Fall 2010 Syllabus
SS 101
General Psychology
3 Credit Hours
Textbook
Discovering Psychology Fourth Edition
Hockenbury & Hockenbury
Division of Social Science
Instructor: Beth Whisler
The learning outcomes and competencies detailed in this syllabus meet, or exceed, the
learning outcomes and competencies specified by the Kansas Core Outcomes Project for
this course, as sanctioned by the Kansas Board of Regents.
General Psychology
Syllabus Fall 2010
Instructor: Beth Whisler
Course Number: SS 101
Day: Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays
Office: 305
Office Hours: Mondays 9:00-10:00 A.M., 1:00-2:00 & 3-4:00 P.M..Tuesdays 9:00-9:30 A.M., 1:304:30 P.M. Wednesdays 9:00-10:00 A .M. & 1:00-2:00 P.M., 3:00-4:00 P.M. Thursdays 9:00-9:30 A.M.,
1:30-4:30 P.M., Fridays 9:00- 10:00 A.M., 1:00-2:00 P.M. (There are times that I am requested to be at
department meetings, faculty meetings, and other work responsibilities that necessitate that I be out of the
office. Office times can be set up for student meetings upon appointment.)
Phone: 243-1435 x 262
Course Description: A survey of methods, facts, and principles relating to basic
psychological processes. Major topic areas include neural bases of behavior, learning
and motivation, psychosocial development and abnormal psychology, human cognition,
cognitive development, individual differences and social psychology. The classroom lab
activities provide experience with methods of research and data collection. (ACT reading
level 19 suggested)
Textbook: Psychology: Discovering Psychology by Hockenbury and Hockenbury Fourth Edition
PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT COURSE GOALS
Course Goal 1: Knowledge Base of Psychology
Demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, and empirical findings, in
psychology.
1.1 Characterize the nature of psychology as a discipline.
1.2 Explain major perspectives of psychology (e.g., behavioral, biological, cognitive,
evolutional psychodynamic, and sociocultural).
Assessment will include objective tests, essay questions, reports, and written products.
Course Goal 2: Research Methods in Psychology
Understand and apply basic research methods in psychology, including research design, and interpretation.
2.1 Explain different research methods used by psychologists.
2.2 Evaluate the appropriateness of conclusions derived from psychological research
methods.
2.3 Design and conduct basic studies to address psychological questions using
appropriate research.
Assessment will include objective tests, essay questions, and written products.
Course Goal 3: Critical Thinking Skills in Psychology
Respect and use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and, when possible, the scientific method
to solve problems related to solving problems related to behavior and mental processes.
3.1 Use critical thinking effectively.
3.2 Engage in creative thinking.
3.3 Use reasoning to recognize, develop, defend, and criticize arguments and other
persuasive ideas.
Assessment will include written products such as research papers/projects, essay questions, and reaction
papers.
Course Goal 4: Application of Psychology
Understand and apply psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues.
4.1 Describe major applied areas of psychology (e.g., clinical, counseling, industrial/organizational,
and health).
4.2 Identify appropriate applications of psychology in solving problems.
4.3 Apply psychological concepts, theories, and research findings as these relate to everyday life.
4.4 Recognize that ethically complex situations can develop in the application of psychological
principles.
Assessment will include self-critiques, essay questions, and written products.
Course Goal 5: Sociocultural and International Awareness
Recognize, understand, and respect the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity.
5.1 Examine the sociocultural and international contexts that influence individual differences.
5.2 Explain how individual differences influence beliefs, values, and interactions with others and vice
versa.
5.3 Understand how privilege, power, and oppression may affect prejudice, discrimination, and
5.4 Recognize prejudicial attitudes and discriminatory behaviors that might exist in themselves and
others.
Assessment will include objective tests, essay questions, written products, and self-assessment.
Assessment Rubric for Psychology Outcomes
Assessment
1
Objective Tests
Written ProductsResearch projects,
Research papers
effective
2
3
Ineffective
Effective
Exemplary
Unable to
identify most
items, less
than 60% score
Able to
identify 75%
or more of
items
90%
identification of
items
Unclear
about main
idea –no supporting
facts
clearly
identified thesis,
but few supporting
facts
Clearly
stated thesis,
supported by
effective, relevant
facts
Unable to clearly
answer questions,
Able to answer
some questions,
Excellent answers to
questions with clear
Essay Tests
Personal Reflections
Classroom
Assessment
Techniques
confused about terms
somewhat unclear
about terms
definitions of terms
Course Goals (Student Learning Outcomes):
1. Students will be able to discuss the history of the field of psychology during class discussions.
2. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of research methods in psychology by reviewing
selected research studies in psychology.
3. Students will be able to identify stages of prenatal and stages of childhood development by successful
completion of an examination over the material.
4. Students will be able to identify stages of adolescent and adult development
by successful completion of an examination over the material.
5. Students will be able to discuss human psychological growth and development
by successful completion of an interview of a person concerning their growth and
development.
6. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the following areas of
psychology: motivation, learning, memory, intelligence, perception, and altered states
of consciousness by successful completion of an examination.
7. Students will be able to discuss personality theory and psychological therapies through
participation in class discussions.
8. Students will be able to identify how the biology of a person impacts behavior by
successful completion of reaction papers.
9. Students will understand the role of stress on a person’s health and be able to utilize
stress management techniques through successful completion of experiential exercises
in class.
10. Students will be able to describe information concerning gender issues and sexuality as it pertains to
psychology during class discussions.
11. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of social psychology by
successfully completing reaction papers.
Assessment of Course Goals:
The assessment of course goals will be with quizzes, examinations, homework assignments, reaction
papers, and a research paper.
Social Science Objectives:
Social Science General Education Goal:
This course is a General Education “A” course. Students enrolled in Social Science General Education
“A” courses will be expected to demonstrate a knowledge of cultural experiences and expressions by
exhibiting knowledge of the variability of human behavior. Successful students will be able to 1) Identify
different cultural responses to environmental demands. 2) Demonstrate an understanding of cultural
factors that contribute to varying responses to environmental demands. 3) Analyze and evaluate a variety
of ways in which different cultures view behavior.
Accommodation for Disability
If you need academic adjustments for any type of disability, see your instructor during office hours or make
an appointment. Students also may contact the Director of Advisement and Counseling, located in the
Advisement Center.
.
Inclement Weather Policy:
In case of extremely severe weather, the college may close. The following radio and TV stations will be
notified:
:
KNCK 1390 AM Concordia
KREP 92.1 FM Belleville
KVSV 1190 AM Beloit
WIBW (TV) Channel 13 Topeka
KOLN (TV) Channel 10 Lincoln, Nebraska
KCLY 100.9 FM Clay Center
KHCD 89.5 Hutchison
KSAL 1150 AM Salina
KWCH (TV) Channel 12 Wichita
Notification will also be placed on the internet at www.cancellations.com. A text message will also be sent
out on the Emergency Text Messaging System for the students who have signed up for it.
Students should call the switchboard at 800-729-5101 or 785-243-1435 if they are unable to attend class
due to hazardous conditions. Night class and off campus class cancellations are left to the discretion of the
instructor.
Emergency Notification Procedure:
When alarms are sounded or crisis conditions arise, you will be instructed to move to a designated safe area
or to remain in the classroom until the crisis has passed. If you are informed to leave the room, take as
many of your personal belongings as time permits. Cell phones and other electronic devices are only to be
used once you arrive in the safe area outside the building. Students requiring special assistance will be the
responsibility of the instructor or staff person.
Systems of alert for tornado or bomb threat: PA system, phone, or staff interruption of class. In case of
fire, the alarm will sound.
If directed to leave the building, evacuate to the soccer field unless an alternate safe location has been
designated.
Course Policies:
Academic Integrity
It is imperative that each student does his/her work. The following policy will apply to all students in class.
Infractions of academic integrity (honesty) shall include:
* Using another student’s work without giving the student credit for the work. In other words, taking In
other words, taking someone else’s file and placing your name and claiming it is yours, using another
student’s quiz, or help on a quiz/exam.
* Giving another student your file(s) knowing that he/she intends to turn it in as his/her own creation,
giving another student your quiz, or help on a quiz/exam.
It is not an infraction of the policy to help another student understand how to do an assignment if he/she
does the work himself/herself with your assistance.
Cheating:
“Cheating means getting unauthorized help on an assignment, quiz, or examination.”
1. You must not receive from any other students or give to any other students any information, answers, or
help during an exam.
2. You must not use unauthorized sources for answers during an exam. You must not take notes or books
to the exam when such aids are forbidden, and you must not refer to any book or notes while you are
taking the exam unless the instructor indicates it is an “open book” exam.
3. You must not obtain exam questions illegally before an exam or tamper with an exam after it has been
corrected.
Materials taken from “Academic Dishonesty in Our Classrooms.” Instructional Exchange. 1990. 2 (2), 1-4
(Newsletter available from the Office of University Assessment and Intellectual Skills Program, Western
Michigan University.)
Plagiarism:
“Plagiarism” means submitting work as your own that is someone else’s. For example, copying material
from a book the Internet, or another source without acknowledging that the words or ideas are someone
else’s and not your own is plagiarism. If you copy an author’s words exactly, treat the passage as a direct
quotation and supply the appropriate citation. If you use someone else’s ideas, even if you paraphrase the
wording, appropriate credit should be given. You have committed plagiarism if you purchase a term paper
or submit a paper or submit a paper as your own that you did not write.
Penalties for Infractions:
Consequences for academic dishonesty will result in the student receiving no credit for the examination,
quiz, assignment, or research paper.
Attendance Policy:
Attendance is an integral part of each student’s grade. Attendance will be taken at each class session. Each
class period is worth 5 points. Punctuality is important to achievement and responsibility in the class.
Punctuality is a workplace skill. Being on time is worth 5 points for each class period.
Conduct:
Respect for the other students in the classroom and for the instructor will be expected. Respect includes not
speaking while the instructor or a student is discussing the current topics during lecture or class discussions.
Students will also refrain from talking during time in class that is devoted to written assignments.
A student’s cell phone and iPod are not to be used during class time. Cell phones need to be turned off
during class time.
Penalties for Infractions:
Consequences for disruptive conduct will include:
Any student that is judged by the instructor as being disruptive in their classroom conduct will be
dismissed from that day’s class. If the student is judged by the instructor as being disruptive during a
second class period -he or she will be dismissed from the class and immediately directed for a conference
with Spencer Farha and with Mrs. Kim Krull (vice president of academic affairs). This can result in the
student being withdrawn from this three credit hour class.
Make-up examinations and quizzes can be taken one time during the semester. This date will be November
23rd , 2010. Students needing to take make-up quiz(s) on this occasion will need to confirm their intent
with the instructor. No more that two quizzes can be made up on this date.
Instructor Assistance:
Office hours are listed on the syllabus. Additional office times can be set up for student meetings upon
appointment.
Tutor Assistance:
Tutors are available in the Learning Skills Center. Contact the Learning Skills Center for more
information.
Incomplete Policy:
Students will not be given an incomplete grade in the course without sound reason and documented as
described in the Student Handbook. The incomplete must be made up with the instructor assigning the
incomplete and must be completed the semester following the semester in which the class was taken. Refer
to the student handbook for a complete explanation.
Academic Complaints:
Cloud County Community College has an Academic Due Process Policy to address any student academic
complaints, the policy can be obtained from the Academic Affairs Office.
ATTACHMENTS:
Grading will be
Determined by:
1. Students will be tested on their knowledge of the material with
quizzes given throughout the semester.
(400 pts. total points possible.)
2. A midterm examination will be given at the middle of the
semester to determine students’ knowledge of the material
presented up to that point. (400 points possible.)
3. A final examination will be given at the end of the semester to
determine students’ knowledge and comprehension of material
presented after the midterm examination until the end
of the semester. (600 points possible.)
4. Assigned homework, reports, and response papers will be
submitted throughout the semester. (600 points possible.)
5. A research paper that is written in APA style will be turned in.
This paper will be five page in length concerning an approved
topic. Each student will consult with the class instructor before
starting his/her paper to make sure that the subject of the
paper is appropriate. Topics can include subjects covered in the
required textbook for the class. The research paper will be due
October 20, 2010. (400 points possible)
6. Attendance is an integral part of each student’s grade.
Attendance is a workplace skill.
Attendance will be taken at each class session.
Each class period is worth 5 points.
.
7. Punctuality is important to achievement and responsibility
in the class. Punctuality is a workplace skill. l
Being on time is worth 5 points for each class period.
Grading Scale
100%-90% A
89% - 80% B
79% - 70% C
69% - 60% D
59% and below F
Teaching Methodology:
Lecture, discussion, and interactive learning exercises
Topics Covered
Throughout the
Semester:
History of psychology (major theories)
Beginning principles in research in psychology
Ethics in psychological research
Introductory understanding of the brain and how it works
Beginning principles of sensation and perception
Psychology of dreams
The physiology of sleep
Introductory understandings of learning theories
Understanding of short-term memory and long-term memory
Introduction to knowledge about intelligence and intelligence
Testing
An understanding about how the development of language happens
in humans
Review of theories on eating disorders and definitions of the
various disorders
An introduction to theories on motivation
The stages of human sexual response and an overview concerning
sexual disorders
Understanding about human emotions
Overview concerning lifespan development
Introductory understandings of theories of personality
Overview concerning attribution, attitudes, prejudice, conformity,
obedience, and helping behavior as it relates to social psychology
Stress management
An understanding of the mind-body connection as it relates to
stress
An understanding of the various psychological disorders and
current treatments for the disorders
Overview of various theories of psychotherapies
Domestic violence (definitions and treatments)
Community resources for mental health help
Differences in communication between males and females
Addictions and an overview concerning treatment modalities
Child abuse and ideas concerning prevention
Teratogens and their impact on prenatal development
Mediation and ideas for families that are dealing with divorce
Criteria concerning selecting quality day care facilities
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
Sleep disorders
Myths about mental illness
Communication skills that enhance communication