Joanne Kalisz, MATextbookAttendanceParticipationHomework AssignmentsExaminationsPaperPoints and GradesExaminationsCourse Policy on Missing Classes and AssignmentsUniversity of Vermont's Classroom Code of ConductClassDateReadingWritingTopics, Deadlines, ExamsLast day to drop/add, pass/no passPSYCHOLOGY 1 GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY CE: SPRING 2005 Joanne Kalisz, MA Office hrs: 212A Dewey Hall (Psych 1 Office) Fridays 4:00 – 5:30 or by appointment How to contact me: email: [email protected] or phone: 656-3836 Course website: http://webct.uvm.edu:8900 Your WebCT ID and password are the same as your e-mail account. It may take a couple days to be added to the WebCT student list. When you have questions about course requirements and policies, please consult the syllabus first. GRADES CANNOT BE DISCUSSED VIA TELEPHONE OR EMAIL (university guidelines). The instructor is available during office hours (as well as by appointment) to meet with you about other course related issues such as requirements, points, grades, etc. Additional readings, study guides, tips for improving academic performance, and other course information can be found at http://webct.uvm.edu:8900. PSYC 001 Z1 12394 6:00-7:15 Tu/ Th LOCATION: John Dewey Hall, rm 212 TEXTBOOK Joffe, J.M. & J. Krulewitz (2004) Investigating the mind, brain, and behavior: An introduction to psychology. Boston, MA: Pearson. The book has six sections. Each has an introductory chapter surveying the area, followed by three to five chapters summarizing specific research studies in that area. As indicated on the schedule, students are advised to read for each class, in addition to the chapter assigned for class discussion (specific studies), the introductory chapter for the section. This will increase your understanding of the research chapters and provide information of use in class discussion. THE OBJECTIVE OF PSYCH 1 The objective of this course is to introduce students to the ways in which psychologists try to understand behavior scientifically. It does this through intensive examination of representative research rather than by attempting a general survey of the entire field. 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 about the efficacy of solutions we offer. These skills should serve students well if they continue to work in the field, and make them better-informed consumers of psychological services whether they work in the field or not. Lastly, this course involves reading, writing, and discussion. 1ATTENDANCE There are 24 classes in which book chapters are discussed and attendance is recorded. Attendance will be determined by the receipt of writing assignment forms: if you choose to skip an assignment, hand in the form with your name, and date on it – otherwise you will not receive credit for attendance. If you will miss the class but have completed and delivered the assignment on time, be sure to check the box "I am absent from class" at the top of the assignment. Regular attendance can improve your grade and poor attendance will substantially reduce it (see "Grades"). PARTICIPATION In class, students will be called on as well as expected to volunteer. The question-answer format is designed to promote your understanding of research methods and findings, not merely to repeat information in the book. Also, you have an opportunity to sharpen your oral presentation skills and ability to think on your feet. If you do not know the answer to a question, you may either say so or take a guess. If you do guess, it may be appropriate to say something along the lines of "I don't know, but my guess would be...." Those are professional ways to deal with the situation: I are not trying to embarrass anyone, but rather to give you regular feedback on your understanding of the reading. HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS A homework assignment for each chapter is due at the beginning of each class— except on the first day of class and exam days. A copy of the homework assignment form is attached to this syllabus, please copy as necessary. Purpose of the Homework Assignment: To help you understand your reading, to help you prepare for class discussion, and to help you prepare for exams. Format and grading for all homework assignments: • For each assigned research chapter complete the two page “Psychology 1: Homework Assignment” form legibly and in ink. To receive credit you must complete ALL of the 9 questions. • Assignments are due at the start of each class. I reserve the right to not give you credit for your paper if you arrive late. If you are going to be absent, you may send the assignment with another student or you may turn in the assignment before class to the Psych 1 office (at top check the box: “I am absent from class”). Assignments handed in after class will not receive credit • Assignments are checked for completion and quality, they are credited if they meet the criteria indicated. • You will receive 5 points for each writing assignment you turn in if assignments are satisfactory completed and handed in on time. However, you can earn bonus points for completing more than 20 papers satisfactorily. 2EXAMINATIONS There will be 3 examinations during the session. Each will be worth up to 75 points towards your course grade (total of 225 points). Exams will contain various different styles of questions such as multiple-choice, short answer, true/false, and fill-in-in-the-blank. Exams will be based on all the material covered since the previous exam, including readings, video, power point presentations, and class discussion. All exams will include questions designed to test understanding of concepts and principles in addition to questions on information in the book and on material covered in class. Exams are offered only at the times indicated on the schedule. If you arrive late you will be permitted to take the exam but will not be given extra time. You are advised not to skip an exam unless prevented from taking them by events outside your control. Make-up exams will only be given under EXTREME circumstances! PAPER Students will be required to write 1 paper that will count up to 75 points towards your course grade. You will have a choice of either 1 of 2 options