PSYC 001: General Psychology Spring, 2008 Information in this syllabus is subject to change. This is Version 1; publication date, 11 Jan 2008. Some course information is only available on WebCT and the course blog – details below. Instructors Office Hours Dr. Larry Rudiger John Dewey Hall, 205: By appointment (e-mail [email protected]) John Dewey Hall, 212A Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Kristin Mount Laura Selkirk 12:30 – 2:00 1:30 – 3:00 11:15 – 12:15 9:30 – 11:00 11:00 – 12:00 Web-based resources 1. Course announcements are made in class or on the blog: http://psych1.blog.uvm.edu 2. Writing assignments are submitted in OASys, the online assignment-submission system: http://www.uvm.edu/~psych1/oasys 3. Confidential information and quizzes are available on WebCT: https://www.uvm.edu/webct/ Your WebCT ID and password are the same as your e-mail account. Students will be added to WebCT after the end of the add/drop period. If you are not on the WebCT student list, go to this website: http://www.uvm.edu/~psych1. How to contact us Email: [email protected] o Use your UVM e-mail account. o In most cases, you will get a reply within 1 business day as e-mail is checked frequently. o Do not e-mail or telephone individual instructors. Phone: 656-3836. Grades and other confidential course-related information cannot be discussed on the telephone. When you have questions about course requirements and policies, please consult the syllabus and the blog first. Textbook: Joffe, J.M. & J. Krulewitz (2007) Investigating the mind, brain, and behavior: An introduction to psychology (3rd Ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson . ISBN 0-536-32862-5 You will also need an iClicker in-class response device. The textbook and iClickers are available at the UVM store. Section CRN Time Days Location A 10457 3:35 - 4:50 Monday & Wednesday 103 Rowell B 10458 2:05 - 3:20 Monday & Wednesday 103 Rowell C 10459 3:30 - 4:45 Tuesday & Thursday 103 Rowell PSYC 001: The gist The course has several elements in two categories. First, there are three types of learning opportunities: (a.) writing assignments (on textbook readings), (b.) class attendance, and (c.) in-class participation. Each is worth 10% of your grade. Second, there are two types of assessment: (a.) online quizzes (10% of grade), and (b.) in-class examinations (60% of grade), including a comprehensive final exam. Each element is described in detail below. Course Objective PSYC 001 introduces students to the ways psychologists try to understand behavior scientifically. It does this through intensive study of representative research, a focused survey of major trends in the field, and by highlighting fast-breaking psychology-related topics in the news. The emphasis is on how questions are framed and evidence obtained to answer them, and how theories are developed and evaluated. By the end of the course, students should be able to think like psychologists and have the skills to be critical analysts of claims made about what we know and of the efficacy of research-based solutions. These critical-thinking skills should serve you well if you continue to work in the field, and make you a better-informed consumer of psychological services. Process. This course involves reading, writing, and conference. The learning process is summed up in this adapted quote from Francis Bacon (1561-1626): Reading maketh a full person, writing an exact person, and conference a ready person. (Of Studies.)Syllabus, PSYC 001, UVM Spring, 2008, Version 1 Page 2 of 6 Reading Investigating the mind, brain, and behavior. The textbook has six sections. Each has an introductory chapter surveying the content domain, followed by two to five chapters summarizing specific research studies in that area. As indicated on the Schedule, in addition to the chapter assigned for class discussion (specific studies), you should read the introductory chapter for the section. This will increase your understanding of the research chapters and provide information of use in class discussion. Course blog (http://psych1.blog.uvm.edu/). In addition to the textbook, students are expected to monitor and read the course blog. It will feature information related to the course content. Some of the blog postings may contain information that is central to the class and subject to inclusion on exams. These postings will be clearly marked. Students are encouraged to learn how to subscribe to the blog so that they get notification of postings. Writing An electronic-format writing assignment is due two hours before the beginning of each class except where noted on the schedule. Exceptions include the first two days of class, exam days, the day before the second exam, and the last day of class. Writing assignments are submitted through the Online Assignment System (OASys). It can be found here: http://www.uvm.edu/~psych1/oasys. Early in the semester, as you’re familiarizing yourself with the system, allow plenty of time to complete the assignment before the deadline. Also, you are encouraged to print out and keep a copy of each assignment to consult during class, to amend and correct on the basis of class discussion, and to study from for exams. Format and criteria. Details are provided on the writing assignment data-entry form in OASys. Grading. Assignments are checked for completeness and quality. You will get feedback on some of them. Full credit is awarded if they meet the criteria indicated. Points. The maximum number of points awarded for each Writing Assignment varies from .5 (early in the semester) to 5 points (at the semester’s end). The more you do, the more each is potentially worth. If at least 17 (of the possible 20) assignments receive full credit, you will get the full 50 points available; that is, you can submit late, or skip entirely, three of the assignments without penalty. However, you can earn up to 15 bonus points by submitting more than 17 assignments. Missed and late writing assignments. These are preparation for class so students cannot “make-up” missed assignments by doing them after the class for which they are due. In all cases, other than unforeseeable events, writing assignments should be submitted even when your absence from class is excused. Excused absences do not excuse you from completing the writing assignment prior to the class. Late submissions receive credit only in exceptional circumstances. Plagiarism. Use your own words, not the