Spring 2015
Introduction to Psychology
NAME OF COURSE:
COURSE #:
FACULTY:
OFFICE:
PHONE:
E-MAIL:
TIMELINE:
Introduction to Psychology
PSY100.910
Heather LaCost
Academic Professional Center, Room 267
(630) 466-2465
(630) 466-2402 (Online Learning office)
hlacost@waubonsee.edu
All four exams must be completed by the course deadline, May 11, 2015,
regardless of when you start the course. If you have questions or concerns
about meeting this deadline, contact the instructor immediately. You are not
able to take the first exam until after the first day of classes on January 20,
2015
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is a survey of the study of human behavior with emphasis on the scientific methods of contemporary
psychological investigation. Topics include an introduction to: biology of behavior, sensation and perception,
learning, memory, cognition, motivation, emotion, life-span development, personality, abnormal behavior and its
therapies, social behavior and individual differences.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: This course is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Explain methods utilized in conducting psychological research.
Explain major theories and models of psychology.
Explain the biological and psychological factors related to growth and
development.
Explain the major systems in physiological psychology.
Outline the history of psychology including the contributions of major
scientists.
Summarize learning theories including theories related to behaviorism,
cognitive psychology, intelligence and information processing.
Describe various psychological disorders, causes and treatments
TEXTBOOK AND ONLINE ACCESS CODE:
Required Text: Feldman, R. (2013). Essentials of Understanding Psychology, 10th edition, McGraw-Hill,
New York.
Required Resource: Connect Psychology online access code, McGraw-Hill, Free with new text or
available online. See instructions on next page under “Textbook and Online Access Code (Continued)”
Online Learning Center: http://www.mhhe.com/feldmaness10e Free online study guide, study tools.
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TEXTBOOK AND ONLINE ACCESS CODE (Continued):
Both a textbook and an online access code for “Connect Psychology” are required for the course and
available from Waubonsee’s Sugar Grove (Dickson Center) and Aurora campus bookstores. The online
access code comes free with a new textbook or if you have a used book the online access code can be
purchased directly from the publisher online. The online “LearnSmart” exercises in Connect Psychology
will be worth 20% of your final grade. Three possible options (pick one) to get your textbook and code:
1. Purchase a new book and online access code together a shrink-wrapped package including text
and online code is available at the bookstore for purchase. Click on “Learnsmart Assignments
(Connect Psychology) in the link to the left within your Blackboard course and click on
“Register Now” to enter your online access code (registration code).
2. Purchase a used textbook and click on “Learnsmart Assignments (Connect Psychology) in the
link to the left within your Blackboard course and click on “Register Now”, enter your e-mail
address and follow the steps to “buy online”. You can purchase the Connect Psychology online
access code.
3. If you prefer not to have a print book, and would like an e-book instead you can purchase
Connect Psychology Plus online, which includes the online access code. Click on “Learnsmart
Assignments (Connect Psychology) in the link to the left within your Blackboard course and
click on “Register Now”, enter your e-mail address and follow the steps to “buy online”. This
Connect Plus option includes the price of an e-book plus the price of the Connect code.
IMPORTANT: If you cannot see the links to the left with the “Learnsmart Assignment (Connect
Psychology) link, click on the < symbol to the left to open up the menu of links.
It is very important that you obtain a code and complete the Connect Psychology “LearnSmart”
exercises, which are worth 20% of your final grade. If you are having difficulty feel free to contact
the Online Learning Office,
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Students will be required to:
1. Carefully read the assigned chapters in the textbook. Take notes and review each chapter.
There are good suggestions on how to read your textbook effectively in the beginning of your
textbook on pages xlii-xlv
2. Study your textbook and notes. There are more good suggestions on helping you study under
“Making the Grade: A Practical Guide to Studying Effectively” at the beginning of your
textbook on pages xxxviii-li.
3. Complete assigned LearnSmart exercises as soon as possible after reading the assigned
chapters in the textbook. Set a calendar for yourself so you are not left with all of the
exercises at the end of the semester. If you procrastinate, you will not have enough time to
complete the exercises. To complete these exercises you need to register for Connect
Psychology online using online access code (see information about obtaining code above) and
complete assigned chapter under “LearnSmart”. The purpose of the LearnSmart Exercises is to
help students prepare for the exams and to encourage paced studying for the exams.
4. Complete 4 tests on assigned chapters at a Waubonsee Assessment Center before the
course deadline.
CONNECT PSYCHOLOGY/ LEARNSMART:
To access connect psychology you must purchase an online access code with your textbook or directly
from the publisher. Both a textbook and an online access code for “Connect Psychology” are required for
the course and available from Waubonsee’s Sugar Grove (Dickson Center) and Aurora campus bookstores.
See instructions under textbook and online code. Once you have entered the code you will get to the
homepage and you will want to click on “LearnSmart” off to the right hand side of the screen to access
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your online assignments. There is a LearnSmart Module to complete for each chapter. Each chapter
will take approximately from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on how long the chapter is and how
quickly you read and answer the questions. You should work on the LearnSmart modules after you
have read and studied the textbook to check how ready you are for the test. Answer the questions to
help you review and better prepare for the topics on which you need further study. If you still don’t
understand a concept, feel free to call/e-mail me for further clarification. After you have studied and
completed the LearnSmart module for each of the three chapters assigned to a test, you should go to
Waubonsee to take your test. Remember to complete your LearnSmart modules before the deadline in
order to receive credit. If you achieve a score of 80% or better on the LearnSmart module, full credit (15
points for every 3 chapters) will be given for completing the module.
TESTS:
Tests will be available on January 20th, 2015 and can be taken at the Waubonsee Assessment Center on the
Sugar Grove campus (Student Center, Room 230), the Aurora campus (room 275), or the Plano campus
(room 129). You will be required to show a photo ID before you are allowed to test.
Be prepared to leave your textbooks, notes, handbags, coats, etc., with the room proctor while taking the
test. Testing for this course is being done using a computer. You will find the computerized testing format
both easy and non-threatening to use. Using the computerized approach to testing will allow you to receive
your score immediately upon completion of the exam.
There are four (4) 60 question multiple-choice tests. Questions on the test will be using the vocabulary of
the textbook, so make sure you understand the textbook concepts and terminology. You can refer to the
study guide of terms that can be found in Blackboard under “Study Guides” to know what will be
included on each test. Each test is of equal weight in determining your final grade. The Connect
Psychology “LearnSmart” study exercises/assignments that you are assigned to work through will be
critical to helping prepare for the tests.
Successful students are the ones who read the text and work through the practice exercises on a regular
schedule. In other words, they approach this course much the same way they do their other courses in that
they do homework (your LearnSmart exercises) each week instead of trying to complete all of the exams at
the end of the semester. If you find you are having difficulty getting the work done or are struggling with
the course, please give me a call at 630-466-2465 or e-mail me at hlacost@waubonsee.edu so I can give
some suggestions and help to make you more successful.
ADDITIONAL STUDY AIDS:
Another study aid you may want to utilize is the publisher online website at
www.mhhe.com/feldmaness10e Just click on “Student Edition” under Online Learning Center to access
this free companion website. This will give you access to electronic flashcards, quizzes, interactive
activities, etc. which will provide a more active way to study and prepare for the tests.
There is also a hard copy study guide to accompany our text available through the bookstore. This is not
required, but may be purchased if students are interested in having additional study aids to prepare for the
exams.
CONTACT FOR HELP:
Online Learning Office: The Online Learning office can be found on the Sugar Grove campus in Collins
Hall room 118. Feel free to call them at 630-466-2402 if you have any questions. The Online Learning
staff is available Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and
Sunday 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
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Instructor: Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. The quickest way to get in touch with
me is by e-mail at hlacost@waubonsee.edu. You can also call me at 630-466-2465. If I am not available
when you call, you may leave a message and I’ll get back to you as quickly as possible.
GRADING POLICY/ DUE DATES:
Your grade will be determined according to the total number of points you receive on the four (4) tests (60
points each) and your completion of the LearnSmart online study exercises (60 points total) . There is a
maximum of 300 points.
Please note: Students should get started on the course assignments as soon
as possible and make their own calendar of deadlines for each chapter in
order to complete the course on time.
Course Requirement
LearnSmart (Ch. 1,2,3)
Exam 1 (Ch. 1,2,3)
LearnSmart (Ch. 4,5,6)
Exam 2 (Ch. 4,5,6)
LearnSmart (Ch. 7,8,9)
Exam 3 (Ch. 7,8,9)
LearnSmart (Ch. 10,12,14)
Exam 4 (Ch. 10,12,14)
Final Grade
A
B
C
D
Due Date
May 11th
May 11th
May 11th
May 11th
May 11th
May 11th
May 11th
May 11th
Points
15
60
15
60
15
60
15
60
300
points
possible
Total Points Earned
300-270
269-240
239-210
209-180
PLEASE NOTE!
You may retake the first test if you are unhappy with your performance as you adjust to taking
telecourse tests. Your second test score is the score that will count in your final grade. Your 2nd, 3rd
and 4th tests may not be retaken.
All students are expected to complete the course on or before May 11th, 2015, even if you register
late in the semester. If you have not completed the assignments and tests within this time and have
not contacted the instructor and received confirmation for an extension, you will be issued an F as a
final grade.
You may withdraw from the course by contacting the Records office before April 27, 2015.
If there are special extenuating circumstances, for which you have documentation, for why you cannot
complete the course by the deadline and it is past the withdrawal date above, you may contact the instructor
to request a grade of ‘I’ (incomplete). With the instructor’s approval, this option will allow you an
extension to complete the course work.
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A request for an extension (via I grade) or withdrawal must be in writing, with documentation, by email at hlacost@waubonsee.edu or regular mail before April 20th, 2015. In your request you need to
include: your special circumstances and documentation, whether you are requesting a withdrawal or an I
grade, how much time you would like for an extension, and a contact e-mail or phone number where I can
reach you to confirm your request. You will receive a confirmation call or e-mail from me confirming if I
have or have not accepted your request. If you do not receive a confirmation call or e-mail from me, it
means that I did not receive your request and you will need to resubmit it. All extensions are at the
instructor’s discretion.
If you do receive an extension for the course you need to contact the instructor upon completion of the
course to have your final grade submitted.
EXTRA CREDIT:
Students may complete an extra credit assignment to earn a maximum of 15 extra credit points. Attached is
an additional sheet that explains the requirements of the assignment, which involves a book review.
Students must complete the assignment and submit the assignment via e-mail no later than course deadline.
No late assignments will be accepted. If students do not receive an e-mail confirming the assignment was
received, then they must submit the assignment again prior to the course deadline and receive an e-mail
from the instructor confirming it was received. It is not considered a submitted assignment until they
receive confirmation via e-mail that the assignment was received.
Instructions for the assignment are included in this syllabus. Please be sure to carefully read the
instructions or your assignment may not be accepted.
STUDY GUIDE:
Go to the link within the blackboard class (off to the left) for a list of concepts on which to focus your
studying. You should know more than just the definitions of these terms. You should understand the
concept, be able to understand examples and applications of the listed concepts, and understand all the
information related to the concept term.
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PSY100 – Introduction to Psychology Extra Credit Assignment-­‐ Book Review An extra credit assignment is available to any students interested in the opportunity to explore a topic in
psychology in greater depth. The purpose of this assignment is to help further stimulate interest and thinking in
psychology.
Students have the option to earn a maximum of 15 extra credit points. Your paper will be granted points based
on the clarity, accuracy, completeness, and overall quality.
1) Read one of the books on the attached list or contact the instructor for special permission for a book.
2) Summarize the key points of the book.
3) Discuss how the author arrives at his/her conclusions.
a. Are they based on findings using the scientific method (ex. experiments, studies, etc.)?
b. Are they based on the author’s personal experiences, case studies, ideas?
c. How would you rate the quality of the author’s conclusions?
d. Do you agree or disagree with the author’s key points and conclusions? Why or why not?
e. Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not?
Type up your review of the book in a 3-4 page paper, double-spaced, 10-12pt font. Be sure to include the
complete reference for your book.
If your book is not on the list that follows you must discuss your book choice with the instructor and have it
approved prior to beginning this assignment. If you are interested in a particular topic and would like a book
recommendation, please ask the instructor for assistance. I am happy to make recommendations.
Students with any questions about this assignment are strongly encouraged to discuss them with the instructor.
Happy Reading and Exploring!
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Extra Credit Book List (May pick other psychology books with instructor approval.)
Ariely, D. (2012). The upside of irrationality: the unexpected benefits of defying logic at work and at home.
Harper.
Call number: BC177 .A77 2010
Chabris, C.F. (2010). The invisible gorilla: and other ways our intuitions deceive us. Crown.
Call number: BF321 .C43 2010
Cialdini, R. (1993). Influence: science and practice. HarperCollins.
Call number: BF774.C53 1993
Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1997). Finding flow: the psychology of engagement with everday life. Basic Books.
Call number: BF575.H27 C848 1997
Diener, E. (2008). Happiness: unlocking the mysteries of psychological wealth. Blackwell.
Call number: BF575.H27 D54 2008
Dweck, C.S. (2006). Mindset: the new psychology of success. Random House.
Call number: BF773.D85 2006
Horstman, J. (2012). The Scientific American book of love, sex, and the brain: the neuroscience of how, when, why
and who we love. Jossey-Bass.
Call number: BF575.L8.H663 2012
Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, fast and slow. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
Call number: BF441 .K238 2011
Kohn, A. (1993). Punished by rewards: the trouble with gold stars, incentive plans, A’s, praise and other
zimbardo bribes. New York, Houghton Mifflin.
Call number: B505.R48 K65 1993
Pennebaker, J.W. (2011). The secret life of pronouns: what our words say about us. Bloomsbury Press.
Call number: PE1261 .P46 2011
Pink, D. H. (2009). Drive: the surprising truth about what motivates us. Riverhead Books.
Call number: BF503 .P475 2009
Sacks, O. (1990). The man who mistook his wife for a hat. Harper Perennial.
Call number: RC351.S195 1990
Slater, L. (2005) Opening skinners box: Great psychological experiments of the 20th century. W.W. Norton.
Call number: BF198.7.S57 2004
Steele, C. (2010). Whistling Vivaldi: and other clues to how sterotypes affect us. W.W. Norton & Company.
Call number: HM1096 .S736 2010
Tavris, C. (1989). Anger: the misunderstood emotion. New York: Simon and Schuster.
Call number: BF575.A5 T38 1989
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Wegner, D. M. (1989). White bears and other unwanted thoughts: suppression, obsession, and the psychology of
mental control. Viking.
Call number: BF441.W44 1989
Zimbardo, P. G. (2007). The Lucifer Effect: understanding how good people turn evil. Random House.
Call number: BF789.E94 Z56 2007
Resources
The following links are useful resources that are available to you as a student at Waubonsee Community College:
Access Center for Students with Disabilities:
http://www.waubonsee.edu/learning/academicSupport/access/
Career Services Center:
http://www.waubonsee.edu/experience/services/career/
Center for Learning Assessment:
http://www.waubonsee.edu/learning/success/assessment/
Counseling:
http://www.waubonsee.edu/experience/services/counseling/
Emergency Preparedness and Safety Guide:
http://www.waubonsee.edu/downloads/pdf/safety/Emergency_Preparedness_and_Safety_Guide.pdf
Financial Aid:
http://www.waubonsee.edu/admission/financialAid/index.php
Student Handbook (includes Student Code of Conduct):
http://www.waubonsee.edu/downloads/studentHandbook.pdf
Todd Library:
https://library.waubonsee.edu/
Tutoring and Study Skills (Learning Enhancement Center):
http://www.waubonsee.edu/learning/success/learning/
Online Tutoring (Learning Enhancement Center):
https://mywcc.waubonsee.edu/tabs/student/
(under “Helpful Resources” click “Online Tutoring”)
Waubonsee Community College Campus Information:
Sugar Grove Campus
Aurora Campus
Copley Campus
Route 47 at Waubonsee 18 South River
2060 Ogden
Drive
Street
Avenue
Sugar Grove, IL 60554- Aurora, IL 60506- Aurora, IL 605049454
4178
7222
(630) 466-7900
(630) 801-7900
(630) 585-7900
Plano Campus
100 Waubonsee
Drive
Plano, IL 605452276
(630) 552-7900
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