SYLLABUSPSY 1404 Introduction to PsychologyClyde LeTarte CenterWinter, 2006Dr. WalravenWelcome to the fascinating study of scientific psychology! In this course you willlearn a great deal about human behavior from the viewpoint of scientific inquiry.During class meetings, we will review the key elements of the reading assignments, discuss and clarify issues and the implications of various facts andfindings, conduct our own scientific research, and plan definitive studies which would answer critical questions in our growing understanding of human behavior. Goals: As a result of taking this course, you should be able to:1. Define psychology and explain how the focus of psychology is different from that of other social and biological sciences.2. Describe the major features of the scientific method and explain the steps and key considerations in research.3. Define basic psychological terminology and explain important features of major psychological concepts and theories.4. Identify leading contributors to the field of psychology and describe their work.5. Explain how biological, psychological, and social factors can affect behavior.6. Identify and describe specific psychological principles in real life situations.7. Critically analyze information about human behavior and distinguish between conclusions supported by scientific evidence and conclusions based on nonscientific ways of knowing.8. Recognize real-life situations that may require professional psychological help and know how to use community resources to find help when needed.Reading and Planning Schedule: Our study will be aided by an excellent textbook: Introduction to Psychology (7th edition), by James W. Kalat. For each week, you are expected to read carefully and thoroughly the assignment listed. It is vital that you read the assignment prior to coming to class. Your success in the course depends on your ability to participate in class activities in which you will apply and extend the information you learn in the reading.Date Chapter(s) Thoughts & considerations1/10 1 How did psychology originate?1/17 2 Why is the scientific method the best way to know about behavior?1/24 3 What is the basic nature of the human organism?1/31 4 and 5 Is accurate perception ever possible?2/7 Project Success Day – no class meeting2/14 6 Do all organisms learn in the same way?2/21 6 We are what we have learned to be. So what?2/28 7 Do you remember? Don’t be so sure.Syllabus for PSY 1404 Introduction to Psychology; Winter, 2006; Dr. WalravenPage 2 of 33/7 No class meeting; Mid-semester break3/14 8 Is how we think more important than what we think?3/21 9 Perhaps all intelligence is artificial.3/28 10 From womb to tomb, development is continuous.4/4 11 Ever wonder why someone does something? How about yourself?4/11 12 Can you be sick and tired of being sick and tired?4/18 13 We think we understand individual differences and consistencies.4/25 14 What do attraction, aggression, and apathy have in common?5/2 15 We are normal; others are not. Let’s label them all.5/2 16 How are we troubled? Let us count the ways.Associate Degree Outcomes: Essential goals of the course include the achievement of several measurable outcomes defined by the college as vital to the educated individual at the Associate Degree level. Four such goals are embodied in this course, and will be assessed in the measures listed below. These four Associate Degree Outcomes are:- The ability to evaluate, interpret, and analyze information from both written and verbal sources (ADO #4);- The demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and productively with others (ADO #5)- The knowledge of and ability to apply the scientific method, including hypothesis generation and testing, research design, and the relative strengths of a variety of research strategies (ADO #6); and - The ability to provide alternative interpretations of specific patterns of human behavior, consistent with current theories (ADO #10).Tests: Of course, there will be tests. In order to provide frequent opportunities for feedback (so you don’t have to wonder how well you’re doing), we’ll have a test each week, typically (but not always) at the end of our class time. When the tests are objective, you’ll know the answers when you leave class. When thetests involve writing or other forms of responding, you should expect feedback on your performance by the following week. Each test is worth about 20 points.Reaction Papers: Beginning with the second week, you are expected to submita reaction paper at the beginning of class on each day for which a chapter is assigned. After you have read and studied the materials, please write a brief (one page or so, typed) reaction to any one aspect or research finding in that unit. In your reaction paper, please do NOT summarize the information in the text, but instead describe your feelings about the issue and tell what you think about it, including implications in your own experience, and any further research you believe would answer the next set of questions. Each reaction paper is worth up to ten points toward your course grade. Only those reaction papers submitted on time are accepted.Attendance: You are expected to attend all scheduled class meetings, and your participation in class activities is evaluated as part of your grade. However,all of us have lives outside of college, and occasionally work, illness, accidents,Syllabus for PSY 1404 Introduction to Psychology; Winter, 2006; Dr. WalravenPage 3 of 3or other low-probability events prevent attendance. If for any reason you must miss class, please call and leave word for the instructor. If you are absent for reasons beyond your control, make-up tests can be arranged.Classroom Expectations: This course is designed involves considerable amounts of discussion in its format. In order to facilitate the best learning possible, each student is asked to comply with the following expectations:- Only one person will speak at a time, so all can hear clearly.- Cell phones and pagers will be turned off during class meetings.- We will speak to each other with respect and civility.- Each student will prepare at least one discussion question for each class meeting.JCC Academic Honesty Policy: Academic honesty is expected of all students.It is the ethical behavior that includes producing their own work and not representing others’ work as their own, either by plagiarism, by cheating, or by helping others to do so. (Please