Syllabus
PSYCHOLOGY 300
General Principles
Fall 2013
Instructor:
Phone:
Email:
Sylvia S. Spencer, Ph.D.
(916) 286-3602, ext. 2823
spences@scc.losrios.edu
Campus: Sacramento City College Main
Division: Behavioral/Social Science, BSS
Dean:
Frank Malaret Ph.D.
Instructor's Website: http://web.scc.losrios.edu/spences
Mailbox Location: RN 226
COURSE INFORMATION
Title:
Course Code:
Units:
Semester:
Time:
Text:
Supplies:
Psychology 300, General Principles
16060
3
Fall 2013
Tuesday and Thursdays 5:30p.m. to 6:50p.m. Room RS 263
Psychology l0th Edition, by David G. Myers
882- Scantron (qty. 4), #2 pencil
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Student Learning Outcomes, Goals and Objectives upon completion of this course, the student
will be able to:
 utilize critical thinking strategies to differentiate between scientifically derived
knowledge and popular beliefs about psychological topics.
 demonstrate a basic understanding of the various psychological research methods and
their applications.
 demonstrate knowledge of the various subject areas of psychology.
 evaluate the various theoretical and research perspectives in psychology.
 examine applications of psychological concepts, theories, and research findings to
personal, interpersonal, occupational, and social or community contexts.
 utilize the basic elements of American Psychological Association (APA) style in writing
papers and citing references.
 examine the role that culture and diversity plays in the various aspects of human
behavior.
• evaluate the relative influences of biological and enviromnental factors on behavior and
mental processes.
• awaken and develop in the student a genuine interest in psychology as a basic attempt to
obtain a scientific understanding of psychiatric disorders, treatment, and therapy.
Course Prerequisite: This course is not recommended for students entering their first college
semester. Students MUST be able to read and understand the textbook. Therefore, it is advised
that students should be taking (or have completed) English IA, 57 or ESL 3B/4B. ESL students
may use a dictionary during tests.
Contributions to General Education: Introduction to an area of knowledge that will aid the
student in understanding him/herself and others. The student will learn to apply scientific
methods to behavioral problems including anatomical and biological descriptions.
Catalog Description: This course is an introduction to the scientific study of human behavior.
Students will be introduced to foundation principles and current trends in the field of
psychology. Concepts that are explored include methods of psychological inquiry, the biological
basis of behavior, sensation, perception, states of consciousness, learning, memory, cognition,
motivation, emotion, stress and health, personality, developmental psychology, psychological
disorders, psychotherapy, and social psychology. This course is designed for psychology majors,
behavioral and social science majors, and other students who desire a broad overview of the
field.
Course Overview: This exciting and infonnative psychology course will take the students on an
exploratory journey which covers a broad range of behavioral topics, and explores scientifically
based biological, neuro-scientific, social-environmental and interpersonal-personality challenges.
This will also include key studies that have shaped the science of psychology. The course
discusses aspects of psychology that many students never assumed were part of psychology, such
as the functioning of various parts of the brain and how it affects behavior. This course is
especially appropriate for potential psychology majors, nursing majors and other students
wanting a comprehensive and transfer-level introductory course.
This class combines lectures, films, demonstrations, three (3) announced quizzes and small
group work, all of which is designed to help students learn, grow, and pass exams. All class
handouts will be available to students who miss a class.
Methods of Instruction: Lectures, discussions, guest speakers, demonstrations of adult concepts,
films, tapes, student research paper, research paper sharing and short reaction assignments..
Methods ofEvaluation: Assignments, three (3) in class group chapter quizzes/exercises (67
pts), topic research (35 pts), research sharing (15 pts), reaction assignments (10 pts), and
four (4) exams (408 pts). Exams will consist of multiple choice and true/false questions.
Students will also participate in group exercises and discussions.
Extra Credit: Students can earn 10 extra credit points by scheduling and going to a
campus library orientation and receiving a fonn from the library to obtain credit, OR
complete the Sacramento City College on line computer research modules entitled
(PILOT). Upon completion the results will automatically be sent to the instructor. Extra
credit projects are discouraged. However, if anticipated, students are required to submit a
written request to the instructor. This written request must include reasons for needing the
extra credit and a complete outline of the project that the student wants to submit for the
additional credit. It must be submitted and approved before, Tuesday, October 1, 2013.
Grading Procedures: Letter grades based on points are earned in this course. All aspects of
the course will be weighed and will contribute towards your final grade.
All tests, quizzes, assignments, research paper, and the topic assignment are required for
completion of the course.
If a student is absent on the night of a test the instructor must be contacted and the student
must take the test before the next class meeting.
All late assignments/reaction papers turned in after one week of the due date will receive
half credit. [EXAMPLE: For a Tuesday-Thursday class a paper due on Tuesday may be
turned in on Thursday with no penalty, but any paper received after that will receive half
credit unless otherwise announced by the instructor. For a Tuesday once a week class,
papers must be turned in on or before the following Monday at noon.]
NO PAPERS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2013. THIS
INCLUDES LATE OR PAPERS TO BE RE-WRITTEN OR RESUBMITTED. PLEASE
NOTE!!!
The topic research paper must be turned in as scheduled on this syllabus.
Otherwise, an additional 5
point penalty will be assessed for each class day after the due
date.
Grade Distribution: Reaction papers
In class group chapter
quizzes/exercises
Topic Research Paper & Sharing
Four (4) tests
Total
approx.
10
62
50
408
530
pts
pts
pts
pts
pts
Attendance: Roll call will be in the form of a sign-in sheet, quiz, and/or other methods. Even if
you are absent, assignments are still due when requested and points will be deducted for late
papers. If you do miss a class, it is your responsibility to obtain any materials you missed,
including notes from a classmate or handouts. Students who leave class early, without noti:fying
the instructor, will forfeit attendance and quiz points for that day.
According to the college attendance policy (2013) in the SCC catalog: "A student having
excessive absences may be dropped from any class by the instructor any time during the
semester." An excessive absence is defmed as the number of absences equal to the number of
weekly meetings of a class, plus one. Because this is a twice a week class, 3 absences will be
allowed.
Arriving late is not only rude, it is disruptive. Leaving class early is not acceptable. If you have
other business that conflicts with class hours, please do not come to class.
***All cell phones and I Pod's must be turned off during class. Absolutely no text messaging
will be allowed at anytime. Do not bring chewing gum into the classroom. Crackling wrappers
and popping chewing gum are annoying disturbances. Your courtesy is greatly appreciated.
CHEATING POLICY
Honor code for Students at Sacramento City College: In order to provide a quality education for
all students the integrity of the learning process must be maintained. It is important that all
students understand exactly what is expected and what is considered inappropriate during the
teaching/learning process.
Cheating: Cheating is the act of obtaining or attempting to obtain credit for academic work
through the use of dishonest, deceptive, or fraudulent means. Cheating includes the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Copying from someone else's test.
Submitting work that is not your own.
Submitting work presented previously in another course, if contrary to the rules of either
course.
Altering or interfering with grading.
Using material during an exam that is not allowed.
Consulting with someone other than the instructor during an exam.
Committing other acts that defraud or misrepresent.
Plagiarism: Plagiarism is representing the work of someone else's as your own and submitting it
for any purpose. Plagiarism includes the following:
1.
2.
3.
Incorporating the ideas, works, sentences, paragraphs, or parts of another person's
writings, without giving appropriate credit, and representing the product as your own
work.
Representing another's artistic/scholarly work as your own.
Submitting a paper purchased from a research or term paper service.
OTHER ACTS OF DISHONESTY
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Purposely allowing another student to copy from you during a test.
Giving your homework, term paper, or other academic work to another person to
plagiarize.
Having another student submit work in your name.
Lying to an instructor to improve your grade.
Altering grade work after it has been returned to you, then resubmitting the work for regrading.
Removing a test from the classroom.
Stealing test(s).
Forging signatures.
Consequences of Dishonesty: Depending on the seriousness of the infraction, the following
may occur as a result of the dishonesty.
•
•
•
•
•
Receiving a failing grade on the test or paper.
Have a course grade lowered.
Receive an "F" in the course.
Be placed on disciplinary probation or suspension.
Be expelled.
Special Accommodations: During the course of the year, many students will utilize prearranged
accommodations. If you are a student with a learning disability, physical disability or require
special needs, please let me know as soon as possible if you need special accommodations.
These kinds of confidential discussions are best handled by telephone or by special appointment.
You can expect confidentiality and cooperation regarding any circumstances and needs that have
been verified through the disability centers on campus.
Note:
•
•
•
Some "on-campus" support services recommended to assist students in this course are:
Learning Center
Library
Reading Lab
CLASS SCHEDULE
Tuesday
August 27
Introduction, topic assignments, guideline handouts
Assignments: Topic Research Selection
Brain Reaction Paper
Thursday
August 29
Course Overview / Study Skills
Tuesday
September 3
Study skills con’t. Chapter 1: Thinking Critically with
Psychological Science and Handout
Thursday
September 5
Chapter 1: Thinking Critically with Psychological Science
handout
RESEARCH IN CLASS QUIZ
Tuesday
September 10
Chapter 2: The Biology of Mind. Brain Reaction Paper
Thursday
September 12
Chapter 2: The Biology of Mind continued
Video
Tuesday
September 17
Chapter 2: The Biology of Mind continued
Brain Reaction Paper Due
Thursday
September 19
Chapter 6: Sensation and Perception
Tuesday
September 24
Chapter 6: Sensation and Perception continued
Thursday
September 26
TEST 1: Chapters 2 and 6
Tuesday
October 1
Chapter 11 Motivation and Work:
IN CLASS GROUP QUIZ
Thursday
October 3
Ch. 3: Consciousness and the Two Track Mind
Tuesday
October 8
Ch. 3: Consciousness and the Two-Track Mind continued.
Critical paper on learning
Thursday
October 10
Chapter 7: Learning
Tuesday
October 15
Chapter 7: Learning continued
Video Critical Learning Paper Due!
Thursday
October 17
Chapter 8: Memory
Tuesday
October 22
Chapter 8: Memory continued. Thursday
2: Ch. 3, 7 and 8
October 23
TEST
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Tuesday
October 29
Research Topic Assignment – Written Paper Due at the
beginning of class
Chapter 14: Social Psychology IN CLASS GROUP QUIZ
Thursday
October 31
Chapter 5: Developing Through the Life Span
Tuesday
November 5
Chapter 5: Developing Through the Life Span continued
Thursday
November 7
Chapter 5: Developing Through the Life Span continued
Tuesday
November 12
LAST DAY TO DROP
Chapter 5: Developing Through the Life Span continued
Thursday
November 14
Chapter 13: Personality
Tuesday
November 19
Chapter 13: Personality continued
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
November 28 – December 1
Tuesday
November 26
Topic Sharing
Thursday
November 28
Topic Sharing continued
Tuesday
December 3
Chapter 15: Psychological Disorders
Thursday
December 5
Chapter 15: Psychological Disorders continued
Tuesday
December 10
Chapter 16: Therapy
Thursday
December 12
Chapters 16 Therapy
Review
Tuesday
December 17
TEST 4 (Final Exam)
5:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Chapters 15 and 16
**PLEASE NOTE!!: Student participation in topic sharing and corresponding written
assignment are part of the Final Exam process and must be completed in order to satisfy the
requirements of the course. Students are required to be present during all of the topic sharing days. If
absent or tardy, the student must prove competency in the topics presented during their absence by
completing a two-page paper on each topic that was missed. This is part of the topic assignment and is
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also required for completion of the course. Please talk to the instructor prior to the assigned
psychological discussions if you have any questions regarding this issue.
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