University of Vermont Department of Psychology PSYC104 Learning Cognition Behavior CRN 90141 Fall 2007 Monday Wednesday 3 35 4 50 p m Billings Ira Allen LH CC Theater Instructor Office Contacts Hours Judith A Christensen Ph D Woodside Juvenile Rehabilitation Center 26 Woodside Drive East Colchester VT 05446 Work 655 4990 Home 985 2034 FAX 655 3095 E mail judith christensen ahs state vt us best choice judith christensen uvm edu By appointment Graduate Teaching Assistant Undergraduate Teaching Assistants Amanda Woods Dave Snow Molly Huyett TEXTBOOK Terry W S 2006 Learning and Memory Basic Principles Processes and Procedures 3rd Ed Boston Allyn Bacon COURSE DESCRIPTION AND EXPECTATIONS Psychology 104 covers an important foundational area of the science of Psychology including research from both Learning Theory often involving animal subjects and Cognitive Psychology usually involving human participants Students will learn practical information that should be useful personally and professionally by connecting systematic research in experimental psychology to real life questions and issues The hope is that students will discover the necessary connection between the conception and testing of scientific theories in experimental psychology and the practical applications of experimental findings to everyday life Through an integration of lectures discussions demonstrations and research the goal of this course is to provide students a thorough background in the basic principles of learning memory and behavior and how these processes interact in knowledge acquisition storage and retrieval and behavioral outcomes This course is aimed at sophomores interested in acquiring an overview of biobehavioral psychology in preparation for 200 level courses such as Learning PSYC205 Motivation PSYC206 and Thinking or Cognition PSYC207 PSYC104 is appropriate for students from a broad range of majors who have an understanding of basic psychological principles Even in large courses as a teaching team we hope to establish an interactive relationship between you and your enthusiasm for learning and our knowledge and interest in learning cognition and behavior We want to go beyond a superficial review of facts to a deeper appreciation of the many different perspectives and approaches to the study of learning and cognition In other words it s one thing to know what various theories or perspectives state but it s quite another to examine how and why they differ or agree By doing this throughout the course we are hoping that you will develop a much more comprehensive understanding of the interactive and often complex processes involved in learning cognition and behavior and how it all connects to everyday life GENERAL EXPECTATIONS Respect and consideration for others are the fundamental expectations of all students at all times Considering the large class environment you will optimize your learning opportunities by being fully prepared for class by completing the assigned reading and the weekly assignment by Monday s class Your teaching team will be inviting active engagement by all students during class time Students are expected to read all assigned material and complete required assignments on time Although attendance is not being taken you are expected to come to class and be an active participant Comments and questions should be respectful of all possible perspectives on the topic being discussed and should reflect openness to differences of opinions as opportunities for learning Cell phones and pagers must be silenced before class begins In general laptops will not be used in class without prior permission POLICY ON ATTENDANCE AND ASSIGNMENTS Your PSYC104 teaching team will work very hard to respond to individual concerns and questions in a large class setting Our plan is to provide you with an educational experience in which each student has an opportunity to enhance critical thinking and constructive communication very important given the subject of this course We also believe that students should demonstrate a work ethic that focuses on personal responsibility We start from a foundation of mutual respect and honesty and as we proceed through the course communication will be key to your success The following class policies are aimed to make life easier for all of us Attendance Although you are expected to attend class there will be no attendance sheet Class time will be used to cover material assigned in the text as well as to introduce information and ideas that augment your readings Any material assigned for reading or covered in class may be included in exams 2 non cumulative and 1 cumulative final PowerPoints from the classes will be posted prior to exams At the beginning of the semester if you know you need to miss a class because of an athletic competition s or a religious holiday you must submit your documentation in writing coach s verification letter religious holiday schedule with verification for the entire semester to us before the end of the second full week of classes Please note that athletic practices are not allowable reasons for missing class Assignments and Exams All assignments must be completed and handed in on time All exams must be taken when scheduled There are simply too many students in this class to offer alternatives No exams have been scheduled on religious holidays according to the UVM calendar and we cannot entertain scheduling an alternative exam UNLESS you are an ACCESS student in which case it is up to you to supply us with a confirmation letter of your ACCESS status and to schedule with ACCESS when they can proctor your exam You MUST let us know when your exam is scheduled so we can ensure that ACCESS has the exam ready for you The only valid reasons for turning in assignments late are 1 a verifiable medical situation 2 a death in your immediate family 3 athletic competitions not practice sessions with a letter from your coach or 4 documented religious holidays In all cases you must supply written documentation e g physician s note parent s note coach s letter religious holiday verification within 24 hours of the due date If you believe that you have a legitimate excuse other than these you may seek approval from your faculty advisor or the Dean s office and present written documentation of their recommendation to us Emails or notes from you or other students will not be accepted Furthermore assignments exams due at the same time in other classes will NOT be accepted