GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY SYLLABUS
COURSE INFORMATION
Course Number: PSYC-2301
Course Title: General Psychology
Course Description: Introduction to scientific psychology as applied to human behavior,
including research methods, physiological factors, learning, motivation, emotions,
personality, adjustment, stress, psychological disorders and therapies. These principles
will be applied to the human experience.
Course Credit Hours:
Lecture Hours: 3
Placement Assessment(s): Placement in ENGL 1301; College-Level Reading.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to do the following:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the history of psychology and its development.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific methods used to study behavior and
mental processes.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic vocabulary of psychology.
4. Describe the basic theories of psychology, how they are used, and their current status
in the discipline.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of basic processes such as motivation, learning,
emotions, group processes, personality, and human development.
6. Demonstrate an appreciation for the uniqueness of the individual.
7. Demonstrate a respect for cultural differences in the human experience.
8. Demonstrate an understanding of how to apply the above to everyday life.
Withdrawal Policy:
The last day to withdraw from the class and receive a “W” is
October 19, 2012.
Collin College Academic Policies: “See the current Collin Student Handbook.”
Americans with Disabilities Act: Collin College will adhere to all applicable federal,
state and local laws, regulations and guidelines with respect to
providing reasonable accommodations as required to afford
equal opportunity. It is the student’s responsibility to contact
the ACCESS office, SCC-G200 or 972.881.5898 (V/TTD:
972.881.5950) to arrange for appropriate accommodations.
See the current Collin Student Handbook for additional
information.
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Instructor’s Name: Kim Tanuvasa, M.A.
Office Number: L222
Office Hours: By appointment only, Monday 6:30-7pm
Phone Number: (972) 377-1585
Email: ktanuvasa@collin.edu
Class Information:
Section Number: PSYC 2301 P71
Meeting Times: Monday 7:00-9:45 pm
Meeting Location: L214
Course Resources: PowerPoint slides are accessible through Blackboard. The
following textbook is required reading:
Myers, D. G. (2011). Psychology (10th ed.). New York, NY: Worth
ISBN-13: 978-1-4292-6178-4
ISBN-10: 1-4292-6178-1
Supplies: 4 scantrons (#882) & #2 pencil, notebook & pen
Attendance Policy: Students are expected to attend class regularly to maximize
learning. In the event of an absence, students are responsible to check Blackboard for
important announcements and obtain missed information from classmates.
Additional Student Learning Outcomes: Students will develop mastery of terms,
concepts, and issues in psychology.
Method of Evaluation:
Exams: There will be 4 multiple-choice exams that cover 4 chapters at a time, of which
only 3 exams will be counted. The lowest exam score will be dropped. Exams are worth
100 points each.
Assignments: Students are expected to complete 5 assignments for a total of 20 points
each. Assignments will be accessible through Blackboard.
Extra Credit: Periodically there will be opportunities to earn extra credit, such as, in-class
only pop quizzes, research experiments, or critical thinking papers. Additional extra credit
will be posted on Blackboard during the semester.
Your grade will be based on your overall performance using the following breakdown.
Exam I
Exam II
Exam III
Assignments
TOTAL:
100
100
100
100
400
A
B
C
D
F
358-400
318-357
278-317
238-277
0-237
Make-up exam/assignment policy: Exams and assignments may only be made up by
either extenuating circumstances or religious holy days. For extenuating circumstances,
such as illness, death in family, family emergency, etc., students are expected to notify
the instructor as soon as possible and provide appropriate documentation, such as a
doctor’s note, bereavement letter, etc. The acceptance of documentation and any
exception to this policy is at the instructor’s discretion.
Course Calendar: Fall 2012
Note: The instructor reserves the right to make modifications to this syllabus. If
such changes are made, they will be provided via email and on Blackboard.
Date
August 27
Chapters
Introduction
Chapter 1: Thinking Critically with Psychological Science
September 3
Labor Day – No Class
September 10
Chapter 2: The Biology of Mind
September 17
Chapter 3: Consciousness and the Two-Track Mind
Chapter 4: Nature, Nurture and Human Diversity
September 24
Chapter 4: Nature, Nurture and Human Diversity
October 1
EXAM 1 (chapters 1, 2, 3, 4)
Chapter 5: Developing Through the Lifespan
October 8
Chapter 5: Developing Through the Lifespan
Chapter 6: Sensation and Perception
October 15
Chapter 7: Learning
Chapter 8: Memory
Last day to withdraw
Chapter 9: Thinking and Language
Chapter 10: Intelligence
October 19
October 22
October 29
EXAM 2 (chapters 5, 6, 7, 8)
Chapter 11: Motivation and Work
November 5
Chapter 12: Emotions, Stress, and Health
Chapter 13: Personality
November 12
Chapter 14: Social Psychology
November 19
EXAM 3 (chapters 9, 10, 11,12)
Chapter 14: Social Psychology
ALL ASSIGNMENTS ARE DUE
Chapter 15: Psychological Disorders
November 26
December 3
Chapter 15: Psychological Disorders
Chapter 16: Therapy
December 10
EXAM 4 (chapters 13, 14, 15, 16)