Hill College
112 Lamar Drive
Hillsboro, Texas 76645
COURSE SYLLABUS
Course Prefix and Number
PSYC 2301
Section:
Course Title
Semester:
General Psychology
Instructor:
Contact: Phone:
E-mail:
ACGM Description:
PSYC 2301
General Psychology is a survey of the major psychological topics, theories and approaches to
the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.
Catalog Description:
PSYC 2301. General Psychology
The course is a descriptive survey of the field of psychology. Topics include: theory and
research development, perception, learning, thinking, emotions, motivation, personality,
descriptions of and treatment of mental illness.
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Semester Hours: 3
Prerequisite: Must have successfully completed the reading section of the Texas Successive
Initiative (TSI) exam.
Introduction and Purpose:
To develop student awareness of the field of psychology by examining theory and research.
The course is a descriptive survey of the field of psychology. The course can be used to fulfill
core requirements for graduation and/or transfer to senior institutions.
Instructional Materials:
Textbook: Mastering the World of Psychology , 5th Edition, Wood, Wood & Boyd
Supplies & Materials:
Pens, paper, and other basic school supplies; computing technology with internet access and
MS Office software (as per instructor); Hill College Email and Blackboard access; MyPsychLab
(per instructor); additional testing materials such as Scantrons (per instructor).
Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes:
At the completion of this course, students should be able to:
1. Identify various research methods and their characteristics used in the scientific study of
psychology.
2. Describe the historical influences and early schools of thought that shaped the field of
psychology.
3. Describe some of the prominent perspectives and approaches used in the study of
psychology.
4. Use terminology unique to the study of psychology.
5. Describe accepted approaches and standards in psychological assessment and
evaluation.
6. Identify factors in physiological and psychological processes involved in human behavior.
Description of Institutional Core Objectives (ICO’s)
Given the rapid evolution of necessary knowledge and skills and the need to take into account
global, national, state, and local cultures, the core curriculum must ensure that students will
develop the essential knowledge and skills they need to be successful in college, in a career, in
their communities, and in life. Therefore, with the assistance of the Undergraduate Education
Advisory Committee, the Coordinating Board approved a 42-semester credit hour core
curriculum for all undergraduate students in Texas, including a statement of purpose, six core
objectives, and common component areas.
Statement of Purpose
Through the Texas Core Curriculum, students will gain as foundation of knowledge of human
cultures and the physical and natural world, develop principles of personal and social
responsibility for living in a diverse world, and advance intellectual and practical skills that are
essential for all learning. Hill College faculty periodically evaluate the objectives included in the
Foundational Component Area of Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Core Objective
College SLO
Critical
Thinking Skills
CT1: Generate and
communicate ideas
by combining,
changing or
reapplying existing
information
Course
SLO
1,2,3,4,5
General Learning Activities
Assessment
Students will develop a clearly
defined problem statement on a
psychological topic out of the text ,
generate multiple solutions,
demonstrate implementation of the
best solution(s), and evaluate the
Rubric,
exam or
embedded
assessment
quality of solution(s) and revise as
needed.
Communicatio
n Skills
Use Any
CS1: Develop,
interpret, and
express ideas
through written
communication
Communicatio
n Skills
Use Any
CS2: Develop,
interpret, and
express ideas
through oral
communication
1
Communicatio
n Skills
Use Any
CS3: Develop,
interpret, and
express ideas
through visual
communication
EQS2: Manipulate
and analyze
observable facts
and arrive at an
informed
conclusion
5
Social
Responsibility
Use Any
SR1: Demonstrate
intercultural
competence
2
Social
Responsibility
Use Any
SR2: Identify civic
responsibility
4
Social
Responsibility
Use Any
SR3: Engage in
regional, national
and global
communities
5
Empirical and
Quantitative
Skills
2
1
Students will apply psychological
concepts and theories as they relate
to everyday life through the media,
books, movies, etc. by writing a
research paper or written
assignment that demonstrates
knowledge of major
perspectives/concepts of
psychology (behavioral, biological,
cognitive, evolutionary, humanistic,
psychodynamic and sociocultural).
Students will apply psychological
principles as they relate to everyday
life by oral interviews,
assignments, online discussions, or
presentations over a psychological
concept.
Students will identify psychological
concepts by examining charts,
tables and graphs. Students will
present their ideas utilizing visual
communication concepts.
Students will be able to apply basic
research methods in psychology,
including research design, data
analysis, and interpretation, as well
as identify the
independent/dependent variables in
a research study.
Student will analyze case studies
and identify psychological concepts
through assignments that
demonstrate that psychological
explanations may vary across
populations and contexts.
Students will apply psychological
concepts and theories as they relate
to everyday life through journal
articles, Internet sources, and
interviews.
Students will analyze theories, case
studies, and apply psychological
principles through assignments,
projects by recognizing ethical
behavior in regional, national and
global communities.
Rubric,
exam or
embedded
assessment
Rubric,
exam or
embedded
assessment
Rubric,
exam or
embedded
assessment
Rubric,
exam or
embedded
assessment
Rubric,
exam or
embedded
assessment
Rubric,
exam or
embedded
assessment
Rubric,
exam or
embedded
assessment
The students’ success in completing these objectives will be measured using a set of
examinations and assignments described in detail under the section of this syllabus headed
“Method of Evaluation”.
Annual assessment plan will be implemented each year to review course.
Method of Instruction:
This course will be taught face-to-face and by various distance learning delivery methods.
Audio-visual materials and computer-based technology will be used when appropriate.
Methods of Evaluation:
The students’ success in completing the core objectives within the Foundational Component
Area of Social and Behavioral Sciences will be measured using rubrics, exams, portfolios, or
embedded assessments.
Grades in this course will be based on the following evaluative criteria:
Exams: 50%
Course Requirements: 50%.
Letter grades for the course will be based on the following percentages:
90-100%
80-89%
70-79%
60-69%
Below 60%
A
B
C
D
F
Course Outline:
Course Policies:
Regular attendance at all class meetings is expected. Disruptions in class will not be tolerated.
Topic Outline:
I.
Introduction to Psychology
II.
Biology and Behavior
III.
Sensation and Perception
IV.
Consciousness
V.
Learning
VI.
Memory
VII.
Cognition, Language, and Intelligence
VIII.
Human Development
IX.
Motivation and Emotion
X.
Health and Stress
XI.
Personality Theory and Ass
XII.
Psychological Disorders
XIII.
Therapies
XIV.
Social Psychology
Disabilities/ADA
Reports of discrimination based on disability may be directed to the ADA/Section 504
coordinator. The College District designates the following person to coordinate its efforts to
comply with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, which
incorporates and expands the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as
amended:
Name:
Dr. Heather Kissack
Position:
Executive Director of Human Resources
Address:
112 Lamar Drive, Hillsboro, TX 76645
Telephone: (254) 659-7731
Students with qualified and documented disabilities may request accommodations which will
enable them to participate in and benefit from educational programs and activities. Students
should contact the Academic Advising and Student Success Center for more details at:
254 659 7650 for Hillsboro, 817 760 5650 for Cleburne, or 817 295-7392 for Burleson.
EEO Statement
Hill College is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education and employment.
The college does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of age, race, color, religion,
sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status in the administration of its educational
programs, activities, or employment policies.