COURSE SYLLABUS Introductory Psychology, Section JD (PSY 101 JD) Summer Session I, 2016 Tuesday & Thursday 11:30 – 2:40, O’Brian 109 Instructor: Dr. Ericka Nus Office: Park Hall 356 Phone: 645-0183 E-mail: [email protected] Office Hours: Tues. & Thurs. 9:15 – 10:15 or by appointment Required Materials: Textbook: Psychology (4th ed.). Authors: Ciccarelli & White. Published by Pearson. Textbook Website Access: You must purchase access to the MyPsychLab web content to go along with the textbook. The textbook bundled with the MyPsychLab access code is available at the University Bookstore. Alternatively, you can purchase the textbook in electronic (e-book) form bundled with a MyPsychLab access code or you can purchase only a MyPsychLab access code and obtain the book through alternate means—for these options, you can purchase access directly from the publisher. You will need to use the MyPsychLab Course ID for this class so that I can give you credit for the work you do – the Course ID is nus30242. For further information on the Textbook and MyPsychLab, see the handout on UB Learns. An additional note on MyPsychLab: Although not all of the activities on MyPsychLab are assigned in this course, I encourage you to use the additional resources to aid in your comprehension of course material. For example, many of the Media Assignments and Video Series visually explain textbook information and the Study Plans can give you practice in answering textbook questions and help you to identify areas that need further attention. Course Overview and Objectives: This course is designed to provide you with a basic introduction to the diverse topics studied in the field of psychology, the scientific study of mental processes and behavior. Psychological areas introduced in this course include research methodology, behavioral neuroscience, sensation and perception, learning, developmental, thinking and language, memory, emotion, personality, abnormal, and social. This class will provide the opportunity to broaden your understanding of the science of psychology and to think critically about the application of psychology in everyday life. Material for this class will be presented both in class and in the textbook. Although there will be overlap, the class lectures will not merely repeat what you can read in the text, but will attempt to present you with a clearer understanding of the focal topics in the area, why these topics are considered important, and research/conclusions that psychologists have presented on the topics.- 2 - Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to: • Identify the main content areas of psychology, the types of topics studied by psychologists in those areas, and the major empirical findings in those areas. This will be assessed through in class-exams and online chapter exams. • Explain general psychological principles using psychological terminology. This will be assessed through in class-exams, online chapter exams, and the paper assignments. • Explain the scientific methods used in psychological research. This will be assessed through in class-exams, online chapter exams, and the research requirement. • Assess the soundness of psychological theories by evaluating their basis in psychological research. This will be assessed through in class-exams and online chapter exams. • Apply psychological concepts to everyday life experiences. This will be assessed through in class-exams, online chapter exams, and the paper assignments. The student learning outcomes for this course address the goals detailed for the Department of Psychology’s Undergraduate Program as described on the Department’s Undergraduate Program web page: http://psychology.buffalo.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/07/Undergraduate-Student-Learning-Overview-and-Goals.pdf Evaluation and Grading: Grading The following shows the points and relative weight of the various assessments in determining your final grade in the class. Note below, however, that failure to complete research credits required for this course can result in your final grade being lowered and completing additional research credits will earn you extra credit. Exams (4 total) 50 pts each 200 pts total ~ 76 1/3 % Paper Assignments (2 total) 20 pts each 40 pts total ~ 15 1/3 % Chapter Exams (11 total) 2 pts each 26 pts total ~ 8 1/3 % Total 266 pts total 100% Final percentages will be calculated by dividing the number of points earned by the total number of points. I will assign grades based on the cut-offs listed below: 92-100% = A 90-91% = A- 88-89% = B+ 82-87% = B 80-81% = B- 78-79% = C+ 72-77% = C 70-71% = C- 68-69% = D+ 60-67% = D less than 60% = F I will carefully examine grade statistics after each exam to ensure my grading is fair and will make appropriate adjustments (to improve grades only) if necessary. However, because of the opportunity to earn extra credit, it is very unlikely that a curve will be used in the course. Note on Incomplete (I) Grades: Besides the penalty for failing to complete your research credits (see below), I only grant Incomplete grades to students who are unable to complete the work for the course during the semester because of a documented, University sanctioned reason. Students must contact the instructor to request an Incomplete and arrange a way to resolve an “I” grade. For further information on Incomplete grades, see the Undergraduate Catalog.- 3 - Exams There will be four non-cumulative, multiple-choice examinations, each worth 50 points. You will be required to recall and recognize terms, concepts, and ideas as well as apply concepts and theories. The exams will cover material introduced in lecture as well as information in the assigned readings. You must bring your UB Student Identification Card and a writing utensil (pencil or black/blue pen) to the exams. Make-up exams may be scheduled only in the event of a documented, University-sanctioned excuse (such as illness or mandatory religious obligations). If you know in advance that you will miss an exam (e.g., religious observance or conflict with University-sanctioned activities) written documentation should be provided to the instructor at least one week prior to the exam. If you miss an exam due to an emergency, you must contact the instructor as soon as possible and make