiar with the rapidly growing body of literature on psychology. Outcomes:
Students will be able to read current literature related to a specific psychological topic and write a paper
discussing and evaluating this research.
Objective: To further develop writing skills in conjunction with the use of APA format. Outcomes: Students will
be able write their paper in APA format.
V. Criteria: Briefly explain how this course meets the criteria for the group. See:
http://www.umt.edu/facultysenate/ASCRCx/Adocuments/GE_Criteria5-1-08.htm
1. Systematically study individuals,
groups, or social institutions;
Throughout this course individual, group and
social behaviors are studied for various
theoretical perspectives. Cultural / other
environmental variables and contribution to
individual differences arestudied throughout
the course.
Human behavior as it is influenced by
biological processes, environmental
social problems and structures;
contributions and interactional components
and/or
are discussed throughout the course.
Students apply theoretical paradigms to real
world problems both conceptual and applied
problems are addressed. How biology &
environment contribute to human behavior is
studied at three levels: genetic, whole
person, and interactions within the cultural
group or social environments.
The scientific method, research techniques,
3. Give considerable attention
to ways in which conclusions and strengths and weaknesses of various research
generalizations are developed and designs, participation recruitment,
hypothesis testing, relationship of dependent
justified as well as the methods of and independent variables, confounding
data collection and analysis.
variables are discussed throughout the
course. Levels of analysis are at the
biological, individual and group levels.
Students participate in research, critique it
using critical thinking skills and evaluate the
process.
VI. Student Learning Goals: Briefly explain how this course will meet the applicable learning
goals. See: http://www.umt.edu/facultysenate/ASCRCx/Adocuments/GE_Criteria5-1-08.htm
The historical development of human
Describe the nature, structure, and
behavior in a variety of domains is
historical development of human
presented from several theoretical
behavior, organizations, social
paradigms including psychoanalytical
phenomena, and/or relationships;
theory, behavioral theory, evolutionary
psychology, humanistic psychology, and
contextual approaches applied to the
development of personality, emotion,
perception, motivation, learning, thinking,
language, abnormal behavior.
Use theory in explaining these individual, Behavior is analyzed using both historical
theories and emergent theories as
group, or social phenomena; and/or
explanation for behavioral differences
across individuals and groups. Students
evaluate real world situations in comparing
explanations of various theories. Students
are asked to critique theoretical perspectives
and demonstrate application of those
theories in scenarios.
2. Analyze individuals, groups, or
Students are introduced to hypothesis testing
and concepts of reliability and validity.
Throughout the course students are asked to
use critical thinking skills and evaluate the
validity of data pertaining to various
research evidence used as supportive
explanations for scientific conclusions about
human behavior. Students participate in
research and are asked to write about that
experience discussing the reliability and
validity of the research.
VII. Justification: Normally, general education courses will not carry pre-requisites, will carry
at least 3 credits, and will be numbered at the 100-200 level. If the course has more than one
pre-requisite, carries fewer than three credits, or is upper division (numbered above the 200
level), provide rationale for exception(s).
Understand, assess, and evaluate how
conclusions and generalizations are
justified based on data
VIII. Syllabus: Paste syllabus below or attach and send digital copy with form.  The syllabus
should clearly describe how the above criteria are satisfied. For assistance on syllabus
preparation see: http://teaching.berkeley.edu/bgd/syllabus.html
COURSE SYLLABUS- PSYX 100S
INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGYFace 2 Face
The University of Montana – Missoula---The College of Technology
FACULTY CONTACT INFORMATION
INSTRUCTOR: Linda EagleHeart Thomas, Ph.D
OFFICE: Health & Business Building Faculty offices
OFFICIAL Mailing Address:
The University of Montana-COT
Department of Applied Arts & Sciences
909 South Ave. West
Missoula, MT 59801
Phone: 406 243-7906 OR if urgent—Office Manager Su Mollenhoff, 243-7824
OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY EMAIL ADDRESS and Email Policy:
Linda.eagleheart@umontana.edu This is the only email addresses that you are to use for me
 Please email me only from your umontana.edu address, NOT YOUR PERSONAL EMAIL (e.g. Gmail,
Yahoo, Hotmail, your work email, etc…).
 In the subject line of every email, please state your class, section, and purpose, for example: Psyx 100,
Section 50, Question about Exam 1
 If you do NOT follow this format, there may be a delay in my response and I may reply asking you to
include this information before responding to your direct query.
Office Hours: Wednesdays, 1-2pm; Virtual Office Hours Mondays 10-11AM; or by appointment
COURSE INFORMATION
REQUIRED!!!—Your Textbook is a Customized Package and includes the following:
1. TEXTS: INTRODUCTORY PSYCHOLOGY, CICCARELLI &
WHITE]/Packaged with MYPSYCHLAB Access. Only available at the COLLEGE
of TECHNOLOGY Bookstore—other versions will not work.
2. MYPSYCHLAB-[Contains the Electronic Text, Practice Tests, Power Points, Videos,
a Student Study Guide, some homework activities that will be assigned and other
materials. It is packaged free with your text] [one-time use] packaged with text. YOU
MUST have your materials [Text & MyPsychLab] and are required to have registered
for the MYPSYCHLAB component by the end of the first week.
PURCHASING REQUIRED MATERIALS:
1. YOUR MATERIALS HAVE TO BE PURCHASED FROM THE COLLEGE OF
TECHNOLOGY BOOK STORE. [this is NOT the book store at the University
Bookstore in the University Center at the Mountain Campus!!]
2. You may also call the bookstore—243-7873, if you need to order the book.
3. You cannot get this used or from Amazon.com. It is not from the course taught at the
Mountain campus last semester.
COURSE OBJECTIVES & STUDENT LEARNING GOALS
1) Have a basic knowledge of psychology, including:
a. Terms, facts, concepts, and theories about psychology.
b. Methods and techniques used to study psychology.
2) Improving your critical thinking skills, by:
a. Applying knowledge already learned to new problems and situations, analytic skills, critical
evaluation of behavioral scenarios
b. Evaluating information and to distinguish between fact and opinion.
3) Using psychological research to inform your own views,
4) Critically reviewing research
5) Improving learning and memory techniques for use in future courses
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING GOALS & OBJECTIVES:
 Your grade in this class is weighted on the following scale:




Exams [5]
3 Applied Assignments
15 MyPsychLab Practice Exams
Participation Face2Face**
60%
20%
10%
10%
100%
This class can only be taken in traditional mode. That is, you are not able to switch to credit/no credit. Also, final
grades are based on the +/- system. Traditional rounding rules apply (i.e. .5 and above are rounded up and less than
.5 are not). The breakdown is as follows:
93-100%
A
73-76%
C
90-92%
A70-72%
C87-89%
B+
67-69%
D+
83-86%
B
63-66%
D
80-82%
B60-62%
D77-79%
C+
< 60%
F
If an assignment is deleted [which is my option], then the total will be adjusted accordingly.
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:
The University of Montana assures equal access to instruction through collaboration between students with
disabilities, instructors, and Disability Services for Students (DSS). If you think you may have a disability
adversely affecting your academic performance, and you have not already registered with DSS, please
contact DSS in Lommasson 154. I will work with you and DSS to provide reasonable modifications.
“Reasonable” means the University permits no fundamental alterations of academic standards or retroactive
modifications. For more information, please consult http://www.umt.edu/disability.
EXAM POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
There are five (5) scheduled exams on approximately 3 chapters each.
 All exams WILL be administered via moodle on the computer. We will not take class time to
administer an exam. Exams will cover material discussed in lectures and the textbook.
 The exams may include multiple-choice, essay or true-false questions, which will be applied, and
conceptual rather than factual recall (or memorization).
 The date and times of when all the exams will be available on MOODLE are listed in the course
calendar. The date and time that the exams are due are also listed on the course calendar. Be sure to
take careful note of these times and dates! While I will remind the class by making announcements
in-class &/or via email when exams are available and when they are due, it is your responsibility to
be aware of when exams are scheduled.
 NO late exams are accepted. No exams will be dropped. Also, I will not make alternative
arrangements to give any exams early due to travel plans, school projects, or other courses
requirements so please don’t ask. NO EXCEPTIONS!
 Make-up exams: I do not offer make-up exams.
 However, there are 3 exceptions: 1) participation in a university-sanctioned athletic event;
2) a prolonged or severe illness; and 3) a death in the family. In order to make-up an exam,
and in fairness to students, excuses MUST be documented. Any approved make-up exams
will be alternative exams to the one missed and may include different format, etc. All
excused make-up work is due within one week of your return.
 The best action for exams is to be proactive and PLAN for unforeseen emergencies. What this means
is that you are responsible to understand due dates and meet deadlines.
COURSE AND ASSIGNMENT/ACTIVITY DISCRIPTIONS
All activities will be found in Learning Units designed to give you a guided learning experience. You will have
Exams, applied assignments, MyPsychlab activities and *(online students only) guided discussions that are located
in the learning Units. Additionally you will have notes and power points to assist you in the learning of the
Material.
 You have 3 assignments. Directions for the assignments will be posted under the “Assignments” button
on Bb. Your Course Calendar states when each assignment will be posted and their due dates. The
following is a brief description of each assignment:


1. Research Experience:
As you will see in Chapter 1, psychology is a science built on systematic research on both
human and non-human animals. A critical aspect of this course is becoming familiar with how
research is conducted.
2. Behavior Modification Project:
Got a bad habit? Let’s change it! More information will follow when we discuss learning,
Chapter 5.
3. Psychopathology at the Movies:
 This is an applied project focusing on Chapters 14 and 15, Psychological Disorders and
Treatments; however, this assignment expands and synthesizes concepts from most of
the previous chapters!
A NOTE ABOUT SENDING ASSIGNMENTS: All ASSIGNMENTS/PAPERS are delivered to me
through the link in the assignment where you get the instructions. DO not EMAIL or use the Digital
Drop box. Students who do not follow the proper procedure may have ungraded assignments. I will
not print and return papers to students in face2face classes. I do not confirm receipt of your
assignment.
MyPsychlab You will also have MYPSYCHLAB which is a requirement of the course. Instructions
for enrolling into the MPL learning material are located at the end of the syllabus.






You are required to complete the chapter test in MyPsychLab for each chapter, 1 - 15. This
chapter test is a practice test only, but it is required. This practice test is to help prepare you for
the “real” exam that is posted in Bb.
The due dates for each practice chapter test are stated on the course calendar. Typically, these
practice chapter tests are due right before the actual Exam.
You will have 5 chances to “pass” the practice chapter test by the due date. “Passing” means
you must obtain a 80% or greater. You will earn 10 points for each chapter exam in MPL if
you pass the practice test by the due date.
If you attempt the MyPsychLab chapter test, but are unable pass in 5 attempts, you will earn 5
points.
No attempt at taking the MyPsychLab practice test results in a zero.
You do NOT need to notify me of your score on the practice chapter test. You will have a LINK
for submitting your Exam scores from the MPL exams in your Learning Unit. I may randomly
check your scores for accurate reporting
PARTICIPATION
 Your participation grade consists of a variety of activities, including discussions on Moodle or the
classroom, Weekly attendance checks, in-class group work, etc… The dates of when most these
activities are scheduled are purposely NOT listed on your course calendar. Many participation
activities (e.g. Moodle discussions group activities) will be unannounced and no make up is available
if you miss an activity.
HONOR CODE (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY)
 The Honor Code, found in the University of Montana Student Handbook (www.umt.edu), will be
strictly enforced in this class.
 Cheating, in any form, will not be tolerated. Specifically, you are not allowed to collaborate on any
exam, assignment or discussion with anyone, including, but not exclusively, students who have
previously taken this course, graduate students in psychology or related disciplines, friends, etc...
 Thus, all ASSIGNMENTS and DISCUSSIONS must be completed INDEPENDENTLY, unless
otherwise stated in the instructions (e.g. group projects) or when students seek services from the
Writing Center or tutoring, etc….
 ALL EXAMS MUST ALSO BE COMPLETED INDEPENDENTLY, unless accommodations have
been approved by your instructor. That means you MAY NOT sit together to do online exams
and you must turn in your OWN work.
 Plagiarism or cheating will result in FAILURE (that is, a zero or an “F”) on the exam, assignment,
or discussion, at minimum, and it will be reported to Department Chair and/or the Dean. The
instructor reserves the right to assign an “F” for the course if cheating or plagiarism occurs.
Additionally, you are subject to University sanctions, suspension or expulsion.
 If you do not know what plagiarism is, you can ask me, visit the Writing Center at the Mountain
campus (Liberal Arts 144, 243-2266, http://www.umt.edu/writingcenter/), the Mansfield Library
(243-6866; http://libguides.lib.umt.edu/plagiarism), or at the COT campus (Academic Support
Center). Also, on our class Bb page, see the “Citing References” link under “External Resources”
button.
CLASS ETIQUETTE
 Please be on time. If you must leave early, out of courtesy for your classmates and me, please let me
know before class and try to sit close to the door so you can excuse yourself quietly.
 Please turn your cell phones off or on vibrate before class begins.
 Please, DO NOT TEXT during class. It is very distracting to your classmates as well as me, especially
when you trying to be inconspicuous (i.e. texting under the desk, under notes, using your text as a barrier,
etc…). If something is that urgent, excuse yourself from class, walk away from the classroom door,





because voices echo down the hall, and finish your conversation. You are then welcome to return to class.
Please do not talk to your neighbors during class. Just like attempting to text inconspicuously is
especially distracting, so is whispering.
If you continue to be disruptive after several of my prompts to cease texting or whispering, I politely will
ask you to leave.
Students have been bringing laptops to take notes during class. I appreciate the technology. I also am not
excited that students are also doing Facebook, email, surfing during class time. It is very distracting to the
students behind or beside you who can see your screen. If we are showing videos, please Close your lap
top! Please do not do homework for other classes or “surf” or look at email on your laptop while I am
lecturing.
I ask that you please raise your hand if you have a question or comment during lecture. Please do not
blurt out questions or responses to my questions.
Please do not bring your children to class unless they are guests for an observation
MISCELLANEOUS POINTS

Extra Credit: There
will be no extra credit in this class. [I reserve the right to give you some however]

Dropping course:
Please note the last day to drop this class 45th instructional day [see the website of University of
Montana]. After this date, petitions will be approved only in the case of documentable emergencies. This
departmental policy is strictly observed, so please plan accordingly. Failure of the class is not reason to
petition me to allow a drop.

Course changes: The
instructor reserves the right to make changes to course requirements, assignments, the schedule, etc. Any
such changes will be announced in announcements in a reasonable time. Students not checking their
announcements regularly may miss changes as I will not be notifying you by email. Students are
responsible for these announcements. So make sure that you check your UNIVERSITY of MONTANA
email and announcements at least daily.
POLICY ABOUT REQUIRED MATERIALS:

You have REQUIRED
Materials and it is assumed that you have purchased them. This includes purchasing the required
course materials like the correct version of the customized text book, and MYPSYCHLAB.

It is assumed that you
have adequate resources to complete your course requirements, including the standard software
like Microsoft word, and PowerPoint. There are also labs on all the University of Montana
campuses
REQUIRED WEBSITES https://umonline.mrooms3.net/ University of Montana Moodle: [You must log in using your net ID]
All correspondence and assignments will be delivered using the Moodle website. There is university
training available as well as a tutorial if you are unfamiliar with this website.
o
Important announcements, assignments, discussions and some class notes and handouts, &
additional readings will be delivered using the Bb website.
o
You must login to Moodle using your Net ID (e.g. aa123456) and password.
o
If you forgot these, there are links on the Bb home page to help you retrieve that information
o
OR, see the “Academic computing student login procedures at
Http://www.cte.umt.edu/academiccomputing/logon_procedures.aspx
o
There is university training available as well as tutorials if you are unfamiliar with this website.
o
Contact Mary Opitz, Outreach Associate, PHONE: (406) 243-7812 or
MCTOutreach@mso.umt.edu
Tentative Course Schedule
Week/Topics Assigned & Due Dates
1
January
23- Introductions, APA, Moodle, MyLabsPlus & What is Psychology?
25- Chapter 1- The Science of Psychology
DUE: Set up MyLabsPlus by Sunday: January 29th @ 11:55pm
2
30- Chapter 1 cont, Chapter 2, The Biological Perspective
February
1- Chapter 2, The Biological Perspective
DUE: MyLabsPlus Exam for Chapter 1 & 2 by Sunday: Feb. 5th @ 11:55pm
3
6- Chapter 3, Sensation & Perception
8- Chapter 3 cont.
DUE: MyLabsPlus Exam for Chapter 3 by Sunday: February 12th @ 11:55pm
Exam #1 (Chapters 1-3) Moodle (Posted: Feb. 8th) Due: Feb. 12th @ 11:55pm
4
13- Chapter 4, Consciousness: Sleep, Dreams, Hypnosis, & Drugs
15- Chapter 4 cont.
DUE: Assignment #1, Online Research by Wed: Feb. 15th @ 11:55pm
DUE: MyLabsPlus Exam for Chapter 4 by Sunday: Feb 19th @ 11:55pm
5
20- Presidents’ Day, Holiday: No Class
22- Chapter 5, Learning
DUE: MyLabsPlus Exam for Chapter 5 by Sunday: Feb. 26th @ 11:55pm
6
27- Chapter 5 cont.
29- Chapter 6, Memory
DUE: MyLabsPlus Exam for Chapter 6 by Sunday: March 4th @ 11:55pm
7
March
5- Chapters 6 cont.
Exam #2 (Chapters 4-6) Moodle (Posted: March 5th) DUE: March 9th @
11:55pm
7- Chapter 7, Cognition: Thinking, Intelligence & Language
DUE: MyLabsPlus Exam for Chapter 7 by Sunday: March 11th @ 11:55pm
8
12- Chapter 7 cont.
14- Chapter 8, Development Across the Life Span
DUE: MyLabsPlus Exam for Chapter 8 by Sunday: March 18th @ 11:55pm
9
19- Chapter 8 cont.
21- Chapter 9, Motivation & Emotion
DUE: MyLabsPlus Exam for Chapter 9 by Sunday: March 25th @ 11:55pm
Exam #3 (Chapters 7-9) Moodle (Posted: March 21st) DUE: March 25th
@ 11:55pm
10
26- Chapter 10, Sexuality & Gender
28- Chapter 11, Stress & Health
DUE: MyLabsPlus Exam for Chapter 10 by Sunday: April 1st @ 11:55pm
DUE: Assignment #2, Behavior Modification by Sunday: April 1st @ 11:55pm
11
April 2-6- Spring Break
12
9- Chapter 11 cont.
11- Chapter 12, Social Psychology
DUE: MyLabsPlus Exam for Chapter 11 & 12 by Sunday: April 15th @ 11:55pm
13
16- Chapter 12 Cont.
Exam #4 (Chapters 10-12) Moodle (Posted: Apr. 16th) Due: Apr. 20th @
11:55pm
18- Chapter 13, Theories of Personality
DUE: MyLabsPlus Exam for Chapter 13 by Sunday: April 22nd @ 11:55pm
14
23- Chapter 13 cont. & Start Chapter 14 Psychological Disorders
25- Chapter 14 cont.
DUE: MyLabsPlus Exam for Chapter 14 by Sunday: April 29th @ 11:55pm
15
30- Chapter 15, Psychological Therapies
May
2- Chapter 15 cont.
DUE: Assignment #3, Observation through the Movies, by Wednesday: May 2nd
@ 11:55pm
DUE: MyLabsPlus Exam for Chapter 15 by Sunday: May 6th @ 11:55pm
16
Finals Week: May 7-11
Final Exam #5 (Chapters 13-15) *ONLINE* Posted: May 7th DUE: May 10th.
Please note: Approved general education changes will take effect next fall.
General education instructors will be expected to provide sample assessment items and
corresponding responses to the Assessment Advisory Committee.