Introduction to Psychology
Michigan State University – Psychology 101, Section 101
Summer 2011 – 4 credits
Monday-Thursday 12:30-2:30, 118 Psychology
Instructor:
Jodi Petersen
jpete@msu.edu
Office: 237 Psychology
Office Hours: Tuesday 10:15-12:00 and by appointment
Please use your fellow classmates as your first resource. The easiest and most efficient way to get a
hold of me is via email. I will try to respond to emails within 48 hours during the work week (Monday
through Friday). Please include “Psych 101” in the subject line to make your email stand out as a
priority. Appointments can be scheduled via email.
Introduction
I am in my last semester of my PhD in Ecological-Community Psychology at Michigan State University.
My research interests surround youth involved in the juvenile justice system, specifically juvenile sex
offenders, and sexual health and knowledge in youth. I greatly enjoy teaching, especially courses
dealing with adolescents or applied psychological concepts. Social action is my passion. It is my hope
that this course provides opportunities for you to better yourself as a concerned, critically thinking
person and perhaps shows you a field that you may be interested in pursuing in the future.
Outside of the classroom I enjoy spending time with my husband, Aaron and my four rescued furchildren (two cats and two very rambunctious pit bulls). I spend free time being outside in the summer,
riding motorcycles, reading, watching mind-mushing television and spending time with friends.
I am very excited to be teaching this course and I look forward to us exploring these topics together. I
truly believe that every student who wants to succeed can do so. My intention is for you to learn. If that
is not happening please let me know so we can focus on strategies to assist the learning process.
This course will give you an overview of the field of psychology. We will explore applications of this
material to your life as it is now and your future career. It is hoped that this course will expand your
understanding of the human mind, both in its biological realm and in the realm of human services.
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Course Description
This course will provide you with an introduction to the field of psychology. We will discuss the history,
theories, current work, and career options within this field. We will use several case studies and real life
examples to explore the applications of the theories and methodologies of the field.
Course Objectives
Objectives will be presented before each lesson. It is my desire that you know exactly what you’re
expected to learn and how your understanding will be evaluated. There are several overall objectives
for the entirety of the course:
1) Develop an understanding of the field of psychology, including the origins, careers, and many
subfields. Demonstrate this on multiple choice quizzes and examinations.
2) Develop an understanding of the key thinkers and theories in psychology. Demonstrate this
knowledge on multiple choice quizzes and examinations.
3) Learn the basic tenants of the research process and apply them through a group project. Also
apply these tenants through the reading and critiquing of existing research.
4) Apply the theories of psychology to discussions of current issues and research.
Drops and Adds
Open adds end (8:00pm) 5/18/2011
Last day to drop with refund (8:00pm) 5/26/2011
Last day to drop with no grade reported (8:00pm) 6/8/2011
Please make note of the university’s deadlines for dropping or adding courses. It is MSU’s policy that
students whose names do not appear on the class list may not attend this class. If you fail to attend all
of the first four class sessions or class by the fifth day of the semester you may be dropped from this
course. Please contact me or the psychology undergraduate office during the first week of class if you
are concerned with your enrollment status.
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Classroom Norms and Expectations
It is my expectation that you come to class prepared, having completed the reading, and ready to
engage in discussion and activities, as I will do the same. It is MSU’s policy that “student’s behavior in
the classroom shall be conducive to the teaching and learning process for all concerned” (Article 2.3.5 of
the Academic Freedom Report) and “no student shall…interfere with the functions and services of the
university” (5.02). In order to create an environment that is conducive to learning in conversation in
pursuit of learning, I expect respectful and appropriate behavior from all students and you may expect
the same from me.
This includes:
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Being respectful. This is the golden rule. This should be a space that is safe for students to have
conversations and push their own understanding of topics. In order for that to happen, you
need to feel comfortable to make mistakes and you need to extend that comfort to your
classmates. No ideas are bad. Ideas spark discussions and discussions are always helpful.
Please be respectful to your classmates and to me, as your instructor, by assisting in creating the
kind of environment where you would like to learn.
Being prompt to class and attending class – arriving late is a disruption. However, the class
would prefer your presence even if it means coming late to class rather than not attending at all.
Participating in class discussions and activities – learning is an active process. We all learn from
each other. You are responsible not only for your own learning but also for aiding in creating an
environment conducive to the learning of others.
Coming to class prepared. This means having read the material and thought about it. This also
means bring the appropriate supplies needed to fully participate.
Paying attention. It is expected that when you are in class you are awake and attentive. This
means that you are not texting/talking/web browsing on your cell phone, on your computer,
reading the newspaper, completing the readings for this class or any other or sleeping. Your
active participation in class is desired. If you feel unable to actively participate, please don’t be
disrespectful or a distraction to others. That being said, please put cell phones on silent or turn
them off prior to the start of class.
Cleaning up after yourself. You are more than welcome to bring food or drinks to class as long
as it is not distracting and you do not leave a mess for those who use the room after us.
Avoiding side conversations. It is my intention to make the classroom an active dynamic
experience where conversation and debate is encouraged. Please keep these conversations to
their activity determined times and topics. Outside conversations are distracting to others.
Asking questions if they arise. Appropriate, respectfully asked questions are always welcome. If
you have a question pertaining to a class topic, others likely have the same question. I reserve
the right to answer questions in one of three ways: fully at the time it is asked, briefly-as it will
be explained fully later in the class, or deferred to after class or office hours if needed. Please
do not feel that questions are an imposition or interruption as long as they are posed
respectfully.
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Approximate Work Load
It is suggested that you as a student should spend 3 hours outside of class working for every credit of the
course per week. That is based on a 15 week semester. This totals 180 hours per 15 week semester of a
4 credit course such as this. In a condensed summer semester of only 7 weeks this translates to 25
hours of expected out of class work per week. I understand that you may be taking multiple classes and
perhaps working during the semester, but please remember that this course is designed to cover the
same amount of material as a regular semester long class and this may require additional work on your
part. This class meets four times per week and there are readings required for each class period. It is
your responsibility to find a strategy and work pattern that is most effective for you. It is expected that
you complete all readings and all assignments for this course. Partially complete notes will be available
on Angel for each class session. I will strive to ensure that you always know what you are being
evaluated on. This should free time from studying aimlessly to instead be focused on reading and
purposeful learning. Feel free to talk with me if you are having trouble managing this workload.
Course Materials
Meyers, D. (2010). Psychology. Worth Publishing.
In class films – Several films will be shown throughout the course. These films are equally
important reference points, like the textbook and other readings, and will be covered on the
examinations.
The required textbook is available at several campus bookstores. It is also available online (often used
and for a discount), and may be available to rent for the semester. The required readings are an integral
part of the course. It is expected that you complete the readings listed for each class session prior to the
start of that class session. Class lectures will assume you have completed the readings and will integrate
and add to them. Your understanding of the class lectures will be diminished if you have not completed
the readings. The information from the readings will be included in quizzes, assignments, and exams. It
will be extremely difficult to do well in this course if you do not complete the readings.
Student Evaluations/Assignments
The assignments/evaluations for this course are as follows:
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Group Research Project (30%)
Research Participation (10%)
2 Exams (25% Each)
In class activities (10%)
Extra Credit (up to 5%)
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Group Research Project (30%):
Psychology is the empirical study of the mind and human behavior. For this project you and a
group of 3-5 of your classmates will design an observational study of some human behavior.
This will be a semester long project with some in class work time and some out of class work
time. You will be expected to decide on a topic to study, find 4 related articles discussing
psychological studies, conduct an observational study of at least 20 participants, and report your
findings back to the class via a powerpoint presentation. More information will be given on this
assignment in class.
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Research Participation (10%):
Psychology is scientific discipline. As such, research is an integral part of advancing the scientific
understanding of the human mind and behavior. One of the best ways to become familiar with the
research side of psychology is to participate in experiments. Therefore, research participation is a
required by MSU’s Psychology Department for PSY 101.
Throughout the semester, researchers in need of participants will post their experiments online.
You may sign up for these experiments using the procedures outlined in the handout entitled
“PARTICIPATION IN PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH: INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS.” Participation in
these research projects will earn you research “credits”. A research credit equals approximately a
half-hour of your time. To earn the 10% of your final grade, you must (except under special
circumstances discussed below) earn 14 research credits - approximately seven hours of
participation.
Basic Information:
IRB: Researchers must protect your safety, comfort, dignity, and privacy. To make sure that this
happens, the Social Science / Behavioral / Education Institutional Review Board (SIRB) carefully
considers each research project before it is posted on the web. SIRB only approves those projects
that ensure that your rights as a participant are fully protected.
If you can’t come, cancel: For your part, you must show up for the experiment(s) that you have
signed up for and you must participate in good faith. If you fail to show up for your experiment,
one research credit will be subtracted from the total you have earned for each experiment you
miss. If you cannot make an experiment that you have signed up for, you may cancel, without
penalty, at least 24 hours before the experiment by following the directions on the handout.
Get your credits done early: Words to the wise – do not leave all your research participation to the
end of the semester. Avoid the end-of-semester rush, when there may be more students wanting
to participate than research projects.
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Deadline for earning research credit: You may earn research credits up to midnight on Monday,
June 30, 2011. Any experiments you participate in after this date will not be counted towards
your grade.
Conscientious objectors and students under age 18: I really encourage each of you to participate
in the research programs of the department, but occasionally a student may choose not to
participate in experiments. If for some reason, you are unable or unwilling to participate in
research, you may choose a different way to earn participation. If you must choose this option,
please talk to me as soon as possible.
Problems with your research credit: If you experience any difficulty signing-up for a study, you
should immediately contact: Ms. Leslie Baldwin, Subject Pool Secretary, Office: 262 Psychology
Building, Phone: 353-1651, Email: lbaldwin@msu.edu
It is your responsibility to make sure your personal history is accurately recorded in the database.
At the end of the semester I will take your research credits from the database, so if there is a
problem, it could be reflected in your grade for the class.
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Exams (25% Each):
There will be two in class multiple-choice scantron exams (dates are on the schedule at the end of
the syllabus). These will not be cumulative in nature. These are designed to test your knowledge of
the facts presented in class and in the readings and will be less applied than in class activities and
your presentation.
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In Class Activities (10%)
Throughout the semester there will be randomly dispersed in class activities that you will receive
credit for completing. Please note, there will be activities nearly every class period, but only some
of those will be turned in and graded for this portion of your final grade. These activities are
designed to help you apply the information from lecture and the reading to real life as well as to
expand your understanding of topics.
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Extra Credit (Up to 5%)
You may earn up to 5% additional extra credit through additional research participation. For each
additional credit you earn you will receive 1/2% extra credit, up to 5%. If you are under the age 18
or are a conscientious objector to any research, please contact me and alternative extra credit could
be available.
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Grades
Your final grade will be determined as follows:
Grade
Percentage
4.0
90%
3.5
85%
3.0
80%
2.5
75%
2.0
70%
1.5
65%
1.0
60%
0.5
55%
0.0
<50%
Late Assignments
Completion of work late in the professional world is considered unacceptable, as it is in this course. It is
strongly encouraged that you begin working on assignments well before they are due. Assignments not
turned in by their due date and time will be marked down 25% every 24 hours. Assignments more than
3 days late will not be accepted and you will receive a 0 for the assignment. In situations of extreme
emergencies, fitting MSU’s criteria, it is possible for accommodations to be made. No accommodations
will be made if you do not contact me prior to the due date and time (or classroom exam time) with
such concerns. Make up/early exams will be allowed only under emergency circumstances.
Grade Disputes/Course Confusion
If you feel the grades you earned are at any point unclear feel free to come to office hours to discuss
them within 7 days of receiving that grade/feedback. Grade concerns will not be heard more than 7
days past the return of that assignment. If you are concerned with your progress in the course the time
to address that is in the fifth, sixth, or seventh week. We may be able to discuss strategies to help you
study or engage in class activities that will better reflect your desired learning outcomes. Addressing
total grade concerns the day before the exam is not helpful.
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Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities should call 353-9642 (voice) or 355-1293 (TTY) or visit MyProfile.rcpd.msu.edu
to contact the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities. Reasonable accommodations can be made
as long as you, I, and the resource center communicate about the needed accommodations.
Academic Honesty
Again, it is expected that all work you turn in is your own thoughts, ideas, and words. The MSU
Academic Freedom Report states in Article 2.3.3 that, “The student shares with the faculty the
responsibility for maintaining the integrity of scholarship, grades, and professional standards.” Please
refer to MSU’s larger policy if you have questions on this topic or see me during office hours.
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Course Schedule
DAY
DATE
TOPICS
READINGS &
ASSIGNMENTS
Monday
5/16/10
Introduction to Course and Syllabus
Tuesday
5/17/10
Introduction to Psychology
Prologue, Chapter 1
Wednesday
5/18/10
Research in Psychology
In class article/activity
Thursday
5/19/10
The Biology of Mind
Chapter 2
Monday
5/23/10
The Brain & Consciousness
Chapter 3
Tuesday
5/24/10
In Class Activity
Wednesday
5/25/10
Sensation & Perception
Chapter 6
Thursday
5/26/10
Thinking & Language
Chapter 9
Monday
5/30/10
NO CLASS - HOLIDAY
Tuesday
5/31/10
Nature & Nurture
Chapter 4
Wednesday
6/1/10
Human Development Part 1
Chapter 5
Thursday
6/2/10
Human Development Part 2
Monday
6/6/10
Exam 1 (Ch 1-6, 9)
Tuesday
6/7/10
Learning
Chapter 7
Wednesday
6/8/10
Memory
Chapter 8
Thursday
6/9/10
Intelligence
Chapter 10
Monday
6/13/10
Emotions
Chapter 12
Tuesday
6/14/10
Personality Part 1
Chapter 13
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
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Wednesday
6/15/10
Personality Part 2
Thursday
6/16/10
Project Work Day (no class meeting)
Monday
6/20/10
Psychological Disorders Part 1
Tuesday
6/21/10
Psychological Disorders Part 2
Wednesday
6/22/10
Therapy
Chapter 15
Thursday
6/23/10
Social Psychology
Chapter 16
Monday
6/27/10
Community Psychology
In Class Article/Activity
Tuesday
6/28/10
Group Presentations
Wednesday
6/29/10
Group Presentations
Thursday
6/30/10
Exam 2 (Ch. 7-8, 10-16)
Week 6
Chapter 14
Week 7
Please note that this syllabus is the intended outline for the course. Changes may be warranted as the
semester progresses. If there are changes made you will be notified in writing.
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