GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY
PSY2012
Instructor:
Home Phone:
E-mail:
Office:
Mandatory Text:
Ted A. Barker, Ph.D.
218-1159
Barkert@nwfsc.edu
Niceville Campus, Bldg 420, room 022
King, The Science of Psychology: An Appreciative View3nd Ed.
Northwest Florida State Edition
Course Description and Objectives
This course is designed to provide for you an overview of theory and research in the core areas
of contemporary psychology. I have identified three important objectives for the class. One of
these is to offer a broad and general knowledge of psychological terms and concepts. Secondly,
the course is intended to familiarize you with some of the field’s major research findings.
Finally, it is hoped that this course will provide you with some of the skills and values associated
with critical thinking and analysis.
Attendance
I WILL NOT WITHDRAW YOU FROM THIS COURSE IF YOU STOP ATTENDING, YOU
MUST WITHDRAW YOURSELF TO RECEIVE THE GRADE OF “W”.
Exams
Two unit exams are scheduled; the exams are worth 100 points each. The exams will consist of
50 multiple choice questions covering material from the text and lectures.
Exit Exam
A comprehensive exam tied directly to the course Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) will be
given on the last day of class. The material for this exam will cover information from class, takehome tests, and LearnSmart modules. This exam will consist of 25 multiple choice questions and
be worth 100pts. Below are the SLOs for Social Science.
SS1: Recognize the scientific methods and research concepts used in the social sciences.
SS2: Identify ways to promote the understanding of differences and commonalities
within diverse cultures from a global perspective.
SS3: Use appropriate social, historical, and/or psychological methods to analyze
contemporary issues.
Take-home tests
There will be 10 take-home open book tests that are worth up to 30 points each. These tests will
cover outside reading of chapters not discussed in class. YOU MUST BE PRESENT TO
RECEIVE A TAKE-HOME TEST; anyone not in class the day the take-home test is sent home
will receive a zero for that test!! Missed questions can be argued and points awarded back for
those students that attend the class that we go over the take-home tests. Again, you must be
present to receive these points.
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Learn Smart Modules
Students will be required to complete Learn Smart Modules that accompany chapters in the text.
There are 15 modules for this course. Each module is worth 10 points for a total of 150 points
for the semester. All modules must be completed by the assigned deadline, no exceptions will be
granted.
Cell Phones
Due to many problems associated with the use of cell phones in class, please adhere to the
following guidelines: Cell phones must be turned to silent or vibrate, they must be kept out of
sight. If I see a cell phone in class it will be taken away and returned to you after class. Cell
phones may be collected during closed book exams and returned after the class.
Make-Ups
Make-up exams will be provided for the closed book exams only. If you will miss an exam due
to jury duty or a death in the family, you may take a make-up exam provided you inform the
instructor in writing prior to the exam. If you miss an exam due to illness, you may take a makeup exam if you provide the instructor with a written note from your doctor on the first class you
attend following the exam.
Take-home tests cannot be made up at any time, for any reason. This policy is to emphasize the
importance of class attendance. It is not possible to pass this class if you do not earn a sufficient
number of points on both the exams and take-home tests.
Emergency Disclaimer
In the event of an “emergency” defined as anything that might cause the college to close such as
hurricanes, etc. I will adjust the syllabus accordingly depending on the amount of class time lost.
If you have an assignment or test that was due on a date where the college is shut down, that
assignment or test will be due on the first day of class after the college is re-opened. All students
can call the campus at 678-5111 for updates on when and how long the college might be closed.
Grading
Grades will be based on total points earned for each area graded. You must earn at least the
minimum number of points for each grade level to receive that grade.
Points available:
2 exams (100 pts each)
10 take-home tests (30 pts each)
Learn Smart Modules (10 pts each)
Exit Exam (100pts)
TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE
=
=
=
=
=
GRADE
A
B
C
D
F
200 possible points
300 possible points
150 possible points
100
750 points
POINTS NEEDED
675 (90%)
600 (80%)
525 (70%)
450 (60%)
449 (59%)
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UNIT
TOPIC
READING
One
Perspectives
Research
Memory
Exam I
Chap 1
Chap 2
Chap 7
Two
Learning
Intelligence
Exam II
Chap 6
Chap 8
TAKEHOME TESTS
Take-home 1
Take-home 2
Take-home 3
Take-home 4
Take-home 5
Take-home 6
Take-home 7
Take-home 8
Take-home 9
Take-home 10
Chap 16
Chap 15
Chap 14
Chap 13
Chap 12
Chap 11
Chap 10
Chap 5
Chap 4
Chap 3
**ATTENTION**
If there are any students who might require additional considerations in regards to material
presented in class, or test taking due to a physical or learning disability, please contact me in
person or by phone after the first day of class! Also, our college offers excellent support services
for students including a math lab at all locations and the Academic Success Center. Please let
me know if you need more information about these services.
Psy2012 syllabus
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