Section 001
1
Hunter College
City University of New York
Spring 2009
Course:
Introduction to Psychology 100; Section 001
Class Meets: 11:10-12:25pm; Tu, F HN510
Instructor: Marisa T. Cohen
Office:
935W
E-Mail:
Mcohen1@gc.cuny.edu
Office Hours: Fridays @ 12:45-1:45pm or by appointment.
TA:
Tanya Schnieder
E-Mail:
tatiana_z2007@yahoo.com
Office Hours: TBA
Prerequisite:
No Prerequisite required for Psych 100
Required Text: Myers, D.G. (2006). Psychology (8th edition in modules). New York: Worth
Publishers.
Available at Shakespeare & Co. & Hunter Bookstore
Course Description & Objectives: Psychology is defined as the study of mental processes and
human behavior. This course will serve as an overview of the field of psychology, and highlight
many of the sub areas, such as personality psychology, social psychology, and neuroscience and
behavior. This course will also introduce to you the theories, methods, concepts, principles and
issues in the study of human personality and behavior. Briefly stated, the objectives include
(though are not limited to):
 Enhance your awareness of the major psychological approaches to the study of behavior
and organisms;
 Increase your knowledge dealing with the origins of psychology and its contributors;
 Introduce you to the psychological perspective on human thought, emotion, and behavior;
 Increase your understanding of the psychological research method;
 Learn how psychology can apply to real world situations;
 Make concepts from the field of psychology personally relevant in your everyday lives;
 Stimulate your curiosity and appreciation of this field.
Grading Procedure: There will be 4 exams given during the semester consisting of material
primarily covered in class lectures and the text. Of the 4 exams given, your lowest test score will
be dropped and only 3 will be averaged and counted towards your final grade. For example, if
you receive 4 test scores that range from 70, 80, 90, and 100- the score of 70 will be dropped and
your final grade in the course will be an average of the 3 better scores, making your final grade a
90 or an “A-”. The exams will be comprised of multiple choice questions. See the top of the
next page for the grading scale that will be used.
Section 001
Letter Grade
A+
A
AB+
B
Percent
97.5- 100.0
92.5- 97.4
90.0- 92.4
87.5- 89.9
82.5- 87.4
Letter Grade
BC+
C
D
F
2
Percent
80.0- 82.4
77.5- 79.9
70.0- 77.4
60.0- 69.9
0.0- 59.9
Make-up Exams: Make-up exams will NOT be given. If you miss one test, it will be dropped.
Every test that you miss after the first, will be averaged in as a 0. I understand that emergencies
and conflicts may occur and only in such cases will a request for a make-up be granted. You
must notify me prior to the exam via e-mail so arrangements can be made.
Pop Quizzes: Students must keep up with the assigned readings as there will be several quizzes
given at the beginning of class throughout the course of the semester consisting of short answer
questions. This will be thought of as a “reward” system, in that every score of 100 on a pop quiz
will allow you the opportunity to add 5 points to your next test grade.
Research Participation requirement: There is a department wide research participation
requirement and more details can be obtained from the Psychology Department (room 611 HN).
Failure to meet this requirement will result in an “Incomplete” grade in the course. It is strongly
suggested that you participate as early as possible in the semester.
Expectations of you:
 Attendance: Attendance is extremely important and will be taken throughout the
semester. You may have to miss a class or two because of illness or unexpected
circumstances, in such a case you are expected to get the notes you missed from a
classmate. You are allowed TWO unexcused absences. Excessive absences will work
against you. I will also take attendance into account for grades that are borderline. For
example, a student with an 89 average (B+) and excellent attendance may be moved up to
a 90 (A-).
 Be on time: Promptness is expected. I’d rather you come late than not at all, so if you
are late, please enter quickly and quietly. Please find the closest seat to the door.
 Keep up with the course readings: It’s important to read the assignments before class.
This will enable you to follow the lecture and allow you to become more actively
involved in class discussions and group work. It’s important to take notes on what you
read as well. This will help you understand and fully grasp the material.
 Academic integrity: Cheating is not tolerated! If you cheat, this will result in an
automatic failing grade on the relevant exam or a failing grade in the course. Please ask
me if you have any questions about dishonesty in the classroom.
*** Hunter College regards acts of academic dishonesty (e.g., plagiarism, cheating on
examinations, obtaining unfair advantage, and falsification of records and official
documents) as serious offenses. The college is committed to enforcing the CUNY Policy
on Academic Integrity and will pursue cases of academic dishonesty according to the
Hunter College Academic Integrity Procedures.
 Respect for others: It’s perfectly fine to disagree with someone else (including your
professor), but it’s not okay to attack or degrade another for seeing things differently than
Section 001

3
you do. In addition, I ask that you refrain from activities not related to what we’re doing
in class. This means to turn off cell phones and keep material for other courses or
activities inside your bags during the class.
Participation: Active participation is the best way to get involved with the class and
fully understand the material. Be prepared to talk about material before you enter the
class or ask any questions that are left unresolved by the textbook. I will also take class
participation into account for grades that are borderline. For an example, a student with a
92 average (A-) who participates on a daily basis, may be moved up to a 93, (A).
From the Office of AccessABILITY: In compliance with the American Disability Act of 1990
(ADA) and with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Hunter College is committed to
ensuring educational parity and accommodations for all students with documented disabilities
and/or medical conditions. It is recommended that all students with documented disabilities
(emotional, medical, physical, and/or learning) consult the Office of AccessABILITY located in
Room E1124 to secure necessary academic accommodations. For further information and
assistance, please call (212-772-4857) / TTY (212-650-3230).
*** Please notify me if you have any questions or concerns. I am always available to help you
with course material and to clarify anything that may seem confusing. If you need help with
anything, be proactive!
Section 001
Week
1
Date
1/27
1/30
Day
Tues
Fri
2
2/3
Tues
3
2/6
2/10
Fri
Tues
4
2/13
2/17
Fri
Tues
5
2/20
2/24
2/27
Fri
Tues
Fri
Topics
Course Overview
The History and Science of
Psychology
The History and Science of
Psychology
Neuroscience and Behavior
Classes Follow a Thursday
Schedule
Neuroscience and Behavior
Behavior Genetics and
Evolutionary Psychology/
Sensation and Perception
Sensation and Perception
Sensation and Perception
EXAM 1
6
3/3
Tues
Developmental Psychology
3/6
Fri
3/10
3/13
3/17
Tues
Fri
Tues
Developmental Psychology/
Learning
Learning
Memory
EXAM 2
3/20
3/24
3/27
3/31
4/3
4/7
4/10
4/14
4/17
4/21
4/24
Fri
Tues
Fri
Tues
Fri
Tues
Fri
Tues
Fri
Tues
Fri
Health
Intelligence
Intelligence/ Motivation
Motivation
Emotion
Emotion/ Thought and Language
Spring Break
Spring Break
Spring Break
States of Consciousness
EXAM 3
4/28
5/1
Tues
Fri
Personality
Personality
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
8e/ Modules Due
1, 2, 3
4,5
6, 7, 12
13, 14
15, 16, 17
Covers Modules
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
12, 13, 14, 15, 16,
17
8, 9, 10, 11
23
21, 22
24, 25, 26, 27, 28
Covers Modules
8, 9, 10, 11, 21,
22, 23, 24, 25, 26,
27, 28
41, 42, 43
31, 32, 33
34, 35
36, 37
38, 39, 40
29, 30
18, 19, 20
Covers Modules
18, 19, 20, 29, 30,
31, 32, 33, 34, 35,
36, 37, 38, 39, 40,
41, 42, 43
44,45
46
4
Section 001
15
16
17
5/5
5/8
5/12
5/15
5/19
9AM11AM
Tues
Fri
Tues
Fri
Tues
Psychological Disorders
Psychological Disorders
Therapy/ Social Psychology
Social Psychology
EXAM 4
47, 48, 49
50, 51
52, 53, 54, 55
56, 57, 58
Covers Modules
44, 45, 46, 47, 48,
49, 50, 51, 52, 53,
54, 55, 56, 57, 58
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