PSY B111: GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY I – CRN 30118
Christopher Percy, J.D., M.A.
cjpercy@stcc.edu
Course Overview and Objectives – The purpose of this course is to introduce students
to the discipline of psychology and to the evolving body of knowledge that has been
produced by this discipline. It surveys basic topic areas within psychology including
psychology's history and scientific origins, the physiological correlates of
experience and behavior, human development, learning, memory, thinking, intelligence,
personality, and motivation and emotion.
Objective
Definition
Build Knowledge
Define, explain, and compare concepts in the
following areas of psychology: the evolution of
psychology as a science, foundational schools
of thought, research methods, neuroscience,
memory, learning, intelligence, personality,
and human development
Apply Knowledge
Apply psychological concepts, theories, and
research findings to explain and analyze human
experience and behavior in diverse contexts
(e.g., home, school, workplace)
Develop the Critical Thinking Skills of a
Psychologist
Identify the types of questions that
psychologists ask about human experience and
behavior and apply the empirical methods they
use to investigate those questions. Critically
evaluate information (e.g., journal articles,
videos, etc.) about human experience and
behavior and use that information accurately
and ethically
Enhance Written Communication Skills
Effectively communicate the basic critical
thinking skills of a psychologist in written
assignments
Expand Sociocultural Awareness
Recognize how values and assumptions from
different cultural and historical contexts can
influence human experience and behavior
Textbook – Schacter, Gilbert, Wegner & Nock (2014) Psychology, 3rd Ed.
ISBN 13: 978-1-4641-8945-6
Philosophy and Expectations – My philosophy for this course is that basic information
about the study of psychology is best delivered through discussion, real-life
examples, sharing, and recognizing core concepts. Each lecture should provide a
framework for studying, while also building on the information in your book. Quizzes
will test your knowledge of basic concepts, vocabulary, and application of the
information.
PSY B111: GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY I – CRN 30118
Syllabus Policy – This syllabus contains all of the information for the course. It is
your responsibility to read and be familiar with the syllabus. I am not responsible
for reminding you when assignments are due or what those assignments entail. If you
fail to read this syllabus, you are solely responsible for any adverse impact on your
grade.
Blog, Chapter Summaries, and Additional Resources – I have set up a blog which has
summaries of each chapter, copies of the syllabus, and detailed instructions for the
written assignments. The blog can be accessed at www.percypsych101.wordpress.com
Overview of Course Grading – Your grade in this class will be based on points earned
on quizzes/exams (150 points) and written assignments (50 points). I will be using the
following scale:
F
D-
<120
120points 125
D
D+
C-
C
C+
B-
B
B+
A-
A
126132
133139
140145
146152
153159
160165
166-172 173-179 180-185 186+
Quizzes – 150 Points – There will be a quiz for each topic area covered in class. Each
quiz will consist of fifteen multiple-choice questions. Quizzes are open-note, but
closed-book, and last for 20 minutes starting at the beginning of class. Quiz content
will include information from your textbook as well as information covered exclusively
in lectures. We will have 10 quizzes during the semester.
Exams – We will have two exams: a mid-term and a final. These exams are optional and
can be used to bring up your quiz grade. Each exam will cover five chapters and will
be fifty questions long. If your exam grade is higher than your quiz grade, the higher
grade will prevail.
Exam and Quiz Makeup Policy – I do not give makeup quizzes or exams under any
circumstances. If you cannot make the scheduled mid-term or final then you must
notify me in advance so that you can take the exam prior to the scheduled exam date.
Research Paper – 50 Points – The remaining 50 points will come from your research
paper. The research paper includes two stages: a first draft (20 points) and a final
draft (30 points). A complete list of assignment options and requirements can be found
on the blog under the “writing assignments” tab. Note: Papers will not be accepted
by email fror any reason. All papers are due on their assigned due dates. No
exceptions will be made!
Flex-tra Credit – 15 Points – Additional assignments can be found on the blog under
Writing Assignments → Flex-tra Credit. If you are concerned about your grade, you can
earn some additional points by turning in these extra, short assignments.
Attendance Policy – An additional 5 points will be added to your final grade for
students who miss fewer than three classes. Absences are counted regardless of the
PSY B111: GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY I – CRN 30118
reason or whether you have documentation (i.e., a doctor's note). My attendance sheet
is the only official record of your attendance.
Academic Honesty – Academic dishonesty carries serious consequences. Academic
dishonesty refers to any type of cheating which includes, but is not limited to:
cheating on an examination (using materials not allowed on the test) and plagiarism,
including the submission of others’ ideas or papers (whether borrowed, purchased, or
otherwise obtained) as one’s own.
Plagiarism is the use of someone else's words or ideas without proper attribution.
Many students are unsure of exactly what plagiarism is or when they need to cite a
source. Please see the blog for more information about plagiarism (writing assignments
→ what is plagiarism?). Plagiarism WILL have a negative impact on your grade for the
assignment, up to and including receiving an “F.”
Please Note that the use of electronic devices, including cell phones, is prohibited
during quizzes, even if you have finished. If you wish to use your phone, please leave
the room and leave your quiz at your desk.
Lecture and Assignment Outline
Dates
Topic
Chapter
Quiz
Notes
8/31
Syllabus and Course Overview
9/2
Research Paper Overview/Selection
9/14 – 9/16
The History of Psychology
Ch. 1
9/21
No class on 9/7
9/21 – 9/23
Research Methods
Ch. 2
9/28
9/28 – 9/30
Neuroscience and Behavior (pt. 1)
Ch. 3
10/5
10/5 – 10/7
Neuroscience and Behavior (pt. 2)
Ch. 3
10/12
10/12 – 10/14
Learning and Conditioning
Ch. 7
10/19
10/19
Mid-term Exam/Quiz on Ch, 7
10/21 – 10/26
Memory and Forgetting
Ch. 6
10/28
10/28 – 11/2
Cognition and Language
Ch. 9
11/4
11/4 – 11/6
Intelligence
Ch. 10
11/13
11/13 – 11/18
Lifespan Development (pt. 1)
Ch. 11
11/23
11/23 – 11/30
Lifespan Development (pt. 2)
Ch. 11
12/2
No Class 11/25
12/2 – 12/9
Personality
Ch. 12
12/16
Final Drafts Due
12/14
Final Exam/Quiz on Ch. 12
First Draft Due
5:30 – 7:30
PSY B111: GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY I – CRN 30118
If you have a learning disability or special needs that will impede your ability to
take tests, inform the instructor at the beginning of the course. Confirmation of your
learning disability will be requested.