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General Psychology
Psychology 100
Distance Learning
(Print this out)
Dr. Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D.
Phone: (206) 526-7011
Office hours are T,Th : 9:30-10:00 and 11:00-11:30
Office: Rm. IB2327A
E-mail = Please send email for this class through Angel (class website)
Instructor’s campus email: ratkins@sccd.ctc.edu
(subject = your student + the class and time you are in)
Class website: http://northseattle.angellearning.com
Login material (Write your items in the space below)
User name: _______________________
Your entire student id number
Password: ______________________
Your entire student id number
PsycPortal website: http://courses.bfwpub.com/myers9e.php
PsycPortal Tech support = 1-800-936-6899
Tech support can help you with this software better than your instructor.
Course summary:
The daily activities for this course will involve (1) reading that chapter in the text,
(2) going online and listening to the lecture and Power Point presentation for that chapter,
and (3) developing answers to the “Study Guides”. (4) Listening to the PsycPortal videos
and the tutorials and completing the related short quizzes. Your class grade is based on
the four non-cumulative midterms (50 points each = 200 points), and the PsycPortal
quizzes (100 points), for a total of 300points..
You may go through the material and take the exams at your own pace. All the exams
and related materials are available throughout the quarter. You may take them whenever
you feel you are ready. When you have completed all the exams and the PsycPortal
assignments, you have completed the course. All exams become closed on the last day of
the quarter as indicated on the Course Calendar in this syllabus. I suggest completing all
exams prior to the last day of the quarter in case your internet or computer crashes. The
exams will not be extended. If you have not completed an exam by the last day, you will
receive a zero for that exam, and there are no retake exams. Remember, you have all
quarter to complete the exams. The Course Calendar in the back of this syllabus gives
you a suggested schedule for the quarter.
My Grades:
Exam #1 _____, Exam #2 _____, Exam #3 _____, Exam #4 _____,
PsycPortal=_____, Total = _______
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Contents:
Login and support information
Contents
How to log into you class website
Materials for the course
Outcomes
Instructor’s background
Teaching philosophy
Grading
Exams
How to do well on exams
Study Guides
Taking the exams
How to take an exam
Exam scoring
Discussion Comments
How To’s
How to post your comments
How to reply to a post
How to send email
How to check your internet browser
How to see your grades
How to see your final course grade
How to do a class evaluation
How to withdraw from the course
Netiquette and Privacy
Suggestions for email, & discussions
Class Presentations
Asking questions of your instructor
Class policies
Grading
Grading Scale
How to Study
PsycPortal Activities
Suggested discussion questions
Printing slides & listening to WMA files
Course Calendar
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How to get started:
To log into your class website: Go to:
http://northseattle.angellearning.com
Click “Log On”
Put in your User name and Password. (Your entire student ID number for both.)
Click on the name of the course E.g. PSYC& 100 – General Psychology
********************************************************************
Be sure to deactivate pop-up window blockers on your computer when using Angel.
***********************************************************
Materials for the course:
Required Text:
Psychology – by Myers – 9th. Ed. ISBN# = 1-429-25019-4 This is a three hole
punch text (regular text, not modules). You can buy the more expensive paperback or
hardback if you wish. You also need the access code for PsycPortal. The least expensive
way to get the text and PsycPortal is to purchase them as a package from the NSCC
bookstore.
To purchase the text and PsycPortal from the NSCC Bookstore, go to:
http://northscc.bkstore.com > Student Services > Textbooks > Order Your Textbooks >
follow Steps 1 - 4
Click on: the current quarter > PSYC > 100 > Section #ATKINS > CONTINUE.
If you wish, you may purchase just the access code which also contains an E-book
(the text). However, I believe using the actual text would be better and more
enjoyable to read.
How to sign up for PsycPortal
This is a required portion of the course.
1. Go to the PsycPortal website at: http://courses.bfwpub.com/myers9e.php
2. Click on “REGISTER an activation code” in the center of the right column.
3. Complete the needed information.
The activation code is in the square cardboard folder that came with the
new book. This can be purchased separately from this website if you are using a
used book, or anything else. However, it costs more if it did not come with the
new book.
4. Put is your name, email, password, etc.
5. Put is the state (Washington), the institution, (North Seattle Community College), the
instructor (General Psychology – Atkins, Robert). If you do not put this information in
from the drop-down menus, you will not be in my class, and will not be in my grade
book.
6. Click “Next” and continue.
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NOTE: USE FIREFOX VERSION 3.5 OR 3.6. ALSO, USE THE PREVIOUS
VERSION OF INTERNET EXPLORER, VERSION 7.0, NOT THE CURRENT V.8.
Or, in Explorer V. 8, you can change to: Tools > “Compatibility view” if that is easier.
*********************************************************************
More information on PsycPortal is available later in this syllabus.
Hardware and software:
Computer: PC or Mac
Internet connection:
Preferably DSL or cable, not a dial-up (however, dial-up can work, it is just slow).
Software:
Internet browser: Firefox (PC or Mac) or Internet explorer (PC) is
recommended
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Power Point Viewer
Ability to listen to WMA files (Windows Media Player)
The ability to use the above software. Your instructor is not “Tech. Support”.
The ability to listen to recorded podcasts (WMA files)
Online materials: Available on class website
1. Class Presentations
2. Study Guides
3. Discussion Questions
4. Power Points
5. Reference Materials
Outcomes
This course will give you the knowledge to:
* Understand the nature of the individual, of human values and of the relationship
between the self and the community.
Note: Often people have had traumatic experiences or have strong feelings on certain
topics. If you feel any of the topics in the text or class will be emotionally damaging to
you, or difficult to learn about or discuss, or would create a “hostile environment” for you
- do not take this course. If you have a disability of any type, you should contact the
Educational Assistance Center.
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Instructor’s background
Your instructor has an AA degree from Fullerton J.C., B.A. and Masters degrees
from California State University at Fullerton, and a doctorate (Ph.D. degree) from the
University of Washington. He is a full time tenured instructor at North Seattle
Community College, and has taught at NSCC for over 35 years. Prior to teaching at
NSCC, he taught at Jamestown College (a four year college) and at St. Phillips
Community College.
Your instructor has taught this course as a classroom course, a hybrid course, and
a fully online distance learning course.
He has also had experience in the following areas: a public mental health clinic in
Seattle, the Educational Psychology Clinic at the University of Washington, The Adult
Development Program within the Dept of Psychiatry, in the School of Medicine at the
University of Washington, and the Sexual Dysfunction Clinic – Dept. of Psychiatry –
School of Medicine – University of Washington.
He has also visited and talked to inmates in the following institutions: Monroe
Penitentiary, Shelton Penitentiary, Purdy Women’s Correctional Center, Echo Glen
reformatory and Mc.Neil Island Penitentiary.
Other travel experiences include trips to: Europe, Japan, China, Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska,
the Caribbean, Egypt, Greece, and India.
Teaching Philosophy
In general, the objective of my instruction is to help you understand the terms and
concepts presented in the course.
Explanations are often given in the form of stories, examples, and case studies to
elaborate on the concepts presented. These ideas are often presented visually in power
point slides (sometimes accompanied by photographs). For auditory learners, the class
presentations are podcast (recorded). Finally, for those who do best reading, the text
supplements the class information.
The objective of the class presentations, which are lectures integrated with the
Power Points, is to not only dispense information you need for the exams and the Study
Guide sheets, but also to give you the feeling of being in a class along with the
spontaneous stories and examples to aid you understanding of the material. Recordings
also give you a feeling of the instructor’s personality so he is seen as a real person rather
than a written lecture. I like to feel it gives you the “heart and mind” of a class that you
would get no other way.
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Grading:
Grading has two parts, the four midterm exams and the PsycPortal quizzes.
Exams:
There are four midterm exams (50 pts. each). They are all multiple choice. The
four midterm exams are not cumulative and cover only the chapters for that exam. The
exams will test your knowledge of concepts, terms, and findings. You will also be asked
to apply some of the fundamental concepts to new situations.
Other exam concerns:
1. Remember, you can only take each exam once, so be sure you are prepared for it.
There are no make up exams, retake exams, or extra credit.
2. Once you start an exam you must complete the 50 questions in 50 minutes. You
cannot pause an exam to look up the answer and come back to it later.
3. The exam labeled, “Practice Exam (Not graded)” is the only practice exam. All others
are real exams.
4. To reduce cheating, you can only see one question at a time. You cannot go back to
previous questions, and you must come into my office to see any questions you missed.
5. You may use any notes, study guides, text, or other materials provided in the class
during the exams. You may not use any other source of help.
My hope is that having the exams and study materials available throughout the quarter
will let you progress at your individual pace and make it more convenient for family and
work schedules, thereby making the class more enjoyable for you.
How to do well on the exams:
The exams come from the text and many additional items to help you understand
the material. Use the course calendar at the back of this syllabus to keep yourself on track
so you will have covered the material and understand it before the exam date.
The “How to Study” sheet in this syllabus discusses how to read the text material
prior to listening to the class.
Study Guides to help with exams:
Go to: Course Resources >Chapter Title > Study Guides. This file gives you a study
guide for each chapter. These are designed directly from the exams. While you read the
text, listen to the class presentations, and view the Power Point slides, keep these sheets
with you, and work toward being able to answer each of the questions. These will then
help you during the exams.
Taking the exams:
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When taking the exams on line you may use the study guides, your text, or
dictionary. You may not have anyone else helping you in any way. When taking the
exams, you must answer one question before going on. You may not go back. Also, If
you skip a question you may not go back to answer it. It is best to have an answer for
each question.
How to take an exam:
NOTE *** Turn off the pop-up blocker in your web browser
To turn off the pop-up blocker. With Firefox, go to tools > Options >Content, and
uncheck the "Block pop up window". With Explorer, go to Tools > Pop-up blocker >
Turn off pop-up blocker.
1. Log in and go to your course home page.
2. Click on “Exams”
3. Click on the name of the exam you want
4. Click the “Begin Now” button
5. Click “Continue” after the popup discussing the time limit.
6. Answer the question and click the “Next” button.
7. On the last question, click “Submit” then “OK”
8. Congratulations, you have now completed your exam.
********************************************************************
YOU MUST CLICK “SUBMIT” FOR ALL EXAMS BEFORE 11:00 pm PACIFIC
TIME ON THE LAST DAY OF THE CLASS AS INDICATED IN THE COURSE
CALENDAR. AT 11:00 pm THE EXAMS TURNS OFF AND YOU WILL NOT
RECEIVE CREDIT FOR TAKING ANY REMAINING EXAMS. I SUGGEST YOU
END ALL YOUR EXAMS PRIOR TO THE LAST DAY OF THE QUARTER JUST TO
BE SURE, IN CASE THE CLOCKS ARE DIFFERENT, OR YOU HAVE ANY
PROBLEMS.
The Course Calendar gives you a suggested schedule.
*********************************************************************
Note: The questions are presented in a random order for each different student.
Note: Your time remaining is shown in the upper right hand corner. At the end of that
time, the exam will automatically stop and will not be reset. Therefore, please watch your
time remaining.
Exam Scoring:
The score you receive will be the grade indicated by the computer. I feel this is
the fairest for the largest number of students. While I am glad to discuss the exam with
you, it will not change your score. Any changes in question wording, etc. will be
considered for next quarter, but will not be used to change scores this quarter.
Discussion comments:
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Throughout the quarter, you may talk with other students by posting comments,
and obtaining replies. This is the distance learning equivalent of talking to other students
in class.
There are suggested questions to spark discussion by going to: Course resources >
Chapter # >Discussion Questions. An introduction to the posting questions is covered in
the first file entitled, “00_Intro.Dr.Bob'sQuestions.doc”. However, as in class, there is no
additional credit for discussion and comments.
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How To:
How to post your comments for a discussion:
1. From the class homepage, click on “Discussion Forums > Class Discussion”.
2. Click on “New Post”
3. Put in the title and type your posting
4. Click “Save”
How to reply to a post:
Click on “reply” at the bottom of the posting, and type your reply message.
How to send email to your instructor:
1. Go to the class home page and “Course Mail”.
2. Click on “Quick Message”
3. Click “To”, place a check mark next to “All Course Faculty”, click “To”, then “OK”
4. Type in your subject, type your email, and click “Send”.
How to check your internet browser
1. Go to the class website and log in.
3. Often, simply turning off “pop-up blockers” on your web browser will solve problems.
4. Another way to check your browser is to try all the class activities, such as the Power
Points, the recordings, and the class materials. If these all work, you are ok. If you still
have questions, call one of the distance learning resources on the first page of this
syllabus.
How to see your grades:
Your exam grade will be available when the time for taking the exam is
completed. Your grade will show up in the box on the right side of the page when you go
to that exam. Due to the digital ability to copy all the questions and archive them, or
email them to friends and relatives, you will not be able to see individual questions. If
you wish to come to my office, you may see, but not copy, individual questions at that
time.
How to see your final course grade:
You may check your grades via the internet at: NSCC home page > Online
Services > Look Up Your Grades. Put in your Student ID and Student PIN, then click on
“Get My Transcript”.
How to do a class evaluation:
You will receive an email from the Seattle Community College District near the
end of the quarter. You may anonymously complete and return this evaluation to the
District. There are two forms; one is multiple choice, and the other is an essay
opportunity. I will only see the anonymous results after the grades have been handed in.
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To be sure your email is current, you may go to: NSCC Home page > Online Services >
Maintenance > Update Your Address, Email, or Phone.
How to withdraw from the course: You may withdraw from a course via the internet at:
NSCC home page > Online Services > Register/Add/Drop Classes, and follow the
directions.
Netiquette and Privacy
Words can mean many things and what we intend to say is not always what others hear.
This is especially true of "online communication" during which other students do not
have the opportunity to see your "body language" and therefore have a greater possibility
of misunderstanding what you truly mean.
Please, follow these guidelines in all your online discussions.
RESPECT. We would like to suggest respectful exchanges as a basic ground rule.
We feel that informational errors should be pointed out- respectfully (even if stated
strongly...). Disagreements that honor the viewpoints of the various contributors are
productive and can lead to new learning and understanding.
PRIVACY. Keep in mind not only your own privacy rights but others as well. Do
not reveal any information that you deem private.
BE CONSIDERATE of grammatical/spelling errors.
REMEMBER that humor and satire are often misinterpreted online.
Communication is more than words. So, be prepared for some misunderstanding and
requests for clarification.
BE SUPPORTIVE. We are all still learning. Our job is not to judge or condemn
or even praise, although genuine encouragement is a necessary ingredient. We are here to
provide information, to address topics in a discussion forum, and to provide assistance in
helping each participant use her/his own unique learning style. Reflection generally
precedes growth. So reflect upon what is said, provide sincere comments, and hopefully,
we will all grow.
One good way to avoid problems is to reread your postings before sending them.
Something written in haste may be misread.
This section on Netequette and Privacy was created by Val Donato, Sandra Looper, Diane
Hostetler and Tom Braziunas
Suggestion for email, discussions, and posting: Make it a habit to compose messages
(especially long ones) in WORD or another word processing program. Then cut and
paste the message into your posting in the Discussion Room. In this way, you won't
accidentally lose messages because of a connection failure or timing out or hitting the
delete key! To copy your message, you can select the text and use CONTROL-C; to past
it, you can use CONTROL-V. (By Tom Braziunas)
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Class presentations
These recordings have been made “live” in class over a period of several quarters.
Since these presentations are recorded in class, if time runs out I may not cover all the
slides in the Power Point file. The slides not discussed will also give you the key points
to consider and review in the text for the exam. If the recording stops in the middle of a
sentence, I simply ended the recording when finishing up, and you have not missed
anything important.
When listening to the recordings and watching the slides, it is good to have the
study guide and printed slides (6 to a page) in front of you to use as a guide to what will
be on the exam.
These recordings, and the related Power Point slides, have been included for the
following reasons:
1. It gives you a feeling of being in class, complete with stories, examples, and
comments.
2. You get to know your instructor on a more personal level
3. You get to hear explanations of topics that may be difficult to comprehend
otherwise.
4. Since classes have a set time limit, not all slides will be covered in each
presentation. It is your responsibility to understand these concepts from the text. You can
compare the Power Points in the file to the slides discussed in the presentation to see if
any additional topics should be covered in the text. The presentations may stop in the
middle of a sentence. However, you are not missing critical information. I am simply
talking as I turned off the recording.
Asking questions of your instructor:
Before emailing or calling me with a question, you need to read that section of
text, or syllabus. The first thing I will ask is, “What did the text or Syllabus say (on what
page) and what is it you do not understand. Quoting the section of the text or syllabus
you do not understand will help me provide you with a more helpful answer.
If you cannot give me a reference page in the text or syllabus that generated your
question, I will ask you to find and read the related pages. Most questions can be
resolved by doing this. If not, feel free to contact me with your question.
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CLASS POLICIES
Extra credit: Extra credit is not available
(except 5 pts in PsycPortal).
Incompletes: No “Incomplete” (I) grades will be given.
No Credit “NC” grades and Withdrawals: You must request an "NC" grade or
withdraw by the “last day to withdraw” indicated on the course calendar. If you
have not, you will receive a decimal grade for this course.
Cheating: Any cheating on exams will result in a score of zero (“0”) for that exam (which
can not be retaken). Copying an exam, sending an exam to another student, or keeping an
exam is considered cheating. Facilitating the cheating of another student is also
considered cheating.
Posting Final Grades: Final grades will not be posted. You may check your grades via
the internet at: NSCC home page > Online Services > Look Up Your Grades.
Exams: You may use the text or any other materials you wish when taking an exam.
However, the exams have a time limit, and looking up information takes time.
Guidelines for Student Conduct: Students are expected to comply with student conduct
policy and procedures. Information on student responsibilities and rights is available at
the following website: www.seattlecolleges.com/services
Americans with Disabilities Act: If you need course adaptations or accommodation
because of a disability; you must contact Disability Services at phone 527-3697, or TTY:
526-0079 or on the web at http://access.northseattle.edu/services/ds.htm
Academic Honesty: Academic honesty is highly valued at NSCC. A student must
always submit work that represents his/her original words or ideas. If any words or ideas
are used that do not represent the student’s original words or ideas, the student is
expected to cite all relevant sources both in the text and in the references listing at the end
of the paper. The student should also make clear the extent to which such sources were
used. Words or ideas that require citations include, but are not limited to, all hardcopy or
electronic publications, whether copyrighted or not, and all verbal or visual
communication when the content of such communication clearly originates from an
identifiable source.
Academic dishonesty could involve:
1. Having another person complete an exam, or a portion of your
assignment.
2. Copying work submitted by another student.
3. Using information from online information services without proper
citation.
4. Taking exam answers from another student’s paper.
5. Using materials not allowed to answer exam questions.
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Classroom Diversity Statement: Respect for diversity is a core value of NSCC. Our
college community fosters an optimal learning climate and an environment of mutual
respect. We, the college community, recognize individual differences. Therefore, we are
responsible for the content and tone of our statements and are empathetic speakers and
listeners.
Respectful and Inclusive Environment: The instructor and student share the
responsibility to foster a learning environment that is welcoming, supportive, and
respectful of cultural and individual differences. Open and respectful communication that
allows for the expression of varied opinions and multicultural perspectives encourages us
to learn freely from each other.
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GRADING
Your final grade will be based on the total questions you answered correctly on all
four exams and the Communication Log.
TOTAL
POINTS
300-270
269-240
239-210
209-180
179-0
%
90
80
70
60
GRADE
"A"
"B"
"C"
"D"
"E"
4.0-3.5
3.4-2.5
2.4-1.5
1.4-0.
0.0
(See the "Grading Scale" page for a more detailed grade distribution)
Exam #1 =
Exam #2 =
Exam #3 =
Exam #4 =
PsycPortal =
Total =
50 pts.
50 pts.
50 pts.
50 pts.
100 pts.
300 points
The grading scale is the same for everyone:
After all grades are in, students come to my office wanting me to make a new, easier,
grading scale just for them that does not apply to the rest of you.
These requests sound like this: “I only need one more point to get the next higher grade
… please.”
“If you give me the grade I earned, I can not get into the university.” “I
need a 2.0, or I will be deported.” “I will lose my financial aid.” “I forgot to take the test
when it was scheduled with everyone else, so can I take it now (several days later)?” “I
tried (or I learned a lot) so you should give me a higher grade.” “I had personal problems
during the quarter, so you should increase my grade.” I can not grade based on any of
these factors. You need to do the best you possibly can from the first day of class, and
feel confident the grade you receive at the end was the best you are capable of.
If you need help with anything, please see me. I want you to do very well in class and
have established many items to help you do so. These include: (1) the “How To Study”
sheet in this syllabus, (2) the online recordings, (3) the online power point slides, (4) the
text (5) the class questions, examples and discussions, (6) the study guides which come
from the tests, plus (7) my office hours if you need additional help understanding the
material. With all this support, please remember, the grading scale is the same for
everyone.
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Grading Scale
Total
Points
300 (100%)
299
298 4.0
297
296_____
295
294
293 3.9
292
291_____
290
289
288 3.8
287
286
285_____
284
283
282 3.7
281
280_____
279
278
277 3.6
276
275_____
274
273
272 3.5
271
270____(90%)
A
269
268 3.4
267_____
266
265 3.3
264_____
263
262 3.2
261_____
260
259 3.1
258_____
257
256 3.0
255_____
254
253 2.9
252_____
251
250 2.8
249_____
248
247 2.7
246_____
245
244 2.6
243_____
242
241 2.5
240____(80%)
B
239
238 2.4
237_____
236
235 2.3
234_____
233
232 2.2
231_____
230
229 2.1
228_____
227
226 2.0
225_____
224
223 1.9
222_____
221
220 1.8
219_____
218
217 1.7
216_____
215
214 1.6
213_____
212
211 1.5
210____(70%)
C
209
208 1.4
207_____
206
205 1.3
204
203_____
202
201 1.2
200
199_____
198
197 1.1
196
195_____
194
193 1.0
192
191_____
190
189 0.9
188
187_____
186
185 0.8
184
183_____
182
181 0.7
180____(60%)
179 0.0
D
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HOW TO STUDY
1. Read the chapter ahead of the lecture
A. Read the study guides first
B. Read the chapter review & the “Terms and Concepts to
Remember”
C. Scan the chapter and highlight the key concepts and terms
(in bold print and italics) that apply to the study guides
D. Underline definitions of terms in the text
E. Read the chapter
I. Ask yourself questions about each major heading
Turn headings into questions
II. Read just for the answer to the question
2. Come to “class” each day.
A. Look at the Course Calendar to see what topics are being
discussed that week.
B. Play the class presentation for that chapter
C. Take good notes
D. Compare the notes to the book to see what topics were discussed
in both class and text.
3. After class
A. Review notes quickly
B. Check off terms that were discussed in class from the, "Terms and
Concepts to Remember".
C. Answer the questions in the study guides to be sure you understand
the information.
Remember:
Anything in class or the book may be on the exam. However, this approach
will help you focus your study time on the material that is most apt to be on
the exam.
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PsycPortal Activities
NOTE: USE FIREFOX VERSION 3.5 OR 3.6. ALSO, USE THE PREVIOUS
VERSION OF INTERNET EXPLORER, VERSION 7.0, NOT THE CURRENT V.8.
Or, in Explorer V. 8, you can change to: Tools > “Compatibility view” if that is easier.
*********************************************************************
PsycPortal contains assignments which are either video programs, or tutorials to help you
understand the material. You either listen to the video or complete the tutorial and
answer the two to five related multiple choice questions. The tutorials have five
questions, and the videos have 2-3 questions.
Log in for the first time:
Go to the PsycPortal website at : http://courses.bfwpub.com/psych.php
Put in your access code (in the cardboard package that came with your text).
Follow the directions to log in.
Completing the tutorials:
1. Go to the calendar at the back of the syllabus to see when to do each activity.
2. Log into PsycPortal
3. Click on ”Assignments”
4. Click on “PsycSim5 Tutorials (name of lesson)
The first lesson (Correlation) is a trial lesson to enable you to get familiar
with the system, and can possibly give you five extra credit points.
5. Read the tutorial and do the activities as you go through it. You do not need to
complete the essay questions, just click “Next”.
6. When you finish the tutorial, close that, and go back to the lesson and click on
“PsycSim5Quizzes (name of lesson), and take the five point quiz. You may try
this trial quiz unlimited times, and the grade book will record your highest score.
However, with the other quizzes, you will only be able to take it once. Please
notice the time limit. Your quiz will be stopped and recorded when your time
limit is up.
Completing the Video activities
1. Click on the name of the lesson.
2. Listen to the video.
3. Take the related 2-3 point quiz.
PsycPortal Assignments:
The assignments are available (and can be done) from the beginning of the quarter
until the last day as indicated in the course calendar. If you do not complete them by the
end of the quarter, you will not receive credit, and there is no make-up for these. I
encourage students to do them while they are being discussed in class, as indicated in the
course calendar at the end of this syllabus. Also, this avoids waiting until the last minute,
and doing them all on the last day.
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Suggested discussion questions
(Found within Course Resources > Chapter Titles)
Past classes have suggested I post some questions to spark a discussion. Therefore, I will
post some questions to discuss and consider. You are welcome to discuss some, all, or
none of my questions. My preference is that you come up with your own questions to
discuss based on your own interests related to particular topics being discussed in the
class. As in the classroom, there is no specific credit given for discussions.
Here are some items I would like to mention regarding my input.
1. The postings are primarily for student interaction on topics of concern to you.
Therefore, I consider my input as secondary back-up topics to consider either if it is
something you have not thought about before that is interesting to you, or if you cannot
think of a topic to discuss.
2. My questions will not be “academic” questions with a correct answer to look up.
Instead, they will be more critical thinking questions.
3. My experience has been that when I answer or comment on my own questions, it tends
to be seen as the “correct” answer, and reduces further discussion. Therefore, I will not
necessarily answer or comment of what I put up for discussion. These are designed to
create student discussion and interaction. However, I do read every posting.
General rules for discussions:
1. You are free to discuss any topic you wish related to the class as long as it is respectful
to all members of the class, and makes a positive contribution to the class.
2. You are free to include as much (or as little) personal information as you wish.
3. Any postings discussed outside of class should never be attached to an individual
person’s name.
4. In general, it is best to post questions or comments related to the current topics being
presented that week.
Remember, just as you are not required to talk in class (and do not receive credit for
simply talking) the same applies here. However, discussions among students often make
the class more interesting.
Have fun!!
Ask questions, or join in other discussion threads.
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How to print power Point slides:
You can save paper by printing three or six slides per page.
If you want to print out the slides, and do not have PowerPoint on your computer :
Most computers with Microsoft Office software will be able to view Power Points and
play WMA recordings. If you do not, here are some places that will help.
Here are links for the PowerPoint viewer. I believe these are free downloads.
Power Point Viewer for a PC
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=428D5727-43AB-4F2490B7-A94784AF71A4&displaylang=en#Requirements
PowerPoint viewer for the Mac
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=e25cb1e5-209c-4a58b283-23e84b616477&DisplayLang=en
Another cross platform product that can play PowerPoint slides:
I also understand the free download called Open Office has a section called Impress that
will play PowerPoint presentations. It also can be used on a PC. or a Mac. This can be
found at: http://www.openoffice.org/
20
Course Calendar
General Psychology 100 DL
This calendar is based on a campus class meeting three days a week, and is a
general guideline. You may schedule your time any way you wish. The exams and
PsycPortal activities are available until the last day of class as indicated in the Course
Calendar in the syllabus. However, they are best completed according to the schedule
below.
The PsycPortal activities (T & V): “T” = Tutorial, “V” = Video.
DATE
April 4
6
8
11
13
15
18
20
22
25
27
29
May 2
4
6
9
11
13
16
Introduction + Print and read Syllabus
Sign up for PsycPortal with access code attached to book. Be
sure you are registered with the correct email.
Thinking Critically (Ch.1)
T – Correlation ( Extra Credit)
V- Schacter’s Affiliation Experiment
T – What’s wrong with this study?
Biology of the Brain (Ch.2)
V – Neural Communication
T – Hemispheric Specialization
Consciousness and the two-Track Mind (Ch.3)
T – EEG & Sleep Stages
T-Your Mind on Drugs
V – Hypnosis
Nature, Nurture (Ch.4)
V – Casual Sex
Review Text, Lectures, Power Points, & Diagrams
EXAM #1
Development & Life Span (Ch.5)
T – Cognitive Development
V – Piaget’s Conservation
Sensation and Perception (Ch.6)
V – Visual Attention
V – Upside Down World
Learning (Ch.7)
T – Classical Conditioning
T – Operant conditioning
T – Monkey See, Monkey Do
Memory (Ch.8)
V – Creating False Memories
Review Text, Lectures, Power Points, & Diagrams
Exam #2
Thinking and Language (Ch.9)
V – Can Chimpanzees Plan Ahead?
Intelligence (Ch.10)
T – Get Smart
Motivation (Ch.11)
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18
20
23
25
27
30
June 1
3
6
8
10
13
15
T – Hunger and the Fat Rat
V – Homosexuality and Nature / Nurture
Emotion, Stress, and Health (Ch.12)
T – Catching Liars
V – Emotion=Arousal Interpretation
Review Text, Lectures, Power Points, & Diagrams
EXAM #3
Personality (Ch.13)
V – Personality and the Brain
Psychological Disorders (Ch. 14)
Psychological Disorders (Ch. 14)
V – Post Partum Psychosis
V – Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Therapy (Ch.15)
Therapy (Ch.15)
V – Early Treatment of Mental Disorders
T – Mystery Therapist
Social Psychology (Ch.16)
V – Stanford Prison Experiment
V – Milgram’s Obedience Study
V – Whom do we help?
Review Text, Lectures, Power Points, & Diagrams
EXAM #4
End of class – Exam and PsycPortal turn off at 9:00 pm. No
exceptions.
Above dates may vary
May 27th. is the last day to withdraw