SYLLABUSPSY 1404.08 Introduction to PsychologyLenawee CenterFall, 1999Dr. WalravenWelcome to the fascinating study of scientific psychology! In this course you willlearn a great deal about human behavior from the viewpoint of scientific inquiry.During class meetings, we will review the key elements of the reading assignments, discuss and clarify issues and the implications of various facts andfindings, conduct our own scientific research, and plan definitive studies which would answer critical questions in our growing understanding of human behavior. Goals: As a result of taking this course, you should be able to:1. Define psychology and explain how the focus of psychology is different from that of other social and biological sciences.2. Describe the major features of the scientific method and explain the steps and key considerations in research.3. Define basic psychological terminology and explain important features of major psychological concepts and theories.4. Identify leading contributors to the field of psychology and describe their work.5. Explain how biological, psychological, and social factors can affect behavior.6. Identify and describe specific psychological principles in real life situations.7. Critically analyze information about human behavior and distinguish between conclusions supported by scientific evidence and conclusions based on nonscientific ways of knowing.8. recognize real-life situations that may require professional psychological helpand know how to use community resources to find help when needed.Reading and Planning Schedule: Our study will be aided by an excellent textbook: Psychology (5th edition), by Carole Wade and Carol Tavris. For each week, you are expected to read carefully and thoroughly the assignment listed. It is vital that you read the assignment prior to coming to class. Your success in the course depends on your ability to participate in class activities in which you will apply and extend the information you learn in the reading.Week Date Chapter(s)1 8/24 12 8/31 2 and appendix 3 9/9 34 9/16 45 9/23 5 and 66 9/30 77 10/7 88 10/149Week Date Chapter(s)9 10/211010 10/281111 11/4 1212 11/111313 11/181414 11/301515 12/6 1616 12/1317Tests: Of course, there will be tests. In order to provide frequent opportunities for feedback (so you don’t have to wonder how well you’re doing), we’ll have a test each week, typically (but not always) at the end of our class time. When the tests are objective, you’ll know the answers when you leave class. When thetests involve writing or other forms of responding, you should expect feedback on your performance by the following week. Each test is worth about 20 points.Reaction Papers: In addition to the tests, you are expected to submit a reaction paper at the beginning of class each Thursday. After you have read andstudied the materials, please write a brief (one page or so, handwritten) reaction to any one aspect or research finding in that unit. In your reaction paper, please do NOT summarize the information in the lesson, but instead describe your feelings about the issue and tell what you think about it, includingimplications in your own experience, and any further research you believe would answer the next set of questions. Each reaction paper is worth up to ten points toward your course grade.Attendance: You are expected to attend all scheduled class meetings, and your participation in class activities is evaluated as part of your grade. However,all of us have lives outside of college, and occasionally work, illness, accidents, or other low-probability events prevent attendance. If for any reason you must miss class, please call and leave word for the instructor. Particularly if you are absent for reasons beyond your control, make-up tests can be arranged.JCC Academic Honesty Policy: Academic honesty is expected of all students.It is the ethical behavior that includes producing their own work and not representing others’ work as their own, either by plagiarism, by cheating, or by helping others to do so. (Please see the complete and detailed text of this policyin the student handbook.)About the Instructor: I have been working and teaching and learning psychology almost my entire life, which has been much longer than it has seemed. Although I began college as an engineering major and still love all the sciences, all my academic degrees are in psychology: my BA is from the University of Maryland, my MA from Western Michigan University, and my Ph.D. from Michigan State University. My specialty teaching areas include developmental psychology (life cycle), psychophysiology, behavior analysis, counseling, and human sexuality. I approach psychology from a natural science perspective. Although I am comfortable with almost all theoretical orientations, Iconsider myself a behaviorist. Most of all, I enjoy helping others learn about psychology. I’m looking forward to working and learning with you.Contacting the Instructor: At any time that you have questions or concerns, or want to discuss in more detail some aspect of the course, please feel free to call me. My office phone is (517) 796-8527. If I am not in the office when you call, my voice mail will take your message, and I will call you back. If you getthe voice mail, please be sure to tell me when it will be convenient for me to call you back, and your phone number. The voice mail automatically notes the date and time of your call. You may also reach me by email, at