Course Syllabus
PSY 101: INTRODUCTORY PSYCHOLOGY
Spring 2012
CONTACT INFORMATION
COURSE DETAILS
Tuesday and Thursday
Instructor:
Dr. Gretchen Gotthard
Course
Meetings:
Section 03: 2:00pm – 3:15pm
Section 04: 3:30pm – 4:45pm
Office:
Email:
Phone:
Moyer 224
ggotthard@muhlenberg.edu
[best way to reach me]
484-664-3422
Meeting
Location:
Moyer 109
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Office Hours:
1:00-2:00pm
[also, by appointment]
Blackboard:
http://blackboard.muhlenberg.edu
PURPOSE OF THE COURSE
The primary purpose of this course is to expand your conceptualization of what psychology is by
introducing you to a number of psychological issues and topics. This course will touch on a wide
variety of topics in the field of psychology and is designed to provide you with a basic understanding of
various psychological phenomena and principles.
We will discuss the following topics over the course of the semester: research methods in psychology,
biological psychology, sensation and perception, learning and memory, motivation and emotion,
psychological disorders and therapy, health psychology, and social psychology.
Believe it or not, the field of psychology is not simply based on common sense. Psychologists use the
scientific method to examine behavior, and although some psychological concepts seem to be closely
tied to common sense, there are a lot of interesting twists and turns along the road to understanding
what psychology is all about.
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GOALS OF THE COURSE
By the end of the semester, students should be able to use critical thinking skills in their study of
psychology, and apply principles of psychology to “real world” situations.
a. To accomplish these goals, students will work to:
i. Solve problems individually and in collaborative group settings.
ii. Describe, and be able to explain, the major terminology, theories, methods, and
research findings in the field of psychology.
iii. Find, evaluate, and write about “real world” examples of psychological
principles, and then make connections between these examples and concepts
discussed in class.
REQUIRED READING
Nevid, J. S. (2009). Psychology: Concepts and Applications (3rd ed.). Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
**I HIGHLY recommend making use of the textbook’s free online resources:
http://college.cengage.com/psychology/nevid/psychology/3e/resources.html

“Navigate by Chapter” to the chapter you would like to review and then:
o “Improve Your Grade” contains flashcards and a chapter glossary
o “ACE the Test” includes both conceptual and factual practice tests
REQUIREMENTS OF THE COURSE

EXAMS: There will be two exams during the semester, plus a cumulative final (i.e., three exams
total). Exams will primarily consist of multiple choice questions, although occasional matching or
diagram identifications may be included. Questions will be based on material discussed in class and
assigned readings. Exams 1 and 2 will be worth 100 points each, and the final will be worth 150
points (350 points total).

QUIZZES: Students will take 11 quizzes over the course of the semester. Quizzes will be taken on
Blackboard (under “Course Content”) and will be due by midnight on the designated date (see
“Discussion and Reading Outline” below for specific dates). Chapter quizzes will cover terminology
from the assigned reading. You will receive a score (at the end of the quiz and on Blackboard), but
scores will NOT count towards your grade. Each quiz you complete will entitle you to one less
question on the final exam, and will count towards your class participation.
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
“REAL WORLD” APPLICATIONS: Students will find one “real world” application for 10 (of the 11)
chapters we will discuss in class. You may use any source for this assignment (e.g., online or
hardcopy newspapers and/or magazines, video clips, and television shows/movies). Applications
should include a typed paragraph (approximately 1/2 page) describing how your example applies to
information discussed in the chapter. Be sure to include appropriate course terminology when
writing up your application. Please include the source with your write-up (a link to electronic
sources is preferred, rather than hard copies, if possible). All applications should be copied into
ONE document and submitted via email to Dr. Gotthard (ggotthard@muhlenberg.edu) by
midnight on the last day of class (May 3). Each application is worth up to 5 points (50 points total).

LEARNING OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM (LOC): All Intro Psych students are required to complete a
Learning Outside the Classroom (LOC) requirement, which includes presentation (LOC-P) and
research (LOC-R) components, or complete an alternate assignment if they do not want to
participate in research (see Dr. Gotthard for details about the alternate assignment). The LOC-P
requirement will be met by attending Psychology Day at the end of the semester (date and times
to be announced). At Psychology Day, you will attend the keynote address, view one student talk,
and visit two student posters. The LOC-R requirement will be fulfilled by participating in FOUR
research studies being conducted by psychology majors and/or faculty. Please refer to the
following website for important details about these requirements:
(http://www.muhlenberg.edu/main/academics/psychology/learning_outside_classroom.html).
Students will receive an LOC card on the first day of class. For IN-PERSON studies, you will obtain a
stamp from the researcher on your LOC card. Do not lose this card, because it will serve as
evidence of your participation. For ONLINE studies, simply write in the pertinent information on
your card yourself, but be sure to select your instructor’s name from the drop-down menu at the
end of the survey (and print the debriefing form as added evidence of your participation).
After completing a unit of research or going to Psychology Day presentations, you need to fill out
the appropriate LOC form, which can be found on the LOC website above. By the last day of classes
(May 3), you should submit your LOC card to me, as well as your LOC forms, and proof of research
participation (e.g., debriefing forms from experimenters). Please staple all of these documents
together. LOC is worth 35 points total (20 points for research participation, and 15 points for
Psychology Day presentations).

PARTICIPATION: All students are expected to come to every class, participate in class activities
and discussions, and complete online quizzes. This course will be based almost exclusively on
discussion and in-class activities, and if you are absent from class you obviously cannot participate.
Active engagement in class is a key factor in learning, and therefore, plays an important role in
grades, especially when a student’s grade is borderline. For example, a student with an 89.9% who
has consistently been an active participant in class will earn a final grade of A-, while a student
with an 89.9% who missed several classes or quizzes and/or didn’t actively participate when in
class will receive a final grade of B+. Bottom line: Come to class prepared and be an active
participant!
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GRADING
Assignment
Points
Exam 1
100
Exam 2
100
Final Exam
150
“Real World” Applications
50
LOC
35
Total
435
Grade
%
A
94-100
A90-93
Grade
B+
B
B-
%
87-89
84-86
80-83
Grade
C+
C
C-
%
77-79
74-76
70-73
Grade
D+
D
F
%
67-69
63-66
0-62
AN IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT GRADING: A grade of “C” is indicative of “average” work in this class. If
you want to earn a grade in the “A” range (exceptional) or “B” range (very good), then you need to be
prepared to work very hard AND produce stellar work. Based on my past experiences teaching this
course, students who earn better than average grades in this course come to class consistently and are
actively engaged, earn solid grades on their exams, produce work that is well-thought-out and that
involves a high level of intellectual sophistication, and consistently offer comments during class that
enrich the discussion.
MECHANICS OF THE COURSE

Turn in assignments and take exams on time: Be sure to hand in all assignments on time, and take
exams and quizzes as scheduled. Any late assignments will lose one letter grade per day, and any
missed exams will result in a zero. Students may make up missed exams, if they provide
documentation to support their absence (e.g., notification from doctor of an illness, etc.). No
supporting documentation for your absence will result in a zero on the exam. If you know that you
will need to miss an exam for a legitimate reason (e.g., travel related to a class or sports), please let
me know early, so that we can arrange for you to take the exam before you leave. A special note
about online quizzes: once the online quiz closes (midnight on the due date), you will not be able to
take it, so be sure to take your quizzes on time.

Turn off cell phones: The use of cell phones during class is NOT permitted. Students should turn
off all electronic devices prior to the start of class. It is incredibly disruptive to the class when
students interact with a cell phone during class. If you are expecting an urgent call, please let me
know before class begins and I will be happy to make accommodations for the day.
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
Show academic integrity: All tests and written assignments in this class are pledged work under
the Academic Integrity Code (AIC; www.muhlenberg.edu/main/aboutus/dean-academic/integrity).
I encourage you to study with other students in the class and to discuss class materials with other
students. However, your tests and written assignments should be your work alone. Students
found to be breaking the AIC will receive a zero on the assignment/exam, and depending on the
circumstances, may receive a failing grade for the class.
Additionally, in accordance with the AIC, please write and sign your name by the following
statement on all written assignments: “I pledge that I have complied with the Academic Integrity
Code in this work.” If you have any questions or concerns about how the AIC applies to work in this
class, I will be happy to discuss this with you.
 Students with Disabilities: Students requiring special accommodations for this course must first
contact the Office for Disability Services (Pamela Moschini, Ext. 3825). Please provide me with the
appropriate documentation and I will make every effort to meet your needs.
DISCUSSION AND READING OUTLINE
This is an approximate guide. Material may be added or deleted throughout the semester, as time
permits. If changes are made, they will be announced in class as soon as possible.
Date
Day
Jan 17
Tues
Jan 19
Topic
Readings & Assignments
Syllabus
Introduction to the Course
Thurs The Science of Psychology
Jan 24
Tues
Jan 26
Thurs Biological Foundations of Behavior
Jan 31
Tues
Feb 2
Thurs Biological Foundations of Behavior
Feb 7
Tues
The Science of Psychology
Chapter 1
[Omit: Module 1.1]
QUIZ 1: Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Biological Foundations of Behavior
Sensation and Perception
Feb 9
Thurs Sensation and Perception
Feb 14
Tues
Consciousness
QUIZ 2: Chapter 2
Chapter 3
[Omit: Modules 3.1, 3.4, 3.6]
QUIZ 3: Chapter 3
Chapter 4
[Omit: Modules 4.1, 4.3, 4.5]
Feb 16
Thurs Consciousness
QUIZ 4: Chapter 4
Feb 21
Tues
EXAM 1: Chapters 1-4
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Feb 23
Thurs Learning
Feb 28
Tues
Mar 1
Thurs Learning
Mar 6
Tues
Mar 8
Thurs SPRING BREAK: No Class
Mar 13
Tues
Mar 15
Thurs Memory
Mar 20
Tues
Mar 22
Thurs Motivation and Emotion
Chapter 8
Mar 27
Tues
QUIZ 7: Chapter 8
Mar 29
Thurs
Apr 3
Tues
Apr 5
Thurs EASTER BREAK: No Class
Apr 10
Tues
Apr 12
Thurs Psychological Disorders & Methods of Therapy Chapters 14 & 15
Apr 17
Tues
Apr 19
Thurs Psychological Disorders & Methods of Therapy QUIZ 9: Chapter 14
Apr 24
Tues
Apr 26
Thurs Social Psychology
Chapter 16
May 1
Tues
QUIZ 11: Chapter 16
May 3
Chapter 5
Learning
QUIZ 5: Chapter 5
SPRING BREAK: No Class
Memory
Memory
Motivation and Emotion
Chapter 6
QUIZ 6: Chapter 6
EXAM 2: Chapters 5, 6, 8
Psychology and Health
Psychology and Health
Chapter 12
QUIZ 8: Chapter 12
Psychological Disorders & Methods of Therapy
Psychological Disorders & Methods of Therapy QUIZ 10: Chapter 15
Social Psychology
Thurs Social Psychology
** “Real World” Applications Due**
(via email by midnight)
**LOC Due** (in class)
TBA:
May 711
CUMULATIVE FINAL EXAM: Chapters
12, 14-16, plus cumulative questions
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