Lake-Sumter Community College Course Syllabus
Course / Prefix Number
PSY 2012
CRN:
20478
Course Catalog
Description:
Instructor:
Course Title:
INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY
Credit:
3
Term:
Fall
An introduction to the scientific study of human behavior with emphasis on the history of
psychology, physiology, perception, learning, intelligence/testing, emotions/motivations,
personality formation, mental disorders, therapy, and social interaction.
Katherine Urquhart
Office Location:
FOB #3
Contact Information:
Office Hours:
urquhark@lscc.edu
(352) 323-3604
Afternoons by appointment.
All students are required to use LakerMail for official college e-mail communications.
See the college webpage for instructions on activating LakerMail.
Prerequisites:
Textbook and Other
Course Materials:
Technology and Online
Computer Access
Requirements:
Course Objectives:
(what the course will do)
SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF ALL COLLEGE PREPARATORY COMPOSITION
AND READING COURSES INDICATED THROUGH PLACEMENT TESTING
Textbook – Psychology Schacter, Gilbert and Wegner
Publisher: Worth ISBN 13-978-7167-5215-8 as well as the study guide to
accompany the text.
Computer literacy is essential. You will be required to use Internet access for
research on specific assignments. You must have regular and reliable internet
access. You will be required to use the Student Resources on the Course Home
Page, including internet flashcards, web links, and study questions. Regular
and Reliable Internet access is absolutely critical. On Line participation is
mandatory and critical. You are responsible for accessing BlackBoard (Bb) on
a daily basis.
1. To provide an introduction to the science of Psychology including its major areas,
terms and contributions.
2. To develop understanding of scientific methods and research in the discipline.
3. To foster a critical attitude toward behavior and an understanding of the importance
of the influence of individual differences in behavior.
4. To help students discriminate facts from misconceptions about the field of
Psychology via critical thinking skills.
Student Learning
Outcomes (SLOs)
Assessed in this Course:
(what the students take
with them beyond this
course)
Academic Integrity:
Important Information
for Students with
Disabilities:
1. Demonstrate ability to research related topics via internet access.
2. Identify the individuals who have made major contributions to the field of
psychology.
3. Define (including all relevant terms), compare and contrast the research
methods used in psychology.
4. Compare and contrast the following perspectives; biological (medical),
psychoanalytic, behavioral, humanistic, cognitive and sociocultural.
5. Describe the function and location the parts of the brain and other areas of
the nervous system.
6. Describe the various procedures used to study the brain; describe the
synapse and the various neurotransmitters; the relationship between sensation
and perception.
7. Describe the various motivational processes; describe the physiological
component of emotions and relevant theories of emotions.
8. Describe the levels of consciousness, the stages of sleep, and the research on
sleep, and sleep disorders; understand the effects of psychoactive drugs.
9. Describe the processes of classical and operant conditioning, define all
relevant terms, show the various ways in which they can occur, and be able to
name the individuals most closely connected to each.
10. Describe parts of memory, their duration, and capacity.
11. Define and describe the use of standardization, reliability, and validity in
test construction; describe the concept of IQ and theories concerning
intelligence, and the impact of hereditary and environment on the development
of intelligence.
12. Describe several key developmental theorists and their contributions.
13. Describe major theories of personality, and how they are used in the
diagnosis and treatment of mental disorder; use of psychoactive drugs.
14. Describe the conditions that lead to stress, how an individual determines
whether an event is stressful, and the physical and emotional reactions to
stress, including the general adaptation syndrome and the various methods of
coping with stress.
15. Abnormal behavior, use of the DSM-IV; describe the major symptoms and
diagnostic category, causes of mental disorders; describe the disorders.
The successful functioning of the academic community demands honesty, which is the basis
of respect for both ideas and persons. In the academic community, there is an ongoing
assumption of academic integrity at all levels. There is the expectation that work will be
independently thoughtful and responsible as to its sources of information and inspiration.
Honesty is an appropriate consideration in other ways as well, including but not limited to the
responsible use of library resources, responsible conduct in examinations, and the responsible
use of the Internet. (See college catalog for complete statement.)
Any student with a documented disability who requires assistance or academic
accommodations should contact the Office for Students with Disabilities immediately to
discuss eligibility. The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) is located on the Leesburg
Campus, but arrangements can be made to meet with a student on any campus. An
appointment can be made by calling 352-365-3574 and specific information about the OSD
and potential services can be found at www.lscc.edu, then go to “Quick Links” and click on
Disability Services.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR
Part99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of a student’s education records. In order for
Privacy Policy (FERPA): your information to be released, a form must be signed and in your records located in the
Admissions/Registrar’s Office.
Attendance / Withdrawal
Policies:
Withdrawal Deadline:
Methods of Evaluation:
Live class attendance and participation is crucial to your success in this course. As
mentioned above, On Line participation is mandatory and critical. You are
responsible for accessing BlackBoard (Bb) on a daily basis. If you miss more than two
quizzes/tests you may be withdrawn by the instructor. Psychology class is very
intense, and missing even one quiz/test/assignment can result in a grade loss. You can
refer to a complete withdrawal policy in the College catalog. The last day to withdraw
is Friday March 25th, 2011. Students are responsible for all work assigned. This
includes all chapter material as outlined in the course calendar. No extensions will be
granted for quizzes or exams without written medical documentation. NO
EXCEPTION.
We will meet ‘live’ one day per week on Mondays from 10:00 to 10:50 in LA2.
The assignments, quizzes, and discussions are online within the Blackboard course
shell. You will be required to access these outside of the ‘live’ class meetings.
Friday March 25th, 2011. You can refer to a complete withdrawal policy in the College
catalog. Please familiarize yourself with it.
See grading section below. The textbook must be read. You are responsible for all
material in the text, and all text material may appear on exams. Course quiz schedule
may be revised through the term.
Maximum points that can be earned during the semester are 1000. There are
no “dropped” grades. You get to keep everything that you earn! The
professor reserves the right to modify the point assignment as needed.
A 900-1000
B 800-899
Grading Scale:
C 700-799
D 600-699
F <600
Course Calendar:
We will meet ‘live’ one day per week on Mondays from 10:00 to 10:50 in LA2.
The assignments, quizzes, and discussions are online within the Blackboard course
shell. You will be required to access these outside of the ‘live’ class meetings. Please
consult the calendar section of Blackboard once you are registered for the class for the
course topic schedule/outline .
Classroom Rules and
Policies:
Violence Statement:
Syllabus Disclaimer:
If you are currently enrolled in a prep class, it is strongly recommended that you
complete that class prior to this one. Psychology is an academic course that requires
time and effort for success. Full participation is expected and is essential for success
in the course. Less than full participation and incomplete assignments will diminish
your grade. Appropriate on line etiquette and in class etiquette is required. Please be
sure to use complete sentences when using email and address the professor and each
other in a professional manner. Any written assignments including discussion
postings must follow APA guidelines. If you are unfamiliar with this, use the
reference material available in the LSCC library and on the APA web site. If you find
you are having difficulty with the course material, it is YOUR responsibility to make
an appointment with the instructor by first discussing your situation with her IN
PERSON. If you miss a quiz or exam due to illness, you must submit written medical
documentation (from a medical professional) to support this.
Lake-Sumter Community College has a policy of zero tolerance for violence as stated in
College Board Rule 2.17. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with
Board Rule 2.17.
Information contained in this syllabus is, to the best knowledge of this instructor, considered
correct and complete when distributed to the student. The instructor reserves the right, acting
within policies and procedures of Lake-Sumter Community College, to make necessary
changes in course content or instructional techniques without prior notice or obligation to the
student.