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Psychology
Houston Community College
PSYC 2301 – Introduction to Psychology
CRN 49673 - Spring 2015 (February 14, 2015 - May 16, 2015)
Angela V. Morales Building (ESID), Room 306 | 9:00a-1p | Saturday
4-Hour Lecture/12 weeks
Instructor: Ola Kareem
Contact Information: moroofat.kareem@hccs.edu
Office Hours: By apt. – Schedule via email.
Please feel free to contact me concerning any problems that you are experiencing in this
course. You do not need to wait until you have received a poor grade before asking for my
assistance. Your performance in my class is very important to me. I am available to hear
your concerns or to simply discuss course topics.
Course Description: PSYC 2301 is a survey course of the basic principles underlying
human behavior and mental processes. Emphasis is placed on major areas of study in the
field of psychology, such as learning, memory, personality, health and stress, child and
adult development, and psychological disorders. This course transfers as three (3) hours of
credit to most other colleges and universities. This class is a Core Curriculum Course.
Prerequisites:PSYC 2301 and require college-level reading and writing skills. Research
indicates that you are most likely to succeed if you have already taken and passed ENGL
1301. The minimum requirements for enrollment in PSYC
2301 include placement in college-level reading (or take GUST 0342 as a co-requisite) and
placement in college-level writing (or take ENGL 0310/0349 as a co-requisite). If you have
enrolled in this course without having satisfied these prerequisites, you are at higher risk of
failure or withdrawal than students who have done so, and you should carefully read and
consider the repeater policy notice that follows.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
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All Students: Upon completion of any course in the psychology program, students will be able to define,
discuss, and apply psychological terms and concepts that are covered in the course and are also referred to in
news reports, self-help materials, and the process of seeking and engaging in psychotherapy.
Psychology Majors: Upon completion of any course in the psychology program, students who are seeking
undergraduate degrees in psychology will be able to define, discuss, and apply the key terms and concepts
that are covered in the course and are also included in upper division psychology course that are required for
an undergraduate degree in psychology (e.g., abnormal psychology, history, and systems of psychology).
Non-Psychology Majors: Upon completion of any course in the psychology program, students who are
seeing degrees in fields other than psychology will be able to define, discuss, and apply the key terms and
concepts that are covered in the course and are also included in psychology-related course that are required
for degrees in fields other than psychology (e.g., nursing skills, consumer behavior, research methods).
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Course Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
The student will be able to:
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Discuss the major issues in at least nine areas of psychology.
Explain the scientific method and how it applies to psychological research.
Demonstrate knowledge of and identify concepts related to personal development and the development and
behavior of others.
Apply psychological concepts to the solution of issues and problems including ethics, coping with stressful
events, health and wellness, parenting, learning, memory, and /or evaluation of media presentations.
Learning Objectives
OBJECTIVES FOR SLO #1: Discuss the major issues in at least nine areas of psychology.
1.1 Major schools of thought in psychology
1.2 Components of the neuron
1.3 Components of the synapse
1.4 Action potential
1.5 Major neurotransmitters
1.6 Medulla
1.7 Cerebellum
1.8 Hypothalamus
1.9 Limbic system
1.10 Components of the cerebrum
1.11 Plasticity
1.12 Endocrine system
1.13 Learning
1.14 Reinforcement
1.15 Punishment
1.16 Observational learning
1.17 Characteristics of short-term memory
1.18 Characteristics of long-term memory
1.19 Phases of prenatal development
1.20 Piaget's stages of cognitive development
1.21 Erikson's stages of psychosocial development
1.22 Alzheimer's disease
1.23 General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)
1.24 Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
1.25 Definition of personality
1.26 Conscious, unconscious, preconscious mind
1.27 Id, ego, and superego
1.28 Freud's psychosexual stages
1.29 Phobias
1.30 Panic disorder
1.31 Obsessive-compulsive disorder
1.32 Dissociative identity disorder
1.33 Schizophrenia
1.34 Major subtypes of schizophrenia
1.35 Major depressive disorder
1.36 Bipolar disorder
1.37 Personality disorders
OBJECTIVES FOR SLO #2: Explain the scientific method and how it applies to psychological research.
2.1 Scientific method
2.2 Descriptive methods
2.3 Representative sample
2.4 Correlational method
2.5 Experimental method
2.6 Causal hypotheses
2.7 Independent variable
2.8 Dependent variable
2.9 Experimental group
2.10 Control group
2.11 Random assignment
2.12 Placebo effect
2.13 Placebo
2.14 Double-blind procedure
2.15 Methods of studying the brain
2.16 Methods used by Pavlov, Watson, and Skinner
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OBJECTIVE FOR SLO #3: Demonstrate knowledge of and identify concepts related to personal development and
the development and behavior of others.
3.1 Differences among the major theoretical perspectives in psychology
3.2 Processes that occur when a neuron is activated
3.3 How neurotransmitters affect behavior
3.4 Functions of the frontal lobes
3.5 Difference between the central and peripheral nervous systems
3.6 Functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
3.7 How the pituitary gland affects behavior
3.8 How the adrenal glands affect behavior
3.9 How classical conditioning modifies an organism's responses to stimuli
3.10 How operant conditioning modifies an organism's responses to stimuli
3.11 Difference between positive and negative reinforcement
3.12 Factors that influence the effectiveness of punishment
3.13 Information-processing approach to memory
3.14 Reconstructive memory
3.15 The function of schemas
3.16 Causes of forgetting
3.16 Effects of teratogens and other negative factors on prenatal development
3.18 Relationship between contact comfort and attachment
3.19 Differences among the various patterns of attachment
3.20 Difference between the social learning theory and gender schema theory explanations of gender role
development
3.21 Process of cognitive development as Piaget explained it
3.22 Proposed causes of Alzheimer's disease
3.23 Effects of stress on the immune system
3.24 Effects of daily hassles on stress
3.25 Factors that influence individual's capacity for resisting the effects of stress
3.26 Function of defense mechanisms in Freud's theory
3.27 Views of humanistic theorists regarding the personality
3.28 Bandura's concept of reciprocal determinism
3.29 Criteria for abnormal behavior
3.30 Possible causes of schizophrenia
3.31 Symptoms of major depressive disorder.
3.32 Symptoms of bipolar disorder
OBJECTIVES FOR SLO #4: Apply psychological concepts to the solution of issues and problems including ethics,
coping with stressful events, health and wellness, parenting, learning, memory, and /or evaluation of media
presentations.
4.1 Ethical standards for psychological research
4.2 Principles of behavior genetics
4.3 Principles of behavior modification
4.4 Improving memory
4.5 Effects of the authoritarian, authoritative, and permissive parenting styles on children's development
4.6 Differences between problem-focused and emotion-focused coping
4.7 Views of Abraham Maslow regarding self-actualization
4.8 Differences between psychologists and psychiatrists
Core Curriculum Objectives
Credit: 3 (3 lecture)
PSYC 2301 satisfies the social science requirement in the HCCS core curriculum. The HCCS Psychology Discipline
Committee has specified that address the goals of the core curriculum as follows:
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Critical Thinking: Students will demonstrate the ability to engage in inquiry and analysis, evaluation and
synthesis of information, and creative thinking.
Communication Skills: Students will demonstrate effective development, interpretation and expression of
ideas through written, oral, and visual communication.
Quantitative and Empirical Literacy: Students will demonstrate the ability to draw conclusions based on the
systematic analysis of topics using observation, experiment, and/or numerical skills.
Social Responsibility: Students will demonstrate cultural self-awareness, intercultural competency, civil
knowledge, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities.
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Spring 2015 Calendar (12 week calendar):
Week 1 - Feb. 14th
Week 2 - Feb. 21st
Week 3 - Feb. 28th
Week 4 – March 7th
Week 5 - March 14th
Introductions /Activity
Q&A
Syllabus
Research Paper guide
Chapter 1
Chapter 1 Summary due
Chapter 1 Quiz due
Chapter 2 Summary due
Chapter 2
Chapter 2 Quiz due
Exam 1 Review
Exam 1
Chapter 5 Summary due
Chapter 5
Chapter 5 Quiz due
Chapter 6 Summary due
Chapter 6
Spring Break - March 21st
Week 6 – March 28th
Chapter 6 Quiz due
Exam 2 Review
Exam 2
April 4th – no class
Week 7 - April 11th
Week 8 - April 18th
Week 9 – April 25th
Week 10 – May 2nd
Chapter 8 Summary due
Chapter 8
Chapter 11 summary due
Chapter 11
Chapter 8 Quiz due
Chapter 11 Quiz due
Exam 3 Review
Exam 3
Chapter 12 Summary due
Chapter 12
Chapter 12 Quiz due
Exam 4
Week 11 – May 9th
Research paper due
Presentations
Week 12 – May 16th
Review
Departmental Final
Instructional Methods:
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There will be a variety of learning activities scheduled for the classroom. Although the topic
for each day will reflect material included in the assigned readings, the format will differ
from session to session, and it will focus on active learning. The possible classroom
activities include the following: lectures, discussions, small group work, experiential
exercises, films, demonstrations, and individual reports. You may be asked to write reviews
of films, participate in a role play, research answers to items missed on a test, or share
personal examples which relate to textbook material.
Student Assignments
Exams
Each of the 4 exams will consist of 50 multiple-choice items. Most will be selected from the
text, but a few may come from class activities and lectures.
Additionally there will be a comprehensive Department Final Exam will be 50 multiplechoice questions. See the Student Supplementary Handbook for a list of the Learning
Objective Questions and Key Terms that will be included on the final. BE ON TIME FOR
EXAMS as once the first exam is completed and turned in, no more exams will be allowed
to begin and you must schedule a make-up exam.
Please plan to take all tests at the scheduled time. If you must miss an exam, please notify
me within 24 hours of the scheduled exam. I will give make-up exams for acceptable
reasons, ONLY if I am provided with documentation.
Acceptable reasons: hospitalization, death in the family, or detainment in jail
Make-up exams may be essay and short answer questions. They may be somewhat harder
than the regularly scheduled tests because the student will have the advantage (compared
to the students who took the test in class) of extra study time plus possible feedback from
other students about the class test. It is to your advantage to take the exams when they are
scheduled.
Psychology Research Paper and Presentation
The written assignment will be in the form of a research paper. It provides an opportunity for you to
use your creativity and innovative ideas while completing a requirement for the class
This assignment has the following two parts:
1. RESEARCH PAPER - Document information about your topic. See “Organization of
Manuscript” handout, “APA Format” handout, and “Plagiarism” handout in the document located
on the Learning Web.
2. PRESENTATION – present your research in class
Chapter Summaries – (submit hardcopy, in class, EVERY TUESDAY)
There will be a chapter summary due at the beginning of each class preceding the chapter
we are to cover in class
Summary Format:
 12 pt. font
 Times New Roman
 Name / Date / Class day and Time
 2 pages – double spaced
 1 inch margins
 Paragraph indentions
 Conclusion
*Quizzes – (submit hardcopy, in class)
There will be quizzes given, either in class or take home, following each chapter.
Answer each question fully and completely
*Both of the above assignment are obligatory and account for 20% of your
final grade.
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Grading Structure:
You can use your performance on the aforementioned assignments to determine how
successful you are at achieving the course learning outcomes (mastery of course content
and skills, outlined in the syllabus). If you find you are not mastering the material and skills,
you are encouraged to reflect on how you study and prepare for each class. Your instructor
welcomes a dialogue on what you discover and may be able to assist you in finding
resources on campus that will improve your performance.
4 Exams @ 10% each
40%
Psyc Research Paper and Presentation
20%
Quizes
10%
Chapter Summaries
10%
Department Final Exam
20%
Total
100%
NOTE: Students must earn a grade of at least 50% on the final exam in order to pass the course.
If you earn a 49% or below on the final exam, your final grade in the course will be F.
HCCS Grading Scale
All work will be scored 0-100. The final percentage value resulting from the sum of the
above components will be converted into a letter grade according to the following scale:
A = 90-100%
B = 80-89%
C = 70-79%
D = 60-69%
F = Below 60%
Your Textbook:
Wood, S., Wood, E., Boyd, D. (2014). Mastering the World of Psychology : Themes and
Variations, Briefer Edition, 5e. Pearson
ISBN-13: 978-0-205-96808-4
HCC Policy Statements
HCC Policy Statement - ADA
Services to Students with Disabilities
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.)
who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability Services Office at the
respective college at the beginning of each semester. Faculty is authorized to provide only the
accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office. To contact the ADA Counselor at
Southeast College, call 713-718-7218.
HCC Policy Statement - Academic Honesty
A student who is academically dishonest is, by definition, not showing that the coursework has been
learned, and that student is claiming an advantage not available to other students. The instructor is
responsible for measuring each student's individual achievements and also for ensuring that all students
compete on a level playing field. Thus, in our system, the instructor has teaching, grading, and enforcement
roles. You are expected to be familiar with the University's Policy on Academic Honesty, found in the
catalog. What that means is: If you are charged with an offense, pleading ignorance of the rules will not help
you. Students are responsible for conducting themselves with honor and integrity in fulfilling course
requirements. Penalties and/or disciplinary proceedings might be initiated by College System officials
against a student accused of scholastic dishonesty. “Scholastic dishonesty” includes, but is not limited to,
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cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.
Cheating on a test includes:
 Copying from another students’ test paper;
 Using materials not authorized by the person giving the test;
 Collaborating with another student during a test without authorization;
 Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part the contents
of a test that has not been administered;
 Bribing another person to obtain a test that is to be administered.
Plagiarism means the appropriation of another’s work and the unacknowledged incorporation of
that work in one’s own written work offered for credit.
Collusion means the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work
offered for credit.
Possible punishments for academic dishonesty might include a grade of 0 or F in the particular assignment,
failure in the course, and/or recommendation for probation or dismissal from the College System. (See the
Student Handbook)
HCC Policy Statement – Class Attendance
It is important that you come to class! Attending class regularly is the best way to succeed in this class.
Research has shown that the single most important factor in student success is attendance. Simply put,
going to class greatly increases your ability to succeed. You are expected to attend all lecture and labs
regularly. You are responsible for materials covered during your absences. Class attendance is checked
daily. Although it is your responsibility to drop a course for nonattendance, the instructor has the authority to
drop you for excessive absences.
If you are not attending class, you are not learning the information. As the information that is discussed in
class is important for your career, students might be dropped from a course after accumulating absences in
excess of 12.5% hours of instruction. The six hours of class time would include any total classes missed or
for excessive tardiness or leaving class early.
You might decide NOT to come to class for whatever reason. As an adult making the decision not to attend,
you do not have to notify the instructor prior to missing a class. However, if this happens too many times,
you might suddenly find that you have “lost” the class.
Poor attendance records tend to correlate with poor grades. If you miss any class, including the first week,
you are responsible for all material missed. It is a good idea to find a friend or a buddy in class who would
be willing to share class notes or discussion or be able to hand in paper if you unavoidably miss a class.
Class attendance equals class success.
HCC Policy Statement - Repeat Course Fee
The State of Texas encourages students to complete college without having to repeat failed classes. To
increase student success, students who repeat the same course more than twice, are required to pay extra
tuition. The purpose of this extra tuition fee is to encourage students to pass their courses and to graduate.
Effective fall 2006, HCC will charge a higher tuition rate to students registering the third or subsequent time
for a course. If you are considering course withdrawal because you are not earning passing grades, confer
with your instructor/counselor as early as possible about your study habits, reading and writing homework,
test taking skills, attendance, course participation, and opportunities for tutoring or other assistance that
might be available.
HCC Policy Statement - Course Withdrawal
If you feel that you cannot complete this course, you will need to withdraw from the course prior to the final
date of withdrawal. Before, you withdraw from your course; please take the time to meet with the instructor
to discuss why you feel it is necessary to do so. The instructor might be able to provide you with
suggestions that would enable you to complete the course. Your success is very important. Beginning in
fall 2007, the Texas Legislature passed a law limiting first time entering freshmen to no more than SIX total
course withdrawals throughout their educational career in obtaining a certificate and/or degree.
To help students avoid having to drop/withdraw from any class, HCC has instituted an Early Alert process
by which your professor might “alert” you and HCC counselors that you might fail a class because of
excessive absences and/or poor academic performance. It is your responsibility to visit with your professor
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or a counselor to learn about what, if any, HCC interventions might be available to assist you – online
tutoring, child care, financial aid, job placement, etc. – to stay in class and improve your academic
performance.
If you plan on withdrawing from your class, you may withdraw yourself online (except for flex entry classes)
OR contact a HCC counselor or your professor to withdraw you and this must be done PRIOR to the
withdrawal deadline to receive a “W” on your transcript. (**Final withdrawal deadlines vary each semester
and/or depending on class length, please visit the online registration calendars, HCC schedule of classes
and catalog, any HCC Registration Office, or any HCC counselor to determine class withdrawal deadlines.)
Remember to allow sufficient time (at least 24-hour response time) when communicating via email
and/or telephone with a professor and/or counselor. Do not submit a request to discuss withdrawal
options less than a day before the deadline. Some professors might not be willing to process the
withdrawal requests or have specific timelines for processing withdrawal requests, please consult
with your individual professor for details. If you do not withdraw before the deadline, you will receive the
grade that you are making in the class as your final grade.
HCC Policy Statement – International Students
If you are an international student, a W may negatively impact your ability to receive financial aid or your
visa status.
HCC Policy Statement - Student Course Reinstatement Policy
Students have a responsibility to arrange payment for their classes when they register, either
through cash, credit card, financial aid, or the installment plan. Faculty members have a responsibility to
check their class rolls regularly, especially during the early weeks of a term, and reconcile the official class
roll to ensure that no one is attending class whose name does not appear on it. Students who are dropped
from their courses for nonpayment of tuition and fees who request reinstatement after the official date of
record payment of tuition and fees who request reinstatement after the official date of record (OE Date)
might be reinstated by making payment in full and paying an additional $75 per course reinstatement fee. A
student requesting reinstatement should present the registrar with a completed Enrollment Authorization
Form with the signature of the instructor, department chair, or dean who should verify that the student has
been regularly attending class. Students who are reinstated are responsible for all course policies and
procedures, including attendance requirements. A dean might waive the reinstatement fee upon
determination that the student was dropped because of a college error. The dean should note the nature of
the error in a memo to the registrar with appropriate documentation.
HCC Policy Statement - Classroom Behavior
As your instructor and as a student in this class, it is our shared responsibility to develop and maintain a
positive learning environment for everyone. Your instructor takes this responsibility very seriously and will
inform members of the class if their behavior makes it difficult for him/her to carry out this task. As a fellow
learner, you are asked to respect the learning needs of your classmates and assist your instructor achieve
this critical goal.
Expectations of Civil Conduct
Students are expected to conduct themselves professionally in their communication with the instructor, their
classmates, and college staff and administration. Behavior inappropriate to the collegiate setting (including
but not limited to abusive/derogatory/threatening/harassing language directed at the instructor or towards
other students, staff or administrators) will not be tolerated, and may result in removal from the course if
severe and/or repeated.
HCC Policy Statement - Students’ Responsibility to Read the HCC Student Handbook
It is the student's responsibility to be familiar with the HCC Student Handbook's contents. The handbook
contains valuable information, answers, and resources. Refer to the DE Student Handbook by visiting this
link http://www.hccs.edu/hcc/images/home%20page%20images/0-2011-2012%20Student%20handbook.pdf
Technical Compliance Notice and How to Handle Technology Problems
This class uses Eagle Online to supplement the in-class information. Each student must maintain Internet
access throughout this course, from start to finish. Additionally, students are expected to maintain a state
of technical compliance, including (but not limited to): up-to-date software as required by the instructor; a
stable Internet connection; and use of the Firefox browser when using Eagle Online. The instructor will not
give consideration for lost/missing/unacceptable work stemming from technical non-compliance and/or enduser technical issues, including loss of computer or battery failure.
HCC Policy Statement - Use of Camera and/or Recording Devices
As a student active in the learning community of this course, it is your responsibility to be respectful of the
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learning atmosphere in your classroom. To show respect of your fellow students and instructor, you will turn
off your phone and other electronic devices, and will not use these devices in the classroom unless you
receive permission from the instructor.
Use of recording devices, including camera phones and tape recorders, is prohibited in classrooms,
laboratories, faculty offices, and other locations where instruction, tutoring, or testing occurs. Students with
disabilities who need to use a recording device as a reasonable accommodation should contact the Office
for Students with Disabilities for information regarding reasonable accommodations
HCC Policy Statement - Instructor Requirements
As your Instructor, it is my responsibility to:
 Provide the grading scale and detailed grading formula explaining how student grades are to be
derived
 Facilitate an effective learning environment through class activities, discussions, and lectures
 Description of any special projects or assignments
 Inform students of policies such as attendance, withdrawal, tardiness and make up
 Provide the course outline and class calendar which will include a description of any special
projects or assignments
 Arrange to meet with individual students before and after class as required
To be successful in this class, it is the student’s responsibility to:
 Attend class and participate in class discussions and activities
 Read and comprehend the textbook
 Complete the required assignments and exams:
 Ask for help when there is a question or problem
 Keep copies of all paperwork, including this syllabus, handouts and all assignments
HCC Policy Statement – Psychology Discipline Requirements
The psychology discipline committee has approved the following requirements for all sections of PSYC
2301:
 All students must take the department final exam.
 All instructors must require at least one written assignment.
 All instructors must include assignments, exams, or activities in their syllabi that address all of the
HCCS core curriculum standards (see above).
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The instructor reserves the right to make appropriate changes in the syllabus. Please
remember that this is a tentative schedule and any changes made will be announced in
class. It is the student’s responsibility to keep updated on course information if he or she is
absent.
KEEP THIS SYLLABUS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
Bring it with you to each class period