Introduction to General Psychology
Psychology 1101
University of West Georgia
Spring Semester 2013
Tuesday, Thursday 12:30-1:50 pm
Pafford 302
Instructor:
Email:
Ken Lewis
klewis@westga.edu
Office hours...
Melson 124: Tuesday/Thursday 2-4pm, and by appointment.
Please schedule your visits in advance by email or personally in class.
Introduction:
The focus of this class is to provide a basic understanding of Psychology. In addition, the
classroom environment will provide us with resources to think critically and explore the
discipline in a fundamental way.
Course Objectives:
1. To gain an understanding of how Psychology is used to answer questions on human
existence
2. To help us develop our critical thinking process
3. To understand and critique perspectives
4. To understand the many dimensions of who we are
5. To better understand others
Learning Outcomes:
1. Students will demonstrate an understanding about Psychology
2. Students will identify and express their own thoughts and ideas about topics presented
during the semester
3. Students will apply the course material for their own self-understanding
Resources:
Text:
Myers, D. (2008) Exploring Psychology in Modules, 7th ed., Worth Publishers.
Expectation, evaluation and grading policy:
Each student is expected to attend class and be prepared to discuss the assigned reading and
complete all assignments. The grading scale explained below outlines points awarded for class
attendance and participation as well as assignments. Likewise, students are expected to turn in
assignments by the deadline and take exams as scheduled. Only documented emergencies will
be exceptions to this rule.
Everything in the grading is about encouraging you to take ownership of your learning process.
The class is challenging in that it asks of you to stay engaged throughout the semester with the
readings and assignments, to deeply reflect on your self, and to allow yourself to explore
experiential exercises on their own terms. This class is not just about the field of Psychology- it
is about you and how you relate to the world around you. Your final grade should reflect how
much you showed up for yourself, how much you embraced this opportunity to enhance your
life.
Grades will be awarded based on the following:
Activity
Description
Points
Presence & Participation
Your presence and participation in this class is key to
the success of your individual learning and our
collective learning. Presence is a combination of
attendance and being available to classroom process.
This means being in the classroom on time, dropping
all strings to the outside world (phones and
computers off). Participation refers to listening,
speaking, and engaging with the class environment.
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Exams
We will have two exams. The exams are on the
assigned modules (see schedule below). You will
propose 5 questions via CourseDen email for
consideration for the exams one week before the
exam date. Your exam grade will be determined by
the exam grade and the quality of submitted
questions (simple definitions will be graded as less
quality than questions involving critical thought).
40
Outlines
6 times during the semester you will be responsible
for turning in an outline of the Modules assigned in
the book. The outline should NOT be from the Table
of Contents, but rather should be a richer, more
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complete version from your own reading of the book.
Provide explanations, exemplars, and other pertinent
information. No length guideline, however feedback
will be provided if your first one is too short.
Final Paper
“Ten things I learned about myself in this course.”
Write a paper on ten psychological facts that you
learned about yourself in this course citing the
relevant pages of the text. It should be 1500-1700
words, Times New Roman 12 pt, double-spaced.
Total
20
100
Grading Scale:
A= 90-100
B= 80-89
C= 70-79
D= 60-69
F= Below 60
Additional Point Adjustments
Bring your textbook to class on Jan 14th and earn a bonus 5 points to your final grade.
One additional extra credit assignment will be offered which involves reading and reporting on
an entire book via class presentation and a paper. This is designed as a second chance for those
who have a slow start to the course, however this path will be more time consuming than your
concerted efforts from the beginning. Value: 10 points. Contact the professor to discuss this
option.
Your Commitment:
This is a three credit course. To earn three credits you are to attend three classroom hours per
week and participate in out-of-class study/activities /work for six hours per week. You should
use your out-of-class hours fully and wisely.
Academic Integrity:
All individual written work is expected to be your own, and plagiarism is highly unacceptable.
Proper documentation and citation is required when attributing ideas/information. Please see
the honor code in the student handbook if you have questions, or come see me. If you are
caught cheating in any way, you will receive zero points for that assignment and it will be
reported to the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs for possible probation or
suspension from the University.
Accommodations for disabilities:
Accommodations and modifications can be made for all assignments for those with specific
learning disabilities (university documentation required).
Rights/Responsibilities:
Students, please carefully review the following information at this link
http://www.westga.edu/assetsDept/vpaa/Common_Language_for_Course_Syllabi.pdf. It
contains important material pertaining to your rights and responsibilities in this class. Because
these statements are updated as federal, state, university, and accreditation standards change,
you should review the information each semester.
Final Exam and Paper:
If you miss your final exam and paper deadline, and prior arrangements have not been made,
you may receive a grade of F on that exam and paper and this may affect your final grade in the
class. If you do not hand-in your paper or take your final exam due to an emergency, please
contact the Psychology office at (678) 839-6510 or go to Melson Room 123 as soon as possible to
complete the application: “Missed Final Exam: Verification of Emergency”. This form will need
to be approved by the chair for an incomplete grade which may allow you the time to make up
your exam or complete your final assignments. This application will require documentation and
authorization from you to verify your emergency.
Schedule:
Week 1 Jan 7
Day 1: Syllabus. Social
Day 2: Read: M1
Week 2 Jan 14
Day1: Bring textbook to class. Social: Read: M43
Day 2: Read: M44
Week 3 Jan 21
Day 1: Read: M45. Outline due.
Day 2: Learning: Read: M18.
Week 4 Jan 28
Day 1: Read: M19.
Day 2: Personality: Read: M33
Week 5 Feb 4
Day 1: Read: M34 & M35
Day 2: Developmental: Read: M7 & M8
Week 6 Feb 11
Day 1: Read: M9 & M10. Outline due.
Day2: Motivation: Read: M26
Week 7 Feb 18
Day 1: Read: M27.
Day 2: Emotions: Read: M29. Submit 5 exam questions via CourseDen email.
Week 8 Feb 25
Day 1: Read: M30. Outline due.
Day 2: Midterm exam.
Week 9 Mar 4
Day 1: Disorders: Read: M36 & 37
Day 2: Read: M38 & 39
Week 10 Mar 11
Day 1: Therapy: Read: M40 & M41
Day 2: Bio: Read M3. Outline due.
Week 11 Mar 18
Day 1: Spring break- no classes.
Day 2: Spring break- no classes.
Week 12 Mar 25
Day 1: Read M4. Genes and Evolution: Read M5 & M6.
Day 2: Perception: Read M13
Week 13 Apr 1
Day 1: Read: M14
Day 2: Consciousness: Read M15, 16, and 17. Outline due.
Week 14 Apr 8
Day 1: Memory: Read M21. Final paper rough draft due (printed and handed in).
Day 2: Thinking. Read M23
Week 15 Apr 15
Day 1: Read M24. Submit 5 exam questions via CourseDen email.
Day 2: Read M25. Outline due.
Week 15 Apr 22
Day 1: Final Exam and Final Paper due (printed and digital copy via CourseDen email)