SPRING 2012

PSY 111: General Psychology I

Stephen Weiss, Ph.D.	Office: D 205.6W
Office Phone #: 860-823-2819	Office Hours: MW 4:00-5:00 PM TUTH 10:00-11:00 AM & by appointment
E-Mail: sweiss@trcc.commnet.edu	Class Room: E 206
Class Schedule: W 6:30-9:15 PM	Website: http://smw15.org/

This page last updated: 04/30/12 – 10:00 AM

PowerPoint Presentations

Modules: 1, 2/3, 4/5, 6, 17, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26/27/28, 29/30, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41/42, 43/44

Course Description: This introductory course provides an overview of the theories and research findings pertaining to scientific psychology with an emphasis on: the origins of psychology, theoretical models, research methodology, biological bases of thought and behavior, learning theory, sensation and perception, memory, stress and health as well as emotion and motivation. 

Student Learning Outcomes: At the completion of this course, students should have accomplished the following major objectives:

Critical Thinking: Utilize critical thinking skills to analyze psychological theories and research data

· Describe human behavior and mental processes from various theoretical perspectives in the field of psychology

· Identify the interrelationship between human biology and psychology

· Identify the manner in which psychological research on memory relates to college study skills

Information Literacy: Assess what information is needed to answer questions as well as evaluate the quality of information

· Demonstrate the skill of identifying information needed to answer questions pertaining to psychological terms and concepts

· Recognize and evaluate information sources for a specified purpose

· Develop an understanding of psychology as an ever-changing discipline, based on contemporary research data

Communication: Understand and express ideas about psychology through reading and writing

· Demonstrate the ability to comprehend and interpret written passages

· Write clearly

· Develop the ability to articulate one’s viewpoint in verbal or electronic discussions

Systematic Inquiry: Understand social science research methods used in psychological research

· Demonstrate the ability to describe the science of psychology

· Describe different research methods used in psychology

· Acquire knowledge about men and women whose research endeavors made significant contributions to the field of psychology

· Develop an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of different psychology research methods

Required Text: Psychology: Ninth Edition in Modules by David G. Myers

Grading Criteria	Points	Percentage
5 Tests (lowest dropped; other four worth 100 pts each)	400	80%
Research Paper	100	20%
Total	500	100%

Note: Above grading criteria is not subject to change. No extra credit assignments will be offered.

Grading System:

Grade	%	Total Points
A	94+	470+
A-	90-93	450-469
B+	87-89	435-468
B	84-86	420-467
B-	80-83	400-419
C+	77-79	385-399
C	74-76	370-384
C-	70-73	350-369
D+	67-69	335-349
D	64-66	320-334
D-	60-63	300-319
F	-60	-300

Notes:

(1) While class attendance will not be calculated into the above grades, excessive absences (3-4) will result in a decrease of a full letter grade (for example from C to D). Five absences will cause your grade to be reduced by two full letters (for example from B to D). Six or more absences will result in failure of the course.

(2) If you DO NOT complete this course, you must formally withdraw at the registrar’s office by May 7^th. Failure to do so will likely result in you receiving an F on your transcript for this course.

Tests: All tests will be part multiple choice, true/false and short answer format. There will be no make-ups for these exams - since I am dropping the lowest, if one is missed it will count as your low grade (unless, there is an emergency and I am informed immediately).

Reading Assignments: The majority of the readings will come from the textbook. Additional readings will be assigned as well.

Research Paper:

Copy of article: A copy of your journal article must be handed in (for my approval). There will be a five-point penalty attached to Paper 1 if this is handed in late. Due date: February 15.

Paper: You will be required to write an 7-9 page paper (maximum nine pages) during this semester. The body of the paper is 5-6 pages (title page, abstract, and references will make up the rest). Choose any topic that we will be covering in this course. Check last page of this syllabus for broad topics we are covering. There are several possible choices for each of these topics. You will need to find a journal article (experiment) to be analyzed. Papers must be written in APA format. Any experiment already discussed in class cannot be used. I will be available to meet with anyone individually to discuss or review these papers before due dates. Since you have this assignment well in advance of the due date, I will strictly enforce a 10-point penalty for each day a paper is late (including weekends). Due date: April 11.

v Hard-copy submission of papers is required in class on day paper is due. However, on certain occasions I will allow for an electronic submission. Two rules must be followed concerning electronic submissions: (1) file submitted is attached as plain Word document (no zip files, etc.); (2) your submission is not official unless I have sent a confirmation return email of its receipt.

v If a hard-copy of your paper is left in my mailbox or office (and thus has not been handed to me in person) you must also send me an email informing me of this and your submission is not official unless I have sent a confirmation return email of its receipt.

The following links will be helpful in your preparation for research papers:

Paper Guidelines

APA Guidelines

Sample Paper

Policy on Cheating and Plagiarism: Academic integrity is essential to a useful education. Failure to act with academic integrity severely limits a person’s ability to succeed in the classroom and beyond. Furthermore, academic dishonesty erodes the legitimacy of every degree awarded by the College. In this class and in the course of your academic career, present only your own best work; clearly document the sources of the material you use from others; and act at all times with honor.

If I have determined that you have copied from another student or other source, you will receive a grade of zero on that assignment or exam. This zero cannot be counted as your lowest exam grade (it cannot be dropped). A second offense will result in failure of the course. See your student handbook for additional information concerning academic integrity.

Disabilities Policy: Students with a documented disability are provided supportive service and accommodations to assist them with their academic objectives. Services are strictly confidential. Disability services may include individualized accommodations, advising, advocacy, counseling, technical assistant and referral information. For further information read this policy in your student handbook.

Articles to be read for Test 1:

Is the Placebo Effect real? Click on link below:

v Putting Your Faith In Science

Case Study discussed in class. Click on link below:

v HM: A Legacy in Neuroscience

Articles to be read for Test 2:

Case Study discussed in class. Click on links below:

v Girl lives normal life after surgery removed half her brain. (use up and down arrows on your computer to read this article in its entirety)

v Girl lives normal life after surgery removed half her brain. (printer version)

v Brain Surgery does not stop woman from earning her degree

Articles to be read for Test 3:

What ever happened to Little Albert? Click on link below:

v ‘Little Albert’ regains his identity

Swim coach uses unique training method. Click on link below:

v How fast can YOU swim when chased by a crocodile?

Article to be read for Test 4:

Case Study discussed in class. Click on link below:

v ‘No Anorexia Model Isabelle Caro Dies at 28

Article to be read for Test 5:

Hope for a cure for AIDS is discussed. Click on link below:

v HIV Cured in Berlin Patient -- What It Means

Schedule of Classes

Date	Tentative Topics	Modules
Jan 25	Syllabus; What is Psychology? Person vs. Situation debate. Perspectives of Psychology. Types of Psychologists. Research Issues and Techniques	Module 1 Modules 2-3
Feb 1	Class Cancelled (Sorry)
Feb 8	Research Issues and Techniques (continued) Library Database Tutorial Physiological Psychology: Neural and Hormonal Systems	Modules 2-3 Modules 4-5
	Reminder: Copy of Journal Article is due next class - Feb 15^th!
Feb 15	TEST 1: Modules 1-5 Paper Guidelines; APA Publication Manual (6^th edition)
Feb 22	Cerebral Cortex; Split Brain Phenomenon; Synaptic Plasticity Perception - Subliminal Stimulation	Module 6 Module 17
Feb 29	Pain/Pain Control (pp. 253-257) Gestalt Psychology; Depth Perception	Module 20 Module 21
Mar 7	TEST 2: Modules 6, 17, 20 (pp. 253-257), 21 Paper Guidelines; APA Publication Manual (6^th edition) Learning - Classical Conditioning	Module 23
Mar 14	Learning - Operant Conditioning Learning - Social Learning Theory	Module 24 Module 25
Mar 18-25	Spring Break – Enjoy!
Mar 28	Memory Paper Guidelines; APA Publication Manual (6^th edition)	Modules 26-30
Apr 4	TEST 3: Modules 23-30 Paper Guidelines; APA Publication Manual (6^th edition) Theories of Motivation	Module 36
	Reminder: Paper is due next class (Apr 11^th)!
Apr 11	Hunger Motivation/Eating Disorders	Module 37
Apr 18	Sexual Motivation Motivation at Work	Module 38 Module 39
Apr 25	TEST 4: Modules 36-39 Emotions	Modules 40-42
May 2	Stress & Health	Modules 43-44
May 9	TEST 5: Modules 40-44