Intro syll

Introduction to Psychology

Psy1101

Fall 2015

Course syllabus

Instructor: Ernie Cote, M.A.                                   

Email: professorernie@gmail.com

Blog for Class notes: http://professorernie.blogspot.com/

Office Hours: tues/thurs 530-6pm

Office Phone: 718.260.5080

                          

Text: Franzoi, S. Psychology: A Journey of Discovery, Atomic Dog Publishing

            (any edition will do)

Course Description: This course is intended to cover the various topics that are subsumed under the general definition of psychology. Students will be provided with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of psychology, including, but not limited to the various methodologies used in psychology, history, and theoretical underpinnings of various psychological schools. Furthermore the lesser-known areas that are also included in psychology will be covered including development, socialization, motivation, emotion, perception, learning, thinking, intelligence, personality and social adjustment, physiological psychology, and current psycho-social problems.

Learning Objectives:

LEARNING OUTCOMES	ASSESSMENT METHODS
Demonstrate understanding of and respect for genetic (nature) and environmental (nurture) factors that co-construct human growth and development	Exam items, assignments, in-class Discussion.
Describe the methods psychologists use to study behavior and mental processes	Exam items, assignments, in-class Discussion.
Describe basic biological processes underlying human and animal behavior using proper terminology	Exam items, assignments, in-class Discussion.
Identify and describe basic psychological processes of human behavior such as perception, motivation, emotion, and learning	Exam items, assignments, in-class Discussion.
Apply an understanding of the basic psychological processes of human behavior to the complex psychological phenomena of cognition, intelligence, adjustment, disorders, and personality	Exam items, assignments, in-class Discussion.
Apply psychology to current events, professional situations, and personal experiences	Exam items, assignments, in-class Discussion.
Critically evaluate media reports, research findings, and theories related to psychology	Exam items, assignments, in-class Discussion.
Demonstrate an understanding of the major psychological approaches to the study of behavior and mental processes.	Exam items, assignments, in-class Discussion.

LEARNING OUTCOMES	ASSESSMENT
KNOWLEDGE:  Develop an introductory knowledge of psychology methodology and concepts	Exam items, assignments, in-class discussion, in-class activities, Discussion Board
SKILLS:  Develop and use the tools needed for communication, analysis and productive work	Exam items, assignments, in-class discussion, in-class activities, Discussion Board
INTEGRATION:  Work productively within and across disciplines	Exam items, assignments, in-class discussion, in-class activities, Discussion Board
VALUES, ETHICS, AND RELATIONSHIPS: Understand and apply values, ethics, and diverse perspectives in personal, civic, and cultural/global domains	Exam items, assignments, in-class discussion, in-class activities, Discussion Board

GENERAL EDUCATION LEARNING OUTCOMES AND ASSESSMENT:

Academic Integrity at City Tech

Students and all others who work with information, ideas, texts, images, music, inventions, and other intellectual property owe their audience and sources accuracy and honesty in using, crediting, and citing sources. As a community of intellectual and professional workers, the College recognizes its responsibility for providing instruction in information literacy and academic integrity, offering models of good practice, and responding vigilantly and appropriately to infractions of academic integrity. Accordingly, academic dishonesty is prohibited in The City University of New York and at New York City College of Technology and is punishable by penalties, including failing grades, suspension, and expulsion.

—   NYCCT statement on academic integrity

—    

What is academic dishonesty?

Academic dishonesty occurs when individuals plagiarize or cheat in the course of their academic work.

Plagiarism is the presenting of someone else’s ideas without proper credit or attribution. These ideas could come

from:

1. Information obtained from books, journals or other printed sources.

2. The work of other students or of faculty.

3. Information from the Internet.

4. Software programs or other electronic material.

5. Designs produced by other students or faculty.

Cheating is the unauthorized use or attempted use of material, information, notes, study aids, devices or

communication during an academic exercise. Examples of cheating include:

1. Copying from another student during an examination or allowing another to copy your work.

2. Unauthorized collaboration on a take-home assignment or examination.

3. Using notes during a closed-book examination.

4. Taking an examination for another student, or asking or allowing another student to take an examination for you.

5. Changing a graded exam and returning it for more credit.

6. Submitting substantial portions of the same paper to more than one course without consulting each instructor.

7. Preparing answers or writing notes in an exam manual before an examination.

8. Allowing others to research and write assigned papers or do assigned projects, including the use of commercial

term paper services.

9. Giving assistance to acts of academic misconduct/dishonesty.

10. Fabricating data.

11. Unauthorized use of electronic devices such as cell phones, text messaging devices, palm pilots, computers or

other technologies to retrieve or send information during an exam.

Course Requirements:

Exams: 90%

There will be 3 regular exams during the semester.  Regular exams consist of both multiple choice and essay questions.

Participation and quizzes: 10%

Various quizzes and overall class participation will account for 10% of this class.

Policies:

-There will be no make up for missed exams without proper documentation!!!  This means that if you have to miss an exam for ANY reason I will need proper documentation to give a make up exam (Dr’s note, photocopy of Obituary, sports schedule, etc.).  Also, there will be absolutely no papers accepted late for any reason.  The same thing goes for quizzes taken during class. 

-Attendance is expected from all students, and a total of 2 absences will be allotted during the semester.  Any absence after 2 will result in a drop in your grade.  Also, the registrar asks for attendance throughout the semester, so formal attendance will be taken every class, and if there are numerous absences, the registrar will take administrative action.  It will definitely benefit your grades, as well as your participation grade if you come to class regularly.

-if you are registered with the Office for Students with disabilities, please email me and set up whatever accommodations you need with me PRIOR to exams and assignments.

Schedule of Classes

Week 1                 What is Psychology?           

Week 2                        Research/ Psych experiments

Week 3                        Biopsychology

Week 4                        Biopsychology

                                   

  

Week 5                        Exam 1

                                    Sensation and Perception

           

Week 6                        Sensation & Perception

Week 7                        Human Development           

Week 8                        Motivation

 

Week 9                        Learning & Memory

                       

Week 10                        Intelligence

                                   

Week 11                        Exam 2

                                    Consciousness

Week 12                        Pathology/ Therapy

                                   

Week 13                        Theories of Personality

                                   

Week 14                        Social Psych

                                   

Week 15                        Final Prep