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1 Introduction to Psychology (Psyc 1051) MWF: 11:45 – 12:50 Fall 09 Sci 2950 Instructor Information: Dennis D. Stewart, Ph.D. Office: Imholte Hall 116C Phone: 589 - 6196 email: [email protected] web site: http://cda.morris.umn.edu/~stewartd/ On-line learning resource: www.worthpublishers.com/myers Office Hours: MW: 2:15pm to 3:15pm Tues: 11:00am to noon Also available by appointment Required Text: Myers, D. G. (2007). Psychology (in modules), 8th edition, New York City: Worth Publishers. Additional readings may be assigned. Course Description: Myers (2007) defines psychology as “the scientific study of behavior and mental processes” (p. 2). As this definition implies, psychology covers a wide range of topics. For example, we will cover such diverse topics as learning, aggression, psychological disorders, and personality. Moreover, we will approach these topics from a scientific perspective. In addition, we will examine how the theories and research of psychology contribute to our understanding of a number of applied problems. For example, we will examine such applied topics as: sleep deprivation, ethics, camouflage, and eyewitness testimony. Finally after the completion of this course, I believe you will have a better understanding of how psychology can be applied to your life and to problems that currently face our society. Course Format: The format of this course will be largely lecture. However, even though the class is relatively large, I encourage questions from the class and I expect to have class discussions or other classroom activities. We will use class time to accomplish three interrelated goals. 1. We will clarify the material from the class readings. Therefore, it is important that you come to class having read the material for that day. You should bring your textbook to class because you will need to refer to it periodically. 2. We will elaborate and illustrate the material from the class readings. Therefore, you should think about how the material relates to your own experiences and be prepared to share these experiences in class. 3. I will present additional material to the class that cannot be found in the class readings. Therefore, you will need to be in class and to take notes to benefit from this material. Study Suggestions 1. Read the assignments: Reading the assignments will be beneficial because it will explain many of the topics covered in class from a different perspective. Also, there may be questions on the exams that are based on material from the book that was not covered in class. 2. Ask questions. You are encouraged to ask questions in class. 3. Take good notes. You should take detailed notes of what is said in class. If you miss class then you should get notes from someone else in the class.2 4. Distributed learning: People learn best when they look at their notes and readings frequently instead of trying to cram the material into their head the night before the exam. 5. Outlines: I will provide outlines for each class (see section that follows). You should use these outlines to organize your notes and your readings. Course Outlines: 1. I will prepare outlines that illustrate the major points in the readings and in my lectures. These outlines should help you focus on the main points of the readings. These outlines should also help you organize your lecture notes. Finally, the outlines should help prepare you for the exams. Although the outlines will serve as an excellent study guide for your exams, I should note a word of caution about using them exclusively. Ultimately, a student is responsible for all the material covered in class and in the readings. Occasionally, we will cover material that is NOT on the outline for a variety of reasons (e.g., current event, a topic that students want to discuss). Students are still responsible for knowing this non-outline material because it was covered in class. Additionally, students should keep in mind that an outline is simply a listing of the major points. It is not intended to contain the depth of information that students need to understand about the topics. 2. These outlines will be made available at http://cda.mrs.umn.edu/~stewartd/. Usually I will post them right before we start a module. Conduct in Class 1. At times, we will cover controversial topics during this class. I encourage all students to express their views on these topics. I will respect all views even if those opinions disagree with my own. I also ask that students treat each other in a respectful manner during such discussions. 2. I expect you to give your full attention to what is going on in class. This means that you should not be sleeping, surfing the web, talking to friends or otherwise engaging in behaviors that divert your (and others around you) attention from class. 3. Sexual harassment is prohibited by the University of Minnesota policy (see http:/www1.umn.edu/regents/policies/humanresources/SexHarassment.pdf). 4. Student behavior that is disruptive for any of the above reasons or otherwise violates the University Student Conduct Code may be subject to disciplinary action. (See http://www.morris.umn.edu/services/acad_affairs/DisruptiveStudentConductinClassroom.pdf). 5. I expect you to attend the entire class, so try not to be late or leave early from class. Course Requirements: 1. Percentages and Points A. Exams Points Your Points Exam 1 80 ________ Exam 2 216 ________ Exam 3 216 ________ Exam 4 216 ________ Exam 5 216 ________ *Exam 5 will be given during the week of finals.3 B. Homeworks HW 1 14 ________ HW 2 14 ________ HW 3 14 ________ HW 4 14 ________ C. Extra Credit (maximum of 20 points, see description below) 2. Description A. Exams: There will be five non-cumulative multiple-choice exams during the semester. B. Homeworks: There are four homework assignments. These will be graded as credit/no credit. The assignments will be sent to you by email or put on my web page. C. Extra-credit. You will be able to earn a maximum of 20 points in extra-credit. Extra-credit can ONLY be earned through participation in UMM research experiments and other activities announced in class. All extra credit opportunities have to be approved by the instructor in order to count for credit. 3. Attendance and Research Experiments A.


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U of M PSYC 1051 - Syllabus

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