HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE – SOUTHWEST (WEST LOOP)
SPRING 2014
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Gracie A. Roberts, M.A.
Psychology 2301- Introduction to Psychology
CRN: 80379 8-WK Credits: 3 MW 11 a.m- 2 p.m.
E-mail address: gracie.roberts@hccs.edu
TEXTBOOKS
The textbook is required for this course. Here is the link for the online version:
http://librus.hccs.edu/record=b1589871
Be sure to use the one that doesn’t require a login.
GRADES
There are 4 regular tests scheduled. The best 3 out of 4 test grades will be calculated into your final grade.
Lowest test grade will be dropped (Test 1, 2, 3, or 4). Because the lowest test grade is dropped, there will
be no make-up exams. Try your best to not miss any tests and to do your best!
Best 3 out of 4 Tests @ 20% each
Research Paper
Final Exam
TOTAL
60%
20%
20%
100%
A minimum raw score of 50% correct must be earned on the final exam in order to have the possibility of
passing this class. If you earn a 49% or lower on the final exam, you will automatically get an F regardless
of all previous grades that you have earned in the class. If you earn a raw score of 50% or higher on the
final exam, it does not guarantee a passing course grade. Your final exam score will be averaged in with
the rest of the semester’s grades to determine your final grade, using the formula which appears on above.
Final grade will be converted into letter grades as follows:
90-100% =A; 80-89% =B; 70-79% =C; 60-69% =D; 0-59% =F
TESTING
The tests will consist of 50 questions, including multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, short answer,
diagramming, and matching. The questions will come from the book and lectures. The final exam will
consist of 100 questions of the same format and will be comprehensive. You will need a Scantron Form
882-E for each test, including the final exam.
MAKE SURE YOU ARE ON TIME FOR ALL TESTS. IF YOU ARE LATE, YOU ARE GIVING YOURSELF
LESS TIME TO TAKE THE TEST!!
RESEARCH PAPER
To ensure the highest possible grade, follow these strict requirements for the paper:
 2 - 3 pages of text, but no more than 3 pages of text
 Typed, 12-pt. font, double-spaced
 Title page with title, name, date, class day and time, centered in 12-pt font.
 Reference page in APA format (APA is different from MLA so be sure to know the difference!)
 Citations within text in APA format; any information used from sources must be cited within the
text. You only have to cite the author(s) names of the printed journal article, not the ones within the
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article.
Sources: 2 peer-reviewed/scientific journal articles dated 1995 or more current and the Stangor
book. All sources must be turned in. Any of the information that is used from the sources must
be highlighted within the sources, no matter how minute the information!
Do not use Google, Yahoo, or any other internet search engine similar to these.
You are allowed to use more than 2 articles (5 maximum). The requirements are the same for all
sources, including turning them in and highlighting.
Sources cannot be from a newspaper or “popular” magazine (i.e., Newsweek, Wall Street Journal,
Forbes, Psychology Today, etc.). Also, no book reviews or editorials are allowed.
Do not write in 1st person (using “I” or “me”); write in 3rd person
No personal experiences allowed; only examples from sources may be used; you are limited to 1 small
example no longer than ½ page in length
Conclusion: must be your opinion of your research findings and you are allowed to use 1st person here.
Must be a well-developed paragraph stating more than just if you agree or disagree with your research
findings; must be at least ½ a page
Use correct grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, spelling, etc.
The majority of the paper should be paraphrased, meaning you tell in your own words what the author
has said, without your opinion, and include a citation at the end of the paraphrase. Even though you
are putting it in your own words, remember that it is not your original idea so you must cite where the
information came from
Turn in paper in a lighter-colored (no dark blue or black) folder with pockets and prongs
Hole-punch your research paper and place the paper in the prongs; staple the sources individually and
place in the pockets of the folder
Write your name, date, and class day and time on the front of the folder where it is easily visible
You will receive a failing grade if:
 Plagiarize
 Do not turn in correct/approved articles
 Information within the sources is not highlighted
 If paper is written with incorrect sources
More requirements for paper will be given during the semester so stay posted!!!!
IF YOUR PAPER IS LATE, 10 POINTS WILL BE DEDUCTED FOR EVERY DAY THAT IT IS LATE!
YOUR PAPER IS CONSIDERED LATE IF IT IS NOT TURNED IN BY THE BEGINNING OF CLASS!
ATTENDANCE AND DROP POLICY
It is very important that you attend and participate in class. If you have to miss a class, it is your
responsibility to get the material/notes that you missed. Please do not contact me for the notes. I do not
give out my notes to students. It is your responsibility to take good notes or obtain them from another
student in the class if you are absent. It is also important that you arrive to class on time to avoid being
marked absent or missing important information or announcements usually given at the beginning of class.
I do not drop students so it is your responsibility to drop the class if you are unable to continue in the class.
The last day to drop is February 18, 2014 by 4:30 p.m.
COURSE SCHEDULE
Week 1 -
January 13-15
Introduction
Chapters 1 & 2 – Introduction and Research Methods
Chapter 3 – Neuroscience and Behavior
Week 2 -
January 20-22
MLK HOLIDAY, JANUARY 20 – NO CLASS!
Chapter 3
Week 3 -
January 27-29
TEST 1: MONDAY, JANUARY 27
Chapter 4 - Learning
Week 4 -
February 03-05
Chapter 5 – Memory
TEST 2: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 05
Chapter 6 – Lifespan Development
Week 5 -
February 10-12
Chapter 6 – Lifespan Development
Chapter 8 – Personality
RESEARCH PAPERS DUE AT THE BEGINNING OF CLASS – FEBRUARY 12
Week 6 -
February 17-19
PRESIDENT’S DAY HOLIDAY – NO CLASS
Chapter 11 – Social Psychology
Chapter 9 – Psychological Disorders
Last day to withdraw – February 18
Week 7 -
February 24-26
Chapter 9 – Psychological Disorders
TEST 4: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26
Week 8 -
March 05
FINAL EXAM – WEDNESDAY, MARCH 05
11 A.M. – 1 P.M.
***This schedule is tentative and may be changed during the course of the semester. You are responsible
for getting the changes if you miss a class.***