Angelina College
7/13/2015
Liberal Arts Division
General Psychology2301 Y81144S
Instructional Syllabus
I. BASIC COURSE INFORMATION
A. Course Description: (as stated in the bulletin, no prerequisite courses)
Psychology 2301 - General Psychology. Three hours credit.
This course provides a basic overview of psychology. A brief history of
psychology will be covered. Topics of discussion will include the interaction of
heredity and the environment on behavior, personality theory, how the brain
works, why knowledge about the brain is important in the field of psychology,
mental health, psychopathology, life-span development, death, and therapeutic
techniques.
B. Intended Audience:
The intended audience is any student who desires to improve their knowledge and
understanding of psychology.
C. Instructor:
Name: Dana Pearson
Office Hours: call for appointment
Phone: 936-414- 1516
E-Mail Address: dpearson@angelina.edu
Class Hours- Monday 6:00pm-7:50
II. INTENDED STUDENT OUTCOMES:
A. Core Competencies – (Basic Intellectual Competencies)
1. Reading: Reading at the college level means the ability to analyze and
interpret a variety of printed materials – books, articles, and documents. A core
curriculum should offer students the opportunity to master both general methods
of analyzing printed materials and specific methods for analyzing the subject
matter of individual disciplines.
2. Writing: Competency in writing is the ability to produce clear, correct, and
coherent prose adapted to purpose, occasion, and audience. Although correct
grammar, spelling, and punctuation are each a sine qua non in any composition,
they do not automatically ensure that the composition itself makes sense or that
the writer has much of anything to say. Students need to be familiar with the
writing process including how to discover a topic and how to develop and
organize it, how to phrase it effectively for their audience. These abilities can be
acquired only through practice and reflection.
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3. Speaking: Competence in speaking is the ability to communicate orally in
clear, coherent, and persuasive language appropriate to purpose, occasion, and
audience. Developing this competency includes acquiring poise and developing
control of the language through experience in making presentations to small
groups, to large groups, and through the media.
4. Listening: Listening at the college level means the ability to analyze and
interpret various forms of spoken communication.
5. Critical Thinking: Angelina College defines critical thinking as the dynamic
process of questioning preconceptions and biases through the gathering and
evaluation of data to reach new conclusions that consider realistic implications
and consequences.
6. Computer Literacy: Computer literacy at the college level means the ability
to use computer-based technology in communicating, solving problems, and
acquiring information. Core-educated students should have an understanding of
the limits, problems, and possibilities associated with the use of technology, and
should have the tools necessary to evaluate and learn new technologies as they
become available. (The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. (“Report
of Subcommittee on Core Curriculum”, March 1, 1989).
B. Course Learning Outcomes – (Found in the Texas Higher Education Coordinating
Board document titled: Lower Division Academic Course Guide Manual – Dated: SPR
2012)
1. Identify various research methods and their characteristics used in the scientific study
of psychology.
2. Describe the historical influences and early schools of thought that shaped the field of
psychology.
3. Describe some of the prominent perspectives and approaches used in the study of
psychology.
4. Use terminology unique to the study of psychology.
5. Describe accepted approaches and standards in psychological assessment and
evaluation.
6. Identify factors in physiological and psychological processes involved in human
behavior.
C. Course Outcomes as determined by the Instructor –
There are no other specific outcomes for this Instructor.
III. ASSESSMENT MEASURES OF STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
A. Assessments for the Core Intellectual Competencies:
1. Reading: Competency in reading is assessed through the use of embedded questions,
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class discussions, and assignments covering or related to the textbook material and class
discussion.
2. Writing: Competency in writing is assessed through embedded questions, written
assignments, and short-answer questions on exams.
3. Speaking: Competency in speaking is assessed through class discussions.
4. Listening: Competency in listening is assessed through the responses to questions
during class discussion, embedded questions, and adherence
to instructions.
5. Critical Thinking: Competency in critical thinking is assessed by the ability to utilize
critical thinking skills with regards to class discussions, embedded questions, and class
assignments.
6. Computer Literacy: Competency in using computer-based technology is assessed
through use of computerized research for assignments, embedded questions, and class
discussions.
B. Assessments for the Course Learning Outcomes –
1. Students will demonstrate the ability to identify various research methods and their
characteristics used in the scientific study of psychology through the successful
completion of embedded exam questions, class discussions, and assignments.
2. Students will demonstrate the ability to describe the historical influences and early
schools of thought that shaped the field of psychology through the successful completion
of embedded questions, class discussions, and assignments.
3. Students will demonstrate the ability to describe some of the prominent perspectives
and approaches used in the study of psychology through the successful completion of
embedded questions, class discussions, and assignments.
4. Students will demonstrate the ability to use terminology unique to the study of
psychology through the successful completion of embedded questions, class discussions,
and assignments.
5. Students will demonstrate the ability to describe accepted approaches and standards
in psychological assessment and evaluation through the successful completion of
embedded questions, class discussions, and assignments.
6. Students will demonstrate the ability to identify factors in physiological and
psychological processes involved in human behavior through the successful completion
of embedded questions, class discussions, and assignments.
C. Assessments for Course Objectives as determined by the Instructor –
N/A
IV. INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:
A. Methodologies common to all sections
Methodologies which are utilized in presenting course content include (but are not
limited to) lectures, class discussions, audio-visual presentations, and critical thinking
exercises.
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B. Methodologies determined by the Instructor
N/A
V. COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND POLICIES:
A. Required Textbooks, Materials, and Equipment –
Required Text:
Comer, Ronald and Gould, Elizabeth. Psychology Around Us, 2nd ed. Hoboken, NJ: John
Wiley and Sons, Inc. 2013.
Additional Content: Students may also access The Supplemental Unit to
Critical Thinking in Blackboard at any time in the course to improve their
critical thinking skills.
B. Assignments – (Appropriate due dates, schedules, deadlines)
TESTS AND ASSIGNMENTS:
Autobiography---------------------------------
20 points
Four Major Exams----------------------------------- 100 points each
10 Quizzes---------------------------------------------- 10 points each
4 Critical Thinking Assignments -------------------50 points each
400
100
200
TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS = 720
The four assignments are critical thinking exercises, each one a minimum of one full
typed page. The topic for each assignment will be assigned during class time.
All writing assignments must include a title page/cover sheet that includes the
following: student’s name, name of assignment & class name.
C. Course Policies – (This course conforms to the policies of Angelina
College as stated in the Angelina College Handbook.)
Academic Assistance –
If you have a disability (as cited in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
or Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) that may affect your
participation in this class, you should see Karen Bowser, Room 208 of the Student
Center. At a post-secondary institution, you must self-identify as a person with a
disability; Ms. Bowser will assist you with the necessary information to do so.
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Attendance It is the student's responsibility to attend classes regularly in accordance
with school policy. Roll will be taken at each class meeting.
1. If a student misses more than the allowed class meetings, as set forth by
school policy (3 consecutive or 4 accumulative absences), then a Drop Form
may be submitted to the Admissions Office. The Admissions Office will notify
you if this occurs. You may be readmitted to class following the first drop by
obtaining a
Re-Admit Form from the Admissions Office and only upon
approval from the instructor. Any additional absences may result in a second
drop, which will be final.
2. If a student is late for class, it is his responsibility to ask the instructor to
erase the "absence" for that class. Should the student not take the
responsibility to do so, then the student will automatically be counted as
absent.
3. If for any reason you decide to no longer attend the class on a permanent
basis, it is your responsibility to formally withdraw from the class in the
Admissions Office. Do not assume that you will be dropped from the class.
PLAGIARISM/CHEATING:
Plagiarism (Intentional or Unintentional), Collusion, or Cheating (in any form)
will result in an “F” in the course. Each student’s work must be original and
their own work.
The following standards, policies, and restrictions apply to all students:
1. It is to be clearly understood that a student is responsible for fulfilling all
assignments on time. Any work missed will be assigned a "0". (See
No. 3)
2. Instructors are in no way responsible for advising a student of what
assignments or tests he has missed during his absence. It is the
student's responsibility to find out what work was done and what
assignments were made during his absence. Ignorance of a test or
assignment will not excuse that person from taking the test, or turning
in the assignment, with the rest of the class.
3. If the student is absent from a class on the day an assignment is due
(or a test/quiz given), the instructor is under no obligation to allow him
to make up the assignment or test (or turn it in late) unless the student
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can produce a valid or legal excuse. If an absence is unexcused, the
instructor is under no obligation to allow a make-up. If absent
because of a school trip, you will be expected to complete all
assignments before the trip.
If a Make-Up Test or quiz is allowed then it will be in the format of an
essay test.
Cell Phone Policy: Cell phones, pagers, recorders, or
other similar devices are NOT allowed in the
classroom. There is a zero tolerance for this
unacceptable behavior.
Additional Policies Established by the Individual Instructor –
1.
Scantrons are required for all 4 exams.
2. Participation by each student in class discussion is expected. Each
student is expected to complete all written and reading assignments as
instructed.
3. Respect for fellow class members and the instructor is expected at all
times.
4. Take notes on the lecture or discussion until the instructor dismisses
class.
5. Do not prepare to leave classroom until class is
dismissed.
6. No eating, drinking, dipping, or smoking in
class.
7. Visitors are not allowed in class without special permission.
8. It
is appropriate to talk in response to questions or
statements made during class, but it is inappropriate to
conduct social conversations during class.
9. Appropriate attire is required.
10. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.
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Academic Freedom The college experience frequently questions, researches,
evaluates and assesses controversial issues. The classroom
may serve as a forum for the presentation of a variety of
ideas, none of which are intended injuriously.
VI. COURSE CONTENT:
A. Required Content/Topics – (common to all sections)
Please Refer to Attached Course Outline.
B. Additional Content – (as required by the individual instructor)
Relevant material will be provided as necessary.
VII. EVALUATION AND GRADING:
A. Grading Criteria – (percents, extra credit, etc.)
Grading Scale for Final Class Letter Grade :
648 - 720 POINTS
576 - 647 POINTS
504 - 575 POINTS
432 - 503 POINTS
431 PTS AND BELOW
=A
=B
=C
=D
=F
B. Determination of Grade – (assignment of letter grades)
Final Class Letter Grade:
1. The final class letter grade will be based on total points accumulated
(not percentages) from tests, outlines, assignments, quizzes, and
attendance.
2. Cheating or assisting others to cheat will result in an "F" for the
course.
3. Exams and assignments will be discussed individually with students
upon request.
4. Each student’s work must be original and their own work.
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5. The instructor will be available for consultation during office hours or
by appointment.
VIII. SYLLABUS MODIFICATION:
The instructor may modify the provisions of this syllabus to meet the individual class
needs by informing the class in advance as to the changes being made.
COURSE OUTLINE
Chapter 1: What is Psychology?
Chapter 2: Research Methods
Chapter 3: Human Development
Chapter 4: Neuroscience
Exam 1
Chapter 5: Sensation and Perception
Chapter 6: Consciousness
Chapter 7: Learning
Chapter 8: Memory
Exam 2
Chapter 9: Language and Thought
Chapter 10: Intelligence
Chapter 11: Motivation
Chapter 12: Emotion, Stress, and Health
Exam 3
Chapter 13: Personality
Chapter 14: Social Psychology
Chapter 15: Psychological Disorders
Chapter 16: Social Psychology
Exam 4 Final Exam
**This Course Outline may be modified during the semester
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