RANGER COLLEGE SYLLABUS
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Course Number and Title: Psychology 2301 – General Psychology
Credit Hours: 3
Name of Instructor: Douglas Smith, MS, LPC, LCDC
Email: dsmith@rangercollege.edu Phone: 254) 647-3234 Ext. 219
Office Location: Golemon Library Building
Office Hours: Monday 1:00 pm-4pm, Tuesday 1:00 pm-4pm Friday 8:30-11:30 am
TEXAS CORE CURRICULUM STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Students will gain a foundation of knowledge of human cultures and the physical and natural world,
develop principles of personal and social responsibility for living in a diverse world, and advance
intellectual and practical skills that are essential for all learning.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
A survey of the major principles derived from research on human and animal behavior. Topics
studied include heredity and environment, intelligence, emotions, motivation, learning, personality,
the senses, perception, and the form and functions of the nervous system.
REQUIRED BACKGROUND / PREREQUISITES
Passing score on THEA reading section or equivalent alternate test.
TEXTBOOK: READINGS; MATERIALS
Morris, Charles G., & Maisto, Albert A. (2013). Understanding Psychology
(10th ed.) Boston: Prentice Hall
Supplementary Instruction Aids:
1. Video tape/DVD
2. Pictures and Articles on related topics
3. Internet sites including www.prenhall.com/morris
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
Lecture, discussion, demonstrations, group discussion, activities, written reports and relevant
video/DVDs.
CORE OBJECTIVES
This course directly meets the following of the six Core Objectives:
 Critical Thinking Skills - to include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis,
evaluation and synthesis of information
 Communication Skills - to include effective development, interpretation and expression of
ideas through written, oral and visual communication
 Empirical and Quantitative Skills - to include the manipulation and analysis of numerical
data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions
Teamwork - to include the ability to consider different points of view and to work
effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal
Personal Responsibility - to include the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences
to ethical decision-making
 Social Responsibility: to include intercultural competence, knowledge of civic
responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global
communities
COURSE/CLASSROOM POLICIES
Students are expected to be on time and in class every time the class meets. Students are invited to
ask questions, and offer discussion, personal experiences and insights. The absence policy of Ranger
College will be followed except that make-up exams for major tests will be made up on the last day
when the final exam is taken.
Academic Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be pursued as a disciplinary action.
ADA Statement: Ranger College provides a variety of series for students with learning and or
physical disabilities. The student is responsible for making the initial contact with the Ranger College
Counselor. It is advisable to make this contact before or immediately after the semester begins.
ASSESSMENT (Grading Procedure)
Each of these assessments addresses one or more of the Core Objectives: Critical Thinking Skills
(CT), Communication Skills (COM), Empirical and Quantitative Skills (EQS), Teamwork (TW),
Personal Responsibility (PR), Social Responsibility (SR).
There will be 4 major tests AND 3 pop quizzes (CT). Quizzes/graded class work will be given
throughout the course with or without notice. A written project will also be required (CT, COM).
Each major test, the written project, the pop quizzes, and the Final Exam will be averaged to
determine the final grade for the course.
4 exams
4 quizzes
11 activities
1 presentation/paper
40% of final grade
20% of final grade
22% of final grade
18% of final grade
1 pop quiz score and 1 in-class activity score can be replaced with an assignment given by instructor.
Grading Scale: 90 – 100 = A 80 – 89 = B 70 – 79 = C 60 – 69 = D Below 60 = F
NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
Admission, employment, and program policies of Ranger College are nondiscriminatory in regard to
race, creed, color, sex, age, disability and notional origin.
RECEIPT OF SYLLABUS FORM
I have received and understand the information in the syllabus for Psychology 2301, and I agree to
abide by the stated policies.
Signed:________________________________________Date:________________
Legibly print the following information:
Name:________________________________________Date:________________
Student ID (SS#):____________________________________________________