GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY I
PSY 101
COURSE SYLLABUS
INSTRUCTOR: Ms. Vanessa Mitchell
SEMESTER: Spring 2004
REQUIRED TEXT: Invitation To Psychology by Carole Wade and Carol Tarvis
OPTIONAL TEXT: Writing Papers In Psychology, Sixth Edition
Invitation To Psychology – Study Guide
SPECIAL NOTICE:
It is the intent of Volunteer State Community College to fully comply with Executive Order 11246, as amended, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974, as amended, all regulations implementing those laws and orders, for the promotion and ensuring of equal opportunity for all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or status as a qualified disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era. It is the intent of VSCC to be free of discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, or physical appearance. It is the intent of VSCC to fully comply with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and the Pay Act of 1963, as amended, the Age discrimination in Employment Act of 1976, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act and the American with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicable state status and all regulations promulgated pursuant thereto.
GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY 1
PSYCHOLOGY 101
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is the first in a series of two general psychology classes designed to provide an overview of the field of psychology and human behavior. This course includes the topics of philosophical perspectives, history, biology, learning, personality, human sexuality, abnormal behavior, therapies, and applied psychology.
INSTRUCTOR: Ms. Vanessa Mitchell
TELEPHONE: (931) 823-7065 Ext. 203 e-mail: vanessa.mitchell@volstate.edu
1-800-563-8220
OFFICE HOURS: Office hours will be posted by the instructor on her office door.
REQUIRED TEXT: Invitation To Psychology by Carole Wade and Carol Tavris
OPTIONAL TEXT: Writing Papers In Psychology – Sixth Edition
Invitation to Psychology – Study Guide
GENERAL EDUCATION GOALS
The general education goals of this course is to provide the students with a foundation for studying psychology and human behavior. In this section the student will develop a basic knowledge regarding the history of psychology and its development as a science; research and methodology; the biological and physiological aspects of behavior; important psychological concepts and terminology; and, the theorists and theories that have shaped the field of psychology.
OTHER GOALS
To provide opportunities to help students acquire and develop critical thinking skills, skills for the assessment of personal values, and an understanding of how these values impact mental and physical well-being.
To expose students to the vast research available in psychology.
To provide the students with the opportunity to explore issues regarding problem solving, communication, interpersonal relationships, and academic and personal development.
To help students research assigned topics of interest using theoretical concepts (behavioral, cognitive, etc.).
To help students develop college level written, oral and communication skills.
METHODS OF ASSESSMENT:
PRIMARY EDUCATIONAL GOALS
The degree to which outcomes of the primary goals have been achieved will be determined by the assessment of the specific course outcomes. The course also, will be assessed by the students through faculty evaluation.
OTHER GOALS
The degree of accomplishment pertaining to research and the critical skill goals will be determined through assessment of the student’s achievement of specific course outcomes and evaluation of research projects.
OUTCOME STATEMENTS
Outcome statements will be assessed through class discussion and written examination
POLICY AND PROCEDURES
A. GRADING:
There are a total of 400 points possible for this course. These are accumulated as follows:
MIDTERM EXAM = 100 points ((Thursday, Feb. 26)
FINAL EXAM = 100 points
(April 28 at 8 a.m.)
RESEARCH PROJECT = 100 points
(Project due on Wednesday, April 7)
QUIZZES = 50 points
5 unannounced chapter quizzes
will be given.
GROUP PRESENTATION = 30 points
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS = 20 points
(There will be 2 homework
assignments that will graded.
They are worth 10 points each)
TOTAL POINTS = 400 points
NOTE:
It is important to remember that these are tentative test dates depending on the amount of time required to adequately cover the material. The last day to withdraw from the Spring semester and receive a “W” is March 19.
Students who are absent on dates when a major test (Midterm) is given will ONLY be permitted to make-up the test if they provide documentation for an excused absence, i.e., doctor’s note, court appearance receipt, etc. Students are permitted to make-up the midterm with appropriate documentation for absence – Students cannot make-up the final exam. The missed test must be made up within the same week that it was originally scheduled. Students will not be allowed to make-up missed quizzes.
The final grade and test grade scales are below:
FINAL GRADE SCALE TEST GRADE SCALE
400-358 = A 100-90 = A
357-315 = B 89-80 = B
314-272 = C 79-70 = C
271-229 = D 69-60 = D
Below 228 = F Below 60 = F
GROUP PRESENTATION
During the first class meeting, students will be assigned to a group. Each group will be assigned a psychologist. Students will be asked to research the individual in the library and on the Internet in order to obtain as much information on that individual as possible especially looking in depth at how that this individual conducted research. The group will then be required to give a group presentation to the class on the individual. Groups are encouraged to be creative in their presentations. Points will be deducted for reading the entire report. This is a group effort and your participation in the group will reflect in your grade.
RESEARCH PROJECT
The objective of this assignment is to encourage students to become familiar with the mechanics of scientific research as it relates to psychology.
The student is required to write a 6-8 page research paper on any topic of interest that relates to psychology. The paper must be typed, double-spaced, and must contain at least six (6) references cited in the body of the paper and a bibliography. If you choose to use Internet resources, you must copy the pages you have cited and attach them to your appendix section. Five points will be deducted from your grade for each Internet resource you do not copy and place in the appendix section. Additionally, one of the references used in your paper must be a book.
1. During the first two weeks of class - Select a topic and start the literature search. All topics must be approved by your instructor.
2. Obtain your TBR/UT Borrower’s Library Card by seeing Brent Carter. After you receive your card, this will allow you to use the Tennessee Technological University Library in Cookeville to find materials related to your topic. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact your instructor.
3. You must footnote within the text of your paper with parentheses following all quoted material. All sources must be referenced regardless of whether it is a direct quote or not. For example, (Jones, p. 67). Your bibliography should be the last sheet of your report and should list all of your sources properly. All sources in your bibliography must be referenced within the text of the paper or points will be taken off.
4. Research paper is due on April 8, 2004.
Contents must include:
1. Title page
2. Abstract
3. Introduction
4. Methods
a. Subjects
b. Procedure
c. Results
d. Discussion
5. References/Bibliography
Other possible grades given for the Course:
N = Audit
No grade or credit. The student must have registered as an audit in order to receive this grade.
W = Withdrawal –
A grade of W is given by the Admissions Office after a student has processed a drop/add form through the Admissions Office. NOTE: The instructor does have the right to administratively withdraw a student from class resulting in a grade of W; but this is not automatic. Students wishing to withdraw must do so through Student Services Office and the Admissions Office.
An incomplete is given at the discretion of the instructor and must meet the following conditions:
(a) Student attends regularly.
(b) Student has completed 80% of the course work and is passing.
(c) The instructor feels the student can realistically complete the course work in the following semester.
NOTE: If the course work is not completed prior to the exam period of the following semester, the grade is automatically converted to an “F” by the
Admissions Office.
A grade of “F” is given when any one of the following situations occur:
(a) Failure to accumulate sufficient points to pass as set forth in the syllabus.
(b) Absences which total over six (6) for classes that meet three times a week; four (4) for classes that meet two time a week; and two (2) for classes that meet once a week. Please note: you will receive a final grade of “F” if you have excessive absences.
(c) Failure to take the final exam.
B. ATTENDANCE:
Students do not receive a grade for attendance. Students are expected to have regular and prompt attendance because failure to exhibit regular attendance seriously impairs the student’s ability to succeed in this course. Any reason for absence should be indicated to the instructor, preferably in advance. The instructor has the prerogative to accept or reject any excuse for absence. Any absence by the excused by the Academic Dean of the College shall be accepted. Missing over six (6) times for classes that meet three times a week; four (4) for classes that meet two times a week; and two (2) times for classes that meet once a week, for excused or unexcused reasons will result in the grade of “F”.
C. ABSENCE FROM EXAMINATIONS OR QUIZZES:
IT IS NOT MY POLICY TO GIVE MAKE-UP EXAMS.
Students who are absent on dates when the midterm is given will only be permitted to make-up the test if they provide documentation for an excused absence (doctors’ note, court appearance receipt, etc.). If you have missed a test a make-up test is permitted, the test must be made up within five (5) school days. Students will not be allowed to make-up the final exam. Students will not be allowed to make-up missed quizzes.
EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENTS:
There will be no extra credit assignments in this course.
D. CHEATING:
Cheating is defined as plagiarism, talking to another student during a test or exam, looking at another student’s work during a test or exam, use of notes or books during a test or exam, or turning in a paper that is not the student’s own work. Any student caught engaging in these behaviors will be given an automatic failure for the course regardless of the grade at that point.
E. INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY:
If Vol State is officially open all classes will meet as scheduled, all assignments will be due, and any scheduled tests, quizzes, or exams will be given. Any missed work will be subject to the policies outlined in this syllabus.
F. CLASSROOM DEPORTMENT:
All policies and procedures for classroom misconduct are discussed in the Student Handbook, pages 21-27.
As a point of emphasis, this instructor will not tolerate any activity which is disruptive to the classroom setting, which adversely affects others, and which is considered by the instructor to the unethical, immoral, or illegal. Students will be dismissed from the class and the issue of misconduct brought before the Dean of Students.
The instructor will not allow smoking, drinking or eating in the classroom. All cellular telephones and beepers must be turned off - unless your occupation in one that requires you to be available at all times. Parents are asked not to bring their children to class.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this course the student should have knowledge of the following concepts and areas of study. He/she will have demonstrated his/her ability to:
Chapter 1 – What Is Psychology?
1. Distinguish psychology from pseudoscience.
2. Summarize the early history and development of psychology.
3. Compare and contrast the major principles of the learning, psychodynamic, cognitive, biological, and sociocultural perspectives in psychology.
4. Distinguish between basic and applied psychological research.
5. Discuss and give examples of the concerns of the various specialties in psychology.
6. Distinguish between psychotherapists, psychoanalysts, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and other practicing mental health professionals.
7. List and apply the essential elements of critical thinking.
8. List and discuss the characteristics of descriptive research methods.
9. Describe and give examples of case studies, naturalistic observation, laboratory observation, psychological tests, and surveys, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each.
10. List and discuss the characteristics of correlational studies, and identify examples of positive and negative correlations.
11. Distinguish between independent and dependent variables and identify examples of each.
12. Distinguish between experimental and control groups.
13. List and describe the types of descriptive statistics.
14. Describe how inferential statistics are used and explain statistical significance.
Chapter 2 – Theories Of Personality
1. Define personality.
2. List and discuss the major trait theories of personality, including the theory that there are five fundamental factors.
3. Discuss the issue of heritability of personality and temperament, including cautionary considerations.
4. Compare and contrast the behavioral and social-cognitive learning approaches to personality.
5. List and explain problems associated with the learning theories of personality.
6. Describe two kinds of cultures and give some examples of how cultural norms vary.
7. Explain the basic principles of Freud’s psychoanalytic approach to the study of personality, and list the emphases shared by modem psychodynamic theories.
8. Describe the structure of the personality, according to Freud, and explain the defense mechanisms listed in the text.
9. Describe the five psychosexual stages of personality development identified by Freud.
10. Discuss the challenges to psychoanalytic theory made by Jung and the object-relations school.
11. Summarize the criticisms of psychodynamic theories.
12. Summarize the principles of humanistic psychology proposed by Maslow, Rogers, and May.
13. Explain the differences between the public and private personalities.
Chapter 8 - Learning
1. Identify the two types of conditioning shown by behaviorists to explain human behavior.
2. List and explain the four components of classical conditioning.
3. List and explain the major principles of classical conditioning.
4. Compare the traditional and recent views of how associations are formed between unconditioned and it conditioned stimuli.
5. Describe both the impact of classical conditioning on everyday life and the therapeutic technique of counterconditioning.
6. Compare and contrast the principles of operant and classical conditioning.
7. List and explain the three types of consequences a response can lead to between positive and negative reinforcement, and primary and secondary
reinforcement.
8. Describe shaping, extinction, and stimulus generalization and stimulus discrimination in operant conditioning.
9. Distinguish between continuous and intermittent schedules of reinforcement.
10. Describe how superstitions might be learned according to operant conditioning.
11. List and discuss six limitations of punishment as a way of controlling behavior, and state a more effective strategy.
12. Describe real-world applications of operant conditioning.
13. Distinguish between intrinsic and extrinsic reinforcers and discuss the effects of extrinsic reinforcers on motivation.
14. Explain social-cognitive learning theory.
Chapter 9 – Behavior In Social And Cultural Context
1. Describe the interests of social and cultural psychology.
2. Explain how norms, roles, and rules influence behavior and cognition.
3. Summarize the two controversial studies described in the text and discuss how they illustrate the influence of roles on behavior.
4. List and explain reasons why people obey authority.
5. Summarize the principles and components of attribution theory.
6. Define attitudes and identify important influences on attitudes.
7. List and explain persuasive and manipulative techniques of attitude change.
8. Discuss some reasons for conforming to social pressure in a group.
9. Explain the ways decision making and individual behavior can be influenced by group processes including diffusion of responsibility, deindividuation, groupthink, and group polarization.
10. Define altruism and list the factors that lead to altruistic behavior.
11. Discuss the factors that lead to dissent and nonconformity.
12. List and explain various sources of social identity.
13. Define ethnocentrism and explain its consequences.
14. Describe ways in which stereotypes are useful and discuss three ways in which they distort reality.
15. Define “prejudice” and describe the psychological, social, and economic factors that perpetuate it.
16. Discuss the approaches that have been taken to reduce prejudice and conflict between groups, and describe their outcomes.
Chapter 10 Psychological Disorders
1. Discuss the ways in which abnormal behavior has been defined.
2. Distinguish between projective and objective tests and summarize the strengths and weaknesses of both types of test.
3. Describe the purpose and contents of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV).
4. Summarize the positions supporting and criticizing the DSM-IV.
5. List and describe the principal characteristics of the anxiety disorders.
6. Distinguish between feeling blue, major depression, and bipolar disorder.
7. Explain the various theories that attempt to account for depression.
8. List the general features of personality disorders and of the three specific personality disorders discussed in the text
9. Describe the features of antisocial personality disorder and the theories explaining its causes.
10. List and discuss the characteristics of dissociative identity disorder.
11. Describe the current controversy about the validity and nature of dissociative identity disorder (multiple personality disorder).
12. List the signs of substance abuse.
13. Distinguish between the biological model of addiction and the learning model of addiction.
14. List the components that interact to influence addiction and abuse.
15. Describe the symptoms of schizophrenia.
16. Explain the biological and vulnerability-stress models of schizophrenia.
Chapter 11 – Approaches To Treatment
1. Discuss the uses of antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants, tranquilizers, and lithium in treating emotional disorders.
2. Summarize the problems inherent in treating psychological disorders with drugs.
3. Describe the procedures used in attempts to control brain activity with surgery and electroshock.
4. List and explain the goals and principles of the four major schools of psychotherapy.
5. Describe the results of efforts to evaluate the effectiveness of psychotherapy.
6. Discuss the factors most likely to lead to successful therapy and discuss the role of the therapeutic alliance.
7. Discuss which therapies and which therapeutic structures work best for specific problems.
8. Discuss the circumstances in which therapy can be harmful.