Instructor: Terry Johanssen
Fall Term, PSY 101: Introduction to Psychology
Office: B-123
T, Thu 9:30 a.m.
Phone: 555-551-2345
Office Hours: MWF 11:00 a.m.—12:30 p.m.
e-mail: terry.johanssen@usacollege.edu
http://www.collegeusa.edu/johanssen/psy101/
Course Materials: Ana Author, An Introduction to Psychology 3/Edition
Course Objectives:
1. Describe fundamental concepts, principles, and theories of general psychology
2. Explain the origin of psychology as a science of human behavior.
4. Identify and practice the process of research in psychology.
5. Describe and discuss developmental theories in psychology
SCHEDULE: PSYCHOLOGY 101
Week 1: 9/20 – 9/24
9/21: Introduction. Syllabus, class expectations.
9/23: Chapter 1: (Read pp. 4 – 31)
Week 2: 9/27 – 10/1
9/28: Cont. Ch 1
9/30: Cont. Ch. 1 (Lab Experiment #1--in class)
Week 3: 10/4—10/8
10/ 5 Test #1 – The Learning Process
10/7: Chapter 2, Biology & Psychology: (Read pp. 46 – 47)
Week 4: 10/11 – 10/15
10/12: Cont. Ch. 2: (Read pp. 52-71)
10/14: Cont. Ch. 2: FILMS: A tour of the brain; Phineas Gage. (Group video project outline due.)
Week 5: 10/18 – 10/22
10/19: Test #2 – Biology & Psychology
10/21: Chapter 3, Life Span. (Read pp. 96 – 112)
Week 6: 10/25 – 10/29
10/26: Cont. Ch 3: FILM. The contributions of Ainsworth and Bowlby
10/29: Group Film Project due. Lab Experiment #2—in class
Week 7: 11/1 – 11/5
11/2: Cont. Ch 3 (Read pp. 106 – 134)
11/4: Cont. Ch 3
Week 8: 11/8 – 11/12
11/9: Chapter 4, Aspects of Perception: (Read pp. 174 – 181)
11/11: Test # 3 – Life Span Development
Week 9: 11/15 – 11/19
11/16: Chapter 5, States of Consciousness: (Read pp. 191 – 211).
11/18: Cont. Ch.5: FILM. Sleep patterns in college students
Week 10: 11/22 – 11/23
(Thanksgiving holiday)
11/23: Test #4 – Consciousness
Week 11:
11/29 – 12/3
11/30: Chapter 6, Disorders: (Read pp. 234 – 257)
12/2:
Lab Experiment #3—in class
Week 12: LAST OFFICIAL CLASS DAY!
12/7 – Chapter 12, Gender & Sexuality: (Read pp. 441 – 462) (Lab Reports #1—3 due at start of class.)
FINAL EXAM DAYS – December 8th – 10th.
Final Exam: December 9th, Chap. 6, Psychological Disorders & Chap. 12, Gender and Human Sexuality
*Note: Some chapters may be substituted based on both time and student interest.
Please complete your readings prior to class attendance. This is most helpful to both the instructor, yourself,
other students, and the learning environment in general! I often call on students for their interpretation of the
class readings. Several missed attempts will lead to a lower grade in this class.
*Test Dates:
#1: October 5th:
Test 1: Intro and Learning Theories
#2: October 19:
Test 2: Biology & Psychology
#3: November 11th:
Test 3: Life Span Development
#4: November 23rd:
Test 4: Consciousness
#5 FINAL December 9. Test 5: Disorders, Gender and Sexuality
**Any make-up learning check tests will be given at the discretion of the instructor and will take place
during the final week of class. Please do not ask for a make-up test because you missed the scheduled date. To
be given consideration for a possible make-up-exam, you will need to do the following: (1) Write a paragraph
explaining why you missed the opportunity to take the test. (2) Why you should be allowed to take a make-up.
(3) Which test you missed – the chapter, topic, and date. Any make-ups given will be a different test and of
higher difficulty. I would suggest that you NOT MISS EXAM DATES!
B. Participation
You will be expected to attend class regularly. You also will be given in-class assignments to complete. You can
receive 10 extra-credit points for completing all in-class assignments.
Grading
A. Grading Formula
Your final grade in this class will be based on the following formula:
 70% of the Final Grade: Scores on the Tests and Final Exam
 10% of the Final Grade: Participation: Attendance + Assignments
 10% Group Film Project
 10% Lab Report on Experiments
B. Extra Credit
Each of the tests will include two extra-credit questions and the Final will also include two, for a total of 10
extra-credit points in the class. This, plus the 10 points given for the in-class assignments, total 20 extra-credit
points for the term.
No Other Extra Credit Will Be Given.
C. Grading Scale
The grading scale for this course is:
 A--90%
 B--81%
 C--70%
 D--55%
Because I provide opportunities to earn extra–credit points, I am VERY strict about these cut-offs.
If you give me your permission, I will e-mail test scores and grades to you after each test. If you don't already
have an e-mail account, it is a simple matter to obtain one (go to, for example, www.gmail.com or
www.hotmail.com).
Withdrawal from the Course
There are two withdrawal dates to remember:
 The last day that you may withdraw without my signature is October 5th.
 The last day that you may withdraw with my signature is October 23rd.
(By this latter date, I will allow you to withdraw with a "W" if you have taken no more than two learning
check tests.)