When we venture into knowledge and science,
we do so only to return better equipped for living.
(Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)
Psychology 200-01:
“General Psychology”
Spring 2023
Monday-Wednesday-Friday (1:00pm - 2:05pm)
(TO Campus: Swenson 101)
Instructor:
Dr. Rainer Diriwächter
Office:
Swenson 241
Office Hours: MWF 11:40-12:40; Thursdays 1:35-4:00pm
Email:
rdiriwae@callutheran.edu (email is the best way to contact me); Tel: x3442
Welcome to a journey through the wonders of psychology…
This course presents a survey of the field of psychology where we shall visit a wide range of disciplines
& schools of thought. Each topic we cover in a given week could be the basis for an entire course, or a
lifetime of research! Thus, while it is impossible to cover this vast array of information in-depth, you will
come out of this course knowing what psychology actually entails. We will dispel several misconceptions
often found in pop-psych literature and examine some of the classic findings in a broad range of
psychological research.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course covers the concepts and principles pertinent to psychological processes as social behavior,
development, perception, thinking and symbolic processes, physiology, personality and psychological
disorders. Furthermore, the course introduces students to the empirical foundation of the discipline of
psychology. This course is a prerequisite to all courses in psychology except PSYC 203, PSYC 207,
and PSYC 215. There are no prerequisites for taking this course.
COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The primary objective of this introductory course is simply that: to introduce you to the subject matter
and to familiarize you with the vocabulary and concepts. In this course you will see how research has
been applied to test intuitive assumptions about people’s experiences. You will find that many of your
beliefs about human existence are scientifically supported; but you will also find that many beliefs are
refuted by the evidence.
As a student in this course, you will receive a more comprehensive understanding of yourself. A further
aim is that you will develop greater skills of critical thinking that will make you a better consumer of
psychological information. There is a lot of “pop” psychology practices in our culture and popularized
by the media. At best, these pseudo-sciences are a harmless diversion; at worst, they are million-dollar
industries that exploit the ignorance and gullibility of the populace. By the end of the course you should
be able to differentiate between legitimate psychology and the “pop” pretenders.
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At the end of this course, students should be able to:
1. Understand basic psychological terms and concepts (Information Literacy: measured via quizzes,
exams, and homework assignments).
2. Develop greater skills to test claims about human psychology, and how to critically think about the
evidence stemming from such tests (Creative and Critical Thinking: measured via Homework
Assignments on LaunchPad)
3. Will gain a better understanding of themselves (Identity and Values: measured via Homework
Assignment Activities on LaunchPad)
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK & ONLINE PACKAGE (LaunchPad)
Myers, David, & Deval, Nathan (2021). Psychology IN MODULES (13th Edition). New York, NY:
Worth Publishers. Bundled with LaunchPad!
Publisher’s Companion Web Site (LaunchPad)
When you log-in to MyCLU, click on the course link to get to Blackboard; under Home Page on
blackboard, scroll down to the LaunchPad link. LaunchPad will contain many required Assignments
(worth 5-10 points each) that will be posted throughout the semester. It also offers a wide range of
helpful items for each chapter, such as critical thinking exercises, quizzes, study aids, links, and
demonstrations. Regular visits to this site should prove beneficial.
Help Desk
Students may contact the Help Desk about telephone, network, wireless network, software questions password problems,
hardware problems, and general consultation (i.e. you cannot log into your MyCLU portal, or you are having problems with
Blackboard). Please email specific details about your problems to helpdesk@callutheran.edu, click on the following link for
more information http://www.callutheran.edu/iss/technology_services/helpdesk.php or call: 805.493.3698
Note: For Problems with LaunchPad you must contact TechSupport (available 24/7) directly on LaunchPad.
CLASS FORMAT
Face-to-Face
CLASS ATTENDANCE
Class attendance is required! Often, lectures will include material not covered in the textbook.
Furthermore, there will be questions on the exams that are taken directly from the class discussions.
Not coming to class will make it difficult to grasp the material adequately. If you miss a class, it is your
responsibility to obtain the notes from one of your fellow students
Important Note: Students who miss more than six class periods will not be able to pass this
course!
BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS
Arrive to class on time. Arriving late can be extremely distracting. Turn off cell phones before
entering class (no texting or similar activities during class time)! It is your responsibility to sign the
attendance sheet at the beginning of every class session.
MINIMUM TECHNICAL SKILLS REQUIRED FOR THIS COURSE
Students should have basic computer skills
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Technology Requirements
Hardware & Software
Windows
Mac OS X
Operating System Windows 10
OS X 10.12 or later version
Java
Most recent version Most recent version
Browser
Your browser must always be up to date. We recommend Firefox and Chrome for all Blackboard
functions. If you are experiencing problems on another browser, please switch to Firefox or Chrome.
To check your browser and system compatibility with Blackboard, please use the Blackboard Browser
Checker below to view your functionality. Please note that checkmarks on all functions does not
guarantee a seamless experience.
Click here: Blackboard Browser Checker
Internet
•
•
•
•
•
Bandwidth: recommended requirement is 5 Mbps per device or higher; anything less will cause
potential issues.
• Note: Bandwidth is affected by distance from the wireless router or access point, use of
Netflix video streaming and number of users on the wireless network.
Streaming services: Sites or applications that use the internet like YouTube, Netflix, P2P,
Spotify, or Pandora must be closed before starting a Zoom session.
Connection: You must be connected to the internet via an ethernet cable or Wi-Fi. Hotspots do
not have the bandwidth to handle Zoom sessions.
Wi-Fi: Be as close to the router access point as possible to get the best connection. Be aware
that locations with free Wi-Fi, i.e. Starbucks or Barnes & Noble, cannot provide enough
bandwidth for Zoom sessions and should not be used.
Use the following link to check your speed. Click here: http://speedof.me
Additional
•
•
•
Audio and Video: Your audio and video need to be checked before starting your session in your
computer settings. Check volume levels for microphones and test the webcam for video
streaming.
Headset/Headphones: Headphones with an attached microphone are best for hearing and
corresponding in the chat. If not available, the user must find a quiet space where there will not
be audio interference. (Starbucks, Barnes & Noble, etc. are not appropriate)
Zoom Requirements: To find more information about system requirements for Zoom, please see
the link below.
Click here: Zoom Requirements
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CLASS ASSIGNMENTS
LaunchPad & READINGS (= Homework!)
It is essential that the assigned readings are done BEFORE each class. You will learn the material
better if you first critically engage with the topic on your own; prior to attending class. The key to
solidifying your newly acquired knowledge is active engagement (rather than just passively absorbing
what I tell you in class). Furthermore, all of the readings will be accompanied by LaunchPad
Assignments (each worth 5-10 points). These assignments must be completed before the posted
deadline. Since deadlines are posted at the start of the semester, no extensions will be given.
EXAMS
Over the course of the semester, there will be 4 exams (see schedule below) to test students’
knowledge of the text and class discussions. Each exam is worth 50 points and will consist of
multiple-choice, true/false, and/or fill in the blank questions. The exams are not cumulative. Exams
are timed at 55 minutes (1 minute per question, plus 5 extra minutes as “cushion”). You may not use
any aids (e.g., textbook, personal notes, internet, etc.) while taking the exam!
MAKE-UP EXAMS
Make up exams will be allowed only with prior permission from the instructor. If you do not contact your
course instructor PRIOR to the exam, you will not be allowed to make up the exam! The only acceptable
excuses for missing an exam are verifiable illness, verifiable religious holiday, documented family
emergency, or representing CLU in certain university activities (e.g., athletics). Make-up exams may
differ significantly in format (e.g., fill-in-the-blanks, essay, oral, etc.).
Student Workload/Carnegie Hours
Consistent with, and compliant with, the expectations of Carnegie Instructional Hours, the expectation
is that you spend about 8 hours per week (i.e., 2 hours for every 1 hour of class time) studying for this
course. Included in these hours are weekly readings, LaunchPad activities and other homework
assignments, and general study time.
Course
Requirements
Reading
Goal and/or Format
The goal is familiarizing yourself with the new
material.
Hours Per Week
3
LaunchPad & other The goal is strengthening the material that was
Assignments
read
4
General Study
Time/Review
Review of the material and preparation for exams
1
Class Time
Attendance and active participation required
4
Total time requirement for this class is 12 hours a week;
4 hours of instruction and 8 hours of student preparation
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Psychology Department Statement on Academic Honesty
The Cal Lutheran University Department of Psychology has a zero-tolerance policy towards
academic dishonesty. Any student who is caught committing acts of plagiarism, cheating, or other
forms of academic dishonesty will be expelled from the course and receive an unforgivable F as Final
Grade (this means that the F-Grade will remain on the student transcript and count towards the overall
GPA, even if the course is repeated at a later point in time). All cases of Academic Dishonesty will be
reported to Academic Affairs, who may determine additional disciplinary sanctions, including expulsion
from the university.
Academic Dishonesty is a serious offence and “not knowing” about the policy or what
constitutes academic dishonesty will not be considered as an excuse. It is therefore important that you
inform yourself about what academic dishonesty entails, and when in doubt, to contact your course
instructor BEFORE taking a test or submitting your work.
For more information, please see the “Statement on Academic Honesty” under “University
Policies” on your course Blackboard page.
Research Participation Requirement – 8 Units Required.
At Cal Lutheran, we place a heavy emphasis on experiential learning. One of the ways we include
experiential learning in the Psychology Department is to include a research experience in many of our
courses. Courses include this experiential learning by asking students to participate in research
conducted by faculty and undergraduates, and by giving advanced students an opportunity to design
and run their own studies. In this course, you are required to earn 8 units of research credits (2
hours of experiment participation).
If, for any reason, you do not want to participate in a study, you may complete the experiential learning
research component in an alternative assignment. In the alternative assignment, you’ll be asked to
read and answer questions about a recently published journal article. The detailed instructions and
form for the alternative assignment are located in the Psychology Department Assistant (DA) office in
Swenson 239. Each article response (with completed form) is worth 2 units of research credits.
Please note that you may not “double dip” your research units. Each unit you earn may only be applied
to one course. For example, if you are in two 200 level PSYC classes, you will have a total of 16 units
(4 hours of experiment participation) to complete this semester.
You will use the Sona Systems website to view available studies, sign up to participate, and track your
completed units. You must create an account on this site, even if you plan to earn your units through
the alternative assignment. The website is: https://callutheran.sona-systems.com/. A participant guide
with detailed instructions on how to use this website can be found on Blackboard or in the DA office in
Swenson 239. Please use this guide as a reference throughout the semester.
All research units (earned through experiment participation or alternative assignments) are
due by Friday, April 28, 2023 at 1:30pm. If you have questions, please email the Sona Systems and
Psychology Subject Pool Administrator, Dr. Amanda ElBassiouny, at aelbassiouny@callutheran.edu
or stop by the DA office in Swenson 239.
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GRADING
Your Final Grade will be comprised as follow:
Attendance, Participation, Research Requirement, & Other Assignments (NOT
including LaunchPad)
Attendance & Participation: This means you must arrive on time, participate, and not leave early in
order to receive full credit. If you miss more than 6 class periods you will not be able to pass this
course.
15%
LaunchPad Assignments/Activities
Exams
45%
40%
Grading will be on a straight scale (not curved) based on the following percentages:
94 – 100 = A
90 – 93.99 = A-
88 – 89.99 = B+
84 – 87.99 = B
80 – 83.9 = B78 – 79.9 = C+
74 – 77.9 = C
70 – 73.9 = C-
68 – 69.9 = D+
64 – 67.9 = D
60 – 63.9 = D< 60 = F
CLU Health and Safety Protocols
All students must comply with the University’s current and required policies regarding health and safety
at all times; otherwise, they may not be allowed on campus and/or unable to attend classes. Please see
Campus Compact, Daily Health Check, and policies/updates at https://www.callutheran.edu/know/.
Additional Notes
•
Please be sure to carefully go over the general university policies that govern this
course. You will find these policies, and references to other important resources, under
the “University Policies” link that is posted on Blackboard (left side of screen).
•
This syllabus is subject to change. Every effort will be made to alert students to changes
that occur in a timely manner.
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Tentative Schedule
DATE TOPIC
READING
01-18
01-20
Time Management: pp. xxxiii-xxxv
01-23
01-25
01-27
01-30
02-01
02-03
02-06
02-08
02-10
02-13
02-15
02-17
02-20
02-22
02-24
02-27
03-01
03-03
03-06
03-08
03-10
03-13
03-15
03-17
03-20
03-22
03-24
03-27
03-29
03-31
04-03
04-10
04-12
04-14
04-17
04-19
04-21
04-24
04-26
04-28
05-01
05-03
05-05
05-08
Organization & Prospectus
Introduction to the topic
The History and Scope of Psychology
Research Strategies (Part I)
Research Strategies II
Social Psychology
Social Psychology II
(1-31: Last day to drop course without W)
Social Psychology III
EXAM 1
Ganzheitspsychologie (GP)
GP & Structural Theory of Emotions
Understanding Emotions II
The Brain
Nature & Nurture
Nature & Nurture II
Presidents Day Holiday! (No Class)
The Developing Person
The Developing Person II
The Developing Person III
Stress & Health
Stress & Health II
EXAM 2
Learning
Learning II
Learning III
Memory
Memory II
Memory III
(3-24: Last day to withdraw from class)
Thinking, Language, and Intelligence
Thinking, Language, and Intelligence II & Völkerpsychologie
Thinking, Language, and Intelligence III
EXAM 3
Introduction to Sensation and Perception
Spring Break! (No Class)
Perceptual Organization
Perceptual Interpretation & Psychology at work: The Human
Factor
Personality
Personality II
Personality III
Psychological Disorders
Psychological Disorders II
Psychological Disorders III
Psychological Disorders IV (4-28: Research Requirement is due)
Therapies
Therapies II
Reflections and Critical Review
EXAM 4 – Time: 1:30pm (FINALS WEEK) in Swenson 101
Module 1 & Handout 1
(Download from Blackboard)
Module 2 (up to p. 35)
Modules 2-3
Modules 40-41
Modules 40-41
Module 42 & pp. 511-515
Modules 1-3; 40-42 & pp.s
Handout GP (Blackboard)
Module 37
Modules 35-36
Modules 5-6
Modules 10-11 & Handout
Module 12
Modules 13-14
Module 15
Module 16
Modules 38-39
Modules 5-6, 10-16 & 35-39
Module 20 & pp. 278 – 280
Module 21 & pp. 280 – 282
Module 22
Module 23
Module 24 & pp. 311 - 312
Module 25
Module 26
Module 27 & Handout VP
Modules 28 - 29
Modules 20 – 29
Module 17
Module 18 (pp. 229 - 238)
Module 19 (pp. 250 - 256) &
Appendix C: C-12 – C-14
Module 44
Module 45 (pp. 528 - 532)
Modules 45 – 46
Modules 47 - 48
Module 49
Module 51
Module 50
Modules 53 - 54
Module 55
Modules 17-19, AC, & 44-55
Please note that because of unforeseen events that inevitably occur during the semester,
some changes in this schedule may become necessary.
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