Psychology 2301
Instructor: Deborah E.
Horn
Email address: dhorn@blinn.edu
Office: A&S 202 Phone: 979-830-4245
Course Description: Introductory course; elementary principles of human behavior; maturation; motivation; memory; intelligence, perception, learning, reasoning, personality and emotions. Three class hours per week. Credit: 3 semester hours. (No prerequisite.) This is a Core Course in the 42-Hour Core of Blinn College. As such, students will develop proficiency in the appropriate Intellectual Competencies, Exemplary Educational Objectives, and Perspectives. The URL for the Blinn College Core Curriculum web site is www.blinn.edu/corecurriculum.
Learning Outcomes: Successful completers of this course will be able to (a) define the science of psychology and its goals; (b) describe the major features of the scientific method and explain the steps and key research considerations; (c) define basic psychological terms and explain important features of major psychological concepts and theories; (d) identify leading contributors to the field of psychology and describe their work; (e) explain how biological, social, and psychological factors can affect behavior and mental processes; (f) identify and describe specific psychological principles in real-life situations; (g) demonstrate the ability to use critical thinking skills to analyze reports of human behavior; and (h) identify real-life situations that may require professional psychological help and how to access quality assistance.
Student
Responsibilities:
· Attend all class meetings, arriving on time and remaining until class is dismissed.
· Prepare for each class session by reading the textbook assignment.
· Participate in class discussion and activities.
· Take exams on dates scheduled.
· Complete and submit assignments on time.
· Act responsibly and honestly at all times.
Instructor
Responsibilities:
· Treat all students fairly and equally.
· Provide lecture and instruction during the class session.
· Answer questions that students might have regarding the material.
· Provide students with grades in a timely manner.
· Act responsibly and honestly at all times.
Blinn College Civility Statement: Members of the Blinn College community, which includes faculty, staff and students, are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all aspects of campus life. Blinn College holds all members accountable for their actions and words. Therefore, all members should commit themselves to behave in a manner that recognizes personal respect and demonstrates concern for the personal dignity, rights, and freedoms of every member of the College community, including respect for College property and the physical and intellectual property of others.
If a student is asked to
leave the classroom because of uncivil behavior, the student may not
return to that class until he or she arranges a conference with the
instructor: it is the student's
responsibility to arrange for this conference.
Required textbook and supplies: Lefton, L. A. & Brannon, L. (2005). Psychology (9th ed.). 4 Scan-Trons.
Course Requirements: Exam I = 100 points Point ranges for final grades:
Exam II = 100 points 450-500 points = A
Exam III = 100 points 400-449 points = B
Internet Assignment = 50 points 350-399 points = C
Final Exam = 150 points 300-349 points = D
Total points = 500 points 000-299 points = F
Exams: Exams will cover lecture material, assigned readings, and films. Exams I, II, and III may consist of multiple choice, matching, short answer, and essay. The final exam will be a comprehensive examination consisting of all multiple choice. Instructions for the Internet assignment will be given in class at a later date. There are no make-up exams. However, with the permission of the instructor you may write a ten- page paper to be substituted for the first missed exam grade. If you miss a second exam, you may write a fifteen-page paper to be substituted for the second missed exam grade with the permission of the instructor. If you miss a third exam, you may write a twenty-page paper to be substituted for the third missed exam grade with the permission of the instructor. Please note that if you miss all three exams, the total number of pages that you will be writing on three different topics will be 45 pages. The instructor will provide you with a topic to research. There are NO make-ups for a missed final exam.
Rules: Attendance will be taken daily. I do not supply notes or materials for missed classes. Blinn College
policy regarding Scholastic Dishonesty will be strictly adhered to. Appropriate classroom conduct includes not disrupting the class. When asking a question, you should raise your hand. Obscenities may not be used in the classroom. Blinn College rules regarding clothing and food/drink/tobacco/pagers in the classroom will be followed. Do not wear clothing that has obscenities or offensive comments written on them. Do not bring weapons to class.
Class Calendar:
Week 1: Ch. 1 Introduction to Psychology and Research Techniques
Week 2: Ch. 2, Ch.3 Genetics, Nervous System, and the Brain
Week 3: Ch. 6 Sensation and Perception
Week 4: Ch. 7 States of Consciousness
Week 5: Exam I (Over chapters 1, 2, 3, 6, & 7)
Week 6: Ch. 8 Learning Principles
Week 7: Ch. 9 & 10 Language and Intelligence
Week 8: Ch. 11 & 12 Motivation and Emotion
Week 9: Ch.3 & 4 Gender, Sexuality, STDs, and Reproduction
Week 10: Exam II (Over chapters 8, 9, 10, 11, & 12); Ch. 13 Personality Theories
Week 11: Ch. 15 Stress
Week 12: Ch. 16 Abnormal Behavior
Week 13: Ch. 17 Therapies
Week 14: Exam III (Over 13, 15, 16, & 17)
Week 15: Ch. 13 Social Psychology
Week 16: Finals
ADA: Information regarding procedures for documenting disabilities can be obtained from the Counseling Office. Reasonable accommodations will be made for documented disabilities. Students must present documentation as soon as possible for the instructor to arrange accommodation.