General Psychology 001 Spring 2016
Los Angeles Harbor College
______________________________________________________________________
INSTRUCTOR: Lorrie Kato, Ph.D.
OFFICE:
Science Complex – SCC-149
OFFICE HRS: M: 12:45-2:45, T: 12:45-1:45, TH: 12:45-2:45
EMAIL:
TELEPHONE #:
Section:
katoL@lahc.edu
(310) 233-4674
0120, M/W, 9:35-11:00
REQUIRED TEXTS:
Spielman, R. M. (2014). Psychology. Rice University: OpenStax College.
You can download a free version of the textbook at: https://openstaxcollege.org/textbooks/psychology/get
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course examines psychology’s basic subject matter through a survey of the historical, physiological, and social influences on
behavior, emphasizing learning, motivation, cognition, measurement, mental health, individual and cultural differences. This broad
survey of psychology is a prerequisite to more advanced psychology courses that examine specific topics in more depth.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. Students will gain an understanding of how scientific methods are used to further knowledge of why individuals think and
behave as they do.
2. Students will gain an appreciation for the complexity of human behavior as well as the diversity of the many sub-disciplines
found within the field of Psychology.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Identify and differentiate among the major historical theoretical perspectives regarding the nature and origins of psychology.
2. Evaluate empirical studies of psychological constructs using basic research methods of design and APA guidelines.
3. Develop insight into one’s own and others' behavior and mental processes by applying psychological principles, theory, and
research to personal, sociocultural, and organizational issues, including, (but not limited to): age, race, ethnicity, culture,
gender, socio-economic status, disability, and sexual orientation.
4. Demonstrate critical thinking skills and information competence as applied to psychological topics.
COURSE EVALUATION
Exams: There will be four examinations (and 1 final), each covering approximately one-fourth of the course. Exams will be based on
information posted in class and will cover all reading assignments. These exams include true-false questions, multiple-choice questions,
and matching definitions. The lowest exam grade will BE DROPPED and replaced with the grade earned on the final exam. If you miss
an exam, you MUST take the final. You will need five scantrons for the class, four 883-E (for the exams) and one 882-E (for the final).
Final Exam: There will be one comprehensive final exam. Students who have completed the four exams and research paper and have an
A average in the course will receive 25 bonus points and are excused from the final. Missing an exam for any reason automatically means
the final exam MUST be taken. The lowest grade on one exam will be dropped and replaced with the final. **The final cannot replace the
research paper assignment.
Research Paper: There will be one research 3-5 page research paper. Students are expected to integrate relevant research literature,
information from the text and lecture, and personal experience. Papers will be graded in terms of application of course content and
writing quality (including organization, clarity, punctuation, and grammar) and will be graded with the expectation that this is a collegelevel course. Additional information regarding the research paper is available at http://www.drlorriekato.com/. Late Papers: Please note
that assignments not turned in by the due date WILL BE MARKED OFF SEVEN POINTS (1 full grade) per day late.
TEACHING POLICY:
1. Make-up exams: Make-up exams will not be given so plan to take the exams by the scheduled due date. If you miss one
exam, the final exam score will replace it. If two exams are missed then a make-up will not be possible.
2. Plagiarism/Cheating: In line with the Harbor College policy on academic dishonesty, anyone caught cheating during an exam or
turning in someone else's work and claiming it as his/her own will receive an automatic F for the class and may be subjected to
disciplinary action.
a. District Academic Dishonesty Policy 9803.28 Academic Dishonesty: Violations of Academic Integrity include, but are not
limited to, the following actions: cheating on an exam, plagiarism, working together on an assignment, paper or project when
the instructor has specifically stated students should not do so, submitting the same term paper to more than one instructor, or
allowing another individual to assume one’s identity for the purpose of enhancing one’s grade.
3. There will be NO opportunities for extra credit offered throughout the class.
Disability Accommodation Statement
Students with a verified disability who may need a reasonable accommodation(s) for this class are encouraged to notify the instructor
1
and contact the DSPS Office or the Office for Special Services as soon as possible. All information will remain confidential.
CLASSROOM PROTICOL: Lack of participation in the course (e.g., missing exams or assignments, chronic absence) and being
disrespectful or disruptive in class (e.g., conversing during lecture, chronic tardiness) may be basis for being dropped by the professor.
Please turn off all cell phones and do not have them visible on the desk. Texting during class is NOT permitted.
GRADING:
Final grades are dependent upon the total number of points earned in the course.
A: 400-360points B: 359-320points C: 319-280points D: 279-240points F: 239-0points
Exam 1: _____/75 points
Exam 3: _____/75 points
Essay Assignment: _____/75
Exam 2: _____/75 points
Total Points:
Exam 4: _____/75 points
Final:
_____/100 points
______/400
*Remember your lowest exam grade will be dropped. If you have an A average in the course, you will receive
25 bonus points and are excused from the final.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES: You are responsible for reading the text, reviewing the lectures, studying the material, taking the
required exams, and completing assigned activities. Lecture content and pacing are based on the expectation that students are familiar
with the material in the chapter reading assigned for that day. Your task of learning psychology however, will be much easier if you
(a) ask me questions about the readings and lecture topics; (b) keep up with the readings; (c) talk to me during office hours. In a 16week semester, this course will require about 15% of your weeks’ time, and more if you are unfamiliar with the material or just
beginning advanced studies. You are ultimately responsible for your learning in this class.
Class Schedule
Week
1
Date
Topics
Reading Assignments
2/8
2/10
2/15
2/17
2/22
2/24
2/29
3/2
3/7
3/9
3/14
3/16
3/21
3/23
Course Introduction
Introduction to Psychology
Holiday – No Class
Research Methods
Biopsychology
Biology (cont.), Stress, Lifestyle, and Health
Stress (cont.)
Stress, Review for Exam 1
Exam 1 (Chs. 1, 2, 3, 14)
Learning; Part 1 of Paper Due in Class 3/9
Learning, Memory
Memory
Thinking and Language
Intelligence
8
3/28
3/30
9
4/11
4/13
4/18
4/20
4/25
4/27
5/2
5/4
5/9
5/11
5/16
5/18
5/23
5/25
6/6
Intelligence (cont)., Exam Review
Exam 2 (Chs. 6, 7, 8)
Full Paper due in Turnitin: 3/30 11:59 pm
SPRING BREAK 4/2-4/9
Emotion and Motivation
Personality
Developmental Psychology
Developmental Psychology
Consciousness
Sensation and Perception, Exam Review
Exam 3 (Chs. 10, 11, 9, 4)
Sensation and Perception (cont.)
Psychological Disorders
Treatment
Social Psychology
Social Psychology, Exam 4 Review
Complete Exam 4 (Chs. 5, 15, 16, 12)
Final Review (Please note, you must attend to be excused from the final.)
MONDAY: 10:30-12:30 Final Exam
2
3
4
5
6
7
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 14
Chapter 6
Chapter 8
Chapter 7
Chapter 10
**The course schedule is subject to change.
2
Chapter 11
Chapter 9
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 5
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 12