Syllabus
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Course Description
PSYC 1 Introduction to Psychology
A. Units: 3
B. Lecture: On-line format
C. Prerequisites: None
D. Catalog Description: Consideration of the development of psychology, sensation and perception, learning and memory, motivation, emotion, state of consciousness, stress, health and adjustment, abnormal behavior and psychotherapy, sex roles and sexual behavior. Degree Applicable. UC/CSU (CAN PSY 2)
E. Course Objectives/SLO's: The student should be able to recognize and differentiate between the major perspectives by which we may view behavior. The student should be able to identify, define, compare, contrast, and critique the biological, behavioral, psychoanalytic, humanistic, and cognitive perspectives.
F. Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:
1) Define and compare Psychology to its related "ologies", i.e. sociology 2) Describe the history, perspectives 3) List potential careers in psychology 4) Describe the scientific method and differentiate between research strategies 5) List 5 basic components of ethics in research 6) Explain the main components of critical thinking 7) Explain the basic systems of the brain and the biological foundations of the brain, including the nervous system as well as the central nervous system 8) Discuss the effects of brain damage and repair 9) List the techniques used in studying the brain 10) Describe the sensation and perpetual processes in detecting and perceiving the world 11) Diagram the world of sensation including the visual and auditory system 12) Explain the role of perception and relevant principles 13) Understand the nature of consciousness, analyze sleep patterns and dreams, and the role of hypnosis 14) Describe the basic mechanisms of addiction 15) Diagram a schematic map for learning theories including: Classical conditioning, operant conditioning, observational learning and relevant cognitive factors 16) Discuss biological and cultural diversity factors in learning. 17) Relate the basic nature and processes of memory and the biological and cultural contents. 18) Give examples of techniques for improving memory 19) Describe the history and trends affected by the cognitive revolution 20) Describe thinking as a process 21) Outline language and development as well as biological, environmental and cultural influences 22) Explain the factors in intelligence theory, measurement and theorists including multiple intelligence 23) Distinguish the main definitions and perspectives as well as the controversies inherent in theories of human development. 24) Distinguish the main elements differentiating the main developmental. 25) Relate the three main theories of moral development and relate the effect of early human development on moral reasoning. 26) Outline the major motivation perspectives and describe the relevant and historical theorists. 27) Describe the two main theories classifying emotion 28) Describe the relationship between cognition and emotion 29) Prepare a grid distinguishing the main personality perspectives including theories and theorists 30) Explain the main research methods in measuring personality 31) Describe the dimensions of abnormality 32) List the main mental disorders 33) Describe the legal aspects of sanity and insanity 34) Define the biological and psychological perspectives involved in the major therapies. 35) Evaluate from research reports the effectiveness of each major therapy and which therapy is best for which disorder. 36) Explain the main steps in promoting health on an individual and community level 37) Demonstrate through charting and understanding of the process of stress and its adaptive and coping processes 38) Define social cognition, influence, the role of interpersonal relationships 39) Describe attribution theory and its effect on optimism and pessimism. 40) Differentiate between the main research projects described in the social psychology literature and list the ethical errors committed in each
1) Define and compare Psychology to its related "ologies", i.e. sociology
2) Describe the history, perspectives
3) List potential careers in psychology
4) Describe the scientific method and differentiate between research strategies
5) List 5 basic components of ethics in research
6) Explain the main components of critical thinking
7) Explain the basic systems of the brain and the biological foundations of the brain, including the nervous system as well as the central nervous system
8) Discuss the effects of brain damage and repair
9) List the techniques used in studying the brain
10) Describe the sensation and perpetual processes in detecting and perceiving the world
11) Diagram the world of sensation including the visual and auditory system
12) Explain the role of perception and relevant principles
13) Understand the nature of consciousness, analyze sleep patterns and dreams, and the role of hypnosis
14) Describe the basic mechanisms of addiction
15) Diagram a schematic map for learning theories including: Classical conditioning, operant conditioning, observational learning and relevant cognitive factors
16) Discuss biological and cultural diversity factors in learning.
17) Relate the basic nature and processes of memory and the biological and cultural contents.
18) Give examples of techniques for improving memory
19) Describe the history and trends affected by the cognitive revolution
20) Describe thinking as a process
21) Outline language and development as well as biological, environmental and cultural influences
22) Explain the factors in intelligence theory, measurement and theorists including multiple intelligence
23) Distinguish the main definitions and perspectives as well as the controversies inherent in theories of human development.
24) Distinguish the main elements differentiating the main developmental.
25) Relate the three main theories of moral development and relate the effect of early human development on moral reasoning.
26) Outline the major motivation perspectives and describe the relevant and historical theorists.
27) Describe the two main theories classifying emotion
28) Describe the relationship between cognition and emotion
29) Prepare a grid distinguishing the main personality perspectives including theories and theorists
30) Explain the main research methods in measuring personality
31) Describe the dimensions of abnormality
32) List the main mental disorders
33) Describe the legal aspects of sanity and insanity
34) Define the biological and psychological perspectives involved in the major therapies.
35) Evaluate from research reports the effectiveness of each major therapy and which therapy is best for which disorder.
36) Explain the main steps in promoting health on an individual and community level
37) Demonstrate through charting and understanding of the process of stress and its adaptive and coping processes
38) Define social cognition, influence, the role of interpersonal relationships
39) Describe attribution theory and its effect on optimism and pessimism.
40) Differentiate between the main research projects described in the social psychology literature and list the ethical errors committed in each
G. Activities to Achieve Objectives:
6 on-line, open-book quizzes in either true/false or multiple-choice format based on the material studied for each week.
6 on-line discussion forums
1 mid-term exam in week 5 based on material from weeks 1-3, multiple-choice format
1 final exam based on the entire course, multiple-choice format
H. Text: Psychology 10th edition Carole Wade & Carol Tavris
(Information can be obtained from Kim Young at
In the box below type: I have the textbook for this course or I will have it by the end of the first week of class.
Email Updates
One of the primary methods of contact in an online course is email. Your college is capable of extracting student names and email addresses from our registration system. The purpose of extracting this information is two fold. The information will be used by the instructor to remain in contact with the class in order to provide information necessary for the students' academic success. The information will also be used to send emails to the students from the college administration. The emails sent by the college administration will consist of links to course surveys which will be used to improve our online courses, important announcements for students, and links to college surveys, which will be used to satisfy requirements placed on the college by the California Community College Chancellor's Office. The college will not use this information to advertise any products and will not share student email addresses with any other organization. In the box below type the following information: As a student I understand it is my responsibility to ensure my email address is up to date in the registration system, and that failure to do so can seriously impact my ability to successfully complete my courses. Further, I consent to receive email communication from my instructor and from the college administration. This consent will remain in force until it is revoked in writing or I am no longer taking classes with the college. Upon submitting the syllabus, I agree to enter the registration system, check my email address and change it if necessary. I understand a tutorial is available to assist me with this procedure. I also understand I can contact 760-252-2411 x7236 to receive additional assistance if I encounter any difficulties when attempting to change my email address.
I. Weekly study breakdown:
Wk. 1 Ch 1-3 What is Psychology? How Psychologists do Research; Genes, Evolution & Environment.
Wk. 2 Ch. 4-6 The Brain, Source of Mind & Self; Body Rhythms & Mental States; Sensation & Perception
Wk. 3 Ch. 7-9 Learning & Conditioning; Behavior in Social & Cultural Context; Thinking & Intelligence
Wk. 4 Ch. 10-12 Memory; Emotion, Stress & Mental Health; Motivation
Wk. 5 Mid-term: This will be 45 multiple-choice questions based on Ch. 1-9
Wk. 6 Ch. 13-14 Development over the Lifespan: Theories of Personality
Wk. 7 Ch. 15-16 Psychological Disorders; Approaches to Treatment & Therapy
Wk. 8 Overview: I will give you a set of pointers as to what to study for the final
Wk. 9 Final: This will be 65 multiple-choice questions based on the whole course.
I understand and agree to abide by the course schedule listed above.
J. Points
6 quizzes 5 points each = 30 points
6 Discussion forums 10 points each = 60 points (Note: Up to 5 points can be earned for your initial post on each board; the other 5 points will be given for your discussion of the posts by the other students)
Mid-term 45 points
Final 65 points
Total 200 points
K. Grades
A = 150 – 200 points
B = 140 – 149 points
C = 130 – 139 points
D = 120 – 129 points
Below 120 points = fail
In the box below please type:
I understand the above grading policy and will abide by its terms.
ON-LINE INSTRUCTIONS:
YOU MUST FILL OUT THIS SYLLABUS IF YOU INTEND TO TAKE THE COURSE!
It is your responsibility to make sure the instructor has the all the contact information stated at the top of this syllabus by the start of classes!! It is your responsibility to email the instructor if you have any problems or do not understand this syllabus.
It is your responsibility to confirm your enrollment either via the Internet at http://bcregweb.barstow.edu/ or by calling (760) 252-2411 x7236 if you are having problems accessing the course material. After you have confirmed your enrollment go to http://www.bcconline.com/orient/ and read the password link. Following this procedure will ensure you are helped in the fastest manner possible.
By enrolling for this class, the assumption is that you possess the necessary skills to read at the college level, to enter and perform research on the internet, to email using proper email etiquette and to post to the discussions.
When emailing your instructor: jsmith@bcconline.com include your full name. Send all email with the name of the course in the subject line and Lesson No. or the words: problem, question or comment. Many times email is received with no name in the body of the email. Sign all email with your name as registered at school, or else you will not receive a reply and your assignment will not be graded.
You must explain the problem in the subject line, i.e., PSYC 1 Discussion forum 2 -- no research available. E-mail without an appropriate subject line will be deleted and will not be read. With the current high incidence of viruses and unsolicited e-mail without appropriate subject lines will automatically be deleted
Unless a bulletin is sent out stating otherwise, e-mail responses will be sent out in 48 hours or less. On-line assignments will have a one-week turnaround time, and you should not expect an answer to a successfully submitted and completed assignment before the end of the one-week turnaround time period. Receiving graded assignments, or answers to your questions, before the above stated timelines have passed does not guarantee that you will receive replies that quickly in the future. Online classes are not conducted via instantaneous transmission. Just as I am giving you a seven-day period to complete your work, please give me seven-days to reply to your assignments. The above stated timelines apply to ALL students and ALL responses to your questions and concerns. I appreciate your understanding of the above stated timelines and will respond to ALL questions and concerns about this class within the timeframes stated above.
A posting place at the top of the discussion page indicates the instructor’s message board to you. Be sure to check this each week so that you don’t miss messages and clarifications; remember that sometimes no instructor posting will have been made. Students are not to post in the instructor's posting area. Should you have a concern with your class please e-mail me your question. It is not appropriate for students to post their concerns in the instructor's posting area. Students who post in the instructor's posting area will receive a warning and their posting will be deleted unanswered. Students who ignore the warning and post again to the instructor's posting area will be dropped from the class.
At the conclusion of the class students may find out their grades by going on the Internet at http://bcregweb.barstow.edu/. I do not email or post student grades and will not respond to inquiries about grades at the conclusion of the course.
In the box below type, "I understand and agree to abide by the online instructions written above."
IMPORTANT:
You will not officially start this course until after you have completed the orientation sessions at http://www.bcconline.com/orient/. No work should be completed until AFTER you have reviewed the orientation area. The orientation area will answer many frequently asked questions about online instruction and also provides tutorials on common problems students encounter while doing online courses. If you are experiencing technical difficulties and/or need to learn how to use our courseware you should first check the orientation area to see if it answers your technical question. If your technical question is not answered on the website you may then e-mail webmaster@bcconline.com with your question.
If your question pertains to class materials you should email jsmith@barstow.edu The webmaster cannot answer course related questions, and Jane Smith does not answer technical questions. Remember that you must state your full name, problem, question or concern and your class name in the subject line when asking a question.
In the box below type, "I understand there is one meeting for this course (the final). If I am unable to take the final on the main campus, or at Barstow College's Ft. Irwin or Miramar sites, I understand it is my responsibility to find a proctor and completely fill out the proctor from. I understand I must fill out the syllabus in order to complete this course and that completing the online orientation before beginning my course work is mandatory. I realize that I should email the instructor with any class related questions. I also understand that I should first check the orientation area for answers to my technical questions and can email the webmaster@bcconline.com my technical questions ONLY after checking the orientation area for the answer to my question first".
Plagiarism: Plagiarism—presenting the work of another as your own—is a crime punishable by failure, expulsion and legal action. It is the student's responsibility to learn MLA style and how to give proper credit for the materials taken from other sources.
In the box below please type: I understand the policy on plagiarism and agree to abide by it.
Proctoring Requirements:
On-Campus Meetings:
There will be one on-campus for the final exam.
It is your responsibility to contact the Computer Commons at BCC or the testing center at Ft. Irwin to confirm their operating/proctoring hours. Do not rely on what you think their hours are. They may have changed or there may be special hours the week you need them.
If you cannot attend the exam meeting, you will have to find an instructor approved proctor (for example: a librarian, an educational officer) and an approved site (such as a library or an educational center) to take the exam. Friends or family members are not suitable proctors. The proctor must have an official business email. I will not accept yahoo, hotmail, aol, etc.
Students are expected to take tests when they are scheduled and each test must be completed during a specific time. If a student fails to notify me with a valid excuse before the scheduled test, I will determine if the student may make up the test.
I must approve your proctor. I will confirm, in an email, whether or not I approve your choice. A week before the final, I will email the instructions to your proctor and then email you, confirming I have done so.
The deadline to submit your proctor form to me is the end of the second week of class.
Most importantly…do NOT wait until the last minute to take the final. Unlike live, campus classes, you have a full week to take the test. I may not be available if you have an emergency at 2:00pm the day of the final. Make sure that you have all of your ducks are in a row.
In the box below type:
I understand there is one meeting for this course (the final). If I am unable to take the final on the main campus, or at Barstow College's Ft. Irwin site, I understand it is my responsibility to find a proctor with access to a computer and the Internet. I understand I must fill out the syllabus in order to complete this course and that I should complete the online orientation if I am unsure how to navigate and use this course.
Syllabus Disclaimer:
A syllabus is not a contract between instructor and student but rather a guide to course procedures on attendance, requirements, grading, and objectives. The instructor reserves the right to amend the syllabus when emergency circumstances dictate. Students will be duly notified.
Please retype the following in the box below:
"I understand that the syllabus is not a contract between instructor and student but rather a guide to course procedures on attendance, requirements, grading, and objectives. The instructor reserves the right to amend the syllabus when emergency circumstances dictate. Students will be duly notified."
Disability Statement:
If you have a disability which may impact your success in this course, you may contact the Office of Student Support (OSS) office to arrange any reasonable accommodations and supports to which you are entitled. It is the responsibility of the student to initiate these procedures. The OSS department can be contacted by calling 760-252-2411 x7224 or 760-252-6759 TTY/TDD or emailing oss@bcconline.com.
In the box below type: I understand that if I have or suspect I have a disability I can contact the OSS program at the number or email address listed above and request reasonable accommodations. Further I realize it is my responsibility to contact the OSS department.
