PHOENIX COLLEGE
PSYCHOLOGY 101-INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY
COURSE SYLLABUS
Section: 20632
Room: DB221
Instructor: Dr. Ashlea Smith
Mon., & Wed. 7:00 AM to 8:15 AM
Session: Fall 2012
Office Hours: I will also generally be available before and after class each week.
Email: ashlea.smith@phoenixcollege.edu
REQUIRED TEXT: Myers, D. G. (2011). Exploring psychology. 8th Ed. In Modules. New York,
NY: Worth Publishers.
ISBN 10: 1-4292-6451-9
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
To acquaint the student with basic principles, methods, and fields of psychology such as
learning, memory, emotion, perception, physiological, development, intelligence, social, and
abnormal.
Prerequisites: None.
COURSE COMPETENCIES:
1. Describe the history of psychology.
2. Define the research methods utilized in the field of psychology.
3. Gain an understanding of psychology from a biological and physiological perspective
focusing on the mechanisms of sensation, perception, and states of consciousness.
4. Describe defining characteristics of the following terms commonly used within
psychology: learning, conditioning, thinking, memory, motivation, and emotion.
5. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of theories of human development and personality.
6. Define the terms and issues associated with intelligence and intelligence testing.
7. Summarize ways in which stress impacts the body, behavior, and psychological wellbeing.
8. Identify factors to control and cope with stress.
9. Define and discuss psychological disorders.
10. Identify the major therapeutic modalities utilized for the treatment of psychological
disorders.
11. Evaluate the factors associated with group behavior and interpersonal relationships.
12. Apply psychology to everyday life and situations.
ATTENDANCE:
Only persons who are registered for a class at any of the Maricopa Community Colleges may
attend that class. You MUST sign the Attendance Sheet every class period.
Attendance will be taken in all classes. Students who fail to attend the first scheduled class
meeting, or to contact the instructor regarding an absence prior to the first scheduled class
meeting, may be withdrawn by the instructor to allow for enrollment by other students. Please
consult the campus catalog for more detailed information. If you come in late (more than five
minutes), you may be counted tardy (three tardies will count as one absence). After three
absences the instructor may withdraw the student from the course. Other assignments may be
conducted in class as part of your final grade requirements (No In-class Exercises, or Oral
Presentations can be made-up. They can only be turned in or completed on the date
specified in class). The only “Excused” absence is a College Approved Activity or Holiday
(See below for description of official absences and religious holidays. If a family or personal
issue arises it is the student’s responsibility to let the professor know so that
accommodations can be made. Some students may, for various reasons, desire or find it
necessary to withdraw from this course. Remember that it is the student’s responsibility for
withdrawal from a class. If the student does not take responsibility for withdrawal and has
excessive absences, the student’s final grade will result in a “F”. It is the student’s responsibility
to sign-in each day for class. If you do not sign-in you may be counted absent.
OFFICIAL ABSENCES:
Official absences are those which occur when students are involved in an official activity of the
college (i.e., field trips, tournaments, athletic events) and present an official absence excuse
form. Students who must miss a class for an official reason must obtain an official absence
verification card from the appropriate vice president or designee and present it to the instructor
before the absence. Prior arrangements must be made with the instructor for make-up work.
Other official absences include jury duty and subpoenas. Appropriate documentation will be
required. Prior arrangements must be made with the instructor for make-up work. In the event of
the death of an immediate family member, students should contact the instructor as soon as
possible to arrange for make-up work. Appropriate documentation will be needed in this case as
well.
RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS:
Students shall have the right to observe major religious holidays without penalty or reprisal by
any administrator, faculty member, or employee of the Maricopa Community Colleges.
Absences for such holidays shall not count against the number of absences allowed by an
instructor or department. At least one week before the holiday, students shall submit to their
instructor a written statement that included both the date of the holiday and the reason why the
class attendance is impossible. Prior arrangements must be made with each instructor for makeup work.
MISSED WORK:
If you miss an exam day you **MUST** bring in proper documentation such as a doctor’s
note, jury duty summons, court subpoena, funeral brochure, etc. ****IF YOU DO NOT
have DOCUMENTATION as listed above you WILL NOT be able to make up the exam.
**** All missed tests will be made up on the final at the professor’s discretion.**** The student
will be responsible for working out a date and time for make-up tests with the professor. If the
test is not made-up within this time, the student will receive a zero for that test. All assignments
and tests must be completed by the last scheduled day of class. If you are unable to attend the
class turn in an assignment you can email it the day it is due (if you intend to receive credit
for the assignment) to the professor’s email as a WORD document attachment either Vista
2007 or XP 97-2003 only.
All homework must be turned in to the professor on the assigned date and time (No homework
will be accepted after the due date and time, except for an excused absence as described on
the previous page). It is the student’s responsibility to notify the professor if you must miss a
class and turning in the assignment. All assignments are due at the start of the class on the
assigned date. If the student does not turn in their homework by the assigned date and
time, the student will receive a zero for that assignment.
There will be no make-up of In-class Exercises, homework assignments, Group
Presentations, or Oral Presentations. The student is responsible for all information given in
class about due dates and times via verbal or written communication from the professor.
LATE ASSIGNMENTS AND TESTS:
All tests missed that are excused will be made up on the final. The make-up test date is at the
professor’s discretion. It is the student’s responsible to notify the professor as soon as possible if
they cannot attend class on test day. The student will be responsible for working out a date and
time for make-up tests with the professor. If the test is not made-up within the timeframe
allotted, the student will receive a zero for that test. All assignments and tests must be completed
by the last scheduled day by the professor. You may ONLY take your exam if you have notified
the professor well in advance due to some excused absences such as: sickness, family death,
family issue, religious holiday, work obligations, etc. with documentation provided to the
professor. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the professor well in advance to take an
exam in the testing center on campus.
All homework must be turned in to the instructor on the assigned date and time. If the
student does not turn in their homework by the assigned date and time, the student will
receive a zero for that assignment. If you are ABSENT when an assignment is due you may
email it to still receive credit for the assignment.
There will be no make-up of In-class Exercises, homework assignments, Group Presentations, or
Oral Presentations, meaning if you are not present you miss those points. The student is
responsible for all information given in class about due dates and times via verbal or written
communication from the professor. The FINAL EXAM must be taken on the final exam day
no later. If you need accommodations for the final to take it earlier with a valid reason per
the professor’s discretion, it is the student’s responsibility to notify the professor.
DISABILITY RESOURCES:
www.pc.maricopa.edu/drc -602-285-7477.
Please contact the instructor immediately if (1) you have or think you may have a disability or
medical condition that may affect your performance, attendance, or grades in this class and for
which you wish to discuss accommodations of class related activities or schedules; (2) you may
require medical attention during class, or; (3) you may need special emergency evacuation
preparations or procedures. For accommodations or additional assistance please contact the
DRC, Learning Center (LC) Building, 602- 285-7477. Accommodations are provided on an
individualized, as-needed basis after the needs and circumstances have been evaluated. The only
way that you can receive “Special Accommodations” for this class is to be registered with the PC
“Disability Resource Center.”
TAPING:
Audio or videotaping is not allowed in this course without prior consent of the professor. You
must have permission of the professor prior to audio or videotaping any class lecture. The
professor may allow audio-taping on a special needs basis only with prior approval/request from
Disability Resource Center.
TESTING:
See the tentative Course Outline. All tests must be made-up within one week of the testing date.
All tests count toward the student’s final grade. This is up to the professor’s discretion, as tests
can only be made when proper documentation is provided of illness, court subpoena, etc. There
will be NO grading on a curve and NO “dropped” test.
CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE:
There will be no pager nor cell phones turned on during the class period (they must be turned
OFF). Please arrive on time and listen respectfully while the professor or other class members
are speaking. Food and drink are not permitted in the classroom. Please make sure you take all of
your personal items with you after leaving the class, the professor is NOT responsible for lost,
stolen, or missing personal items.
THE WRITING CENTER:
Please feel free to utilize the Writing Center and its tutors, who can assist you with grammar,
punctuation, vocabulary, spelling, thesis statements, research papers, and many other tasks. You
need to schedule an appointment to work with a tutor in the center. The Writing Center is located
in the lower level of the library.
FOR YOUR PROTECTION:
It is your responsibility to save your homework and assignments. Keep these copies in a safe
place until you have received your final grade.
STUDENTS RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Students are responsible to read and understand the District-wide Scholastic Standards found in
the current Student Handbook.
PLAGIARISM:
Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, the use of paraphrase or direct quotation of the
published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgment. It also
includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in
the selling of term papers or other academic materials. Information gathered from the Internet
and not properly identified is also considered plagiarism.
-PC Student Handbook. 2012/2013. p. 184
To avoid plagiarism, students must give a source credit for any ideas or information they have
used in an essay, whether they have paraphrased, summarized, or quoted from the source. A
student who plagiarizes is subject to disciplinary probation and suspension (found in the current
PC Catalog). The first occurrence of plagiarism may result in a zero for that assignment. A
second occurrence may result in a grade of “F” for the course
WITHDRAWAL:
Some students may, for various reasons, desire or find it necessary to withdraw from this course.
Remember that it is the student’s responsibility for withdrawal from a class. If the student
does not take responsibility for withdrawal, the student’s final grade may be a “F”. It is the
student’s responsibility to sign-in each day for class. If you do not sign-in you may be counted
absent. To withdraw from a course or courses from the college, students must follow approved
procedures. The office of Admissions and Records provides information about the withdrawal
process.
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT:
Students engaging in the following are subject to disciplinary sanctions outlines in the PC
Catalog, Student Policies Section: Conduct: Rules and Regulations.
1. Acts of Dishonesty: examples may include: plagiarism, furnishing false information,
falsifying records related to coursework, forgery, alteration, or misuse of any college
document, and tampering with the election of any college-recognized official.
2. Disruption or obstruction of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings,
or college activities. An instructor can remove a student from class for disciplinary
reasons.
3. Physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, coercion and/or conduct
that threatens the health or safety of any person.
4. Attempted or actual theft.
5. Failure to comply with direction of college officials or law enforcement officers.
6. Unauthorized possession, duplication or use of keys to any college premises.
7. Violation of federal, state, or local laws on college campus or at college sponsored
activities.
8. Use, possession, or distribution of narcotics or other controlled substances.
9. Use, possession, or distribution of alcoholic beverages, or public intoxication.
10. Illegal or unauthorized possession of firearms, explosives, weapons, or dangerous
chemicals.
11. Participation in a college demonstration that disrupts the normal operations of the
college.
12. Obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on college premises.
13. Conduct which is disorderly, lewd, or indecent.
14. Theft or other abuse of computer time.
15. Abuse of the judicial system.
OTHER POLICIES:
All policies in the PC College Catalog, the PC Student Handbook, and specifically listed in this
syllabus, apply to this course. Please consult the 2011-2012 PC College Catalog and Student
Handbook and be familiar with all PC College and Maricopa Community College District
policies.
CHANGES:
All provisions in this syllabus are subject to change. Such changes, if any, will be announced in
class. Students who miss all or part of a class are responsible for any and all changes (either
written or verbal changes announced in class).
GRADING & EVALUATION POLICY:
The student’s final grade will be based on the percentage of the student’s total points obtained
divided by the total points possible for this course. There will be no extra credit points in this
course. No In-class Exercises can be made up. All assignments must be turned in on dates and
times announced in class. A zero will be assigned as the student’s grade for all assignments not
turned in on the assigned date. Again, the student is responsible for knowing dates announced in
class.
Evaluation of class performance will consist of the following criteria:
1. There will be 150 points possible for In-class Exercises completed in this course.
2. There will be 080 points possible for Oral Presentation completed in this course.
3. There will be 100 points possible for Assignments given (analysis paper and behavioral
change).
4. There will be 400 points possible for Tests completed in this course.
Grading percentages of points earned:
In-class Exercises: 150
Oral Presentation: 80
Assignments: 100
Tests: 400
Total points possible: 730
The final grade is calculated by adding the total number of points the student achieves. The result
is the percentage earned by the student.
Percentage
A=100-90
B=89-80
C=79-70
D=69-60
F=59-00
Points
730-657
656-584
583-511
510-438
437-000
CHEATING POLICY:
Please do not compromise your success in this course by cheating on exams. If a student is
caught cheating, he or she will be given a zero for that exam which cannot be retaken.
Also, please do not compromise your success in this course by plagiarizing your assignments. If
a student is caught plagiarizing any assignments in this course they may receive a zero for that
assignment which cannot be made-up.
NOTE TO THE STUDENTS:
Success in this course depends on:
1. Read the Chapters in the test prior to discussing them in class. This will allow the
students to interact in class about the content and any questions that may arise.
2. Complete your Learning Objectives prior to each class.
3. Complete your Key Terms prior to each class.
4. Participate in each of the In-class exercises.
5. Attend all class meeting dates.
6. Ask questions.
7. Take notes.
8. Review the course material
The instructor reserves the right to alter items in this syllabus via verbal instruction in class. The
student is responsible for taking notes of any such change(s) and acting accordingly. The
professor has the right to implement pop quizzes as in-class exercises.
ASSIGNMENTS
PARTICIPATION POINTS: Students are required to attend class and have the opportunity to
earn participation points by attending class. To receive these 150 points students must:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Attend class for the entire class period.
Actively participate in the in-class exercises and activities.
Be respectful to both peers and the professor.
Come to class prepared by completing the required readings before class.
BEHAVIORAL CHANGE PROJECT: 50 points total due on or before 11/5 at beginning of
class
This process will require the student to:
1. Identify a behavior he or she wants to change
2. Monitor its occurrence for two weeks
3. Develop and implement a plan to modify the behavior
4. Evaluate the results
5. Modify the plan or identify an alternative plan
6. Implement the modified plan
7. Evaluate the results again
8. Propose a plan for maintaining change
9. Summarize results in a written statement
Format Outline: Written statement, 2-3 typed pages, double-spaced, 10-12 point font, plus
appendix(e.g., not included in 2-3 pages), also include a citation/reference page if sources are
used (e.g., not included in 2-3 typed pages)
I.
Introduction
II.
Methods: (a) Definition and description of behavior, (b) Baseline procedure (What
did you do to keep track of the behavior, charts, graphs, journal, etc), (c) Intervention
III.
Results: analysis of the results of the intervention (How did you do with the results,
excuses, etc)
IV.
Discussion: discuss results, problems, conclusions, proposal for maintaining change,
and suggestions for future behavior change.
V.
Appendix: summary of baseline and intervention data. (Example graph or chart
showing before and after intervention) *You MUST draw a graph or chart or you may
use computer graphs to show the pre intervention and post intervention*
ORAL PRESENTATION (IN-CLASS): 80 points total due two-three weeks before final
11/14- 12/5
The professor will provide of list of different psychological disorders and psychotherapies for the
student to select one topic for an in-class presentation. The presentation is to be 10-15 minutes
long. I encourage you to use your CREATIVITY for this presentation. There are many
modalities you may use such as: power point presentation, videos, movie clips, poster board
presentation, acting out a skit, open discussion, games, music, etc. This oral presentation is to be
done individually. Please hand in to the professor a hard copy of your presentation whether it is
the power point slides, handout, typed paper with bullet points about subject, etc. Further
instructions and a rubric will be handed out in class by the professor.
ANALYSIS PAPER : 50 Points
Students are required to complete ONE assignment based on several choices:
1. Attend 3 different 12-step meetings (open to public). Similar self-help and/or support
groups like the Franciscan Renewal Center www.thecasa.org/counseling.htm or you can
check out Support groups in Arizona
www.findingstone.com/services/azsupportgroups.htm.
2. Read the first 164 pages of the “Alcoholics Anonymous”.
3. Watch two movies on addiction from the following choices: “Traffic”, “Leaving Las
Vegas”, “When a Man Loves a Woman”, “Blow”, Fear and Loathing Las Vegas” or
“Requiem for a Dream”. If you have a movie in mind, just email the professor for
approval.
4. Pick two: Tour a local treatment facility, attend drug court, or attend DUI court.
5. Critique 5 web sites on some form of addiction, drug abuse, or treatment.
6. Pick a psychological disorder as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) such as: Bipolar Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder,
or Schizophrenia from either the Axis I or Axis II category and discuss the specific
psychological disorder. (If you need help finding a psychological disorder or would like
some more ideas please see the professor)
A 3-4 typed-page Double-spaced with at least 10 point font max 12 point font, summary of each
assignment is required. The summary is to follow this format:
Introduction
5 points (set the stage for the reader)
Description
5 points (describe in a couple paragraphs the item(s) from above)
Thoughts and Feelings
10 points (your personal reactions to the topic(s) )
Analysis
5 points (what does research using the Internet, books, journals state
related to
topic)
Conclusion
5 points (summarize the above), 30 points total for the assignment, due
9/26 first thing when class starts**must include title page and reference page
not counted in 3-4 pages of text.
COURSE OUTLINE
INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY-PSY 101
Date
Topic
Readings
8/20, 8/22, 8/27
Intro, Syllabus, The
Module 1-2
History & Science of
Psychology
8/29, 9/3-Labor Day
The Biology of the
Module 3-4
no class, 9/5
Mind
9/10, 9/12, 9/17
Consciousness and the
Two Track Mind
Module 5-7
9/19
TEST
Read: Module 8-9
9/24, 9/26, 10/1
Nature, Nurture, and
Human Diversity
Module 8-9
10/3, 10/8, 10/10
Development Through Module 10-13
the Lifespan
10/15, 10/17, 10/22
Sensation and
Perception
Module 14-16
TEST 2
Read: Module 17-19
10/24
10/29, 10/31, 11/5
Learning
Module 17-19
Assignments
In-class Exercise
Complete Key Terms,
Review Learning
Objectives, In-class
Exercise
Complete Key Terms,
Review Learning
Objectives, In-class
Exercise
Test 1
Complete Key Terms,
Review Learning
Objectives, In-class
Exercise
Analysis paper due
Complete Key Terms,
Review Learning
Objectives, In-class
Exercise
Complete Key Terms,
Review Learning
Objectives, In-class
Exercise
Complete Key Terms,
Review Learning
Objectives, In-class
Exercise
Test 2
Complete Key Terms,
Review Learning
Objectives, In-class
Exercise
Complete Key Terms,
Review Learning
Objectives, In-class
Exercise
Behavioral Change
Due
11/7-NO in class
meeting Blackboard
Assignment, 11/12Veterans Day No
Class, 11/14
Memory, Thinking,
Language, and
Intelligence
Modules 20-24
Complete Key
Terms, Review
Learning Objectives,
In-class Exercise
Oral Presentations
11/19
TEST 3
Read: Modules 25-29
TEST 3
11/21, 11/26
Motivation and
Emotions, Stress, and
Health
Modules 25-29
Complete Key Terms,
Review Learning
Objectives, In-class
Exercise
Oral Presentations
Analysis paper 3 due
Complete Key Terms,
Review Learning
Objectives, In-class
Exercise
Oral Presentations
Complete Key Terms,
Review Learning
Objectives, In-class
Exercise
Oral Presentations
Complete Key Terms,
Review Learning
Objectives
11/28
Personality
Modules 30-31
11/28
Psychological
Disorders
Modules 32-24
12/3
Therapy
Modules 35-36
Oral Presentations
12/5
Social Psychology
Love Avoidance and
Love Addiction
12/10-12/14
Finals Week
FINAL is not
cumulative
Modules 37-39
Oral
Presentations/InClass Exercise
Final to be
determined
Test 4 (FINAL)
This syllabus is tentative. You are responsible for knowing any changes that are announced in
class via verbal or written communication.
STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING
Syllabus Acknowledgement Form
Professor: Dr. Ashlea Smith
Course Title: _______________________________________________________
Section Number: ___________________________________________________
I, _________________________________________________understand and agree to all the
items
(Please Print your name)
listed in this syllabus. By signing below, I agree to all the terms and conditions listed in this
syllabus. I understand that the instructor reserves the right to alter items in this syllabus via
verbal or written instruction in class and I, the student, am responsible for taking notes of any
such change(s) and I will act accordingly.
-This syllabus is tentative. You are responsible for knowing any changes that are announced in
class via verbal or written communication.
-There will be no make-up of In-class Exercises, homework assignments, Group Presentations,
or Oral Presentations.
-All assignments are due at the start of class on the assigned date. If the student does not turn in
their homework by the assigned date and time, the student will receive a zero for that
assignment.
___________________________________________________
(Student’s Signature)
____________________
(Date)
STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING
Syllabus Acknowledgement Form
Professor: Dr. Ashlea Smith
Course Title: _______________________________________________________
Section Number: ___________________________________________________
I, _________________________________________________understand and agree to all the
items
(Please Print your name)
listed in this syllabus. By signing below, I agree to all the terms and conditions listed in this
syllabus. I understand that the instructor reserves the right to alter items in this syllabus via
verbal or written instruction in class and I, the student, am responsible for taking notes of any
such change(s) and I will act accordingly.
-This syllabus is tentative. You are responsible for knowing any changes that are announced in
class via verbal or written communication.
-There will be no make-up of In-class Exercises, homework assignments, Group Presentations,
or Oral Presentations.
-All assignments are due at the start of class on the assigned date. If the student does not turn in
their homework by the assigned date and time, the student will receive a zero for that
assignment.
___________________________________________________
(Student’s Signature)
_____________________
(Date)