Angelina College
Liberal Arts-Social Behavioral Sciences
PSYC2301 General Psychology
I. BASIC COURSE INFORMATION:
A. Course Description:
PSYC 2301- General Psychology. Three hours credit.
General Psychology is a survey of the major psychological topics, theories, and
approaches to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Three lecture
hours each week.
B. Intended Audience:
The intended audience is any student who desires to improve their knowledge and understanding
of psychology and meet the requirement of their academic program.
C. Instructor: Jamie Clark
Office Location: Jasper Campus Room 100F
Office Hours: By Appointment
Phone: 409-489-9000
E-mail Address: jclark@angelina.edu
II.
INTENDED STUDENT OUTCOMES:
A. Core Objectives Required for this Course
1. Critical Thinking: to include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis,
evaluation and synthesis of information
2. Communication: to include effective development, interpretation and expression
of ideas through written, oral and visual communication
3. Empirical and Quantitative Skills: to include the manipulation and analysis of
numerical data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions
4. Social Responsibility: to include the ability to connect choices, actions and
consequences to ethical decision-making
B. Course Learning Outcomes for all Sections
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
1. Research methods: Identify research findings through the application of the
scientific
method. OR Exhibit an understanding and ability to apply basic research methods in
psychology including research design, data analysis, and interpretation.
2. Identify factors in the historical development of the study of human behavior
including
current theoretical perspectives prominent in the field of psychology.
3. Identify terminology unique to the study of psychology.
4. Identify accepted approaches and standards in psychological assessment and
evaluation.
5. Identify factors in physiological and psychological processes involved in human
behavior.
III.
ASSESSMENT MEASURES
A. Assessments for the Core Objectives:
1. Critical Thinking: Students will demonstrate the ability to think creatively, to
innovate, inquire, and analyze, evaluate and synthesize information. Outcome will
be assessed using the Angelina College standardized rubric.
2. Communication: Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively develop,
interpret and express ideas through written, oral and visual communication.
Outcome will be assessed using the Angelina College standardized rubric.
3. Empirical and Quantitative Skills: Students will demonstrate the ability to
manipulate and to analyze numerical data or observable facts resulting in informed
conclusions. Outcome will be assessed using the Angelina College standardized
rubric.
4. Social Responsibility: Students will demonstrate the ability to connect choices,
actions and consequences to ethical decision-making. Outcome will be assessed
using the Angelina College standardized rubric.
B. Assessments for Course Learning Outcomes
1. Students will demonstrate the ability to identify research findings through the
application of the scientific method. OR Exhibit an understanding and ability to apply
basic research methods in psychology including research design, data analysis, and
interpretation through the successful completion of embedded exam questions, class
discussions, and assignments. Outcome will be assessed using the Angelina College
standardized rubric.
2. Students will demonstrate the ability to identify factors in the historical
development of the study of human behavior including current theoretical
perspectives prominent in the field of psychology through the successful completion
of embedded exam questions, class discussions, and assignments. Outcome will be
assessed using the Angelina College standardized rubric.
3. Students will demonstrate the ability to identify terminology unique to the study of
psychology through the successful completion of embedded exam questions, class
discussions, and assignments. Outcome will be assessed using the Angelina College
standardized rubric.
4. Students will demonstrate the ability to identify accepted approaches and
standards in psychological assessment and evaluation through the successful
completion of embedded exam questions, class discussions, and assignments.
Outcome will be assessed using the Angelina College standardized rubric.
5. Students will demonstrate the ability to identify factors in physiological and
psychological processes involved in human behavior through the successful
completion of embedded exam questions, class discussions, and assignments.
Outcome will be assessed using the Angelina College standardized rubric.
IV. INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:
A. Methodologies common to all sections
Methodologies which are utilized in presenting course content include (but
are not limited to) reading material, assignments, discussions, audio-visual
presentations, and critical thinking exercises.
V. COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND POLICIES:
A. Required Textbooks and Recommended Readings, Materials and Equipment
Comer and Gould, Psychology Around Us. 2nd Edition. Wiley.
(see attached course outline or date that specific chapters should be read in order to
better understand the lecture and participate in classroom discussions concerning the
material).
B. Course Policies – This course conforms to the policies of Angelina College as
stated in the Angelina College Handbook.
1. Academic Assistance – If you have a disability (as cited in Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of
1990) that may affect your participation in this class, you should see Karen
Bowser, Room 208 of the Student Center. At a post-secondary institution, you
must self-identify as a person with a disability; Ms. Bowser will assist you with
the necessary information to do so. To report any complaints of discrimination
related to disability, you should contact Dr. Patricia McKenzie, Administration
Building, Room 105 or 936-633-5201.
2. Attendance – Attendance is required as per Angelina College Policy and will be
recorded every day. Any student with three (3) consecutive absences of four (4)
cumulative absences may be dropped from the class. Records will be turned in to
the academic dean at the end of the semester. Do not assume that nonattendance in class will always result in an instructor drop. You must officially
drop a class or risk receiving an F. This is official Angelina College Policy.
Your presence in this class will involve your attention to lectures, presentations
by other students, participation in open class discussion, reading of the text as
well as other materials related to the information covered in class, as well as the
completion of the writing assignment. You will receive 15 points per class
attended to total 150 points.
The following procedure will be used to give students with good attendance extra
points.
For 0 absences, 4 points will be added to the final course tally.
For no more than 1 absence, 3 points will be added to the final course tally.
For no more than 2 absences, 2 points will be added to the final course tally.
For no more than 3 absences, 1 point will be added to the final course tally.
For 4 absences, 0 points will be added to the final course tally.
3. Additional Policies Established by the Instructor
Academic Honesty:
It is expected that all students will comply with the guidelines set forth in the
Student Handbook under Code of Student Conduct regarding cheating and
plagiarism. Please review this material as it will be strictly enforced in this class.
This information is found in your Student Handbook under Code of Student Conduct.
Class Rules:
*Children and other visitors are not allowed in class without special permission
*Cell phones must be turned off during class.
*No cell phones allowed on desk during exams.
*No cheating: all books and notes should be placed under your chair during exams.
*Do not prepare to leave class before it is over.
*No smoking, dipping, or chewing in class.
*Respect for all members of the class.
VI: COURSE OUTLINE: Description of the Course Activities including due
dates, schedules, and deadlines.
Reading: Students are responsible for ALL assigned readings.
6/2
6/4
6/9
6/11
6/16
6/18
6/23
6/25
6/30
7/2
7/7
7/8
Syllabus
Syllabus Exam (open)
Chapter One What is Psychology and Chapter Two Research Methods
Syllabus Exam due
Chapter Four Neuroscience
Chapter Five Sensation and Perception
Chapter Six Consciousness
Exam open(Chapters 1,2,4,5,6)
Exam due (Chapters 1,2,4,5,6)
Chapter Seven Learning
Chapter Eight Memory
Exam open (Chapter 7,8)
Exam due (Chapters 7,8)
Chapter Four Human Development
Chapter Thirteen Personality
Topics Provided to Instructor
Chapter Fourteen Social Psychology
Papers/ Presentations are due
Exam open(Chapters 3,13,14)
Exam due (Chapters 3,13,14)
Chapter Fifteen Psychological Disorders
Chapter Sixteen Treatment of Psychological Disorders
Final Exam (Chapters 15,16)
The instructor may modify the provisions of the syllabus to meet individual class needs by
informing the class in advance as to the changes being made.
VII.
EVALUATION AND GRADING:
The final course grade will be based on total points accumulated (not percentage) from
exams (500), papers (100), class participation and attendance (150), and paper
presentation (100).
765
680
595
510
509
– 850 = A
– 764 = B
– 679 = C
– 594 = D
and below = F
Exams/:
An objective multiple-choice format will be used on all exams. There will be 5 exams during
the semester. Each exam will be worth 100 points.
Writing Assignment and Presentation:
Option 1. Read five articles related to the class and prepare a typed summary of each
article, written in your own words and should be approximately two pages in length. These
articles must be related to psychology. Articles may be found in periodicals or from the
Internet and should be at least 2 pages in length. Articles or information from the text or
from encyclopedias will not be allowed for this assignment. A format for this assignment is
attached to the syllabus. A copy of the article should be attached to your typed summary.
Hand-written work will not be accepted. Included in the paper will be an opinion of the
article. The opinion should be well developed. Merely saying that I enjoyed reading the
article and it was good will not be sufficient. This paper will be typed and double spaced.
The grade for this article will count just like an exam in the final tally. (100 points)
Option 2. Read one book related to any topic discussed in this class. The book may be
fiction or non-fiction. The book should be shown to the instructor for approval. A five page
double spaced typed paper will be completed including a summary of the book and the
reader’s opinion of the material. This opinion should be well developed. Merely saying,
“The book was good,” or “I really enjoyed reading this book,” will not be sufficient. The
grade for this assignment will count just like an exam in the final course tally. (100 points)
Option 3. Watch two movies that are related to any topic discussed in this class. The
movies chosen for this assignment should be clearly about some particular psychological
condition. “Rain Man,” “A Beautiful Mind,” or Cast Away” are just a few examples. Prior to
watching these movies, the student should get approval for the particular movie from the
instructor. After watching the movies, the student will write a two or three page critique for
each movie. This critique should include the student’s opinion of the movie including
whether or not the movie depicts the reality of the psychological condition. Do not turn in
Internet movie reviews. This paper should be written in your own words. This paper will be
typed and double spaced. The grade for this assignment will count just like an exam in the
final course tally. (100 points)
NOTE: IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU KEEP A COPY OF YOUR PAPER OR SAVE IT
ON FLASH DRIVE. I HAVE, SO FAR, NEVER LOST A STUDENT’S PAPER, BUT THIS
RECOMMENDATION IS FOR YOUR PROTECTION.
PAPERS MAY NOT BE TURNED IN EARLY. IF YOU COMPLETE THE ASSIGNMENT
EARLY, PLEASE HOLD IT UNTIL THE DUE DATE LISTED ON THE COURSE SCHEDULE.
Make –up Assignments / Exams:
Any class assignment that is turned in late cannot receive full credit. Written and/or oral
assignments will have 10 points deducted per day for being turned in late. If you are
absent on the day of an exam, either you or someone else must contact me no later than
5:00 pm either by phone or by e-mail. If not contacted, a grade of 0 will be recorded.
Make-up exams may only be taken during July 1-3 of the Summer I Semester of 2014. A
grade of 0 will be recorded if not taken during these dates.
Jamie Clark – Instructor: General Psychology
Name:___________________________
Date:_______________________
Course Number and Section:________________________________________
Name / Date of Article, Movie, Book:_________________________________
Author, Producer, etc:______________________________________________
SUMMARY:
(Summary of material in your own words)
OPINION: (Your well developed opinion of the material.
Example: If you
watched a movie: Was the movie realistic, fictitious, garbage, useful, and
WHY?)