College of the Canyons
PSYCH 101 • Introduction to Psychology • 3 Units
Fall 2014
#11943 • TTh 9:30 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. • Boykin Hall 105
Professor, Deanna R. Riveira, Ed.D.
E-Mail: deanna.riveira@canyons.edu
Website: http://www.canyons.edu/faculty/riveirad
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Office: Seco Hall 305B
Phone: (661) 362-5907
Office Hours
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Other hours by appointment
Course Description:
Scientific study of behavior through an exploration of major concepts, methods, and research findings.
Topics include biological, physiological, and cognitive processes; learning and motivation; life span
development; individual differences; behavioral disorders and therapies; social behavior; and applied
psychology. Transfer credit: CSU; UC.
Course Student Learning Outcome:
Compare and contrast the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical
trends in psychology.
Text (required):
Ciccarelli, S.K. & White, J.N. (2015). Psychology (4th ed.). Upper Saddle
River, NJ: Pearson.
MyPsychLab
Requirements:
1. Participation: Proper attendance is expected. Being prepared for class
ahead of time will enable each student to actively participate in class
discussions, and thus enhance the learning process. The instructor reserves the right to drop a student
after 3 absences. However, it remains the student's responsibility (not the instructor's) to officially
drop the course if necessary. The student should not assume that s/he will be dropped after these
absences, nor should s/he assume that s/he will not be dropped.
The student is responsible for all assignments, material, and announcements regardless of
attendance.
Attendance will be taken for all class meetings at the beginning of class. Should a student be
tardy, it is the student's responsibility to sign in after class to inform me of their presence. Otherwise,
the student will be marked as absent for the class. (Please see above regarding excessive absences.)
A perfect attendance record will enable the instructor to give the student the "benefit of the
doubt" in the event of a borderline grade at the conclusion of the semester. However, in no event will a
student who is “on the border” be bumped up to receive a letter grade higher than that earned on their
final exam.
2. Exams: Three exams worth 100 points each and a noncumulative final worth 100 points, for a total
of 400 points will be given. Each exam will be multiple choice, and will require a #2 pencil and
Scantron Answer Sheet (Form No. 882-E).
3. Quizzes: 10 quizzes will be given throughout the semester and will require a Scantron Quizzstrip
(Form No. 815-E). Each one will be worth 10 points, but the lowest 2 scores will be dropped. These
will not be curved. Together they will be worth 80 points. Quizzes cannot be made up nor taken late.
If a student arrives late to class on a quiz day, they risk missing the quiz.
4. MyPsychLab: Each student will be responsible for completion of the Study Plan for each chapter of
the main textbook within the MyPsychLab website. Each Study Plan will be worth 5 points each, due
as per the schedule, and will be graded on a credit/no credit basis. No late work will be accepted in
this area. Many study resources are available within the MyPsychLab website! To enroll on the
MyPsychLab site you will need the following information:
Course Name: Psychology 101 Fall 2014 TTh Large Lecture
Course ID: riveira52907
Enrollment deadline: 09/05/14
5. Writing Assignments: Writing assignments are available within the MyPsychLab site. The student
is expected to complete 5 essays over the course of the semester. There are 16 different writing
assignments in MyPsychLab – pick 5 to complete. Be sure to complete these in coordination with the
chapter materials – as writing assignments will “disappear” from the site once we have finished the
chapter. Each assignment is expected to be between 1-2 pages in length. Each essay will be worth 20
points, for a total of 100 points.
6. Reflection sheets: Students will reflect on their progress prior to and after each exam. These
exercises will total 35 points. Reflection sheets due on exam days MUST be turned in prior to taking
the exam.
7. Paper: Each student is expected to write an original 4-5 page, double-spaced, typed paper worth
100 points. The list of approved topics is attached. The student is required to visit the TLC lab for
assistance with grammar, etc. The due date is shown in the schedule. An outline and list of references
must be approved, and will be graded on a credit/no-credit basis. The student must receive approval
for the outline and reference list before the research paper will be accepted for grading. The student
must meet with the instructor to discuss the outline in order to gain approval for the outline.
Grading:
The total maximum points that could be accumulated in this class will be 790. However, the exams
will be graded on a curve. Thus, the highest grade achieved by a student on each exam will be
considered to be the total maximum points, therefore it is impossible to predict what the actual
maximum points will be for the class. However, a standard grading scale will apply (see below).
A = 90-100%
B = 80- 89%
C = 70- 79%
D = 60- 69%
F = 59% and below
The instructor will indicate the grading scale for each test after grading is completed. Each student is
encouraged to meet with the instructor to discuss where s/he stands after each exam and prior to the
final. You will be given access to WebGrade so that you may check your grade throughout the
session.
Breakdown/Summary of points:
Item
Points
---------------------------------------------------Quizzes
(8 @ 10 pts.
= 80 points)
Exams
(3 @ 100 pts. each = 300 points)
Final Exam
(1 @ 100 pts.
= 100 points)
Study Plans
(15@ 5 pts. each = 75 points)
Essays
(5 @ 20 pts. each = 100 points)
Reflections
(7 @ 5 pts. each = 35 points)
Research Paper (1 @ 100 pts.
= 100 points)
------TOTALS
790
approx.
% of grade
--------------10%
38%
13%
9%
13%
4%
13%
-------100%
Other:
1. Late papers, etc: will not generally be accepted. If a student must miss a class when a paper is due,
the instructor will accept the paper early. If a student wishes to turn in late work, they must meet with
the instructor during office hours or an appointment to discuss their circumstance. If an exception is
made for late work, the grade will be penalized 1 (ONE) letter grade for each calendar day it is late.
Materials that are more than 4 calendar days late will not be accepted at all. I will not accept
assignments that have been e-mailed to me, even if they are “on time.”
2. Attendance during examinations: expected. Make arrangements ahead of time with the instructor if
you must miss an examination. In rare circumstances, the instructor may give make-up examinations
for good cause, but the grade will be penalized 1 letter grade for each day late. THERE WILL BE NO
MAKE-UP FOR THE FINAL EXAM without overwhelming good cause.
3. Cheating: will not be tolerated. Cheating and/or plagiarism will result in a failing grade and/or
expulsion from the course -- refer to the college guidelines regarding cheating. According to the
Websters New World Dictionary, to plagiarize means "to take (ideas, writings, etc.) from (another) and
offer them as one's own." This also includes copying and pasting information from the internet,
submitting a paper that you did not write yourself, or submitting a recycled paper. This also means
that if you are repeating the course, you may NOT turn in work from the previous semester. If you are
caught, you will be referred to the Dean of Students for disciplinary action.
4. Class behavior: The following are some behaviors which are unacceptable and are annoying. An
unacceptable behavior can be defined as anything that someone says or does that interferes with the
ability of themselves or others to achieve the learning objectives that day. All students (including you)
and I are affected if you:
 have an electronic device that makes noise in class (ie: cell phone);
 text message during class sessions (It is really best to just TURN OFF your cell phone in
class unless you have some type of emergency!);
 dominate or withdraw from class discussions or resist active participation in course
activities;
 clown with/talk to/distract other students during class activities;
 argue, criticize, and/or embarrass other students or the instructor;
 continually raise objections about course content or process (Talk with me during office
hours, or talk to the Dean if there are problems you cannot/will not want to discuss with
me.);
 dress in a manner that is not appropriate to a professional educational environment.
Please note that section 529.2 of the Student Conduct Code lists the grounds for disciplinary
action. Subsection J states, “Obstruction or disruption, on or off campus, of the College’s education
process, administrative process, or other College function.” This means that you may be referred to
the Dean of Students for disciplinary action for disruption of class activities.
5. "I" Grades: According to the college policy, you may request an Incomplete, "I," after the last day
to drop only in verifiable cases of emergency when the student is unable to complete the course due
to extenuating circumstances which occur during the final weeks of the course.
Approval to receive an "I" and assignment of a replacement grade are at the discretion of the
instructor. The student must arrange with the instructor to complete the work for the course prior to
the end of the following semester. You may not re-enroll in a class in which an "I" is pending.
6. Changes to the syllabus: The instructor retains the right to make changes and/or alterations to this
syllabus. If any changes are made, the instructor will notify the students.
Schedule:
Generally, professors expect a student to spend 2-3 hours of outside work for every 1 hour of lecture
each week. This means that you should be spending about 6–9 hours a week on this class outside of
class time, in order to do well in the course.
Date Day Assignment(s) Due Topic
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------08/26 T
None
Introduction to the class
08/28 Th
Ch 1
The Science of Psychology
09/02 T
Ch 1
The Science of Psychology
09/04 Th
Ch 2
The Biological Perspective
Chapter 1 Study Plan Due
Ch 1 Quiz [Q01]
(Reminder: The first two written assignments in MyPsychLab will disappear today…)
09/09 T
Ch 3
Sensation & Perception
Chapter 2 Study Plan Due
Ch 2 Quiz [Q02]
You should have your research paper topic selected now.
09/11 Th
Ch 3
09/16 T
STUDY
EXAM #1 (Chapters 1-3)
Chapter 3 Study Plan Due
Reflection Sheet #1 Due
(Reminder: The first four written assignments in MyPsychLab will disappear today…)
09/18 Th
Ch 4
09/23 T
Ch 4
Consciousness
Reflection Sheet #2 Due
09/25 Th
Ch 5
Learning
Chapter 4 Study Plan Due
Ch 4 Quiz [Q03]
09/30 T
Ch 5
10/02 Th
Research Paper Outline Day [to complete in class]
Chapter 5 Study Plan Due
Reading of your references for your research paper must be complete by class today.
Bring your APA reference page with you today!
Sensation & Perception
Consciousness
Learning
10/07 T
Ch 6
Ch 5 Quiz [Q04]
Memory
10/09 Th
Ch 6
Memory
10/14 T
Ch 7
Cognition
Chapter 6 Study Plan Due
Ch 6 Quiz [Q05]
10/16 Th
STUDY
EXAM #2 (Chapters 4-7)
Chapter 7 Study Plan Due
Reflection Sheet #3 Due
No materials for “Golden Tickets” will be
Research Paper Outline Deadline
accepted after today.
10/21 T
Ch 8
10/23 Th
Ch 9
Motivation & Emotion
Chapter 8 Study Plan Due
Reflection Sheet #4 Due
Ch 8 Quiz [Q06]
10/28 T
Ch 9
10/30 Th
Ch 10
Sexuality & Gender
Chapter 9 Study Plan Due
Ch 9 Quiz [Q07]
11/04 T
Ch 11
Stress & Health
Chapter 10 Study Plan Due
11/06 Th
STUDY
EXAM #3 (Chapters 8-11)
Chapter 11 Study Plan Due
Reflection Sheet #5 Due
11/11 T
Holiday
11/13 Th
Ch 12
Social Psychology
You must have visited the TLC with the draft of your research paper by today.
11/18 T
Ch 13
Theories of Personality
Chapter 12 Study Plan Due
Ch 12 Quiz [Q08]
Reflection Sheet #6 Due
11/20 Th
Ch 13
Theories of Personality
Research Paper Due
Development Across the Lifespan
Motivation & Emotion
Veterans Day
11/25 T
Ch 14
Psychological Disorders
Chapter 13 Study Plan Due
Ch 13 Quiz [Q09]
11/27 Th
Holiday
Thanksgiving Day
12/02 T
Ch 14
Psychological Disorders
12/04 Th
Ch 15
Psychological Therapies
Chapter 14 Study Plan Due
Ch 14 Quiz [Q10]
12/09 T
Ch 15
12/11 Th
STUDY
FINAL EXAM (Chapters 12-15)
Chapter 15 Study Plan Due [due by 9:30AM]
Reflection Sheet #7 Due
Psychological Therapies
Drop Deadline: September 5, 2014
Drop w/ “W”: November 14, 2014
Information About Your Research Paper
1. The paper should be 4-5 pages, double-spaced, and typed in size 12 Times New Roman or Courier
New. These 4-5 pages do not include your title page nor reference page.
2. Don't forget to get your outline & list of references approved. Your outline & references must be
approved before you turn in your research paper. This will give you your “Golden Ticket.” You will be
required to meet with me during office hours to write your outline if you do not complete it in class on the
assigned day. You may get it approved at any time before the due date. I will not accept nor grade a
research paper without a Golden Ticket attached.
3. It is worth 100 points and will not be based on a curve.
4. Choose any topic from the following list. Be sure to argue BOTH sides of the issue.
5. You may attempt to use the APA format in your title page, etc. However, your references and citations
MUST be in APA format. Remember, everything that is not your own opinion (or is not common
knowledge) MUST have a cite. Cites are required for “quotes” AND summarized/paraphrased
information. Your reader needs to know where your information came from. See the next page about the
APA format.
6. You must have at least 3 references, however, 4-5 will strengthen your paper. Your text may count as a
reference. Wikipedia is not acceptable as a reference.
7. You must write up a rough draft and take it over to the tutors at the TLC to check for grammar, etc.
You will need to attach this draft to the final version that you turn in.
8. Do not use any sort of report cover - just staple the pages together with your title page on the top.
[Contents: a) title page, b) body of paper, c) references, d) TLC reviewed rough draft, e) “Golden Ticket”]
9. I must receive two versions of your paper: 1) paper copy & 2) electronic submission to
turnitin.com. I will provide the information for this on the "info about the research paper" day.
Your paper will not be graded if I do not receive both versions. You must have a similarity score of
9% or less on turnitin.
10. Do not hesitate to ask me if you have any other questions.
References - APA Format
Please only include those references for which you actually have cites in your paper for on your reference
page. List your references alphabetically, by author's last name, using a hanging indent and doublespacing. Do not separate your sources by type.
Journals and periodicals
Author Last Name, Initial of First Name. (year). Title of article. Title of Journal or Periodical, number,
pages.
Colvin, C.R., & Block, J. (1994). Do positive illusions foster mental health? An examination of the Taylor
and Brown formulation. Psychological Bulletin, 116, 3-20.
Books, brochures, and chapters
McCarty, M. & McCarty, H. (1994). Acts of kindess. Deerfield Beach, FL: Health Communications, Inc.
On-Line Sources
Chou, L., McClintock, R., Moretti, F., & Nix, D. H. (1993). Technology and education: New wine in new
bottles: Choosing pasts and imagining educational futures. Retrieved from
http://www.ilt.columbia.edu/pu
When you use a website, please be sure to list the entire URL of the page to which you are referring.
*** IMPORTANT: Citation in text or body of your paper ***
Blah, blah, blah, blah (Black & Uhde, 1992).
"Blah, blah, blah, blah" (Black & Uhde, 1992, p. 3-8).
These are examples of cites. Whenever you quote or paraphrase from a source, you need to let the reader
know where the information came from. These cites should match your listed references. If your source is
a website, you should list the paragraph number instead of page number for a quote.
If you have other sources, please see me regarding the format, or:
American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual of the American Psychological
Association (6th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
The above book should be available for you to use at the library. If you plan to major in psychology you
might want to consider purchasing it.
Two very good websites are: http://citationmachine.net
& http://www.apa.org
COC Statement and Policy on Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
Approved by Academic Senate in May, 2010
Statement on Academic Integrity at College of the Canyons
Students are expected to do their own work as assigned. At College of the Canyons, we believe that
academic integrity and honesty are some of the most important qualities college students need to develop
and maintain. To facilitate a culture of academic integrity, College of the Canyons has defined plagiarism
and academic dishonesty. Due process procedures have been established when plagiarism or academic
dishonesty is suspected.
At COC, we define plagiarism as follows: Plagiarism is the submission of someone else’s work or ideas as
one’s own, without adequate attribution. When a student submits work for a class assignment that includes
the words, ideas or data of others, without acknowledging the source of the information through complete,
accurate, and specific references, plagiarism is involved. This may include dual submissions of a similar
work for credit for more than one class, without the current instructor’s knowledge and approval.
To be specific, below are some of the situations that will be considered plagiarism at COC:

Use information from any source, online or in print, in one’s own writing without
acknowledging the source in the content and in the reference page of the assignment;

Simply list the sources in the reference page, without parenthetical citations in the body of
the essay;

Take more than one printed line of words consecutively from the source without putting
quotation marks around them, even though the student has put the author’s name in the
parentheses or in the reference page;

Turn in work done for other classes, regardless how big or small the assignment may be,
without the current instructor’s approval—this is considered “self-plagiarism,” which is a
form of academic dishonesty; or,

Turn in work by another student, even by accident.
In addition, COC has strict rules against using electronic devices during exams without the instructor’s
approval. To be specific, absolutely no cell phones or any electronic devices can be on the desk or in sight
during test or exam without the instructor’s approval. The presence of electronic devices in sight during
exams may be considered as intention to cheat and will be processed as a form of academic dishonesty.
Cases of alleged academic dishonesty, such as plagiarism or cheating, will be referred to the Dean of
Student Services for investigation. See your syllabus for course specific policies, rules, and guidelines on
plagiarism and academic dishonesty.
Approved Research Paper Topics
"Freud’s Theory "
Prepare arguments to support each of these opinions:
a. Freud’s theory is antiquated, and should no longer be taught in Introduction to Psychology classes;
b. Freud’s theory is important to cover in Introduction to Psychology classes.
"Sleeping Theories"
Prepare arguments to support each of these opinions:
a. The adaptive theory of sleep is the best theory to explain why we sleep
b. The restorative theory of sleep is the best theory to explain why we sleep
"Repressed Memories"
Prepare an argument in favor of each of these therapeutic approaches for treating disorders in patients who at the
outset have no memory of childhood sexual abuse:
a. Attempting to recover repressed memories of childhood sexual abuse through hypnosis is useful.
b. Attempting to recover repressed memories of childhood sexual abuse can cause more harm than good.
"Intelligence Testing"
Prepare an argument supporting each of the following positions:
a. Intelligence tests should be used in the schools.
b. Intelligence tests should not be used in the schools.
“The Best Study Method”
Look at the information on Memory in your textbook. Find two different methods of studying/preparing for college
exams and argue for each method being the best, based on sound, psychological research support.
"Polygraph Testing"
Prepare a convincing argument for each of these positions:
a. Polygraph testing should not be allowed in the legal system or in business and industry.
b. Polygraph testing should be allowed in the legal system and in business and industry.
"Personality Characteristics"
Are personality characteristics mostly learned? Or are they mostly transmitted through the genes? Using what you
have learned in chapter 13 and other evidence you can gather, make a case for each position. Support your answers
with research and expert opinion.
"Causes of Psychological Disorders"
There is continuing controversy over whether specific psychological disorders are chiefly biological in origin
(nature) or result primarily from learning and experience (nurture). Select any one disorder from chapter 14 and
prepare arguments for both the nature and nurture positions for this disorder.
"Therapies for Disorders"
Prepare a strong argument to support each of these positions:
a. Psychotherapy is generally superior to drug therapy in the treatment of psychological disorders.
b. Drug therapy is generally superior to psychotherapy in the treatment of psychological disorder.