I. Goals and Objectives
 

A. Course goals. The goals of this course are twofold. First, this course presents the non-major with an overview of current areas of interest within the field of psychology. Second, this course is designed to present opportunities to learn various skills germane to science.
 

B. Course objectives. Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:
 

1. identify major theories and concepts in psychology

2. recognize the relevance of psychological concepts for their daily lives

3. evaluate the usefulness of different psychological concepts and theories

4. recognize the diversity of opinion and approach characteristic of the field of psychology

5. tolerate, as well as appreciate, a multi-level explanation of human behavior

6. recognize and implement elementary research techniques

7. use simple library research skills

8. express opinions and factual information in both oral and written form
 

II. Syllabus
 

A. Format. The course is conducted in a lecture-learning activity format. The lecture portion of the class will be used to introduce students to the content areas found in psychology (e.g., biopsychology, development, cognition, etc.). Approximately ten topic areas will be addressed, including an overview of research methods, theoretical perspectives, and philosophical issues found in the study of human behavior. Students will be provided with several learning activities that require a written response.
 

B. Text Kalat, J.W. (1996). Introduction to Psychology, 5th. edition, Pacific Grove, California: Brooks/Cole Publishing Company.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

III. Student participation and evaluation
 

A. Participation. Students are exposed to two styles of learning in this course: formal lectures and activities designed to engage the students in active participation in the learning process. There will also be ample time for class discussion.
 

B. Evaluation-exams. Three (80 points each/240 points total) non-cumulative multiple-choice examinations are scheduled during the semester. Questions are based on materials covered in lectures and all readings from the textbook scheduled during the testing period. You will be unable to pass the course without taking all exams!
 

C. Evaluation-learning activities. A learning activity (50 points) will be assigned during the semester. Completion of this learning activity is required in order to pass the course. You will also have two (2) assignments that ask you to read opposing views on a psychological issue and answer certain questions and draw your own conclusions. These assignments have multiple objectives including: the development of thinking skills, expressing thoughts in a written format, and drawing conclusions that are logical and supported by evidence/analysis. Complete instructions and materials for these assignments will presented to you in class.
 

D. Evaluation-pre-testing. Four pre-tests will be scheduled throughout the semester and will be administered at the appropriate time. These tests will be made up of 10 questions. A passing grade of 70% will enable students to add 5 bonus points to their next exam score.
 

E. Attendance. We feel that attending lectures is an important part of your learning experience, therefore, attendance is required.
 

F. Grades. Course grades will be assigned as follows.
 

A = (85% +)

B = (75% +)

C = (65% +)

D = (55% +)

F = (<54%)
 

G. Extra credit. There are two types of extra credit activities. As mentioned above, you may participate in the four pre-tests. You can earn a total of 20 extra credit points by passing all four pre-tests. Extra credit can also be earned through research participation. During the semester you may earn points as a result of your participation in ongoing research conducted at the university. Sign-up sheets will be made available during class time and will also be posted on the "Research Participation" bulletin board outside of S313-F on the 3rd floor of the science building. You will earn two exam points for each half hour of participation.
 
 
 

H. Grade distribution:
 

POINTS

Exams (80 points each) 240

Learning Activities (50 points) 50

Psychological controversy papers

(50 points each) 100

Class participation 10

TOTAL 400
 

LECTURE SCHEDULE
 
 
 

DATE LECTURE TOPIC CHAPTER*
 

1/12 Introduction: Theories & Models Chpt. 1

1/14 Scientific Methods 2

1/19 Scientific Methods

1/21 Scientific Methods

1/26 Biological psychology: The Brain 3

PRETEST ON CHAPTER 3

1/28 Biological Psychology: The Neuron

2/2 Biological Psychology: Psychopharmacology

2/4 Sensation & Perception (LEARNING ACTIVITY DUE) 4

2/9 Sensation & Perception

2/11 Sleep & Dreams/ PRE-TEST ON CHAPTER 5 5 2/16 Sleep & Dreams

2/18 EXAM 1

2/23 Learning: Behaviorism/ PRE-TEST ON CHAPTER 6 6

2/25 Learning: Classical Conditioning

3/2 Learning: Operant Conditioning

3/4 Learning: Operant Conditioning

3/9 Memory 7

3/11 Memory Disorders

3/16 Cognition (CONTROVERSY 1 DUE) 8

3/18 Language
 

3/23 SPRING BREAK

3/25 SPRING BREAK
 

3/30 Intelligence: Theory/ PRE-TEST CHAPTER 9 9

4/1 Intelligence Testing

4/6 SECOND EXAM
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

4/8 Development: Physical 10

4/13 Development: Psychological (CONTROVERSY 2 DUE) 4/15 Abnormal Behavior: Theory & Classification 15

4/20 Abnormal Behavior: Schizophrenia & Treatment

4/22 Abnormal Behavior: Depression & Treatment

4/27 Psychotherapy: Types & Effectiveness

4/29 EXAM THREE