Prince George’s Community College
Syllabus for Psychology of Personality and Adjustment
Course:
Psychology of Personality and Adjustment 201
Section 1460
3 Credits
Dates:
Spring Semester: January 22 – May 10, 2004
Instructor:
Dr. Dawn K. Lewis
E-mail address:
lewisdk@pgcc.edu
(I check my e-mail daily.)(Be sure to put PSY201PGCC in the
subject line.)
Office Phone Number:(301) 386-7587
Meeting Time:
T-Th 11:00-12:15 p.m.
Room Marlboro Hall 2062
Office Location:
Marlboro Hall 2064
Office Hours:
M
1:00-4:00 p.m.
W
1:00-3:00 p.m.
Please feel free to arrange an appointment if my office schedule is inconvenient. Also,
you may drop in if you like. I always like to see my students!
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Prerequisite: Psychology 101. This course will examine
issues related to the psychology of adjustment. We will examine those issues from the
theoretical and research vantage points. Practical applications related to each topic will
be explored.
COURSE OBJECTIVES/GOALS:
The objective of Psychology of Personality and Adjustment is to provide a broad survey
of the basic content of psychology and its methodology. Lectures, discussion,
demonstrations and audio-visual presentations may be utilized. By the end of the
semester, the student should be able to:
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Describe the psychology of adjustment and how it relates to scientific psychology.
Understand scientific methodology.
List the major tenets of the four basic perspectives of personality.
Identify factors influencing stress and stress tolerance.
Describe at least two coping techniques.
Explain the components of the self-concept.
Discuss self-regulation and self-presentation.
Explain techniques used in persuasion.
Identify principles of communication and the role of nonverbal behavior.
Differentiate between friendship and love.
Discuss the family in the 21st century.
Identify biological and environmental origins of gender differences.
Explain Erikson’s theory of adjustment.
Discuss models of career choice.
Identify major categories of psychological disorder.
Identify the core components of the various schools of therapy.
Apply psychological principles to everyday life.
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COURSE MATERIALS:
Weiten, W. & Lloyd, M.A. (2003) Psychology applied to modern life: Adjustment in the
21st century. 7th Ed. California: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning.
Additional course readings will be assigned by the instructor.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:
1.
You are expected to read the assigned text material before your scheduled class
so that you can bring up any questions you may have and participate in class discussion.
The time constraints of this course are such that your professor may not be able to cover
all of the assigned readings in class.
2.
In order to promote a positive learning environment for all students, you are
expected to conform to the College Code of Conduct as stated in the College Catalog.
Arriving late for class, talking in class, allowing beepers, phones and watches to have
audible signals, eating in class or using loud voices while in the hallways detracts from
other students’ ability to concentrate and learn. These behaviors are not acceptable. We
are confident you will continue to make every effort to ensure positive learning
opportunities for all.
3.
Academic honesty is expected in all work. Cheating on examinations will lead to
strict disciplinary action. In any written work, cite all references for ideas which are not
your own or considered common knowledge.
GRADING INFORMATION:
Grading and assignments are designed to tap into a variety of strengths and skills. This
means that there are many ways to succeed in this course. The grade in the course will be
determined as follows:
1.
Three Examinations
300
2.
Written Assignment - Journal
100
3.
In-Class Group Demonstration of Course Competency
100
in Small Group Exercises
4.
Group Presentation
100
5.
Final Exam
75
Total
675 points
The following grading scale will be employed:
A = (90% and above) 608-675
B = (80% and above) 607-540
C = (70% and above) 539-473
D = (60% and above) 472-405
F = (59% and below) 404 and below
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PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS:
1. Class Participation: Class participation exhibits your breadth and depth of
knowledge learned as well as the ability to raise thought provoking questions. All
students are strongly encouraged to participate in class. Your attendance at class
meetings is expected. To be successful, you must keep up with the assigned readings
and be prepared to discuss them in class.
2. Examinations: Demonstrate competency on three examinations. Each
examination will consist of multiple choice, short-answer essay, and/or long-answer
essay questions that are based on class lectures, presentations, discussions, and audiovisual material. All examinations are “closed book” and “closed notes” so
preparation and study are extremely important. Examinations will be administered as
scheduled; please refer to the schedule of course content.
If you take all tests on time, you will not have to make up any tests. You will only be
able to make up one test. The final is cumulative. It is strongly recommended
that students do not miss tests. If you miss 2 tests, you will only be allowed to
make up one test – regardless of the reason. I must also be notified prior to the
start of the exam as well if consideration is to be given. Lateness will result in less
time to complete the exam. Make sure to be on time for tests.
3. Final Exam: The final examination serves the useful purpose of evaluating the
knowledge you gained for the course. The final exam is “closed book” and “closed
notes” so preparation and study are extremely important. It will consist of multiple
choice questions only. The final exam will be cumulative.
The exam will consist of concepts, definitions and theories you should remember
when you have finished this course.
A grade of I (Incomplete) can only be given for verifiable medical reasons (I will
ask for details – a note saying you are sick will not be sufficient) or for
documented circumstances beyond your control (this does NOT mean a dead car
battery but some severe incident). Documents must be in writing and will be verified.
Additionally, it is my choice to give or not give the “I”. The Dean
must also approve all Incompletes. He seldom does so. DO NOT ASSUME you
will be granted one. If you miss a test during the semester and then do not take the
scheduled makeup, you will receive a 0 (zero) on that test. You will not receive an
Incomplete.
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4. Written Assignment: A written assignment is included as a part of your course
requirement not only to enhance your learning opportunities in Psychology but to
utilize and improve your writing skills. The ability to communicate in written form at
a college level will serve you not only in your future academic work, but increase
your marketability in your chosen career and hopefully enhance your chances of
survival in an increasingly complex society. It is hoped that by reading short articles,
chapters in books and/or attending lectures, you will broaden your exposure to, arouse
your interest in and increase your knowledge of psychology.
In order to successfully complete these assignments, you may need to use the library.
Knowing where to find information or how to research information is almost as
valuable a tool as having the facts in your head. The library staff is available and
most willing to work with you to help you learn how to access information and
material via the card catalog, microfilm, or computer.
Your written assignment is to find articles related to psychology that report on some
topic from the textbook. Students will read each article and then in 75-100 words,
summarize the article. You are then to discuss how the article is related to course
content, giving the relevant chapter. This part should include a reaction to the article
and should be 150-200 words.
Either cut out the article or photocopy it and tape it to a sheet of notepaper. On a
sheet of paper in front of the article, write the title of the article, source of article and
date of source. Then write your summary and reaction. This sheet must be typed.
Students’ journal must include 15 articles.
Journal Assignment:
The purpose of the journal is to have you integrate the theories that we discuss in
class with what we see in the news. Since this course focuses on the applications of
psychology, it is important that students demonstrate their critical thinking skills in
this area.
The journal requires students to read the newspaper daily in order to find articles with
implication for psychology. Merely reading headlines will not suffice. Few articles
will use the word psychology directly. You will be looking for implications, thus you
will not find articles that are specifically psychology.
Requirements:
1.
15 articles. Articles must be ORIGINAL articles. No internet
copies may be used. (It is too easy to use search engines to locate
articles on the internet; this defeats the critical thinking purpose of
the assignment.)
2.
Summary of each article.
3.
Implications of article. Discuss why the article would be of
interest to psychologists. Be sure to include course concepts and
chapters.
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Journal Checklist:
_________
Articles and critiques numbered, in order
Article and critiques should be numbered beginning with 1. Put number on both
article and critique/summary.
_________
Typed (printed on computer)
Summary/critique MUST be done on a computer or typewriter.
_________
Double-spaced
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Bound
Journal must be put into some sort of binder. It can be a folder with 3 hole
punches. Do NOT use those plastic folders with a plastic strip up the side.
_________
Title page/name included
A title page with your name must be on the cover or in the front of the journal.
_________
15 articles included
Original articles from newspapers and psychological journals must be used. No
photocopies or internet copies may be used. Make sure to cut out the entire article
or copy the article.
_________
7 of the articles must be articles from psychological journals
If you have questions about psychological articles, please ask the Professor.
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No more than 5 magazine articles
5 magazine articles may be used in place of newspaper articles. You must use the
original article and you MUST own the magazine out of which you cut it.
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No cartoons
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Photocopies of psychological articles are allowed
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Source of article and date listed
On the top of the page, you must list the name of the newspaper and the date on
which the article appeared.
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Article fully attached to paper
You must tape or staple the article to the paper so that it is not flopping around.
Long articles may be folded and attached.
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Article summarized
_________
Analysis (relevant chapter and content)
You must include the chapter and concept(s) relevant to your article. Concentrate
on the implications of the article.
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5. In-Class Group Demonstration of Course Competency in Small Group Exercises:
In-class demonstration of course competency in small group exercises provides you with
a continuous assessment of your learning progress in the course through didactic
activities. This includes active class debates and participation as well as small group
exercises.
6. Oral Presentation: You will be assigned to one group for the semester. It is
important that you attend class on a regular basis so as to contribute to your group’s
assignment. Your assignment is to work as a group summarizing a chapter from the text.
Your oral presentation should include handouts, audiovisual, or power point presentation,
etc. Be as creative as possible! Each group will evaluate all group presentations by
using a “feedback sheet”. The feedback sheets will be provided during the scheduled oral
presentations. Requirements for the oral presentation will be discussed in class in a
future class. In addition, the assigned dates for the group presentations will be distributed
later.
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COURSE SCHEDULE:
Week of:
January 22
January 27
January 29
February 3
February 5
February 10
February 12
February 17
February 19
February 24
February 26
March 2
March 4
March 9
March 11
March 16
March 18
March 23
March 25
March 30
Exams:
Readings/Assignment(s):
Introduction/Course Overview
Chapter 1: Adjusting to Modern Life
Chapter 1 Continued
Group Exercise
Chapter 2: Theories of Personality
Chapter 2: Continued
Group Exercise
Chapter 3 Stress and Its Effects
Chapter 3 Continued
Group Exercise
Chapter 4: Coping Processes
Chapter 4 Continued
***Examination 1***
Chapters 1-4
Group Exercise
Chapter 5: The Self
Chapter 5 Continued
Chapter 6: Social Thinking and Social Influence
Chapter 6 Continued
Chapter 7: Interpersonal Communication
Group Exercise
Chapter 7 Continued
Written Assignment Due
Chapter 8: Friendship and Love
Chapter 8 Continued
***Examination 2***
Chapters 5-8
Chapter 9: Marriage and Intimate Relationships
SPRING BREAK VACATION (4/1 – 4/11) NO CLASSES
April 13
Chapter 10: Gender and Behavior
April 15
Chapter 11: Development in Adolescence and
Adulthood
April 20
Chapter 12: Careers and Work
April 22
***Examination 3***
Chapters 9-12
April 27
Chapter 14: Psychology and Physical Health
April 29
Chapter 15: Psychological Disorders
April 29 Continued
***Final Exam Study Review Chapters 1-12, 14, 15, 16 (NOT CH. 13)
May 4
Chapter 16: Psychotherapy
May 6
***Final Exam (2:00 p.m.)
Chapters 1-12, 14, 15, 16 (NOT CH. 13)
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IMPORTANT DATES:
Monday, Feb. 16
Presidents’ Day – No Classes
Thursday, April 1 – Sunday, April 11
Spring Break – No Classes
Monday, April 12
Classes Resume
Thursday, May 6
Final Exam
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
All Written Assignments:
All written assignments are designed to enhance your learning of course materials. ALL
projects must be typed or done on a word processor. You must double-space your
work. Your paper must be stapled and should have a cover sheet with your name and
section number on it. Assignments are due at the beginning of class. Late assignments
will not be accepted unless arranged in advanced. All work should be saved to a
computer file or photocopied before submission. Points maybe deducted for work turned
in on a day other than the due date and your work may not be returned.
Pay attention to your writing skills as these figure into the final grade. Reference pages
must follow the American Psychological Association Style Manual. The Manual is
available in the library.
Here are some websites that may help you with writing APA Style:
http://www.psychwww.com/resource/apacrib.htm
http://www.uwm.edu/people/pcsmith/usergide.htm
http://www.Idl.net/~bill/aparev.htm
http://www.methods.fullerton.edu/appa.html
Attendance and Participation:
Attendance and punctuality are important if students expect to do well in this course (and
other courses). Please Be On Time For All Classes! Absence means the student misses
a great deal of information, which will not be retaught. Students are responsible for
finding out from other students what is covered in any missed classes and for any
announcements made. Therefore, students should make every effort to attend. In
addition, my teaching style requires that students participate in class activities and
discussions. Such attendance and participation may have an effect on the final grade.
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College Policies:
All college policies regarding student conduct, academic integrity and disability referrals
apply. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of such policies. For copies, check
the Student Handbook or contact the Office of Academic Advising. Students are also
responsible for knowing and following all College policies regarding registration,
withdrawals, etc.
Classroom Conduct:
Students are expected to observe the College code of conduct found in the PGCC Student
Handbook. Smoking and eating are not permitted in the classroom. There is to be no
sleeping in class! Disruptive students will not be tolerated and are subject to dismissal
procedures as outlined in the Handbook. While open discussion in this course is
encouraged, the differing opinions of others must be treated respectfully. All cell phones
and pagers must be turned off before you enter the classroom. Such items are
extremely distracting. You may keep them on vibrate, but under no circumstances
should a student speak on their mobile phone during a class or an exam.
Cheating is obviously unacceptable behavior and is grounds for failing the class. If you
cheat on any test or assignment, you will receive a 0 for that assignment/test. You will
not be allowed to make-up such an item. In addition, your behavior will be reported to
the Dean.
Students with Disabilities
Any student with a documented disability, including learning disabilities, that the student
feels may affect classroom performance should discuss the matter privately with their
instructor at the beginning of the semester so that reasonable accommodations can be
made. It is also recommended that students contact the Disability Support Services
Office (M-1042) or call (301) 322-0838 (voice) or (301) 322-0122 (TTY) for additional
assistance with classes and campus activities. Students must provide documentation of
disability when requesting academic accommodations and copies of their enrollment
confirmation (bill) with paid receipt. If you need accommodations, I must be notified by
the start of the second week of class.
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HELP! I’M IN TROUBLE!!??!!
1) Asking me for help in understanding concepts is also useful. You may do so by
coming to my office during office hours, scheduling an appointment, or by email.
(Another good reason to get email!)
2) You should plan on spending a minimum of 6-9 hours per week studying for this
course (not including extra time needed for projects or tests). This is outside of the
time spent in class. If you are not putting in this amount of time, re-evaluate your study
plan.
3) Do NOT wait until the week of any of the exams to seek help!!!
4) There is free assistance with helping you with your writing skills. Take advantage of
the services. You may get help with your writing skills by visiting the Writing
Center on the 3rd Floor of Accokeek Hall. To make a half-hour appointment, call
(301) 322-0748. The contact person is Abby Bandi at extension 0598.
5) There is free tutoring on campus. Take advantage of the services. You may also get
assistance with tutoring by visiting the Tutorial Center on the 3rd Floor of Accokeek
Hall. Lee Torento is the Coordinator of the Tutoring Center.