PSY 101 – General Psychology
WNC Course Syllabus
Fall 2013
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Frances Maldonado, MS
Email: Frances.Maldonado@wnc.edu
Office Hours
By appointment
WELCOME
Greetings! By enrolling in this course, you are showing interest in the world of psychology. Although it is
listed as an introductory course, I plan on making practical connections with the course material, which will
help you as you continue your education in the field of psychology, as well as your future career. The plan is
to have a working knowledge of the basics and practices of modern psychology and to have fun doing it!
COMMUNICATION
The best way to get a hold of me is through email. I check my email regularly but will not be available to
respond during weekends / holidays. I do not have set office hours but you may email me to set up a time to
meet in person, if needed. I am also usually available before class. Please allow me 24 hours minimum to
return your email.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Psychology 101 is a three (3) credit course that introduces students to the field of psychology and covers the
major principles and their application to the study of human behavior .
Prerequisites: None
REQUIRED TEXT
Psychology: Tenth Edition in Modules, David G. Meyers, 2013
COURSE OBJECTIVES
PSY 101 introduces the field of psychology. Covers major principles and their application to the study of
human behavior. The course objectives have been aligned with the recommended outcomes from the
American Psychological Association and the WNC requirements for freshman level general education courses.
The outcomes students are expected to attain are:
1. Understand and recognize important terminology, concepts, and principles from the major fields and
perspectives in psychology;
2. Describe, explain, or apply selected concepts and principles from the major fields and perspectives in
psychology;
3. Recognize and understand scientific principles and procedures used in psychology; and
4. Apply some of the principles and concepts to situations from daily life.
Educational Program Mission Linkage
General Psychology can be used for all degrees and certificates of achievement offered at WNC.
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General Education Program Outcomes Linkage
Students are expected to improve their knowledge and skills necessary to meet four of the general education
student learning outcomes:
 College-level communication skills;
 Effective and efficient learning skills;
 Understand scientific thinking and methods; and
 Understand and apply social science principles.
GRADING POLICY AND PROCEDURES
Requirements
1. 6 Quizzes (10 pts each lowest score dropped)
2. Midterm Exam
3. Final Exam
4. Five Group/Individual Activities (10 pts each)
5. Project Paper
6. Final Presentation
TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE
Points Possible
50
50
100
50
100
50
400
No + or –‘s are given in this course. October 28th is the final day to formally withdraw from class. It is the
student’s responsibility to withdraw from the class by completing the appropriate withdrawal forms through
admission and records. The letter grade given for the entire semester will be based on the following point
distribution:
400 – 360 points = A
359 – 320 points = B
319 – 280 points = C
279 – 240 points = D
239 points and below = F
Quizzes
There will be a total of six quizzes throughout the semester. They will consist of a multiple choice/short
answer format. Your lowest quiz grade will be dropped; therefore, there will be NO MAKE UP QUIZZES! NO
EXCEPTIONS!
Exams
There will be two (2) exams: a mid-term and a final exam. The mid-term exam will cover the material from the
first half of the class and the final exam will be comprehensive and cover the entire semester.
Group/Individual Activities
Throughout the semester you will engage with your classmates, as well as work individually, in various types
of projects that will be based on the current reading or what is being discussed in class. Each project will put
your critical thinking and problem solving skills to the test… not to mention, your public speaking and practical
usage skills. Some activities may require you to work outside of class and become familiar with current trends
and practices to help you and your group complete each assignment.
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Project Paper / Presentation
This semester, you will be required to complete a project paper and present on your chosen topic for the
class. The paper will consist of the following elements:
1. Choose a personality or psychological disorder;
2. Briefly discuss the history of the disorder (what led to the diagnosis);
3. Identify the nature of the disorder both in behavior/environment and chemically in the brain;
4. Discuss treatment, past and present, and compare and contract these methods (point out similarities
and differences from initial treatments to current practices while pointing out the effective elements of
each; and
5. Close with discussing emerging methods of treatment and how it will shape the future of managing
personality and psychological disorders.
The project paper must include two (2) references, the textbook can be considered as one of the references.
You may also substitute a reference with information gathered from an interview from a psychological
professional in your community (Psychiatrist, Psychologist, MFT, or LCSW). In doing so, you will get the
opportunity to connect the course material with the workings and experience of a licensed professional. I do
encourage it.
Presentations will be spread over two class periods. Each person will have 10 minutes to speak in front of the
class and present on their personality or psychosocial disorder. Be creative and have fun!
TEACHING METHODS
In this course, I will use a multi-method approach including lecture, PowerPoint, video, web-based
applications, and group dynamics. I encourage class participation and group discussion throughout the
semester, as questions and feedback help spark conversations that are critical to understanding the course
material and practical use of each element.
COURSE EXPECTATIONS/REQUIREMENTS
 Assignments will be considered late if not turned it at the beginning of class and will not earn full
points (late assignments will not be accepted after the end of the next week);
 Regular attendance is highly encouraged and reduces the risk of being dropped from the class;
 Come fully prepared for each class and participate in group activities and classroom discussion;
 Complete any and all assignments on-time;
 It is the student’s responsibility to drop this class for any reason, as W’s are not given. Failure to drop
this course by 10/28/13 will result in the earned letter grade.
 I like my iPhone just as much as the next person, but please silence all cell phones during class. If you
must use the phone during class time (i.e., emergencies), please step out of the room before answering
the phone. Last, NO iPods or TEXTING!
 Laptops / tablets may be used during class to take notes. If you are caught on Facebook, surfing the
web, emailing, or doing anything not relevant to class, you may lose the privilege of having the
portable device in class!
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Active Participation
An effective way to understand that students are learning the material is to have open group and “healthy”
class discussions. Please come to class prepared having read the material requested prior to class. Students
should read the assignments with discussion in mind, taking notes as needed to reflect on during class
discussions. Support others during discussions and disagree respectfully with course material or students’
opinions when appropriate. Disruptive behaviors will not be tolerated and according to WNC policy, the
instructor has the right to ask any student to leave class.
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to abide by WNC’s Code of Student Conduct in all of their classes. This policy can be
located at (http://www.wnc.edu/ploicymannual/3-4-4.htm). Plagiarism and/or cheating is considered by
WNC to be serious acts of academic dishonesty. A ZERO for papers, exams, or quizzes will be
assessed which may lead to an “F” for this course and disciplinary action by the school.
Disability Support Services
If you have a disability for which you will need an accommodation, please contact WNC Disability
Support Services office (Bristlecone BLDG #103, Carson Campus). The number is 775-445-3266 or
775-445-3275. Please call as soon as possible to arrange for the appropriate accommodation.
(http://www.wnc.edu/studentservices/dss/)
Academic Skills Center
The academic skills center offers tutoring and other assistance to all students in need.
(http://www.wnc.edu/studentservices/dss/)
*Instructor reserves the right to change course requirements and syllabus contents as circumstances dictate.
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