PSY 140 Introduction to PsychologyCourse SyllabusInstructor: Zina Eluri Location: WA 210Semester: Fall 2008 Office: JM 150Section: 140/9 Office Phone: 517-796-0800 ext 8332Time: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm E-mail: [email protected](preferred contact)Days: SaturdaysDates: September 13, 2008 – December 6, 2008Office Hours: Saturday 8:00 am – 9:00 pm and by appointmentText:Required: Myers, D. (2007). Psychology (8th e.d.). Worth Publishers.Recommended: Student Study Guide of Myers TextCourse DescriptionThis course is an overview of the field of psychology including learning, development, perception, emotion, motivation, personality, abnormal behavior, and psychotherapy (From JCC Catalog, 2008).PrerequisitesNoneIntroductionPsychology 140 is designed as a survey course in which we will examine the fundamentalprinciples and current developments that have contributed to the growth of psychology and the various subfields within the discipline. I intend to challenge your thinking of what psychology is about and help you master the material by providing an environment in which you can evaluate psychological theories and practice skills. I plan to accomplishthese goals by teaching you about the science of psychology in a similar way that biologyand chemistry is taught. However, unlike these sciences, our focus will be on the causes and effects of human interaction. Given these goals, I think it is important that you spend adequate time reading and studying for this course. The amount of time you should spend varies for each individual,however, it is important that you read the material through at least once so that you are familiar with the topic of the lecture. In order for you to get the most out of this class, youshould take responsibility for your education by completing the assignments, studying, and seeking help when needed. It is my responsibility to guide you through this process. 1Teaching PhilosophyIn the words of Sir Francis Bacon, “knowledge is power.”I believe that a good educator is one who can get students to appreciate the topic of study.I hope that many of you will have a stronger appreciation of psychology after taking this course. In my opinion, education should be a collaborative process in which the professorand the students work together to reach the common goal of expanding their knowledge of the topic. If, at the end of this course, you appreciate the field of psychology, I would have succeeded as a professor. Exams A total of 10 exams will be given every class period. These exams will consist of 20 multiple choice questions that will come from both the lectures and the text. These examswill not be cumulative and will only cover the information provided during the previous class period and the chapter that was assigned. Some questions may not be covered in class, thus, reading the text is important to ensure success in this course. Each exam will be worth 20 points.The final exam will be cumulative and will consist of 40 multiple-choice questions. This exam will include questions from previous exams, lectures, and the text. We will spend some time on November 22 reviewing for the final. The exam will be worth 40 points. The final exam grade cannot be dropped. Taking the final exam is mandatory. If you fail to take the final, you will have to repeat the course.Missing a test or not completing an assignment is a serious issue. No make-up or early/late exams or guided learning assignments will be allowed for any reason. ***Please note that your two lowest scores on the daily exams and guided learning assignments will be dropped.***2Grading PolicyThe grade you achieve in this course will be based on the following grading scale, calculated using your top 8 exam scores and your final test grade. Point Total Percent180 – 200 pts. 90 – 100%160 – 179 pts. 80 – 90%140 – 159 pts. 70 – 80%120 – 139 pts. 60 – 70%100 – 119 pts. 50 – 60% 90 or below 50% or belowGuided Learning The guided learning portion of this course is used to supplement and expand upon the lecture material and will consist of various in-class assignments. These assignments will vary depending on the course material covered, which may include, but are not limited to,reaction papers, experiments, group activities, psychological exercises, etc. Periodic assignments may be given to assess your knowledge of the discussion material and may also be included on the daily exams.AttendanceAttendance is required at each class period. Students who are absent during a class periodwill receive a 0% on the exam given that day and will not be able to make up that exam. “I” (Incomplete) Grade PolicyAn incomplete (I) will be considered when, in my opinion, your work is sufficient in quality, but lacking in quantity to meet course objectives. This does not mean that this grade is automatically given if you request it. It is not a substitute for a (W) grade. This grade assumes that you have attended more than 75% of the class, have done quality work (2.0 or better), and have a sufficient reason not to complete the course (as determined by me).Please note that I do not frequently assign this grade, but will be glad to discuss your individual situation with you.3A grade of (I) may be removed by satisfactorily meeting course objectives during either of the next full-length semesters (fall/winter) or at an earlier data as specified by me. We will have a written agreement as to what you would need to do to remove the (I) grade. If the (I) grade is not removed by the end of the specified time, it will be replaced with the grade you earned before the (I) was assigned. This could result in you receiving a 0 for the class. Under no circumstances will the (I) grade be allowed as the final grade for the class. Withdrawal/Drop PolicyIt is important to note that if you decide for whatever reason that you do not want to complete this course, you must officially withdraw by completing a withdrawal form (which can be obtained in the Student Center) on or before the official withdrawal deadline. After that date, your grade will be determined by the grades you’ve earned. In some cases, this could mean a 0.Audit PolicyAudit is an option to attend a course without receiving credit. To register for an audit grade, or to change from credit to audit, the request must be completed at the Registrar’s Office at the time of initial registration or during the ADD/DROP period for the class.Classroom DecorumAs a social