Psychology 100: Course Syllabus

Introduction

In this course we are going to discuss some of the most useful, important and exciting ideas in psychology. Some of you may not pursue formal study of this subject beyond the present course while others of you may take other psychology courses; all of you, however, will deal with human behavior - psychology’s subject matter - for the rest of your lives.

Overview of the Class  Top

Each week you will engage in several different learning activities. These activities include 

• reading the textbook
• reading web lecturettes
• completing web assignments 
• sending email
• and participating in online discussions

The activities have been designed to promote a structured and engaging learning environment. Accordingly, a week-by-week schedule is posted to assist you in staying on task. You may work ahead if you choose, but be careful not to procrastinate.

In a typical week you will begin by logging onto the course web site. After reading the Announcements, you will click on the Assignments button to see what activities you will be doing that week. Then you will probably click on the Course Documents button for more information. Later that day or evening you may log onto the Discussion Board to read and respond to messages. You may also click on the Web Links button to see useful web resources. You will also, from time to time, enter a private Group Discussion Area reserved for your group only (groups will be assigned during the first week). Of course you will need to devote several hours a week to reading the textbook; since there are no traditional lectures, most of the information you will acquire in this course will be derived from the textbook.

Course Objectives

1. Educational Preparation. This course will prepare you for future study in psychology.
2. Increase Appreciation for Psychology in Society. This course will help you develop an awareness of, and appreciation for, how psychology is used in our society.
3. Enhance Critical Thinking. Throughout the course you will be encouraged to evaluate critically the issues we cover.
4. Stimulate Personal Interest and Curiosity. Human behavior is inherently fascinating; well served are the people who understand why we behave as we do.
5. Clarify Personal Values. Psychology can assist us in articulating and clarifying our feelings, thoughts and behavior.
6. Learn Psychology’s Content. In this introductory course you will learn, in a general way, the facts, theories, and basic concepts of the discipline that studies behavior scientifically
7. Apply psychology to your own life. I will strive to help you connect the things we study in this class to your own life, to help you understand the practical application of what you're learning.

Required Textbook Top

Huffman, K. (2006). Living Psychology. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. This textbook is a companion (read: cheaper!) edition to Huffman's critically acclaimed text, Psychology in Action, used in over 100 colleges and universities. It is authored by a Palomar College psychology instructor. The book is available at the Palomar Bookstore (760-744-1150 x2220).

Course Requirements  

Exams (400 points) Top

There will be four (4) exams given in this course. Each test is worth 100 points. The tests will be taken online and will be open book; you may use your book and notes during the test. Before you get too excited about that prospect ("Oh man, this is going to be easy!") you should know that the tests will also be timed. The tests will consist of some combination of multiple-choice, short answer, essay, and matching questions.

Here is how it will work.  Test 1 can be taken anytime between 7am on July 5th through 7am on July 7th. You will not be able to take the exam before or after those times, so plan accordingly. When you are ready to take the test you log onto our course, click on the link that will appear (e.g., "Click Here To Take Test 1") and begin taking the test. 

As you begin to take the test you are informed that you have, say, 40 minutes to complete the test; at the end of the time limit the test will be graded instantly (except for the short answer and essay questions), and your grade shown to you. Therefore, while you may have your study materials available to review, you will not have time to read the chapter while you take the test. This is my attempt to ensure that you have studied and prepared well before you begin the test. A word of caution: Everyone will get a different test (the beauty of online tests) - Do not attempt to copy the questions or answers. It won't work and if I detect any funny business you will automatically receive an F in the course and I will refer you to the Dean for appropriate disciplinary action. It just isn't worth it.

You will have an opportunity to take practice tests/quizzes before the test that counts. If the idea of a time limit bothers you (the time limit is pretty generous, by the way, most people will finish easily within the time limit), you may take the test on campus instead. If you choose to take the test on campus you will have more time but you may consult only a 3 x 5 card that you have prepared to summarize your study materials - in other words you may not use your book for on-campus tests. Talk to me if you prefer the on-campus option.

Student Code of Conduct. You are expected to act honorably and in accordance with the Palomar Student Code of Conduct. This means, for example, not accepting any help during tests. Could you get away with cheating during a test? Maybe, but it would be dishonest and grounds for dismissal and anyway, who would you really be cheating?

Make-up exams. If you discover you must miss a test please contact me before the scheduled test and I will attempt to work out something with you. The tentative exam dates are as follows: 

For most chapters you will have a web assignment. In these assignments you will journey to a number of internet sites that contain valuable and useful information. Typically, you will have a structured task to perform such as researching a new medication for depression and a series of questions to answer. In some of the web assignments you will share your discoveries with the class.

Quizzes

A number of short quizzes will be given at various times throughout the semester, typically at the conclusion of each chapter. The purpose of the quizzes is to allow you to check your progress. The quizzes will not be graded but correct answers are given and I usually include one or more quiz questions on the tests.

Extra Credit (20 points) Top

I understand that test scores do not always reveal how much a student has learned. Therefore, I  encourage you to engage in a number of different kinds of learning activities. And you will be awarded extra credit points for successfully completing extra credit activities. Extra credit points awarded for these activities will vary; maximum points that can be accumulated are: 20 points. Listed below are some activities that I believe can increase study skills, increase motivation, and increase learning.

• Provide relevant personal examples (at least 3) of topics covered in a particular chapter. You must email these to me or post in our discussion board. (2 points)
• Construct flash cards (at least 15) for a chapter. You can email these to me or post in our discussion board. (2 points)
• Create mnemonic devices to help you remember concepts covered in the text. You can email these to me or post in our discussion board. (2 points.)
• Relate issues/topics we’ve studied to a book or movie you have enjoyed. You can email these to me or post in our discussion board. (2-5 points)
• Write a short research paper; check with me first (points will vary)
• Be creative and suggest other activities that will serve to support your learning.

Note: Extra credit reports/papers must be turned in no later than the last day of exams for that particular chapter. So, for example, any extra credit relating to chapter 1 must be turned in no later than July 6th. Extra credit for chapter 5 will be due no later than July 19th, and so on (consult our course exam schedule below for dates).

Participation (140 points) Top

Because this online class does not meet in person on a regular basis, it is important for us to develop a sense of community in other ways. Therefore, I will expect you to participate several times each week through such activities as email, chat, and discussion forums. Ideally, you will log onto the course once a day even if it is just to read announcements and check the discussion board. There is a higher success rate when online students log on daily.

You will be awarded points for participating as I am convinced that this will be an important ingredient in successful student learning. Most of your participation in this class will take place via the class discussion board where you will post your questions/comments and reply to questions/comments from other students.  The requirement is that you post one original point (or respond to a suggested question posted BY ME, YOUR INSTRUCTOR) and respond to at least 2 other students' posts.  Failure to post this minimum amount will cost you points.  Furthermore, participation points are earned for the quality of your contributions. That is, replying "Me too" ,  "good point" , or "I agree", etc. does NOT count as participation for the purposes of earning points.  Your posts must be substantive.  I think you will find the discussion board to be a very interesting and stimulating part of our online course. Most online students appreciate being able to collect their thoughts and make their comments without the anxiety of having the whole class staring at them.

Summary of Grading System Top

Your final grade in this class is determined by the point system listed below.

Concluding Comments

Collaboration

I encourage you to collaborate with your classmates. I have planned for a couple of the web assignments to be group projects. You may find it helpful to schedule test review sessions, form study groups, exchange study notes, and exchange phone numbers. One of the benefits of attending the class orientation is that you get to meet your classmates.         

A Personal Note

I feel that students learn best when they are actively involved in their own learning. Accordingly, I will work with you to create a classroom environment in which everyone will feel comfortable in raising questions, challenging comments made by me or other students, in short, an environment that will encourage you to contribute to class discussions.

 I will work hard to make this class interesting, challenging, and educationally valuable. I will count on you to become actively engaged in the learning activities you’ll encounter this semester.

Learning, that is, behavioral change, occurs in three main domains:

1. Cognitive: knowledge, insight, understanding;
2. Affective: attitudes, values, and beliefs;
3. Psychomotor: skills.

While all three domains are important, this course will be most concerned with stimulating change in the first two domains. Tests and assessments will focus mostly on the first domain.

I hope you will call me if you experience difficulties, whether academic or personal, during this semester. I have provided my phone numbers and e-mail address. I will be available to meet with you on campus, via email, or in the chat room. My goal is to respond to all email within 48 hours. In addition, I will be available online certain evenings in the chat room. I wish you good luck and remember, I will be here to support you every step of the way. I look forward to a terrific online class!

My phone number is: 760-845-5382 
My email address is: frose@palomar.edu