Introduction to Psychology (PSY 101)
Fall 2014
Tuesdays/Thursdays 9:30-10:45am
Instructor: Shawna Saponjic, PhD
E-mail: saponjic@mac.com (best way to reach me)
Office Hours: Tuesdays 11:15am – 1:00pm & by Appt in LS North 24 K
Office Phone: 619-594-6293
Graduate Teaching Assistant: Loretta Hsueh
Email: loretta.hseuh@mail.sdsu.edu
Office Hours: Wed 1:00-2:00pm & Thurs 3:00-4:00pm in LS north 24 C
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant: Tiara Alvarado-Leon
Email: Alvarado.t@hotmail.com
Office Hours: Wed 10:15-11:15am in LS north 24 C
Course Description:
Psychology 101 is an introduction to the scientific study of behavior and mental
processes. Emphasis is on basic concepts and principles, as well as methods of
research. Topics include biological bases of behavior, sensation, perception,
learning, memory, motivation, emotions, growth and development, personality,
abnormal behavior, psychotherapy and social behavior.
Course Learning Objectives:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of:
-what psychology is
-how psychology differs from other social sciences
-the research methods used by psychologists
2. Demonstrate an understanding of:
-basic physiological processes
-sense organs and the process of perception
-basic learning techniques (classical, operant & observational)
3. Demonstrate an understanding of:
-personality approaches (psychoanalytic, humanistic, cognitive)
-abnormal behavior & how it differs from normal behavior as well as
types of therapy (biological, psychoanalytic, humanistic, cognitive)
-social behavior (i.e., attraction, conformity, prejudice, group behavior)
Additional Department Level Learning Objectives:
1. Identify notable individuals together with their contributions to psychology (SLO 1.1)
2.Explain the roles of persons, situations, and person-situation interactions as causes
of behavior (SLO 1.3)
3.Explain what is studied in the difference specialty areas of psychology (SLO 1.5)
4. Distinguish among various types of mental disorders 9SLO 1.6)
5.Characterize the nature of psychology as a scientific discipline and identify its
primary objectives: to describe, understand, predict, and control behavior and
mental processes (SLO 1.7)
6.Apply psychological concepts, theories, and research findings as these relate to
everyday life (SLO 2.4)
7.Explain the similarities and differences among the research methods used by
psychologists (SLO 4.3)
8.Be familiar with the rights of human research participants and therapy clients (SLO
5.2)
9. Recognize prejudicial attitudes and discriminatory behaviors that might exist in
themselves and in others (SLO 7.6)
10.Engage in creative thinking by evaluating new ideas with an open but critical mind
(SLO 9.1)
Required Materials:
Nevid, J.S. (2015). Essentials of Psychology: Concepts and Applications
ISBN: 9781305417922
Mindtap (online resource for textbook related materials including ebook, videos,
practice exams, module assessments). To access these resources, click on the
following link: http://login.cengagebrain.com/course/MTPP-JLZP-P2Z5.
Students have two options for purchasing the text
1. You will find the textbook and MindTap access code bundled at the SDSU
bookstore. This access code will also provide you with access to the Nevid
eBook.
2. You can purchase the ebook and mindtap online (NO physical textbook with this
option) by going to http://login.cengagebrain.com/course/MTPP-JLZP-P2Z5 and
clicking the option to purchase after you register as a student or log in.
Classroom Policies:
Academic Dishonesty: The Student Code of Conduct is online at
http://www.sa.sdsu.edu/srr/conduct1.html. The academic dishonesty code
specifies actions for behaviors such as cheating on tests, plagiarism, and/or
inappropriately collaborating with others. I will enforce the code in the course;
cheating or other violations will result in appropriate penalties, including a failing
grade on the assignment or in the course, and the reporting of that incident to the
Center of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Students have the right to appeal
such action in accord with due process.
Students with disabilities: San Diego State University seeks to provide equal
access to its programs, services and activities for people with disabilities. If you
will need accommodations in the class, reasonable prior notice needs to be given
to the Student Disability Services (SDS), 619.594.6473 or online at
http://www.sa.sdsu.edu/sds.
Grade challenges: Upon receiving graded assignments, you have 1 week to
challenge your grade. This includes the grade for the final exam and your final
grade for the class. After one week, grade challenges will not be reviewed.
Evaluation and Grades:
Exams: The course consists of four content areas, each of which concludes
with an in-class exam. The fourth exam is the final exam. The exams will
consist of 50 multiple choice questions. You will need an 882 scantron. The
exams include questions on both the lectures and the chapters. Students are
expected to be present for all scheduled exams. Once you have started taking an
exam you may not leave the room for any reason. If you are unable to take an
exam, and your excuse is reasonable, then you can make-up the exam during the
final exam period. A review sheet will be posted on Blackboard approximately one
week before each exam.
Critical Thinking Questions: Students will complete five “Critical
Thinking” questions. The questions and guidelines will be posted on Blackboard.
The due dates are below. Each question will be worth up to 20 points.
Quizzes: There will be 8 pop quizzes throughout the semester each of
which will be worth 5 points. The quizzes will cover lecture material from
the previous class period. You cannot get credit for a quiz unless you are
present in class. Only 7 quizzes are “required” so if you take all 8 then you
can earn up to 5 bonus points. No make-up quizzes.
Research Participation: Students must complete 5 credits (hours) to fulfill the
PSY 101 research requirement. This may be completed through research
participation OR writing article summaries (or a combination fo the two) from four
specified journals (see Article requirements). Each hour of research participation
is worth 1 credit and each article summary is worth 2.5 credits. If you complete
at least 2.5 credits by October 25, @ 5:00pm you will receive 5 bonus points!
Students who do not fulfill the research requirement will be given a grade of “I”
(incomplete) for the course. More information about requirements will be given
online.
Extra-Credit: Students can earn extra credit by completing 4 assignments
throughout the semester. The due dates are below. Each assignment is worth up
to 4 points.
Grading will be as follows:
Exams (4)
Critical Thinking Questions (5)
Quizzes (7)
400 points
100 points
35 points
Total possible points:
535 points
Extra Credit:
16 points
A
94% & above C
73-76
A-
90-93
C-
70-72
B+
87-89
D+
67-69
B
83-86
D
63-66
B-
80-82
D-
60-62
C+
77-79
F
59 & below
Attendance:
Class attendance is the responsibility of the student. If a student is unable
to complete the course, it is the student's responsibility to withdraw.
Class Schedule
August
26
28
Course Overview
Ch. 1 The Science of Psychology
September
2
4
9
11
16
18
23
25
30
Ch. 1 The Science of Psychology
Ch. 2 Biological Foundations of Behavior
Ch. 2 Biological Foundations of Behavior
Ch. 3 Sensation and Perception *Critical Thinking #1 due
Ch. 3 Sensation and Perception *Extra Credit #1 due
Exam 1 (Chs.1-3)
Ch.4 Consciousness
Ch.4 Consciousness
Ch.5 Learning *Critical Thinking #2 due
October
2
7
9
14
16
21
23
28
30
Ch.6 Memory
Ch.6 Memory* Extra Credit #2 due
Ch.7 Thinking, Language & Intelligence
Ch.7 Thinking, Language & Intelligence
Exam 2 (Chs.4-7)
Ch.8 Motivation & Emotion
Ch.8 Motivation & Emotion
Ch.9 Human Development *Critical Thinking #3 due
Ch.9 Human Development *Extra Credit #3 due
November
4
6
11
13
18
20
25
27
Ch.10 Psychology & Health
Ch.11 Personality
No Class: Veterans Day
Ch.11 Personality *Critical Thinking #4 due
Exam 3 (Chs.8-11)
Ch.12 Social Psychology
Ch.12 Social Psychology *Extra Credit #4 due
No Class: Thanksgiving
December
2
4
9
11
Ch.13 Psychological Disorders *Critical Thinking #5 due
Ch.13 Psychological Disorders
Ch.14 Methods of Therapy
Final Exam (Chs.12-14) @ 8:00am