Carolinas College of Health Sciences
General Education
Course Syllabus
Course:
PSY101(01) General Psychology
Instructor:
Blaise Raspanti, MS, MEd
Credit Hours:
3 (3 class, 0 lab)
Placement:
Summer 2003
Course Description:
An overview of general topics in the science of behavior including such topics as
learning, emotions, motivation, personality, sensation and perception, and
adjustment.
Pre-requisite:
None
Required Text:
Huffman, K., Vernoy, M. & Vernoy, J., 5 Ed. (2000). Psychology In Action.
New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
th
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this course, the student should:
1.
Describe the basics of psychology as a science including research and statistics.
2.
Explain the biological bases of behavior including sensation, perception, and consciousness.
3.
Explain the development of intelligence including learning and memory.
4.
Identify the motivational factors that drive human behavior.
5.
Explain personality development including emotion, abnormal behavior, and social behavior.
6.
List and describe the major approaches in therapy.
7.
Display improved critical thinking skills in studying all aspects of psychology.
Evaluation Methods:
Evaluation of student learning will be assessed through three (3) multiple-choice tests and a cumulative
final exam. All tests are equal in weight. Students are expected to be present on test days. In case of
emergency, make every effort to contact the instructor prior to the test. If contact is not made with the
instructor promptly, points may be deducted. Make-up tests will be allowed at the discretion of the
instructor only under VERY SPECIAL circumstances and must be completed prior to the next scheduled
class session. A bonus project may be offered at the discretion of the instructor.
CCHS, General Education, PSY101, Summer 2003
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Grading:
Grades will be based on the exam grades according to the following scale:
A
B
C
D
E
=
=
=
=
=
90.0 - 100.0
80.0 - 89.9
70.0 – 79.9
60.0 – 69.9
Below 60
THE LOWEST PASSING GRADE IN ANY COURSE IN THE CURRICULUM IS A LETTER GRADE OF
‘C’.
Office Hours:
My office is Room 233, and the telephone number is 704-355-4025. I will be
available after class on class days. Please make an appointment with me during
class. If you need to contact me at other times, you may call me at 704-6058930. If you are unable to reach me, contact the General Education secretaries-Barbara Malcolm @ 704-355-0712 or Amy Bridgeman @ 704-355-1550--and
leave a message.
Attendance:
While attendance is not mandatory, it is vitally important both to your success in
the class and your development as a future health care professional. Each of
you also has much to contribute to the class, and I value your presence. I ask
that you be on time to class and return promptly from breaks. At the discretion of
the instructor, bonus points may be given for class attendance.
Honor Code:
This course, like all at the Carolinas College of Health Sciences, operates under
the Honor Code. The code forbids cheating in any and all forms. The Honor
Code will be enforced.
CHAPTER OBJECTIVES
Chapter 1: Introducing Psychology
1.
2.
3.
4.
To explain the purpose of psychology.
To describe the basics of psychological research and how to evaluate it.
To list basic ethics in psychological research and practice.
To describe basic principles of the various schools of psychology.
Chapter 2: The Biological Bases of Behavior
1.
2.
3.
To explain the contribution of the nervous system to human behavior
To describe the relationship of body chemistry to behavior.
To list various methods of studying brain function.
Chapter 3: Sensation and Perception
1.
2.
3.
To describe the functioning of various senses.
To explain factors involved in perception and selection.
To explain the process of organizing our perceptions.
Chapter 4: Consciousness
1.
2.
3.
4.
To describe various levels of awareness.
To explain the principle behind sleep and dreaming.
To describe the effects of various drug families on the consciousness.
To list additional routes to alternate states.
CCHS, General Education, PSY101, Summer 2003
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Chapter 5: Learning
1.
2.
3.
4.
To distinguish between learned and innate behaviors.
To describe the two types of conditioning.
To explain cognitive learning.
To explain observational learning.
Chapter 6: Memory
1.
2.
3.
4.
To explain the three stage memory model.
To describe the biological components of memory.
To list and describe the major theories on forgetting.
To describe methods of improving memory.
Chapter 7: Thinking, Language, and Intelligence
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
To describe the various aspects of the thought process such as mental imagery, concept
formation, problem solving, and creativity.
To present a measurable definition of intelligence.
To explain the concepts which form the basis of intelligence testing.
To explain the potentials and limitations of intelligence testing.
To explain the basic components of language development.
Chapters 8 & 9: Life Span Development I & II:
1.
2.
To explain physical, cognitive, and language development throughout the life span.
To explain personality and moral development throughout the life span.
Chapter 10: Gender and Human Sexuality
1.
2.
3.
To explain the concept of gender.
To describe the physical and emotional aspects of sexuality.
To explain sexual dysfunction and treatment.
Chapter 11: Motivation and Emotion
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
To list internal and external factors affecting hunger and eating.
To explain basic aspects of human sexual motivation.
To list characteristics of people motivated toward achievement.
To list and describe three major theories of motivation.
To explain the biology of emotions.
To describe major theories of emotion.
Chapter 12: Health Psychology
1.
2.
3.
To list causes and results of stress.
To explain the relationship between stress and illness.
To describe ways of coping with stress.
Chapter 13: Personality
1.
2.
To list and describe major theories of personality.
To describe methods of assessing personality.
CCHS, General Education, PSY101, Summer 2003
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Chapter 14: Psychological Disorders
1.
2.
3.
4.
To list aspects of social influence.
To explain the processes by which groups function.
To list key factors in interpersonal attraction.
To discuss factors that contribute to the development of attitudes.
Chapter 15: Therapy
1.
2.
To list the major types of therapy and describe the basic principles of each.
To explain the ethical considerations involved in providing appropriate therapy.
Chapter 16: Social Psychology
1.
2.
3.
4.
To list aspects of social influence.
To explain the processes by which groups function.
To list key factors in interpersonal attraction.
To discuss factors that contribute to the development of attitudes.
CCHS, General Education, PSY101, Summer 2003
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TENTATIVE CLASS SCHEDULE
PSY101 General Psychology – Summer 2002
Thursday, 4-5:50 pm & Friday, 3-4:50 pm
Instructor: Blaise Raspanti
Order of Topics
Readings/Exams
Introducing Psychology
Ch. 1
Biological Bases of Behavior
Ch. 2
Sensation and Perception
Ch. 3
Consciousness
Ch. 4
Learning
Ch. 5
Memory
Ch. 6
Thinking, Language & Intelligence
Ch. 7
Life Span Development I & II
Ch. 8 & 9
Gender & Human Sexuality
Ch. 10
Motivation & Emotion
Ch. 11
Health Psychology
Ch. 12
Personality
Ch. 13
Psychological Disorders
Ch. 14
Therapy
Ch. 15
Social Psychology
Ch. 16
FINAL EXAM
CUMULATIVE
CCHS, General Education, PSY101, Summer 2003
Exam 1
Exam 2
Exam 3
5
Carolinas College of Health Sciences
General Education
Summer 2003
I have read the syllabus for PSY101(01) General Psychology. I understand that I am accountable for
all of the information contained in the syllabus. I have been given the opportunity to clarify any questions.
I have read and will abide by the Honor Code of Carolinas College of Health Sciences.
I agree that my grades in PSY101(01) General Psychology may be posted using the 4-digit number
that is written at the conclusion of this statement.
Student’s Printed Name:
Student’s Signature:
Date:
Number:
As a member of the Carolinas College of Health Sciences student body, I will adhere to the principles of
honor that are the foundation of trust among students, faculty, and staff on our campus and/or clinical
sites. (See page 33-34, CCHS Catalog/Student Handbook, 2002-2003.)
Student Signature: ________________________________________ Date: _______________________
CCHS, General Education, PSY101, Summer 2003
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