PSYC 104 General Psychology Spring 2015 Syllabus Teaching Team Assistant Instructor Sabrina C Gregersen MA Email sgregersen ku edu Office Fraser 528 Office Hours Mon 3 00 pm 5 00 pm Wed 12 30 to 1 30 Teaching Assistant Juwon Lee Email lee ku edu Office Fraser 549 Office Hours Fridays 1 00pm 4 00pm Time and Location Section 16261 Section 23454 Section 15802 Section 23458 FR 122 FR 122 FR 122 FR 122 Mondays 11 00am 12 15pm Mondays 12 30 1 45pm Wednesdays 9 30 10 45am Wednesdays 11 00am 12 15pm Course Description A basic introduction to the science of psychology Satisfies General Education Goal 3 Develop a background of knowledge across fundamental areas of study Upon reaching this goal students will be able to demonstrate basic competence in the principles theories and analytic methods used in social sciences Course Objectives 1 To develop a fundamental understanding of the science of psychology the study of thought feelings and behavior 2 To construct a working vocabulary of terminology used in psychology and a familiarity with key people and ideas that have shaped psychology 3 To practice systematic and technical writing skills as utilized in the psychological sciences 4 To think critically about the importance of scientific methods and ethical principles of research design and how these contribute to the body of knowledge about psychology 5 To understand the connections between content areas within psychology and how to apply those psychological principles to daily life and new situations 6 To create a foundation of psychology knowledge as a prerequisite for all other psychology courses at KU Course Format This class is designed as a hybrid course Hybrid means it is structured so that learning and instruction occur both in class and via online out of class work What this means for students is Less time physically in class We meet once a week rather than two or three times More time spent on work outside of class You will need to do three or more hours of work for this course each week Greater personal responsibility for learning material You will read the material and complete quizzes on it before it is discussed in class Research has shown that the hybrid course format results in better learning outcomes for students as compared to a traditional lecture format When students come to class prepared and then engage in activities and discussion in the classroom they are better able to understand remember and apply the information that is covered in this class Expectations for Students Come to class prepared for discussion and active contribution each week see Contribution policy below Take initiative to expand your knowledge on the topics that you find personally relevant Be willing and prepared to try new and different activities even if they are outside your comfort zone Work with and support each of your class members for the duration of the class Course Materials Online textbook and learning platform We will be using an online textbook that is built into the learning platform created by the publisher Instructions for purchasing access to these materials can be found on Blackboard Learning platform LaunchPad purchase is required for this course Textbook Introducing Psychology 3rd ed by Schacter Gilbert Wegner Nock optional There are two options for purchasing access to LaunchPad the textbook at the KU Bookstore LaunchPad only with eBook built in LaunchPad loose leaf copy of the textbook Course Website This course uses Blackboard http courseware ku edu You will use Blackboard to do any of the following access the online textbook and learning platform view the course syllabus and schedule access assignments submit written work take quizzes and or exams view grades receive announcements and email the instructor Email A valid KU email address is required for this course This email is tied to your Blackboard account and will be used to communicate with you outside of our class meeting time You are expected to check your email daily Course Grading Grading for the course falls into one of two categories Effort and Performance Effort represents your engagement in activities that further your understanding of a given topic Performance represents your competence on that topic These two areas are equally important in computing your grade in this course Effort 50 Total Contribution 20 of Final Grade The knowledge and skills you will gain in this course highly depend upon your level of contribution to the class As you must be present to contribute attendance is a required part of your contribution grade You are expected to attend class participate in class discussions and be energetically involved in class activities If you are going to miss class for any reason please communicate with your instructor as early as possible before class Contribution will be assessed by turning in activities that are completed during class LearningCurve quizzes and Online Activities 15 of Final Grade Points are earned by completing the LearningCurve quizzes and other assigned online activities through LaunchPad These are intended to encourage your interaction with the material so that you come to class prepared for our activities Writing Assignments 15 of Final Grade There will be two writing assignments during the semester These assignments will help you to think critically about the course material and improve your scientific writing skills Assignments will involve peer review and opportunity for revision in order to better understand and improve your scientific writing Research Participation Pass Fail All PSYC 104 students are required to gain firsthand experience with psychological research by either 1 participating in research or 2 writing a research paper A complete explanation of this requirement is available on Blackboard under the Research Requirement link If you fail to meet this requirement you will receive an Incomplete in the course Performance 50 Total LaunchPad Post Quizzes 15 of Final Grade There will be LaunchPad post quizzes at the end of each chapter These quizzes will assess your understanding of the material and are due for completion after covering the corresponding chapter during class Unit Exams 20 of Final Grade There will be four online mini exams over the course of the semester These exams will be administered through LaunchPad They will be timed but you may use your study notes while taking them Cumulative Final Exam 15 of Final Grade There will be an in person comprehensive final