Metropolitan Community College
Class Syllabus –2010-11 Spring Quarter
CLASS IDENTIFICATION
TITLE:
PREFIX/SECTION:
CREDIT HOURS:
CLASS BEGINS/ENDS:
MEETING DAY(S)/TIMES:
NO CLASS DAYS:
WITHDRAWAL DATE:
CLASS LOCATION:
Introduction to Psychology
PSYC 1010-SA
4.5
3/14/11-5/23/11
Monday 6-10 pm
N/A
5/7/11
Sarpy Room 211
CONTACT INFORMATION
INSTRUCTOR NAME:
OFFICE LOCATION:
OFFICE TELEPHONE:
FACSIMILE:
OFFICE HOURS:
EMAIL ADDRESS:
ACADEMIC AREA:
DEAN’S TELEPHONE:
Tammy Jackson, MA
N/A
597-4109
N/A
By appointment or phone
t_jackson77@hotmail.com
Social Sciences
Jane Franklin 738-4545
COURSE INFORMATION
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The student learns a broad overview of the general field, fundamental principles and
methods of psychology. This course is designed to be a transferable course. Main topics
include physiological psychology, learning, memory, human growth and development,
personality, motivation and emotion, social psychology, abnormal behavior and
therapeutic approaches.
COURSE PREREQUISITES:
Reading assessment and college-level reading skills are recommended.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
At the successful completion of this course, each student will be able to:
1.
Differentiate between different historical and contemporary theories of
psychology; describe the steps involved with the scientific method; and evaluate
the efficacy of various research methods, emphasizing the experimental design.
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2.
Examine the form and function of the human nervous system, and demonstrate
understanding of the basic structure and function of the human brain.
3.
Examine the processes of sensation and perception.
4.
Inventory basic principles of learning and memory, and evaluate contemporary
theories in these areas.
5.
Demonstrate understanding of how language influences thinking and problem
solving, and of the capabilities and the limitations of intelligence and personality
tests.
6.
Assess the psychosocial processes which may impact on a person's development
and functioning.
7.
Describe the multiple theories and processes associated with motivation and
emotion.
8.
Examine the various features of stress and associated coping strategies, including
the role of sleep and understanding the effects of psychoactive drugs.
9.
Distinguish at least four major theoretical models of mental disorders and
evaluate etiology, symptomology, and therapeutic intervention pertaining to these
disorders.
10.
Identify and analyze processes of social interaction and influence.
REQUIRED & SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS:
Title:
What is Psychology? Essentials
Edition:
2010 1st Edition
Author:
Ellen Pastorino & Susann Doyle-Portillo
Publisher:
Wadsworth
Additional Materials:
As assigned throughout the term
SOFTWARE/FILE SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
Metropolitan Community College uses Microsoft products as part of its standard software
and encourages students to do the same. You may save word-processed documents for
file attachments in Microsoft Word .doc or .docx format. If your software does not allow
either of these, then save files in Rich Text Format (.rtf).
CLASS STRUCTURE:
The class periods will be used to present lecture materials (including but not limited to
the text), to provide demonstrations, and to participate in classroom activities and
discussions. Students are expected to complete reading assignments before class, take
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adequate notes, complete written and oral assignments, and take exams. They should
also be prepared to ask and answer questions and participate in small group and class
discussions.
Moreover, students are completely responsible for all textbook material and all
assignments and materials covered in class. The instructor will not cover all of the
information contained in the assigned readings. Students are therefore encouraged to
come prepared to ask any questions they have about the material.
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT WORK
TYPES OF ASSESSMENTS/ASSIGNMENTS:
There will be 3 written exams comprised of a combination of multiple-choice, fill-inthe-blank and short-answer questions. Each exam is non-cumulative and will cover
approximately one-third of the course materials. The exams will test your knowledge of
material from the text and lectures. Your own written notes will be acceptable for use
during exams.
A research project is required for those wanting to earn an A in this course. If you
choose not to complete the project, the highest grade you can achieve is a B. (See
grading policy below.) This research project requires you to access peer-reviewed journal
articles from a database, read the articles and synthesize the information. This project will
introduce you to the basic steps needed when conducting research in the field of
psychology. This project will NOT require you to write a full research paper, however.
Further instructions and grading guidelines will follow.
You will be required to read the textbook chapters as assigned. Plan to attend the full
class time, and prepare to stay for lecture before and/or after exams. The instructor will
take attendance at all class meetings for students’ records. As part of your attendance
points there will be in-class activities. These points can not be made up. You must be
alert and participate in class in order to receive 4 points credit per class. If you miss
the equivalent of 3 or more classes, you may be withdrawn from the course. You will
be allowed one absence without penalty of attendance points. You may be assigned brief
homework assignments that will count towards your class participation points.
You can make-up one exam during the quarter. All make-up exams will be made up in
the campus testing centers and will be closed-notes and closed-book exams. No extra
credit questions will be given. Any exam taken at a time other than during the scheduled
exam date and time is considered a make-up exam and the aforementioned rules apply.
Appointments are necessary. It is the student’s responsibility to make the appointment at
the appropriate center and inform the instructor at least 48 hours in advance of making up
the exam. After an exam is given, your make-up version will be sent to the appropriate
testing center. Exams must be made up by the next class session following the exam with
no exceptions. Make-up exams may be in an alternative format. The make-up exam
must be taken within 7 calendar days of the scheduled test date (or within 24 hours
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of the last/final exam). An exam is also considered “missed” if a student arrives more
than thirty minutes after the testing period begins.
All assignments are due at the beginning of class on their respective due dates. Late
assignments turned in after this time will receive a 10-point deduction. No late
assignments will be accepted one week after its due date.
Assignments and exams are generally handed back during the following class period.
This is less likely to apply if you have turned in an assignment late or made up an exam
outside of the regular class period. Feedback will be provided on the hard copies, but if
you wish to receive more extensive feedback, you can schedule a meeting. If you attend
class for the full time period, you can assume you are receiving the maximum
participation points. You will be informed if you are failing to meet class participation
standards (e.g. by being disruptive or inattentive, etc.).
Examinations will be returned to the student (or available for pick-up) for review after
grading, and then retained by the instructor. All other written assignments will be
returned to students; it is their responsibility to keep this work until the end of the term to
ensure the record of their work is complete and accurate. The instructor will retain a
permanent record of each student’s grade for one year from the last date of the course.
GRADING POLICY:
Your final course grade will be calculated based on the following:
Attendance/participation/activities/assignments
10 classes X 4 = 40 points
(Perfect attendees may receive 44 points)
Three Exams:
3 exams X 70 = 210 points
Optional Research Project:
Total:
(50 points)
250 points (300 points if doing research project)
Grade Breakdown:
If completing a research project
If NOT completing research project
A
90-100%
(270 or more points)
N/A
B
80 – 89%
(240-269 points)
80-100% (200 or more points)
C
70 – 79%
(210-239 points)
70-79% (175-199 points)
D
60 – 69%
(180-209 points)
60-69% (150-174 points)
F
59% & below (179 points & below)
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ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING PROGRAM:
Metropolitan Community College is committed to continuous improvement of teaching
and learning. You may be asked to help us to accomplish this objective. For example, you
may be asked to respond to surveys or questionnaires. In other cases, tests or assignments
you are required to do for this course may be shared with faculty and used for assessment
purposes.
INSTRUCTOR’S EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS
ATTENDANCE/PARTICIPATION POLICY:
Four points per class will be assessed for attendance and participation. Assessment will
consist of attendance, discussion groups, and/or class participation. Points can only be
earned by attending and cannot be made up. Students are expected to attend all class
meetings. You cannot contribute to nor benefit from class meetings that you miss.
Students should exchange phone numbers with other students and make arrangements in
advance to obtain handouts and class notes from classmates if they are going to be absent.
After the first class meeting and through the Section Census Date, the instructor may
disenroll (WX) students who have not attended any classes. The Section Census Date is
listed under the Important Dates for the course in the official Class Schedule at
http://www.mccneb.edu/schedule/. There is no appeal for this disenrollment. A student
who fails to meet class attendance expectations may receive a final grade mark of FX,
indicating an absence-related failure, or a failing (F) grade.
COMMUNICATION OF EXPECTATIONS:
When you communicate with others in this course, you must follow the Student Code of
Conduct (http://www.mccneb.edu/catalog/studentinformation.asp), which calls for
responsible and cooperative behavior. Please think critically, ask questions, and challenge
ideas, but also show respect for the opinions of others, respond to them politely, and
maintain the confidentiality of thoughts expressed in the class. You may also wish to
review information at http://www.albion.com/netiquette/.
ACADEMIC HONESTY STATEMENT:
Students are reminded that materials they use as sources for classwork may be subject to
copyright protection. Additional information about copyright is provided on the library
website at http://www.mccneb.edu/library or by your instructor. In response to incidents
of student dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, illegal peer-to-peer file sharing, etc.), the
College imposes specific actions that may include receiving a failing grade on a test,
failure in the course, suspension from the College, or dismissal from the College.
Disciplinary procedures are available in the Advising/Counseling Centers or at
http://www.mccneb.edu/procedures/V-4_Student_Conduct_and_Discipline.pdf.
STUDENT WITHDRAWAL:
If you cannot participate in and complete this course, you should officially withdraw by
calling Central Registration at 402-457-5231 or 1-800-228-9553. Failure to officially
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withdraw will result in either an attendance-related failure (FX) or failing (F) grade. The
last date to withdraw is noted in the CLASS IDENTIFICATION section of this syllabus.
LEARNING SUPPORT
MCC's Academic Resource Centers, Math Centers, and Writing Centers offer friendly,
supportive learning environments that can help students achieve educational success.
Staff members in these centers provide free drop-in assistance with basic computing,
reading, math, and writing skills. Self-paced, computer-assisted instructional support in
reading, vocabulary, typing, English as a Second Language, and online course orientation
is also available.
Detailed information about the Academic Resource, Math, and Writing Centers is in the
Student Handbook, College Catalog, and online at http://www.mccneb.edu/arc/.
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:
If you have a disability that may substantially limit your ability to participate in this class,
please contact a Disability Support Services Counselor located in the Student Services
Office on each campus. Metropolitan Community College will provide reasonable
accommodations for persons with documented qualifying disabilities. However, it is the
student’s responsibility to request accommodations. For further information, please visit
http://www.mccneb.edu/dss/ and/or contact Student Services.
TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT
For assistance with student email, passwords, and most other MCC technology, contact
the Help Desk at 457-2900 or mcchelpdesk@mccneb.edu.
TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES:
By using the information technology systems at MCC (including the computer systems
and phones), you acknowledge and consent to the conditions of use as set forth in the
Metropolitan Community College Procedures Memorandum on Acceptable Use of
Information Technology and Resources. It is your responsibility as a student to be
familiar with these procedures. The full text of the Procedures Memorandum may be
found at the following website: http://www.mccneb.edu/procedures/X15_Technology_Resources_Use.pdf.
SCHEDULE OF ASSIGNMENTS
NOTICE: This syllabus sets forth a tentative schedule of class topics, learning activities,
and expected learning outcomes. However, the instructor reserves the right to modify this
schedule to enhance learning for students. Any modifications will not substantially
change the intent or objectives of this course and will conform to the policies and
guidelines of Metropolitan Community College.
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Date
Class
Assignments
3/14
Introductions and Syllabus Review
Chapter 1
Read Chapters 1 & 2
3/21
Chapter 1 cont’d, Chapter 2
Read Chapter 3
3/28
Chapter 2 cont’d & Chapter 3
Read Chapter 5; Study for Exam 1
4/4
Chapter 5, Exam 1 (Chapters 1-3, 5)
Read Chapters 4 & 6
4/11
Chapters 4 & 6
Read Chapters 7 & 8
4/18
Chapter 7 & 8
Read Chapter 9
4/25
Chapter 9
Read Chapter 11; Study for Exam 2
5/2
Chapter 11, Exam 2 (Chapters 4, 6-9 & 11)
Read Chapter 10
5/9
Optional Research Project Due; Chapter 10
Read Chapters 12 & 13
5/16
Chapters 12 & 13
Read Chapter 14; Study for Exam 3
5/23
Chapter 14, Exam 3 (Chapters 10, 12-14)
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2011 Spring Quarter Important Dates
Classes begin ................................................................................................................. March 9 W
Spring recess (College closed) ........................................................................... April 23-24 SA-SU
Classes resume from Spring recess ..................................................................................April 25 M
Fall Priority for Current Students 50+ credits w/Webadvisor only ................................ April 27 W
Fall Current Student Webadvisor only registration begins ................................................ May 4 W
General Registration begins ............................................................................................. May 11 W
Student Withdrawal Deadline to drop a class ......................................................... Varies by class*
Winter Term Incomplete “I” Grades Due ........................................................................ May 18 W
Classes end ..................................................................................................................... May 24 Tu
Instructional work days ............................................................................................May 25-27 W-F
Memorial Day recess (college closed) .................................................................. May 28-30 SA-M
*To view the Last Day for a student to withdraw “drop” a class; go to the class
schedule found on line at http://www.mccneb.edu/schedule/classschedule.asp. Then, find
the course section and click on the Important Dates link on the same line as the course
title. The refund/withdraw dates for each course section are automatically calculated
based on the start and end dates and the number of sessions for a course. A student must
withdraw by this date to avoid being assigned a grade of “F”.
REFUND POLICIES for Credit Courses
A student is responsible for withdrawing “dropping” from a course(s) if unable to attend.
Non-attendance or non-payment does not relieve a student from the obligation to pay. To
withdraw “drop” from a course, log on to WebAdvisor https://webadvisor.mccneb.edu
and click “Register and Drop Sections”.
An official schedule change that reduces or terminates a student’s academic credit load
may entitle the student to a refund. The eligibility and amount of a refund is
automatically calculated by the date of the withdrawal. A student may see the refund
percentage received through midnight of the same day by logging into WebAdvisor and
clicking on the Tuition Refund Calculator. Note: Schedule changes may have
implications for students on Financial Aid. Check with the Financial Aid Office prior
to any schedule changes at 402-457-2330.
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