PIERCE COLLEGE
PSYCHOLOGY 69: Psychology in Film (CSU transferable)
Spring, 2014
Professor: Chadwick J. Snow, Ph.D.
Office: BEH 1306C
E-mail: snowcj@piercecollege.edu
Phone: 818-710-4315
Class: Section 3339, W: 3:45pm – 6:55pm, BEH 1305
Office Hours: M / W: 9:30am – 11:00am | W: 2:15pm – 3:15pm
The following information is provided to you as an aid in completing this course. Its specific purpose is to acquaint you with the
policies by which this class will be conducted, what you can expect of it, and, in turn, what is expected of you. You are held
responsible for understanding these procedures and requirements and for abiding by them throughout the course. KEEP THIS
SYLLABUS IN A PERMANENT AND CONVENIENT PLACE SO THAT YOU MAY REFER TO IT WHENEVER THE OCCASION
REQUIRES.
COURSE PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
This course surveys a variety of films that portray specific human behaviors, characteristics, and disorders as discussed in General
Psychology I. A lecture/discussion will accompany each film that provides a more in depth analysis of the relevant topic than is
covered in General Psychology I. Topics covered will be drawn from research methods, biological psychology, sensation &
perception, states of consciousness, learning, memory, intelligence, motivation, human development, personality, emotions &
stress, human sexuality & gender, social psychology, abnormal psychology, and clinical psychology.
The goal is to develop observational and analytical skills that enable students to interpret and identify various psychological
aspects of the human condition in the real world via the medium of film. Additionally, students will learn to assess the accuracy of
films in their depictions of the associated psychological topics discussed.
Warning: Several films shown in this course may contain obscenities, violence, and/or sexual content; the material typical of an “R”
rated film. If you are uncomfortable viewing such films, you should withdraw from this class immediately.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING (1000 points possible):
Exams:
There are 3 regular exams and a final exam. To complete all 4 exams, it will be necessary for you to bring a Scantron
882-E Answer Sheet to each exam along with a #2 pencil and eraser.
The 3 regular exams and the final exam will each consist of 40 multiple choice questions. Each exam counts for 20% of your
grade. The final exam is NOT cumulative. Unless otherwise stated, the content of each exam will be derived from the
lectures, discussions, films watched, and assigned readings from the portion of the course as stated on the “course schedule”.
Your score on the final exam will also replace your lowest regular exam score if you have a regular exam score that’s lower than
your final exam score; in this case, your final exam would count for 40% of your final grade. All students must take the final
exam.
There will be NO make-up exams. If you miss a regular exam, then that will be the exam score replaced with your score
on the final exam.
Paper Assignments:
You must complete 3 short film analysis papers in this class. This is an important component of the course because it
demonstrates your ability to connect various issues portrayed in films to the psychological topics we discuss in class. Each paper
will be approximately 3 pages in length and worth 5% of your grade in the course. Two of these papers will be based on films seen
in class and one will be based on a film of your choice that you watch outside of class.
Detailed instructions regarding each of these paper assignments will be provided to you during subsequent classes. They will also
be accessible on the class website (discussed near the end of this syllabus).
YOU WILL LOSE 10 POINTS (20%) OF EACH PAPER THAT IS TURNED IN ONE CLASS PERIOD LATE. NO PAPERS WILL BE
ACCEPTED BEYOND ONE CLASS PERIOD LATE AND YOU WILL RECEIVE A ZERO FOR THAT ASSIGNMENT.
Papers must be turned in to me in person and in class. Paper submissions via email, campus mailbox, slipping under my
office door, etc., will NOT be accepted (NO EXCEPTIONS).
Participation:
Participation counts for at least 5% of your grade in this course. You will complete a series of “reaction” exercises in this course.
You will be given these during the second half of each class (each class is divided by a 15 minute break). These are very simple
and should only take about 1-2 minutes to complete. I will hand out a piece of paper containing a question or exercise and you will
respond in writing. These MUST be completed in class on the date that they are handed out. These are graded on a credit /
no credit basis. You receive credit if you complete the exercise each class meeting and no credit if you do not complete it. You
must complete at least 12 of the 14 exercises to receive full participation credit in this course. You will lose 5% of your course
grade for each exercise you do not complete under 12 (i.e. only complete 11 exercises and you lose 5% of your course grade; only
complete 10 exercises and you lose 10% of your course grade, etc.)
This is the easiest way to boost your grade in the class. Just make sure that you do not miss more than 2 class periods and that
you stay for the entire class you attend each night and you will receive 100% for this 5% portion of your course grade. I have
included this in this course because being present in this class is essential for success. It’s also a class that only meets one time a
week. Therefore, if you miss class 3 or more times, you’ve missed 20% or more of the course. This is not acceptable.
Class Attendance:
After census week, attendance will no longer be recorded with the exception of participation in the film activity (described below). If I
notice that a student has missed several classes, I reserve the right to withdraw that student from the course. However, if
you decide to withdraw from this class it is ultimately your responsibility to follow the appropriate procedures for withdrawal. DO NOT
RELY ON ME TO WITHDRAW YOU FROM THIS CLASS BECAUSE YOU STOP ATTENDING.
You MUST turn off your cell phones before class begins. This includes vibrate mode because that can be heard too. Off is when you
push on the power button until all the lights of your cell phone go out. If you wish to use a laptop in class to take notes, you must sit
at the back of the classroom so as to not disturb other students. If you have any concerns about these rules, please see me at the
end of our first class.
Whenever you wish to speak during class, raise your hand and I will call on you. Oral participation is STRONGLY encouraged, such
as actively participating in group activities, sharing a relevant experience with the class, or asking me relevant questions. However,
talking to your friends in class is NOT PERMITTED.
Course Grade:
The 3 regular exams (200 points each)
Final Exam
The 3 film analysis papers (50 points each)
Participation
Total
A = 895 – 1000 points
B = 795 – 894 points
C = 695 – 794 points
D = 595 – 694 points
F = Below 595 points
= 600 points
= 200 points
= 150 points
= 50 points
(60%)
(20%)
(15%)
(05%)
= 1000 points
(100%)
(90%-100%)
(80%-89%)
(70%-79%)
(60%-69%)
(Below 60%)
Class Website:
Barring unforeseen circumstances, each lecture will be available to you on a website designed specifically for this class. You must
have access to PowerPoint to view these lectures. It is strongly recommended that you print out each lecture and bring it to
class on the day that I will be presenting that lecture. This will significantly reduce the amount of notes you need to take in class.
However, these online lectures are not a substitute for taking good notes. They are only provided to you so that you can
listen more effectively to what I’m discussing in class and take notes on information that is not provided in the online lectures.
Illustrated instructions regarding this website are provided on the last page of this syllabus.
SPECIAL NOTE: Taking good notes is vital to doing well on the exams, which in turn makes your attendance vital.
Therefore, if you miss a class, make absolutely sure that you get the notes from someone in class. It is not possible to do
well in this class without taking good notes.
Additionally, you should make every attempt to rent and watch any films you may miss due to absence. If you are unable
to obtain a missed film (or unwilling to watch a particular film for personal reasons), research it on the internet and
perhaps ask a fellow classmate what happened in the film and what we discussed about it.
Student Learning Outcomes…
Students will demonstrate critical observational skills through a rubric designed to evaluate students’ ability to deconstruct and
analyze films for accuracy in their depictions of the associated psychological topics discussed.
Aesthetics and Culture Path Class:
This course was identified as a PATH course leading to an OPTIONAL minor in Civic Engagement at CSUN. There are five paths a
student may take (Aesthetics and Culture, Health and Wellness, Global Studies, Social Justice, and Sustainability) and this course
fulfills the Aesthetics and Culture Path. Please inquire with your instructor if you are interested in additional courses offered at Pierce
to fulfill this Path.
Student Academic Integrity Policy Statement…
The faculty and administration of Pierce College are committed to the belief that honesty and integrity are integral
components of the academic process. The College expects students to be honest and ethical at all times in their
pursuit of academic goals. Students who violate the code of academic conduct by which the College maintains its
academic integrity will be dealt with in a manner reflecting the seriousness of these violations.
I. Violations of academic honesty and integrity occur when a student participates in any act in which he/she uses deception or
fraud while performing an academic activity. Violations include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Using study aids such as calculators, tape recorders or notes, when not authorized by the instructor.
2. Cheating on examinations, assignments or experiments (allowing another student to copy one's answers or copying the
answers of other students; exchanging information by any means, including verbal exchanges, sign language, hand signals,
secret codes, passed notes, creation of a distraction for the purpose of cheating; changing answers on a previously scored
test, assignment or experiment; inventing information and/or data.) NOTE: Cheating on an exam results in an automatic
zero for that exam without the ability to drop or replace that zero.
3. Allowing another student to assume one's identity in order to fulfill an assignment or take a test.
4. Submitting for a grade the words, ideas, and/or written work (including laboratory notes and drawings) of another person
without giving due credit to that person. This includes purchased papers or papers written by other students.
5. Falsifying or attempting to falsify attendance records and/or grade rosters.
6. Conspiring with other students to commit any of the above behaviors.
II. Consequences for any offense against academic honesty and integrity may include:
1. An “F” or a “0” on the examination or assignment.
2. Suspension from the class and other sanctions and/or penalties authorized by the Board of Trustees for violations of the
District Code of Conduct.
3. A record of the student's violation placed in the student's disciplinary file.
Special Services…
It is Pierce College’s policy to provide reasonable accommodations to those students who have documented disabilities.
Students with disabilities, whether physical, learning and/or psychological, who anticipate needing accommodations for this
course are encouraged to communicate with me early in the semester. Additionally, it is your responsibility as a student to
formally request services by contacting Special Services at 818-719-6430. Special Services is located in the new Student
Services Building, south of the mall, in Room 48175.
If you require subtitles/captions for any video presentations that are included in this course, you must inform me of this need
during the first week of class, so that I can make the appropriate accommodations for you in the course.
COURSE OUTLINE AND SCHEDULE (ALL TOPICS, FILMS, AND DATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
DATE
TOPIC / FILM
EXAM / ASSIGNMENT
Feb. 12
Course Orientation
Opening Film: TBA
Genre: TBA
Feb. 19
Topic 1: TBA
Subdisciplines: TBA
Film 1: TBA
Genre: TBA
Read Linked Article via Class Website
Feb. 26
Topic 2: TBA
Subdisciplines: TBA
Film 2: TBA
Genre: TBA
Read Linked Article via Class Website
Mar. 5
Topic 3: TBA
Subdisciplines: TBA
Film 3: TBA
Genre: TBA
Read Linked Article via Class Website
Mar. 12
Topic 4: TBA
Subdisciplines: TBA
Film 4: TBA
Genre: TBA
Read Linked Article via Class Website
Exam #1 “Topics / Films 1, 2, 3”
Mar. 19
Topic 5: TBA
Subdisciplines: TBA
Film 5: TBA
Genre: TBA
Read Linked Article via Class Website
Paper #1 Due “Analysis of In-Class Film”
Mar. 26
Topic 6: TBA
Subdisciplines: TBA
Film 6: TBA
Genre: TBA
Read Linked Article via Class Website
Apr. 2
Topic 7: TBA
Subdiscipline: TBA
Film 7: TBA
Genre: TBA
Read Linked Article via Class Website
Exam #2 “Topics / Films 4, 5, 6”
Apr. 9
SPRING BREAK: NO CLASS
Apr. 16
Topic 8: TBA
Subdisciplines: TBA
Film 8: TBA
Genre: TBA
Read Linked Article via Class Website
Paper #2 Due “Analysis of In-Class Film”
Apr. 23
Topic 9: TBA
Subdisciplines: TBA
Film 9: TBA
Genre: TBA
Read Linked Article via Class Website
Apr. 30
Topic 10: TBA
Subdisciplines: TBA
Film 10: TBA
Genre: TBA
Read Linked Article via Class Website
May 7
Topic 11: TBA
Subdisciplines: TBA
Film 11: TBA
Genre: TBA
Read Linked Article via Class Website
Exam #3 “Topics / Films 7, 8, 9, 10”
May 14
Topic 12: TBA
Subdiscipline: TBA
Film 12: TBA
Genre: TBA
Read Linked Article via Class Website
Paper #3 Due “Analysis of Out-of-Class Film”
May 21
Topic 13: TBA
Subdisciplines: TBA
Film 13: TBA
Genre: TBA
Read Linked Article via Class Website
May 28
Topic 14: TBA
Subdisciplines: TBA
Film 14: TBA
Genre: TBA
Read Linked Article via Class Website
Jun. 2
Final Exam (4:30pm – 6:30pm) “Topics / Films 11, 12, 13, 14”
Valuable Services and Contact Information…
Academic Counseling Services – 818.719.6440 Student Services Bldg, 1st floor
Academic counselors are available to assist you with many of your educational needs such as help in clarifying your
values and goals; develop a student education plan (SEP); interpret articulation agreements with other colleges and
universities, and much more.
ASSIST.org – www.assist.org
ASSIST is an online student-transfer information system that shows how course credits earned at one public California
college or university can be applied when transferred to another. ASSIST is the official repository of articulation for
California’s public colleges and universities and provides the most accurate and up-to-date information about student
transfer in California.
Associated Students Organization – 818.719.6411
The Pierce College student government organization supports the growth of Pierce College through active involvement
with students, faculty, and staff. Our goal is to create a better environment for an overall academic experience through
leadership and club participation.
Book Store – 818.710.3303 College Services Bldg
The Pierce College Bookstore provides for the sale of books and supply requirements connected with the academic
programs of the college. Text book information is available online at www.piercebookstore.com.
Career Center – 818.710.4126 Student Services Bldg 1st floor
The mission of the Pierce Career Center is to educate and to serve the students of Pierce College in the career
education, planning and development processes. Career Center services and resources provide assistance to students
with the exploration of career options, the cultivation of a comprehensive employment and education plan, and the
enhancement of job search techniques and strategies.
Center for Academic Success – 818.719.6414 Library Learning Crossroads Bldg, 1st floor
The CAS is committed to helping students in need of academic support acquire the skills and tools necessary to meet
their individual academic, vocational, or personal goals. All tutoring services are free to currently enrolled Pierce
College students.
Copy Tech – 818.710-3303 Bookstore Complex
Pierce College's High-Tech Document Production Center where students can make it, print it, and copy it, at the
CopyTech!
Copy Tech also issues picture ID cards to new students upon presentation of proof of enrollment (registration/fee
receipt.)
Equal Opportunity Programs and Services – 818.719.6422 Student Services Bldg, 2nd floor
EOP&S is a state-funded support program designed to assist qualified low-income and educationally disadvantaged
students in completing their educational goals with the assistance of financial and student support services. It is an
invitational program open only to those who qualify and commit to participate in the program.
Financial Assistance – 818.719.6428 Student Services Bldg, 1st floor
If you need help paying for books and other college expenses, please contact the Financial Aid Office. Visit them on
the web at http://www.piercecollege.edu/offices/financial_aid
GAIN/CalWorks – 818.719.6400 Student Services Bldg, 2nd floor
The GAIN/CalWORKs program serves all CalWORKs students attending Pierce College. A variety of services designed
to support your educational, career and personal goals is offered, such as advocacy for child care, student education
plans (SEP), work-study opportunities, child care in the campus Child Development Center for eligible children, and
much more.
Health Center – 818.710.4270 Student Services Bldg, 2nd floor
The Pierce College Student Health Center is committed to delivering expert medical care to students. Each student is
given professional and cost effective medical attention. All registered students, regardless of insurance, are eligible for
the same no charge or low cost care. Personal Counseling is also available to all currently enrolled students. The
Pierce College Student Health Center is committed to providing care to support your academic and personal well being.
Library – 818.710.2833 Library Learning Crossroads Bldg, 2 nd floor
The Pierce College Library serves all currently enrolled students, college faculty and staff, and members of the
community. The library is a comfortable place to study, to investigate a topic of interest, or to enjoy reading a current
book, periodical, or magazine. Please feel free to ask for assistance in using the library; a reference librarian is
available to help you with your research questions.
Pass-No-Pass Courses
Did you know you can take courses on a pass-no pass basis? Pass-No Pass is a great way to maintain your GPA
while you take classes that you may not be particularly strong in. Any questions about Pass-No Pass check with an
academic counselor.
Transfer Center – 818.710.4126 Student Services Bldg, 1st floor
The mission of the Pierce College Transfer Center is to help students successfully transfer to a four year institution. The
Transfer Center offers aid to students in the transfer process to ensure a smooth and positive transition.
Veterans Office – 818.710.3316 Student Services Bldg, 2nd floor
The mission of the Pierce College Veterans Office is to provide a supportive environment for veterans and to assist
them with the services they need to receive VA benefits and to successfully complete their educational goal at Pierce
College. The Veterans Office is designed as a liaison between you as a veteran and the Veterans Administration. Our
Veterans staff will forward all documents required by the Veterans Administration directly to the Muskogee Regional
Office. Our email contact is pierce-veteran@piercecollege.edu