PSY 101
Introductory Psychology
Spring 2016
COURSE INFORMATION
Welcome to Psychology 101: Introductory Psychology
This is an abbreviated course information sheet that contains only the basics of what you need to know
to succeed in this course. The remainder of the course information, which details all of your rights and
responsibilities for PSY 101, is online at http://web.monroecc.edu/psychlearning/CIS. By taking this
course you are agreeing to the rules outlined in this document and detailed online. Please consult the
online course information, as you will be responsible for knowing its contents.
My Information: Section number: _____________
M number: ___________________________
My Instructor’s Information: Name: _________________________________________________
Office: ________ Phone: ________________ Email: ____________________________________
Availability: ______________________________________________________________________
Course Description: An introductory survey of the major concepts in the scientific study of human
behavior, human development, motivation, learning, personality, individual differences, and social
behavior. Dual emphasis is placed upon understanding, integration and application to real life, as well
as theoretical and methodological issues. Opportunities for studying, tutoring, and supplemental testing
will be made available to students outside of class time in the Psychology Learning Center.
Course Learning Outcomes:
•
Differentiate between the numerous areas of specialization within the broader field of
psychology.
•
Compare and contrast the major research methods used in psychology.
•
Identify the important concepts in the various sub-disciplines of psychology (which could
include biological, behavioral, clinical, cognitive, developmental, or social psychology).
•
Identify the important theories in the various sub-disciplines of psychology (which could
include biological, behavioral, clinical, cognitive, developmental, or social psychology).
•
Identify applications of scientific psychology in real-world situations.
Required Textbook: MCC Custom Edition of Bernstein, D. et al. (2012). Psychology (9th ed.). Mason,
OH: Cengage Learning, ISBN 1133886965 or 1133886969). We highly recommend buying the new
textbook with the "MindTap" bundle (ISBN: 9781305705708). The book comes in a loose-leaf format,
which reduces the cost but means that it is easy for material to be missing. For this reason, we advise
you to purchase the book new at the MCC bookstore, or see the PLC website for direct purchasing
information through Cengage. A study guide is also available at the bookstore (for less than $2) and is
required. See p. 4 for additional purchasing information.
page 2
Units: The book is organized into seven units, addressing seven basic areas of psychology. We will
cover all the material in the custom text.
UNIT
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
TOPIC(S)
Introducing Psychology
Biological Psychology
Motivation and Learning
Personality, Psychological Disorders, and Treatment
Cognitive Psychology
Human Development
Social Psychology
Learning Objectives and Study Guide: Each unit is divided into 20 Learning Objectives, available
online at the course web site. Learning objectives are defined by section headings in the text. A Study
Guide is available online on the Psychology Learning Center’s website and in the bookstore (for less
than $2) that specifies a list of questions for each objective that students should be able to answer. All
answers are available in the text.
Tests: There are three 20-item multiple-choice tests given on the material in each unit, and only the
one with the highest score will count. One of them (the B test) will be given in class. The other two
(the A and C tests) are given in the Psychology Learning Center following a precise schedule. To take a
test in the Psychology Learning Center, you need to know your section number and the last 4 digits of
your M number. You also need a photo ID; there will be no exceptions to the ID requirement.
Grading: The average of your highest scores on each of the seven unit tests will determine your final
course grade. There are no papers and no final exam. Your grade will be calculated according to the
following chart:
Percentage
Grade
Percentage
Grade
90% - 100%
87% - 89%
83% - 86%
79% - 82%
75% - 78%
72% - 74%
A
AB+
B
BC+
67% - 71%
64% - 66%
60% - 63%
56% - 59%
51% - 55%
Below 51%
C
CD+
D
DF
Psychology Learning Center: There is a Psychology Learning Center location at
both campuses: Brighton (room 11-110, inside the Electronic Learning Center) and
Damon (room 4259, inside the Integrated Learning Center). Their rules and hours of
operation are found online (web.monroecc.edu/psychlearning). The Learning
Center is typically used for three different activities:
•
Taking the A and C tests on each unit;
•
Tutoring, including going over tests you have taken and questions about course concepts;
•
Studying, including taking practice tests and checking out copies of the book or the study guide
(you will need a photo ID to access hard-copy materials).
page 3
Class Calendar: A calendar for your section of the course is handed out in class; additional copies
are available in the Psychology Learning Center and also online. The calendar shows when the A and C
tests will be available in the Learning Center and when the B test on each unit will be given in class.
Grade Posting: After each unit is completed, all test scores and current averages will be posted in the
Courses folder of the M-drive, identified by section number and the last 4 digits of your M number.
Please check these postings frequently, and report any errors immediately to your instructor.
Attendance: In accordance with MCC policy, attendance is expected in class and for tests. Any student
who misses more than three class hours (including lectures and testing sessions) may be subject to
withdrawal from the course at the discretion of the instructor. If you wish to be withdrawn from the
course, it is your responsibility to withdraw yourself before the withdrawal deadline.
Students with Special Needs: Dealing with special needs generally requires extra effort on the part
of both student and instructor, so it is crucial that you work closely with your instructor from the
beginning of the semester. Students should make arrangements for appropriate accommodations
through the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (Room 1-231).
Cancellation Information: In the event of a college-wide emergency, a class cancellation, or the
closing of the college for any reason, information will be posted on the college web site
(www.monroecc.edu). See the Psychology Learning Center web site for more information about how
cancellations affect your class and the Psychology Learning Center.
Academic Honesty: Any cheating in class or in the Learning Center, which includes any access to
materials during a test, and any use of an electronic device during a test in class, or at any time while in
the Learning Center testing room, will be result in a zero for that test and will be reported to your
course instructor as well as the Vice President for Student Services. Further disciplinary action, such as
receiving a failing grade in the course, may also be taken.
Student Conduct: You are expected to conduct yourself in a mature and respectful manner at all times
both in the classroom and Psychology Learning Center, and to obey all reasonable requests made of you
by college faculty and staff. Failure to abide by guidelines of appropriate conduct in the Psychology
Learning Center may result in a series of responses ranging from notifying your instructor to removal
from the course or college (see website for details). If you have a concern regarding the Psychology
Learning Center operations or staff, contact: (1) your instructor, (2) the administrator at the Psychology
Learning Center location, (3) the Psychology Learning Center Coordinator, and (4) the Department
Chairperson, in that order, to address the situation.
page 4
PLC web site: http://web.monroecc.edu/psychlearning/
Resource
Where You Can Find It
Textbook
Purchase at the bookstore or online. Online purchases from the publisher are the
least expensive: http://www.cengagebrain.com/micro/PSY101MCC An e-book
is available and is accessible with a MindTap access code. Used books do not
provide MindTap access. Both Psychology Learning Centers (PLCs) and campus
libraries have limited print copies (picture ID required for onsite loan).
CIS (syllabus) and
Calendars
Abridged version (paper copies in the PLCs, electronic copies on the PLC
website) Full Version (electronic copy- PLC website)
PLC Hours and
Locations
PLC website and posted on the doors of both campus Psychology Learning
Centers (a slideshow tutorial of the Brighton PLC is on the PLC website)
A and C Testing
and Deadlines
A/C tests are available at the PLC on either campus (picture ID is required).
A/C test schedules are located on your class calendar and on the PLC website
PSY 101 Tutoring
and Schedules
Instructor Office Hours (posted on office door) and PLC (tutoring provided by
professors and previous students); hours are posted on the wall in each PLC.
Practice Tests
Two versions of practice tests for each unit are available in the PLC; one of these
versions is also available on the PLC website
Unit Grades (A, B,
and C tests)
M Drive (follow: CoursesàPSYàPSY 101 Gradesàyour specific section, e.g.,
131, CC1). Grades are organized by last 4 digits of M #s.
Study Guide by
Learning
Objectives (LO)
PLC website; also in print at the bookstore for less than $2
Organized by unit.
Tips for Studying:
Success in 101
PLC website
MindTap
https://login.cengage.com
The MindTap access code includes an e-book version of our custom text.
Weblinks
PLC website
Department Course
Offerings
PLC website
Descriptions of Psychology Department courses
Have a Question?
PLC website’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) may provide a quick answer.