Total possible points for this class: 325PSY 201- General Psychology, B03 Social & Behavioral Sciences DepartmentSemester: Spring 2012Catalog Course Description: This course includes the following topics and concepts in the science of behavior: scientific method, biological bases for behavior, perception, motivation, learning, memory, development, personality, abnormal behavior, therapeutic techniques and social psychology.Prerequisite(s): RDG 100 or ESL 100/ENG 032Credit Hours: 3Departmental Website: http://www.midlandstech.edu/sbs/ Instructor: Andrew J. Gummow, M.AOffice: WM 410Telephone: 738-7141FAX: 822-3775 AC 738-7857 BCE-mail: [email protected] Mailbox: WM 445Personal Website: www.midlandstech.edu/sbs/gummowaDepartmental Assistant: Jayne Harris (822-3292)Department Chair: Shickre Sabbagha, Interim [email protected] Schedule: M/W 9:35 – 11am in WM 450Office Hours: Mon – Thurs 11:05am – 12:35pmFriday 9-11amIf you would like to meet with me at another time, we can make an appointment outside of my regular office hoursTextbook(s): Psychology: Themes and Variations by Wayne Weiten (Wadsworth 8th 2010) PsykTrek 3.0: A Multimedia Introduction to Psychology. W. Weiten Additional Textbooks/Readings: noneGeneral Education Core Competency Statement: This course is designed to meet the college’s general education core competency for Individual or Social Behavior, which states: “Graduates should understand factors which influence behavior. They should recognize the complex and dynamic nature of human actions and experiences.”This course also meets the college’s general education core competency for Scientific Reasoning: “Graduates should understand and be able to use scientific methodology and principles.” Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:1. a. Describe the characteristics and goals of the scientific method as applied toexplaining and predicting individual and social behavior.b. Discuss the procedures, advantages and limitations of descriptive, correlational and experimental research methodologies.c. Apply scientific theories and appropriate statistical knowledge tosummarize and draw conclusions from research data.2. Compare and contrast theoretical perspectives on, and their approaches to, thestudy of behavior and mental processes.3. Cite a number of specific examples illustrating the interaction of biological (neural,hormonal, and genetic) and environmental factors in determining human behavior.4. Explain the basic concepts of learning and memory, demonstrating their impactsupon human behavior and cognition.5. Identify the major changes associated with the physical, cognitive and psychosocial development of the individual.6. Discuss the differences between “normal” and “abnormal” behavior; describe themajor categories of psychological disorders, including their defining “symptoms”,and possible determinants and treatment interventions.7. Describe the key issues involved in test construction, administration and interpretationand identify the major types of psychological tests.8. Compare and contrast theories of personality development.Course Outcomes and Competencies:Intended Course Outcome #1: Students will demonstrate knowledge of factors that influence individual human behavior.Course Competency: Students will demonstrate understanding of theoretical approaches to the study of human behavior and development, normal and abnormal mental processes, and the interaction of biological and environmental factors on behavior.Performance Measurement Instrument: A standardized departmental final exam developed by the psychology faculty based on the course learning objectives will be administered. Intended Course Outcome #2: Students will understand the scientific method as applied to explaining individual human behavior.Course Competency: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method as applied to explaining individual behavior. Performance Measurement Instrument: Students will complete a set of embedded questions in the course standardized examination. Program and course assessment activities are deployed and results collected in accordance with the College’s assessment schedule. Please refer to the information in the syllabus regarding the applicability of the assessment activity for the current semester.Course Attendance: Students are expected to attend all classes and are responsible for all class work, lectures, and assignments whether they are present or not.All students are required to attend a minimum of 85% of their regularly scheduled classes. The maximum number of allowable absences for a class meeting two days per week over the fall and spring semesters is four (4). Absences are counted from the first day of class. All absences are counted. There is NO such thing as excused absence.Withdrawal: Should the maximum allowable absences be exceeded prior to midterm, a "W" will be submitted to the registrar to be recorded on the student's transcript. Should the maximum allowable absences be exceeded after midterm, a "W" will be submitted to the registrar if the student was passing the course at the time of withdrawal OR a "WF" will be submitted if the student was failing the course at the time of withdrawal.Course Requirements: Students will complete Guided Reading Questions (GRQs) before each class meeting (with the exception of test days). Each set of GRQs are worth 5 points. To earn the 5 points you must have the questions completed and take part in the small discussion groups at the beginning of class. Not completing the questions and/or not participating in discussion will result in a reduction in points. If you miss a class and do not receive GRQs it is your responsibility to go to my webpage and download the GRQs for the next day. No late work will be accepted. However, your 4 lowest GRQ scores will be dropped, so absences willnot affect your grade.Students will complete four 60-item multiple choice tests. There are no make-uptests. However, your lowest test score will be dropped, so missing one test will not affect your grade. If you know in advance that you will not be in class on test day, call or email me before the test if you would like to take the test at another time.Students will complete a 60-item multiple choice final exam. The final exam is mandatory. That score cannot be dropped.Course Grading: Final course