Psychology 101: Introduction to Psychology
Summer 2022
Section 1152
Syllabus & Resources
Course Description
This course is designed to introduce students to the themes of psychology - the
scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Contemporary theories and research
methods will be explored. Topics will include learning, memory, cognition, brain
physiology, and psychopathology.
Syllabus Revision Policy
As the instructor of the course, please note that I maintain the discretion to change this
syllabus as needed to maintain a productive and valuable learning experience for the
course. Majority vote may be solicited. I maintain sole discretion to cancel any
assignment over the duration of the course. Modifications will be posted on Canvas.
Student Performance Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Describe and analyze the various research methods guiding the scientific
study of psychological processes.
2. Distinguish and evaluate experimental and non-experimental research
methods that are adopted to study behavior and mental processes. Examine
the ethics involved in conducting research with humans and animals.
3. Categorize and explain the historical landmarks in the development of modern
psychological theories. Synthesize the perspectives about human nature, the
mind, and the brain.
4. Compare and contrast theories as they relate to specific areas of psychology
including learning, memory, personality, social interactions, cognitive
processes, motivation and emotion, psychopathology, and other related
psychological constructs.
5. Compare and contrast the central theories that are currently adopted to
describe, explain, predict, and modify mental processes and behavior.
6. Synthesize biological structures and functions.
7. Examine and describe the components of contemporary behavioral, social
learning, cognitive, psychodynamic, psychobiological and sociocultural
perspectives.
8. Integrate a range of cultural perspectives in relation to psychological
principles.
9. Discover the diverse careers and specialties within the field of psychology
Instructor: Debra Gleason
My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Office Hours: Online, request time to set up meeting with instructor
Canvas Inbox is the best way to contact instructor.
Email: dgleason@msjc.edu
Canvas Inbox is an email messaging system built directly into Canvas. This is the best
way to communicate with me, because this ensures that your messages are not mixed in
with other messages. It is the only system solely for instructor student communication. I
will try to answer your questions within 48 hours via canvas. Sometimes, if you message
me about a problem with the course shell, I may not respond, but I will post a global
announcement in the course letting the entire class know how the problem was
resolved. If you have cannot log into Canvas for any reason, you can email me directly.
However, please note that I do not guarantee that I will respond to direct emails because
Canvas Inbox is the recommended form of communication. If you send an email, please
ensure that you include your Section Number in the Subject Line as well as your full
name. If you are emailing me because you were accidentally dropped from the course or
cannot use Canvas Inbox for some reason, please indicate this in the subject line. Please
allow up to two business days to respond to all messages, email responses may be longer
as those are embedded in other college communications. Messages and Emails can be
sent at any time of day. Please know that my primary work week is Monday through
Thursday. Therefore, weekend communication is not assured. However, I will allow for
any adjustments to deadlines as needed if my delayed response in any way contributes
to a missed deadline.
General Course Information
The key to succeeding in any college course is effective reading and note taking.
Memory Research shows that more effective learning comes from Distributed Practice,
not cramming. Break your reading into bite size pieces so you do not forget all the
important information in the middle.
Additionally, try to process the information on a deeper level rather than just
skimming. Take notes while you read. Learn to make notes in your margins, identify key
terms and their corresponding definitions, and come up with examples from your
personal life that may relate. Ask yourself questions to check your understanding along
the way.
Classmates as a Resource
Classmates are among your best learning resources. Help each other, challenge each
other, and have fun with each other! You will have plenty of opportunities to interact
with your classmates. Get each other’s contact information and build a learning network
for yourself.
Required Text
Open Stax ISBN-10 1938168356 9 (This is a free open-source textbook if you use the
pdf version online.) Open Stax Psychology Textbook (Links to an external site.) (Links to
an external site.) (Links to an external site.)
Required Technology
A computer with internet access, Canvas access, a speaker, and Supported
Browsers. Please use the following link for a full list of supported browsers. Supported
Browsers.
You must be able to interface with Adobe (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external
site.) (Links to an external site.), Word (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external
site.) (Links to an external site.), Excel (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external
site.) (Links to an external site.), and PowerPoint. (Links to an external site.) (Links to an
external site.) (Links to an external site.)
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Total Points Breakdown
Points
Coursework
Total Points
Check-in
10
Syllabus quiz
15
Discussion Boards
150
Weekly Assignments
300
Mid-term
50
Quizzes
375
Project
100
Final
50
Total Points
1050
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Grading Criteria
A = 90% and above
B = 80-89.9%
C = 70-79.9%
D = 60-69.9%
F = below 60%
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Week 1-(June 20-26) Introductions, Chapters 1,2,3
Week 2-(June 27-July 3): Chapters 4, 5, 6 mid-term assigned
Week 3-(July 5- 10): Chapters 7, 8 mid-term due
Week 4-(July 11-17): Chapters 9, 10, 11
Week 5-(July 18-24): Chapters 12, 14, 15
Week 6- (July 25-28): Chapter 16, Final and Project-Pamphlet
*All Discussion Boards initial post are due on Thursday 11:59pm each week then replies
are due by Sunday 11:59pm of each week
*All quizzes are due Sunday at 11:59pm each week
*Weekly assignments Due Sunday 11:59pm each week
*Final and Pamphlet are Due July 28, 2022 at 11:59pm
*No work will be accepted after July 28, 2022 at 11:59 pm
Gradebook
All grades will be posted on CANVAS. Please use CANVAS to ensure you have been
given credit for all submitted work. However, there may be additional postings that
factor into the total points possible on CANVAS, but which will not directly impact your
grade. Additionally, CANVAS does not account for any point adjustments associated
with (example) extra credit adjustments. Therefore, CANVAS is not used to determine
your final grade, it serves merely as a storage area for all points accumulated for various
assignments. Your final grade will be determined by the total points earned as reflected
on CANVAS, divided by the total points possible, as reflected on the final syllabus posted
on CANVAS.
Late Work & Missing Work Policy
Deadlines are important in this class, but emergencies arise and life happens.
Assignments, which include all items worth points in this course, will usually have the
late and missing work policy described within the assignment on Canvas. In general,
there will be a 10% late penalty for assignments submitted after the due date. After a
week, the late penalty may be increased to a total maximum of 20% off. The maximum
late penalty will not be more than 20%. I will specifically state that in the assignment
page on Canvas. If there are three or more missing assignments, a student may be
dropped from the course. Please reach out to me as soon as possible if you know you
will not be able to participate in the course for more than a few days.
Instructor Drops & Student Drops
If a student intends to drop, it is the responsibility of the student to drop from the course
through Self-Service. Students who are missing three or more assignments or who have
not participated in the course for two weeks may be dropped from the course by the
instructor. If you are dropped and that was not your intention, please notify me by email
(dgleason@msjc.edu) as soon as possible to request a course reinstatement, which will
require working with enrollment services. Please contact me as soon as possible if you
are not going to be able to participate in the course for more than a week. Any absences
before census may result in you being dropped. Please note that I maintain discretion in
dropping students for lack of attendance or participation in the course on an ongoing
basis. However, you bear full responsibility for the consequences of any Instructor Drop
including those that may impact scholarships, financial aid, transcripts, program
requirements, and others that may apply. Ultimately it is your responsibility to maintain
active participation in the course, and your grade will reflect your efforts. Additionally,
you bear full responsibility to drop the course within appropriate timeframes should I not
process a drop on your behalf. Please monitor deadlines and your progress accordingly.
Withdrawal
Withdrawing from the course is ultimately the student's responsibility. If you stop
attending, you must drop the course via self-service or you may receive an "F" at the end
of the semester. Please see Summer Class Schedule for deadlines that may apply or
contact Enrollment Services for specific dates.
Schedule
This course will be taught in learning modules, which will include one or more chapters
relevant to a specific topic. Each chapter will include a Discussion Board and Weekly
assignment to help you apply the material and better understand the concepts. You will
then have a Quiz for each module. Also, you will have a mid-term, project and final.
Specific due dates for assignments, exams, and special projects will be posted on
CANVAS within the applicable Module. Please note that the instructor reserves the right to
make changes to the schedule as needed throughout the semester. Any changes to due dates
or exam times will be posted on Canvas.
Announcements
Announcements will be made throughout the course. There will be periodic
announcements about the course and to provide added clarification needed on any
assignments, topics, or issues. Announcements will also be used to inform the class of
any special events and extra credit opportunities. Please ready announcements carefully.
Goals and Learning Outcomes
Institutional Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of a degree or certificate from MSJC, student will have the
following skills:
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Communication Skills: Students will effectively express and exchange ideas
through listening, speaking, reading, writing, visual works, and other modes of
interpersonal expression
Critical Thinking: Students will be able to analyze problems, gather and
synthesize relevant information, evaluate ideas, information, and
evaluate alternative points of view to create, innovate, and
implement effective solutions.
Aesthetic Awareness: Students will identify and evaluate how aesthetic
expression leads to an appreciation of social and cultural context, as well as
the values of art and nature.
Social Awareness: Students will recognize and analyze the interconnectedness
of global, national, and local concerns, analyzing cultural, political, social, and
environmental issues from multiple perspectives, and to appreciate similarities
and differences among cultures
Cultural Awareness and Humility: Students will demonstrate knowledge of
and sensitivity toward individuals of diverse ethnicity age, gender, sexual
orientation, and religious affiliations, as well as toward those individuals with
diverse ability and social economic classes to respectfully interact with
individuals of diverse perspectives, beliefs, and values, while being mindful of
the limitations of their own cultural frameworks.
Civic, Personal, and Professional Responsibility: Students will apply decision
making skills which demonstrate ethical and professional responsibility and
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become independent learners who understand and express the lifelong skills
necessary for physical social, economic, mental, and emotional health.
Scientific Awareness: Students will use the scientific method of inquiry to
assess potential solutions for real life challenges by employing science-based
knowledge and methodologies in daily life.
Information and Technology Literacy: The student will access, interpret,
evaluate, and apply relevant information sources and digital media effectively,
and in an ethical and legal manner.
Program Learning Outcomes
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Students will produce arguments or projects that apply psychological training,
while demonstrating their ability to listen to others with understanding and
empathy and think interdependently.
Students will illustrate healthy self-awareness and metacognitive abilities,
which demonstrate their commitment to persist in their current and lifelong
learning pursuits.
Students will design projects or research studies illustrating their ability to
question ideas, think critically and flexibly, and formulate sound decisions
based on their analysis, while integrating appropriate psychological principles,
theories, and/or methodology.
Students will integrate learning from psychology with their existing knowledge
and determine how they might assimilate new information into existing
schemas, and/or accommodate mental structures, in order to generate new
mindsets or paradigms.
Students will generate ideas that apply social science principles, reflecting the
diversity of the human experience with a sense of creativity, imagination,
innovation, wonderment, and awe.
Student/Course Learning Outcomes (SLOs/CLOs):
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Synthesize the knowledge of psychological principles, theories, and concepts
to understand how they might apply to one’s own life, and the lives of others,
while acknowledging the diversity of the human experience.
Use the knowledge gained from the course to reflectively analyze one's own
lived experiences and explain how that may help develop a sense of agency
and direction over one's own life.
Analyze and evaluate research in the field of psychology to better understand
current social problems and propose potential solutions that may support the
diverse needs of different social and cultural groups.
Coursework
Reading
Your textbook reading and assignments will serve as the foundation for course
information. I will periodically supplement the reading with mini lectures on key
concepts that require added clarification. I will also integrate additional videos, links, and
resources as needed throughout the course to provide additional information that could
be valuable to your learning experience. Any supplemental information will be posted
under the specific Learning Module to which it applies.
Study Skills
Everyone learns differently and demonstrates a unique learning style. Whether you are a
visual or verbal learner, one thing holds true—the need for developing good study skills.
Yes, online content and a textbook is available, but a key component to your individual
learning will be your own notes.
Note Taking
Learning to listen and to take notes are essential skills in academic study and are useful
in other areas of life. Practice these skills while you are in the classroom or watching
video instruction in your courses.
Here's how:
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Read the textbook assignment before class; being familiar with the topic can
help expedite notetaking in class.
Put the lecture into your own words - do not try to write down everything the
instructor says. Listen for the cadence of the speaker. Often emphasis will be
placed on key points naturally.
Strive for less notes because most student make the mistake of writing down
too much.
Try different methods and find one that is right for you. Here are a few to
try. How To Take Notes In College(Links to an external site.)(Links to an
external site.) (Links to an external site.)
After the lecture or unit of instruction, read through your notes and research
areas that are not clear.
Outlining a Textbook Chapter
Knowing how to outline a textbook chapter will help you retain information and study
for upcoming Discussions, Assignments, and Quizzes.
Outlining a Chapter
Read the Introduction to the Chapter to gain an understanding of the topic. Are the
Objectives listed? (They are critical, as they present key information to retain). Note
what topics are covered and identify the main themes and key questions. Read the last
paragraph of the chapter for the summary or takeaway information. This process can
help you gain insight into the chapter.
While reading:
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write down important headings and subheadings,
write down important bold format material
take time to analyze graphs/pictures/figures.
After Reading:
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Summarize the headings.
Define the emphasized words or phrases.
Additional Resources:
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How to Outline a Chapter(Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.)
Weekly Assignments (possible 20 point each)
Each week there will be a Weekly assignment, type your answers while keeping the
numbering of questions the same to make it easier for the instructor to grade. Sections
requiring responses to be in your own words, which means not directly copied from
another source. It is recommended that you write all your response in your own words
because it is a more effective method of learning. Citations are not required for weekly
assignments. To submit the completed assignment in Canvas. Only .doc, .docx, and .pdf
files can be submitted. To convert the file to a PDF, simply go to file, click on Download
as, and select PDF. Save the PDF to a location which will allow you to upload it. In the
assignment in Canvas, click the submit assignment button, and then upload the PDF.
Please confirm that your submitted document appears correctly.
Discussion Boards (possible 10 points total each)
You are required to read each chapter as evidence for your reading and preparation for
class, you are required to complete a discussion board for each chapter. You will require
that you answer questions specific each chapter. Responses should be typed using
Times New Roman, 12 point. These will be graded on a credit or no credit basis,
meaning that you will receive full credit for completion of the discussion board in
accordance with the assignment requirements. 8 points for initial post and two replies
to other students (one point each reply max of 2 points). As the instructor, I maintain
discretion to analyze the quality of the responses. If it is not deemed sufficient to
represent a quality examination of the chapter in its entirety, then you may be asked to
provide added detail before receiving any points. If initial post is late 10% off the top for
initial post. Furthermore, I reserve the right to deduct partial points for late submissions,
and/or submissions that represent subpar work. Please note that I will not address
every concept from the textbook in lectures, discussions, or activities. Therefore, it is
incumbent upon you to thoroughly read the textbook to establish a basic understanding
of the concepts. The reading, discussion boards and assignments collectively will
represent your learning opportunities in the class, and material for exams may come
from any of those sources.
Exam/Quizzes
Exams/Quizzes will be presented in a variety of formats including multiple-choice,
true/false, fill in the blank, short answer and essay questions. Test material will be
composed of information from the textbook, as well as supplemented from information
discussed in any lectures, videos, and/or supplemental materials provided for that
module. Exams/Quizzes may be administered in CANVAS. Each week will have a
chapter quiz throughout the course of the semester.
No make-up or late exams/quizzes will be offered. However, arrangements can be made
to take exams/quizzes prior to the scheduled time if needed.
Important Dates
Important Dates (Please confirm these dates against the official Schedule of
Classes. Dates may differ for Short Term classes, check with Enrollment Services for
official dates):
June 26, 2022
Last day to drop the class without a “W”
July 19, 2022
Last Day to Drop with a "W"
Policies and Procedures
Attendance
Please note that regular attendance is an integral part of your learning and academic
success, even in an on-line setting. It is imperative you maintain active and regular
attendance in the course over the full semester. Any missed due date for an assignment
is considered an absence. Lack of regular Canvas log-ins will also be considered
absences. Lack of signing in for more than five consecutive days, or five late/missing
assignments, may result in you being dropped from the course with or without your
knowledge or consent, regardless of the impact to your transcripts, scholarships,
financial aid status, and/or any other benefits to which you may be entitled due to your
ongoing enrollment in the course.
Document Retention
Please note that it is your responsibility to maintain a copy of all your coursework and
assignments submitted for a grade. The instructor cannot maintain storage of unlimited
information for each student. Therefore, you need to maintain a copy of all documents
needed for the course. It is recommended you save copies in at least two areas including
one permanent storage option such as an internet data storage service in “the
cloud”. Additionally, because CANVAS can have glitches, you may want to do your
assignment first in a Word Doc and then copy and paste the content into CANVAS,
while also uploading the saved document as an attachment.
Commitment to Diversity
The college and this class are committed to equitable treatment of all individuals and to
gaining a greater respect, awareness, and appreciation for all dimensions of diversity
including individuals of different race, ethnicity, religious belief, sexual orientation,
sex/gender, disability, socioeconomic status, cultural orientation, national origin and
age. While we are each unique and are encouraged to celebrate our differences, we also
have common threads that bind us as social creatures, and we can greatly benefit from
the support and acceptance of those around us. Please be kind and open to those
around you as they bring a different perspective that can often enhance your own.
Classroom Etiquette
While I encourage an interactive classroom environment, please be courteous of your
peers. We may be discussing controversial or polarizing topics. Please be respectful of
others’ opinions. Please do not post any derogatory comments during activities. It is
okay to have a differing opinion, but it should be presented as your position with the
rationale behind your position. Always provide support for your position. It is never
acceptable to invalidate others. Whoever said, “sticks and stones may break my bones,
but names will never hurt me,” got it all wrong! Words wound, sometimes, more than
daggers and swords! Therefore, I ask that you use professionalism and diplomacy when
sharing your views in class, and in life.
Please review the Netiquette Code of Conduct. Netiquette (Links to an external
site.) (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.)
Incomplete grades
Students seeking an “incomplete” grade must consult with me no later than two weeks
prior to the week of finals. Incomplete's will be considered for unforeseeable,
emergency, and justifiable reasons at the end of the term, and only upon agreement of
conditions for completing coursework.
Pass/No Pass Grading Option
You may have the option to choose Pass/No Pass grading for this class. If you choose
this option, you must submit a Petition for Pass/No Pass to Enrollment Services by the
assigned due date. This option for grading is nonreversible once selected. The petition
form is available online, or from Enrollment Services. Students planning to transfer
should consult with a counselor before option for Pass/No Pass to ensure this option is
accepted by their intended transfer institutions. Check the MSJC College catalog or
schedule for more detailed information.
MSJC Equity Pledge (Click to View the MSJC Equity Pledge) (Links to an external
site.) (Links to an external site.)
Academic Honesty
Cheating and/or plagiarism (using the work or ideas of another as your own) are
unacceptable academic behaviors. The student who violates academic honesty (e.g.,
bringing unauthorized material to a test/quiz, copying from someone else’s test/quiz, OR
plagiarizing) will fail the assignment or test. In addition, all students who violate
academic honesty will be referred to the appropriate disciplinary authority.
College Rules
Student is subject to all rules and regulations outlined in the Student Code of
Conduct. Student Conduct (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.) (Links to
an external site.)
Internet Access and Harassment
This class will utilize the internet and various websites. Should you utilize a college
computer, MSJC supports academic freedom, and consequently, there are no filters or
other controls placed upon access to electronic content, either on the Internet or
otherwise. While every effort is made to keep students on task while in this class, it is
impossible to monitor every computer at all times. If you should find yourself subjected
to offensive content, either sexual or otherwise, you should inform the instructor of the
situation at the first opportunity.
College Resources- Student Support Hub (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external
site.)
Academic Support
The college offers various services including counseling, tutoring, writing assistance,
workshops and other support aimed at promoting academic success. Self-advocacy is
often an instrumental component of success; educational, personal, and
professional. Therefore, I urge you to learn about the resources available on this campus
and beyond that may be available to you throughout your educational career. (Links to
an external site.)
Disabilities
Mt. San Jacinto College abides by the American with Disabilities Act Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that prohibits federal and state agencies or programs from
discriminating against qualified individuals with disabilities. Students in this course who
have a documented disability, that limits major life activity which may have some impact
on your work in this class and for which you may require accommodations should meet
with a counselor in Accommodation Service Center as soon as possible.
Accommodation Service Center (ASC) (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external
site.)
Veterans
Interested in collecting your GI Bill® benefits at Mt San Jacinto College?
Are you:
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a veteran who has served on active duty
a reservist
a dependent of a veteran who is deceased or has a service-connected
disability
If so, then you might be eligible for the GI Bill and other educational benefits.
MSJC is approved to certify eligible students who are interested in:
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Completing an associate degree program
Completing a certificate program
Transferring to a four-year institution
An applicant's eligibility for benefits is determined by the Department of Veterans
Affairs and not MSJC. If you have questions regarding your eligibility for educational
benefits you will need to contact The Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-888-4424551 or visit them on the web at: www.gibill.va.gov
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More
information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S.
government Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Veteran Resource Center (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.)
Counseling
The mission of the Mt. San Jacinto College, Counseling Department is to facilitate
proactive planning for student success, leadership, and life-long learning through
academic, career, transfer, personal, and crisis counseling. Counselors and staff advocate,
educate, guide, and empower students’ intellectual and social development within an
educational and multicultural environment.
Counseling (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.)
EOPS
The Extended Opportunity Programs & Services (EOP&S) was established as a result of
Assembly Bill 164 passed by the California Legislature in 1969 to increase the
enrollment of educationally disadvantaged and low-income students on community
college campuses.
EOPS Information (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.)
Financial Aid
While Mt. San Jacinto College subscribes to and supports the philosophy that primary
responsibility for funding college expenses rests with students and their families, the
college recognizes that some students and/or their families have limited financial
resources and are unable to meet all of the expenses associated with higher education
without supplemental assistance.
Financial Aid Information (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.)
Learning Resource Center
The mission of the Learning Resource Center is to maintain a welcoming and supportive
atmosphere where all MSJC students can become aware of and achieve their specific
academic goals and commitment to lifelong learning through diverse and active learning
experiences and collaboration with peers, tutors, and faculty. Please visit the Learning
Resource Center here on campus for more information.
Learning Resource Center (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.) (Links to
an external site.)
Writing Center
The mission of the Writing Center is to provide all Mt. San Jacinto College students from
all disciplines within the Mt. San Jacinto College District professional guidance and
instruction, using a wide variety of writing strategies and approaches to address the
diverse writing needs.
Whether you are a student or a teacher, you will find a variety of resources to help you
with your writing assignments. Explore the links to your right to discover what the
Writing Center has to offer.
NetTutor
NetTutor is an award-winning online tutoring service operating 24/7.
Please use the following link to learn more and how to access the tool: Net Tutor (Links
to an external site.) (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.)
For a full list of Student Services please visit Student Services (Links to an external
site.) (Links to an external site.).