Introduction to Psychology, Psyc2301.01
Course Syllabus: SUMMER II, 2014
“Northeast Texas Community College exists to provide responsible, exemplary learning opportunities.”
John L. Coleman
Office: MS 104
(Math/Sciences Building)
Phone: 903.434.8275
Email: jcoleman@ntcc.edu
Office Hours Monday
12:30 p.m. –
4:00
Tuesday
12:30 p.m. –
4:00
Wednesday
12:30 p.m. –
4:00
Thursday
12:30 p.m. –
4:00
Friday
None
Online
via
Blackboard
message or
email
The information contained in this syllabus is subject to change without notice. Students are expected to
be aware of any additional course policies presented by the instructor during the course.
Catalog Course Description (include prerequisites):
As a survey course, Psychology 2301 provides an overview of the major areas in the field of
psychology. As a survey course, we will cover many diverse areas within the field. The following
areas will be emphasized: major models in psychology, major principles of memory applicable to
learning psychology, research methods used in psychology, social psychology, the organization of the
human brain and the biological bases of behavior, principles of learning, major theories of personality
development, stress and its effects on health, intelligence, lifespan development, and psychological
disorders. Upon completion of the course, a student should be able to identify the major theories,
terminology, principles, processes, and methods in the above areas.
Required Textbook(s):
Coon, D., & Mitterer, J.O. (2011). Psychology: a journey. (4th ed.) Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
w/Aplia supplement
Publisher: Wadsworth
ISBN Number: 978-0-495-81170-1
Recommended Reading(s):
N/A
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will:
1. Demonstrate critical thinking skills by utilizing the scientific approach to problem solve.
2. Obtain an understanding of a variety of research methods.
3. Be able to locate, critically evaluate, and accurately interpret published research in the area
of psychology
4. Be able to differentiate and analyze differing points of view
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5. Recognize the names, theories, and contributions of major historical figures in psychology
6. Be able to translate knowledge gained in class to applied questions
Exemplary Educational Objectives:
5.1
to employ the appropriate methods, technologies, and data that social and behavioral scientists
use to investigate the human condition;
5.3
to use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories;
5.8
to differentiate and analyze historical evidence (documentary and statistical) and differing points
of view;
5.9
to recognize and apply reasonable criteria for the acceptability of historical evidence and social
research.
SCANS Skills:
N/A
Lectures & Discussions:
Discovering Psychology & Research Methods (Chapter 1)
Brain & Behavior (Chapter 2)
Human Development (Chapter 3)
Sensation & Perception (Chapter 4)
States of Consciousness (Chapter 5)
Conditioning & Learning (Chapter 6)
Memory (Chapter 7)
Intelligence, Cognition, Language & Creativity (Chapter 8)
Motivation & Emotion (Chapter 9)
Personality (Chapter 10)
Health, Stress, & Coping (Chapter 11)
Psychological Disorders (Chapter 12)
Therapies (Chapter 13)
Social Behavior (Chapter 14)
Evaluation/Grading Policy:
Four exams @ 100 pts.
400 pts. (40%)
Participation
210 pts. (21%)
--Attendance (12 @5 = 60)
--Classroom (5 @10 = 50)
--Homework (10 @10 = 100)
Final Exam
125 pts. (13%)
Hospitality House
100 pts. (10%)
Experiment Design
75 pts. (7%)
APLIA quizzes (15@ 6 pts.)
90 pts. (9%)
TOTAL = 1,000 pts. (100%)
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The NTCC grading scale below will be used to determine your final grade.
Points
900-1000
800-899
700-799
600-699
Below 600
Grade
=A
=B
=C
=D
=F
An additional advantage to earning the best grade possible is for you to qualify for membership in Psi
Beta, which is the National Honor Society in Psychology. Consider asking your instructor about the
qualifications for membership and an overview of what Psi Beta does on the NTCC campus.
Assignments
1. Experimental Design (75 points)
You will “design” a psychological experiment on a worksheet located on Blackboard in the Exp.
Design folder. You will not actually carry out this experiment. Certain components of an actual
experiment will be provided to you by way of a research article and then you will think through all the
aspects of the experiment and complete the worksheet. This assignment helps you gain an
understanding of what is involved in experimental research. The article and worksheet are in the Exp.
Design folder.
2. Hospitality House visit/report (100 points)
The Hospitality House is a facility in Mt. Pleasant for the housing and treatment of persons who have
been diagnosed with one or more forms of schizophrenia. This is a unique opportunity that psychology
students at NTCC have to take a field trip and, in the process, meet and dialogue with the HH residents.
Students will then write a short reflection paper (an “I” paper) on the experience. Guidelines for the visit
and the paper are in the Hospitality House folder on Blackboard.
3. Major Exams:
Four exams (100 points each)
You will have four opportunities throughout the semester to demonstrate your understanding and mastery
of the course material. Exams consist primarily of multiple choice and True/False questions.
These four exams will be administered online (see the course schedule). Exams will open at 12:30 p.m.
on Thursday of each class week and remain available until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday. Missed exams must be
taken before the next regularly scheduled exam. Make-up tests are administered in the Testing Center. A
10% late penalty will be assessed make-up tests
Final Exam (125 pts.)
The Final Exam will be taken in the classroom at the day and time listed on the course calendar. This last
exam is not comprehensive, covering the chapters discussed since Exam #4. However, this exam will also
include a few short-answer essay questions and at least one Bonus Question.
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As an assignment group, the exams represent over half (53%) of your total grade.
Testing Center
The Testing Center is located in the Business Technology Building. Summer hours of operation are
Mon.-Thur. 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Fri. 8 a.m. to Noon. You must provide a photo id and take a Scantron and
pencil. NOTE: No makeup exams will be available after the last day of classes or for the Final Exam.
5. Quizzes & Assignments (210 points; includes attendance points)
These points are designed to measure your class attendance and participation. Class participation is
encouraged by quizzes, activities, demonstrations, and written papers designed to increase your
understanding of the material. Weekly APLIA quizzes afford you the opportunity to rehearse your
understanding of the textbook material. With the exception of the APLIA quizzes, which are located via
Blackboard, most of the other quizzes and activities will be part of classroom time or completed outside
of class. Additional activities will be in assignments folders for the specific week outlined in the course
schedule.
Student Responsibilities/Expectations
Class attendance is required. It will be very difficult to do well in this course without being in class every
day. Changes to the class calendar may be announced in class and you will be expected to be aware of
them. In addition, participation opportunities may be given or announced in class and will not be made up
if you miss that particular class.
If it becomes necessary to withdraw from the course before it is completed, it is the student’s
responsibility to inform the Registrar’s office so that a “W” instead of an “F” can be entered on the
student’s grade report. The deadline for withdrawal is on the course schedule.
A major factor in a student’s grade in this course is preparedness and participation. Most classes will
include exercises and activities designed to increase your understanding of the material. It is your
responsibility to get copies of any missed class notes (from a classmate) or handouts (from me or online).
Do not underestimate the value of being something more than a passive learner.
It is recommended that students keep a notebook for this course in which to put the course syllabus,
class handouts and exercises, as well as your class notes. This notebook will be an invaluable asset
when studying for exams.
As a courtesy, please turn off all cell phones and put them out of sight. While some students
consider themselves to be great multi-taskers, this is a myth. Cell phones will be distracting to you
and to others and to the general flow of the class.
Extra-credit is usually not available in this course. Studying the text, coming to class, and doing the
assignments are assumed to be sufficient work for this class. Grades will be assigned on the basis of
your points from assignments, papers, class participation, and all quizzes and exams.
Late work is not appreciated or tolerated except under very necessary circumstances. Grading of a late
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assignment will begin five (5) points lower for each day it is late. Make-up exams are assessed an
automatic 10% penalty.
The technology we enjoy today is phenomenal. However, it is by no means flawless. Any communication
sent from you to me (or vice-versa) runs the high risk of getting lost somewhere out in cyberspace.
Therefore, you are advised not to send important papers or assignments via e-mail except as a last resort.
Give yourself enough time to complete the assignment so that it is submitted in the assigned manner. In
the few cases where I will allow an assignment to be e-mailed, it is the student’s responsibility to follow
up and confirm that it was received.
Also, confidentiality and privacy concerns are the primary reasons we are not allowed to e-mail grades to
students. If for some reason you need to know your grade before the class meeting where the grades will
be presented, speak with me as soon as possible.
Other Course Requirements:
NOTE: All writing must be academic writing, written with regard to formatting, grammar,
spelling, and proper usage in general. Therefore, all written assignments must be typed, doublespaced on pages with one-inch margins, 12 pt. font. Please have multiple pages stapled (no paper
clips please) and have your name on each page, along with the page number. APA style guidelines
for citing scholarly sources will be handed out separately. Points are deducted for composition and
writing errors.
NTCC Academic Honesty Statement:
Students are expected to complete course work in an honest manner, using their intellects and resources
designated as allowable by the course instructor. Students are responsible for addressing questions about
allowable resources with the course instructor. NTCC upholds the highest standards of academic
integrity. This course will follow the NTCC Academic Honesty policy stated in the Student Handbook.
Academic Ethics
The college expects all students to engage in academic pursuits in a manner that is beyond reproach.
Students are expected to maintain complete honesty and integrity in their academic pursuit. Academic
dishonesty such as cheating, plagiarism, and collusion is unacceptable and may result in disciplinary
action. Refer to the student handbook for more information on this subject.
ADA Statement:
It is the policy of NTCC to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals who are
students with disabilities. This College will adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws,
regulations, and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations as required to afford
equal educational opportunity. It is the student’s responsibility to arrange an appointment with a
College counselor to obtain a Request for Accommodations form. For more information, please refer to
the NTCC Catalog or Student Handbook.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA):
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of
student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program
of the U.S. Department of Education. FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children’s
educational records. These rights transfer to the student when he or she attends a school beyond the high
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school level. Students to whom the rights have transferred are considered “eligible students.” In essence,
a parent has no legal right to obtain information concerning the child’s college records without the
written consent of the student. In compliance with FERPA, information classified as “directory
information” may be released to the general public without the written consent of the student unless the
student makes a request in writing. Directory information is defined as: the student’s name, permanent
address and/or local address, telephone listing, dates of attendance, most recent previous education
institution attended, other information including major, field of study, degrees, awards received, and
participation in officially recognized activities/sports.
Other Course Policies
Communications
The college’s official means of communication is via your campus email address. I will use your campus
email address, Blackboard, and Remind 101 (blast texting) to communicate with you outside of class.
You should check regularly in your email and on Bb for any postings. Clean out your Eagle Mail
frequently so you will be able to receive important information from your instructors, student
organizations, administration, and staff.
A/V Recording in class
Students may use audio and/or video recording devices to record lectures or portions providing that they
get permission from the instructor. Materials recorded may only be used by the student to aid in the
completion of requirements for the course. Content recorded remains the property of NTCC and may not
be duplicated for distribution and may not be sold to another party or uploaded to the internet.
Tobacco Use
The College District prohibits the use of any type of tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, on
College District grounds and in College District buildings, facilities, and vehicles in order to provide
students, employees, and visitors a safe and healthy environment. This prohibition shall also apply to
spaces leased by the College District. The use of tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, shall
be permitted in designated areas and private vehicles parked on College District property provided any
residue is retained within the vehicle.
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