El Paso Community College
Syllabus
Instructor’s Course Requirements
I.
Course & Instructor Information
PSYCHOLOGY 2306 SECTION 36: Introduction to Psychology
Times: 8:00 - 8:50 AM Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Location: North West Campus M-45
INSTRUCTOR: Irina K. Bromgard
OFFICE: N/A
Phone: 505-373-1359
Email: ikhusid@nmsu.edu
OFFICE HOURS: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00 - 9:30 AM
II.
Text & Materials
Required Text: Plotnik, Introduction to Psychology (2005, 7th Edition).
Wadsworth, Thomson Learning
III.
Course Requirements
a. Class attendance and participation: You will be participating in a
number of class activities that will enrich your thinking about human
psychology. Most of these activities cannot be made up in the event of
absence. Consequently, attendance in class is REQUERED. Students’
teams will take attendance regularly. Students will be allowed three (3)
absences during the semester. Additional absences will reduce the
students’ final grade by 2% per absence. Students who arrive more than 10
minutes late for class or who leave more than 10 minutes prior to the end
of class will be assessed 1/2 of an absence. In other words, persistent
tardiness or early departure will also result in reducing the final grade.
During class activities, students are expected to participate and treat other
participants with respect. Please remember that other students may have
different opinions and experiences than you. Give others and their ideas
the attention and respect you expect to receive.
b. Participation in student teams: The first day of class, all students will be
assigned to permanent teams. These teams will be used throughout the
course to enhance students’ learning. Student teams will complete a
number of activities designed to help students learn course material and
develop their critical thinking skills. Teams’ performance on their
activities will be one component of students’ final course grade (see below
for more information).
c. In-class activities: In-class activities will give students an opportunity to
“learn by doing” as well as to have fun. Students should bring their
textbook with them to every class meeting. Students who miss class will
not be allowed to “make-up” in-class assignments.
d. Exams: There will be four exams. I will treat the top obtained score as
100% on each exam (a.k.a. grades will be curved according to the highest
score). At the end of the semester, I will drop the lowest of the four unit
exam scores Exams will be passed out at the beginning of the class period.
Students will be allowed 50 minutes from the beginning of class to
complete the exam. BE ON TIME! No exams will be distributed after the
first completed exam is turned in. In other words, once someone finishes
the exam, latecomers will not be allowed to take the exam. Any individual
who misses an exam and has my permission may take the cumulative
make-up exam at the end of the semester. The make-up exam will only
count for one missing exam grade. If a student misses multiple exams, the
make-up exam will count for only one missing grade. When an exam
must be missed, students must notify me prior missing an exam (unless the
student can provide evidence of an emergency) to receive permission to
take the cumulative make-up exam.
e. Peer evaluation of Team Members: At the end of the semester, each
team member will evaluate their teammates. This evaluation is a critical
aspect of the team based learning paradigm because it holds team
members accountable to their teammates. Your teammates can become
valued friends and a means to success in the course if you give your best
contribution to all class activities.
f. Grading: Final grade will be used based on the following distribution:
60% Exams (4 exams, 3 counts toward the grade 20% each with the
lowest exam score dropped)
30% In class activities
10% Peer evaluation
90-100%
80-89%
70-79%
60-69%
59-below
IV.
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B
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D
F
Instructor’s Policies
a. Attendance: (see above)
b. Office Hours:
On most days, I will be on campus 30 minutes after class and student may
speak to me then if they would like to meet with me. Additionally, I will
be available after class if students need to meet. If students would like to
set up an appointment to meet, this can be done before of after class or
students can email me to set up a time. The best way to get in touch with
me is through email, as I do not have an office on campus (or an office
phone). If students do not have access to email, they can talk to me before
or after class.
c. Academic Dishonesty
As described in the Student Code of Conduct, “academic dishonesty shall
constitute a violation of the rules and regulations as prescribed by Board
policies. Academic dishonesty shall include, but not be limited to,
cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion. “Any student found in
violation of the Student Responsibilities section shall be subject to
disciplinary action to include suspension.”
V.
Calendar
DATE
8/22
8/23-26
8/29-9/7
9/9-9/14
9/16
9/19-10/5
10/7
10/10-10/26
TOPIC
Class Orientation
Introduction
Research
Brain
Exam I
Conditioning and Memory
Exam II
Motivation, Development, Health
10/28
Exam III
10/31-11/11
11/14-11/18
11/23
11-28-12/2
Week of Dec
4th time to be
TBA
Theories
Drugs, Assessment
Reading day
Disorders and Therapy
Exam IV
&
Cumulative Make-up Exam
READING
N/A
Module 1
Module 2
Modules 3,4
Modules 1-4
Modules 9-12
Modules 9-12
Modules 15, 17,
18, 21
Modules 15, 17,
18, 21
Modules19, 20
Modules 8, 22
Modules 23, 24
Modules 8, 22,
23, 24
&
All covered
Modules
This is a tentative schedule. We may deviate from this schedule depending on
class progress and participation. It is the student’s responsibility to check and
verify any changes in the schedule. Changes will be announced in class.
Syllabus
Official Course Description
SUBJECT AREA
Psychology
COURSE RUBRIC AND NUMBER
PSYC 2301
COURSE TITLE
Introduction to Psychology
COURSE CREDIT HOURS
3
3
0
Credits
Lec
Lab
I.
Catalog Description
Examines the scientific study of behavior and mental processes through facts, theories,
and research findings. Focuses on the individuals rather than society or culture.
Emphasizes how the field can be used in understanding the current changes in our world.
Prerequisite: READ 0309 (can be taken concurrently) or by placement exam. (3:00).
II.
Course Objectives
Upon satisfactory completion of this course, the student will be able to:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
III.
Describe the methodology of basic behavioral scientific research
Describe the biological, intellectual, and social changes that occur across
the human life span
Describe the process by which sensory information is received, analyzed
and integrated into existing mental content
Explain paradigms of learning and memory
Discuss cognitive functioning
Discuss the motivational variables that contribute to human behavior and
the emotional responses that result
Describe theories of healthy and unhealthy personality development and
psychological interventions
Discuss the dynamics of gender and human sexuality
Discuss the dynamics of human behavior in groups to include such
concepts as conformity, prejudice, aggression, and effects on crowding
Apply one’s knowledge of psychology to more objectively evaluate
human behavior
Evaluation
A.
Remediation
The opportunity for remediation is at the discretion of the instructor. Any
student performing at an unacceptable level should seek out available
tutoring resources provided by the college.
B.
Grading
Course grades will be determined in a manner consistent with the grade
description in the current college catalog. The student should consult the
instructor’s syllabus for more detailed information.
EPCC offers a variety of services to persons with documented sensory, mental, physical,
or temporary disabling conditions to promote success in classes. If you have a disability
and believe you may need services, you are encouraged to contact the Center for Students
with Disabilities to discuss your needs with a counselor. All discussions and
documentation are kept confidential. Offices located: VV Rm C-112 (831-2426); TM
Rm 1400 (831-5808); RG Rm B-201 (831-4198); NWC Rm M-54 (831-8815); and MDP
Rm A-125 (831-7024).