Syllabus
Tulsa Community College
Spring-2009
Course: Introduction to Psychology
Section #: PSY-1113-302
Call #: 33353
Day(s) and Time(s): MWF: 09:00 to 09:50AM
Start and end dates: 1/12/09 to 5/8/09
Course Delivery Method: Lecture
Room: SE 1113
Instructor: Carolyn Carmichael
Office Hours: By Arrangement
Email: Carolyn.carmichael@mail.tulsacc.edu
Cell Phone: 918-906-4623
TO CONTACT THE DIVISION OFFICE:
Division: Liberal Arts
Associate Dean: Kevin Clayton
Office: Room 4107
Phone Number: 595-7780
TO CONTACT ACADEMIC & CAMPUS SERVICES:
Director: Leanne Brewer
Office: SE 2202
Phone: 595-7673 (to leave message for Adjunct Faculty)
Course Prerequisites: NONE
Catalog Description: Psychology is the science of behavior and mental processes. Students investigate
such topics as personality theories, social psychology, psychological disorders, motivation, learning,
physiology, memory and cognition. Through this program students will explore the complexity of the
human experience through all stages of human development. No Laboratory.
General Education Goals: General Education courses at TCC ensure that student’s gain skills, knowledge,
and abilities that comprise a common foundation for their higher education and a backdrop for tier work
and personal lives. TCC’s General Education goals are: Critical Thinking, Effective Communication,
Engaged Learning, and Technological Proficiency.
Textbooks, Supplies, and Other Resources:
Title: Psychology
Edition: Fourth Edition
Authors: Don and Sandra Hockenbury
Publisher: Worth-2006
Green and White Scantrons for Exams
Textbook and supplies may be purchased at: TCC Bookstore
Notebook for journaling, please note that this journal will be checked periodically for a final grade of 100
points. It will consist of weekly questions posted in class and/or on blackboard that you are required to
provide a written response to, simple yes or no will not suffice.
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Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to--
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Relate the basic principles of psychology to human experience
Achieve an understanding of the role of the brain, neurotransmitters and the nervous system in
human behavior.
Describe the role of perceptions in the development of a unique, individualized view of the
world
Discuss the levels of memory and identify processes related to memory storage and retrieval
Define personality and distinguish the various theoretical perspectives on personality formation
Describe societal influences on perceptions and behaviors
Identify the various methods of psychotherapy
Teaching Methods: Lectures and discussions, and class participation will be the primary teaching
method supplemented by films, demonstrations, group activities, and guest speakers as available. In
class and outside class activities may be included. Instructor will seek to incorporate methods that assist
learners of all learning styles to ensure the greatest in learning for all students. THERE IS NO EXTRA
CREDIT FOR THIS CLASS!
Evaluation Techniques: Evaluation will consist of four exams (including the final) each worth 100 points
(the final exam will NOT be cumulative). Pop quizzes (CANNOT BE MADE-UP).Classroom participation
and discussion are highly encouraged. The Final Exam MUST be taken in order to pass this class! Exams
will be multiple-choice, true/false, over chapter material, lectures, and class activities. LATE
ASSIGNMENTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!
Test and make-up test policy: As a matter of fairness to the other students in the class, each student
should decide at the beginning of the semester that they will take the exams on the dates articulated by
the Instructor. Additionally, the following dynamics will constitute the policy of this class regarding
make-up exams:
(1) Exams cannot be taken prior to dates scheduled.
(2) Permission to take a make-up exam may be granted to a student based on circumstances that
warrant such consideration as deemed so by the Instructor. The student is advised, therefore, not to
make the decision to miss an exam based on the “wishful thinking” that they can convince the Instructor
after the exam date that they had a worthy reason for doing so.
(3) If a student knows ahead of time that they will not be able to take an exam on the date scheduled, it
is the student’s responsibility to submit a written request in person to the Instructor prior to the exam
date (hard copy or e-mail) with regard to scheduling a make-up exam, all make-up exams consist of
essay questions.
(4) Because the exams are listed in advance in the Class Schedule prior to the start of the semester,
permission to take a make-up exam will be granted only because of (verified) sickness or unusual
hardship circumstance. A note from the doctor is needed regarding the “verified illness” circumstance.
(5) If a make-up exam is granted by the Instructor, it must be completed by the student within 48 hours
of the originally scheduled time of the exam or before the next class meeting. If the exam is not
completed in this manner, a “0” will be calculated for the untaken exam.
(6) It is NOT the Instructor’s responsibility to contact the student regarding a missed exam/make-up
exam.
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Attendance and Participation: Regular attendance and participation is expected. Role will be taken at
each class session as you are given 30 points for attendance/participation. If you are absent from a class,
you are responsible for the following:
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Handouts;
Updates on any and all assignments/tests;
Homework that may have been assigned; and
Lecture material; class (group) discussions.
For reasons that are obvious, it is never wise to call or email an Instructor and ask, “Did I miss anything
important?” after an absence.
Grading Scale and Summary:
Attendance/Participation:
Quizzes:
Homework Assignment:
Journaling:
Examinations including Final Exam:
30 points
70 points
100 points
100 points
400 points
Total Points Possible: 700
A = 90 - 100% of all possible points
B = 80 - 89% of all possible points
C = 70 – 79% of all possible points
D = 60 – 69% of all possible points
F = less than 59% of all possible points
(630-700)
(560-629)
(490-559)
(420-489)
(419 and below)
Course Withdrawal: See TCC Catalog
Communications: Email all TCC students receive a designated “MyTCC” email address (ex:
jane.doe@mail.tulsacc.edu). All communications to you about TCC and course assignments will be sent
to your MyTCC email address; and you must use MyTCC email to send mail to, and receive email from,
the instructor regarding this course.
Inclement Weather: TCC rarely closes. If extreme weather conditions or emergency situations arise,
TCC always gives cancellation notices to radio and television stations. This information is also posted on
the TCC website. (www.tulsacc.edu).
Classroom Etiquette: Open and mutually respectful communication of varied opinions, beliefs, and
perspectives during classroom encourages the free exchange of ideas that are essential to higher
learning and the ability to learn from each other. Use of any electronic device is at the discretion of the
instructor.
Syllabus Changes: Occasionally, changes to the syllabus may be necessary. Students will be notified of
any changes to the syllabus in class or on blackboard.
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Students with Disabilities: TCC provides accommodations for qualifying students in compliance with the
Americans with Disabilities Act. For information, students may contact the Student Resource Center,
918-595-7115, or the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, 918-595-7428, 918-595-7434TTY.
Academic Dishonesty: Academic dishonesty (cheating) is defined as the deception of others about one’s
own work or about the work of another. Academic dishonesty or misconduct is not condoned or
tolerated at campuses within the Tulsa Community College system. TCC adopts a policy delegating
certain forms of authority for disciplinary action to the faculty. Such disciplinary actions delegated to the
faculty include, but not limited to, the dismissal of disrespectful of disorderly students from classes. In
the case of academic dishonesty a faculty member may:
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Require the student to redo an assignment or test, or require the student to complete a
substitute assignment or test;
Record a “zero” for the assignment or test in question;
Recommend to the student that the student withdraw from the class, or administratively
withdraw the student from class;
Record a grade of “F” for the student at the end of the semester. Faculty may request that
disciplinary action be taken against a student at the administrative level by submitting such a
request to the Dean of Student Services.
Institutional Statement: Each student is responsible for being aware of the information contained in the
TCC Catalog, the TCC Student Policies and Resources Handbook, and semester information listed in the
class schedule. All information may be viewed on the TCC website: www.tulsacc.edu.
Use of Electronic Devices: Personal electronic devices may NOT be used under any circumstances during
the class period to receive calls, make calls, or send text messages. Please turn off the sound and keep
cell phones out of sight prior to entering the classroom. I-pods must be turned off and earphones
removed before entering the classroom, listening to I-pods or similar devices during class is prohibited.
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TENTATIVE CLASS SCHEDULE
(Subject to Change)
January
12
M
14
W
16
F
19
M
21
W
23
F
26
M
28
W
30
F
February
2
M
4
W
6
F
9
M
11
W
13
F
16
M
18
W
20
F
23
M
25
W
27
F
March
2
M
4
W
6
F
9
M
11
W
13
F
16-21
M-F
23
M
25
W
27
F
30
M
April
1
W
3
F
6
M
8
W
10
F
13
M
15
W
17
F
20
M
22
W
24
F
27
M
29
W
May
1
F
4
M
6
W
8
F
Syllabus Overview, Introductions, Chapter 1-Assignment
Chapter 1: Library Research for Chapter 1-Assignment
Chapter 1: Library Research for Chapter 1-Assignment
NO CLASS – Dr. Martin Luther King’s Birthday
Chapter 1: Library Assignment for Chapter 1 - Assignment
Chapter 1: Homework Assignment Due
Chapter 2: Neuroscience and Behavior
Chapter 2: Neuroscience and Behavior
Chapter 2: Neuroscience and Behavior
Chapter 3: Sensation and Perception
Chapter 3: Sensation and Perception
Chapter 4: Consciousness and Its Variations
Exam 1 – Chapter’s 1-4
Chapter 5: Learning
Chapter 5: Learning
Chapter 6: Memory
Chapter 6: Memory
Chapter 6: Memory
Chapter 7: Thinking, Language, and Intelligence
Chapter 7: Thinking, Language, and Intelligence
Chapter 7: Thinking, Language, and Intelligence
Chapter 8: Motivation and Emotion
Chapter 8: Motivation and Emotion
Exam 2: Chapter’s 5-8
Chapter 9: Lifespan Development
Chapter 9: Lifespan Development
Chapter 9: Lifespan Development
NO CLASS - SPRING BREAK; ENJOY!
Chapter 10: Gender and Sexuality
Chapter 10: Gender and Sexuality
Chapter 10: Gender and Sexuality
Chapter 11: Personality
Chapter 11: Personality
Chapter 11: Personality
Chapter 12: Social Psychology
Chapter 12: Social Psychology
Exam 3: Chapter 9-12
Chapter 13: Social Psychology
Chapter 13: Stress, Health, and Coping
Chapter 13: Stress, Health, and Coping
Chapter 14: Psychological Disorders
Chapter 14: Psychological Disorders
Chapter 14: Psychological Disorders
Chapter 15: Therapy
Chapter 15: Therapy
Chapter 15: Therapy
Exam 4 - Final Exam: Chapter’s 13-15
TBD
TBD
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