Psych 111 General Psychology Section 006 Thursday 4:30p 7:30p 253 MARB Instructor: Jeremy Roper 1268 SWKT j.roper@byu.edu (best way to contact) Office: 801 422 2406 Teaching Assistant: Brett Wilson mrbrettwilson@sbcglobal.net Office Hours: (1151 SWKT) Tuesday: 1:00p 2:30p, Wednesday: 12:00a 1:00p Others available by appointment. Required Textbook Schacter, D. L., Gilbert, D. T., Wegner, D. M. (2010). Introducing Psychology, 1 st Edition. New York: Worth. ISBN 13: 978 1429218214 Course Description Psychology is a rapidly changing discipline dealing with numerous issues. One goal of this course is to expose you to the many facets of psychological inquiry. In recent years, we have seen great strides forward in the development of technologies with which we are able to understand the relationship between brain and behavior. We will discuss this in relation to the different fields within psychology and the implications which it brings. This course is intended to introduce you to a wide range of topics in psychology. As such, we will not be able to discuss each topic in the depth it deserves. I highly encourage you to seek out additional information as your interests may dictate. The faculty in the Department of Psychology are excellent resources, and university students have access to a large database of information through the Harold B. Lee Library. Course Requirements: Attendance Attendance will not be taken, but each student is expected to be present during each class period. One of the best ways that many students can learn is through discussion of the topic at hand, and one of my goals is to facilitate as much discussion as possible. That learning will not happen if you are not in attendance, and you may miss out on important information and announcements. Questions on the material are also welcomed during class, and students often find that they learn from questions and comments from other students. Come to class. 1
Syllabus Assignment Please read the syllabus carefully and take note of specific class elements, grading policies, the reading schedule, assignment due dates and exam dates, and university policies. Fill out the quiz on the final page of the syllabus, including signing and dating a statement stating that you have read and understand the policies set forth in the syllabus for this class, and turn it in on September 7, for 6 points. Quizzes There will be 13 quizzes throughout the semester, one per class period. Quizzes will draw on both the reading and previous lectures. Quizzes may or may not be at the beginning of the class. Quizzes will be worth 5 points each; the lowest score for each student will be dropped, leaving 12 graded quizzes for a total of 60 points. Essays For each unit of the class, you will be required to write a short essay. (Each unit consists of the period after the last midterm, and before the next.) The goal of each essay assignment is for you to think beyond what we have discussed in class and formulate your own analysis of the ideas. At the end of each chapter are a few Critical Thinking Questions ; pick a question from any of the chapters in the unit. Give equal attention to the basic concepts for the topic and the scientific and social implications you see tied to the topic. This essay will be 2 3 pages (double spaced). Thus, you should keep your writing clear, concise and organized, and avoid simply writing everything that comes to mind. If you draw on any outside resources, you should properly cite them in the format dictated by the APA Publication Manual, 6 th Edition. (See http://flash1r.apa.org/apastyle/basics/index.htm and http://flash1r.apa.org/apastyle/whatsnew/index.htm for tutorials.) You may turn your essay in at any time during the unit. To ensure that they are received, turn them in through Blackboard (in the class Blackboard page, click Assignments on the left, then view/complete under the assignment listing). Each will be worth 10 points (for a total of 40); if they are not received by 12:00 AM (midnight) before the start of the midterm for that unit, no credit will be awarded. Exams There will be three midterm exams and one final exam. The final exam will not be comprehensive in the sense that questions will be asked about material from each other exam, but the principles learned in preparation for the three midterms may prove to be vital for success on the final exam. Each exam will consist of 30 multiple choice items (2 points each), and four short answer questions (5 points each), for a total of 80 points per exam. Each exam will be given in the Testing Center (Heber J. Grant Building). The final date of each exam will be a late day, with the Testing Center s late fee applied. Exams may only be made up given the student has a valid reason and the exception is approved by your instructor. It is your responsibility to know the date of your exam and the hours of the Testing Center; missing an exam because you forgot either is not an acceptable excuse for a make up. 2
Research Participation An important part of learning about psychological research is getting first hand experience by participating as a research subject. The Psychology Department uses the Sona system to coordinate student participation in research. Go to http://byu.sona systems.com/default.asp and create an account linked to this section (this is also linked to on the Psychology Department s website). You will be required to participate in at least two experiments oncampus, for up to two hours total, earning 2 points per 10 minutes of participation (24 points total). If, by no fault of your own, you are unable to complete this requirement, please contact your instructor by December 2 to work out alternatives. Extra Credit There are two ways to earn extra credit. You can earn up to 10 points of extra credit. The Psychology Department periodically brings in experts in various topics to speak on their research. For 5 points you may attend one of these forums and turn in a brief summary of the presentation, with your reactions. I will try to announce these forums in class, but the Psychology Department often posts flyers about them on the 10 th and 11 th floors of the SWKT. There are many movies which deal with psychological issues. Psych Central, the undergraduate psychology lab in 1150 SWKT, has a list of movies which would be appropriate, and has many of these movies available to check out to students. For 5 points you may view one of the movies on the list in Psych Central and turn in a description of how the movie deals with the specific issue, and what your reactions were to the way the movie approached the topic. Point Breakdown Syllabus Quiz = 6 points Research Participation = 24 points 4 Essays x 10 points = 40 points 12 Quizzes x 5 points = 60 points 4 Exams x 80 points = 320 points Total = 450 points Grading Scale A 93% B 80% D+ 67% A 90% C+ 77% D 63% B+ 87% C 73% D 60% B 83% C 70% E <60% Final percentages will not be rounded up (i.e., a 92. 9999999% is an A ) The course may be curved at the instructor s discretion, if the cumulative class average is too low. A Word on Final Grades Many of you may be accustomed to receiving A s, and expect to receive an A in this course as well. A grade of an A is considered to represent excellent/exceptional performance on tests, quizzes, and written assignments. This will be true of this course as well as many others you 3
take. A B is representative of good performance, and average performance will result in an average grade (C). Technology is great (cue Kip s song from Napoleon Dynamite). Computers are very useful for some in note taking, and are welcome when used for this purpose. Students should not spend their time in class surfing the internet, playing games, or sending email. If this becomes a problem, I reserve the right to prohibit computer use or modify individual grades as applicable. Cell phones do not have a place in the classroom, and repeated disruption is unacceptable. As with computers, you should not spend your time distracting yourself and others by playing games or texting on cell phones, or taking calls in class. Course Objectives As previously stated, one clear goal of this course is to introduce you to the diverse field of psychology. Others are as follows: Students should develop a comprehensive understanding of the basic theories, concepts, and methods of psychological inquiry. Students should be aware of the influence of psychological science in the world around them, and be able to express that in class assignments and exams. Students should gain an appreciation for and understanding of the similarities among each other, as well as the diversity that defines our psychological experience. Psychology Program Objectives The University and the Psychology Department have jointly created four core learning objectives for psychology majors at BYU. Not all students enrolled in this section will become psychology majors; nonetheless, these guidelines provide an important context for the process and content of learning in this course. More information on these guidelines can be found at https://learningoutcomes.byu.edu/wiki/index.php/psychology_bs (1) Be able to demonstrate that they understand and can apply basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation of results in light of previous findings. (2) Be able to use computers and other research related technology to competently collect, access, and manage information, communication, and other purposes. (3) Be able to express realistic ideas about how to implement their psychological understanding, skills, and values in occupational and family related pursuits in a variety of settings. (4) Be able to critically reflect on the content of psychology as well as on disciplinary values in light of their knowledge of and commitment to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and to sustain personal values that are true to the gospel while maintaining their serious study of psychology. Other Policies Flu Policy All large communities have reason to be concerned with highly contagious illnesses, and many of you are aware of the policy resulting from the H1N1 flu outbreak. More details, including what to do or not do regarding classes if you suspect you are contagious, can be found at 4
flu.byu.edu. Please read it! In order to contain any possible infection, the administration has advised course instructors to ask any student who is feeling sick with flu like symptoms (fever with either sore throat or cough) to remain home, away from class and away from all large gatherings. Sick students should remain at home until at least 24 hours after the fever has gone away. Students should also call their doctor or the student health center for advice as soon as possible. The administration has asked course instructors to provide adequate make up opportunities for all work missed during a flu like illness. Accordingly, I will allow all time as needed to miss class during an illness and to make up work at a reasonable time afterward, provided the student provides a doctor s note to document the illness. ALL students who feel sick with fever and sore throat or cough should call the doctor and visit if so advised. If advised to visit the doctor, please obtain a note whether or not you are diagnosed with the flu! When you are ill please call or email myself or my TA as soon as possible, and continue to communicate with us until you are well. You should also be in contact as much as possible with one or two class members, in order to keep up on what you miss. We will try to facilitate class communication from the beginning of the semester. For your protection, your instructors will follow the same rules! If your instructor is sick he or she will try to find a replacement to carry the class forward, else will notify students as soon as possible about a class cancellation. Late Assignments Students are aware well in advance of due dates for assignments. No late work will be accepted. Grade Appeal If you feel you have legitimately been graded unfairly, I will entertain written appeals. Appeals are accepted within the first 7 days after the assignment is handed back. You must submit your assignment and a well thought out, logical, and highly specific written explanation of where and why you feel you were graded unfairly. If your reason is justifiable, your grade may be altered. I will make the final judgment about alteration of grades. Plagiarism It is an act of plagiarism to "borrow" ideas or quotes from former students' old papers and from the papers of students presently taking the course with you. Plagiarism also includes quoting or paraphrasing passages from any of your references without giving proper credit to the real authors (i.e., an APA style citation), because doing so implies that this information came from you. Presenting the ideas of others as one's own is called plagiarism. Plagiarism, as defined by the BYU Honor Code, is a form of intellectual theft. It is an act of fraud; it is dishonest, deceitful, unethical, and can lead to serious and lasting negative consequences for your academic and professional career. For this reason, please follow the course guidelines for when and when not to read other students papers (including those from other sections) or have them read yours. In addition, please use only those sources that meet the course criteria for acceptable reference materials. 5
Academic Honesty While all students sign the honor code, there are still specific skills most students need to master over time in order to correctly cite sources, especially in this new age of the internet; as well as deal with the stress and strain of college life without resorting to cheating. Know that I will notice instances of cheating on exams or plagiarizing on papers. See http://www.byu.edu/honorcode for specific examples of intentional, inadvertent plagiarism, and fabrication, falsification. Sexual Discrimination Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination against any participant in an educational program or activity that receives federal funds. The act is intended to eliminate sex discrimination in education. Title IX covers discrimination in programs, admissions, activities, and student to student sexual harassment. BYU s policy against sexual harassment extends not only to employees of the university but to students as well. If you encounter unlawful sexual harassment or gender based discrimination, please talk to your instructor; contact the Equal Opportunity Office at 801 422 5895 or 801 422 5689 (24 hours); or contact the Honor Code Office at 801 422 2847. Students with Disabilities Brigham Young University is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere that reasonably accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have any disability that may impair your ability to complete this course successfully, please contact the University Accessibility Center located in 2170 WSC (801 422 2767). Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with the student and instructor by the SSD office. If you need assistance or if you feel you have been unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of disability, you may seek resolution through established grievance policy and procedures. You should contact the Equal Opportunity Office at 301 422 5895, D 282 ASB. Honor Code Standards In keeping with the principles of the BYU Honor Code, students are expected to be honest in all of their academic work. Academic honesty means, most fundamentally, that any work you present as your own must in fact be your own work and not that of another. Violations of this principle may result in a failing grade in the course and additional disciplinary action by the university. Students are also expected to adhere to the Dress and Grooming Standards. Adherence demonstrates respect for yourself and others and ensures an effective learning and working environment. It is the university s expectation, and my own expectation in class, that each student will abide by all Honor Code standards. Please call the Honor Code Office at 422 2847 if you have questions about those standards. Syllabus Changes I reserve the right to make changes to the syllabus if needed. Students will be notified of any changes, and depending on the matter, I may ask for student input. Changed or not, the syllabus remains an agreement between the student and the instructor, and students are expected to fulfill the requirements set forth in the syllabus. 6
Date Topic Reading 9 2 Syllabus and Introduction, Foundations of Psychology Chapter 1 9 9 Foundations of Psychology (cont.), Chapter 1 (cont.), Methods, Causality, and Ethics Chapter 2 9 16 Neuroscience and Behavior Chapter 3 9 23 Sensation and Perception Chapter 4 Midterm Exam 9 24 through 9 28 (Chapters 1 4) 9 30 Memory Chapter 5 10 7 Learning Chapter 6 10 14 Thought, Language, and Intelligence Chapter 7 Midterm Exam 10 15 through 10 19 (Chapters 5 7) Chapter 8 10 21 Consciousness Neuroscience and the Soul (Blackboard) 10 28 Emotion & Motivation Chapter 9 11 4 Development: Prenatal through Adulthood Chapter 10 11 11 Personality Chapter 11 11 18 Midterm Exam 11 12 through 11 15 (Chapters 8 11) Anxiety Disorders and Mood Disorders; Schizophrenia, Dissociative and Personality Chapter 12 Disorders 11 25 THANKSGIVING BREAK NO CLASS! 12 2 Treatments of Psychological Disorders Chapter 13 12 9 Stress and Health Chapter 14 Social Psychology Chapter 15 FINALS WEEK 12 13 through 12 17 Final Exam in Testing Center 7
Syllabus Quiz & Signature For your first assignment, you are to read the syllabus, fill out the brief quiz, and sign a statement saying that you have read and understand the content of the syllabus. Take special note of policies regarding the following: reading/class schedule, exam dates, essay requirements, research participation, in class quizzes, and grade appeal. When you have thoroughly read through the syllabus, complete the brief quiz below (opensyllabus), and read and sign the portion below. You must then detach this sheet and turn it in on Thursday, September 9, 2010. 1. T / F You won t miss anything if you skip class. 2. T / F Reading the text for class is optional. 3. T / F No late work is accepted. 4. T / F Email is the best way to contact your instructor. 5. T / F Forgetting about the exam is an acceptable excuse for a makeup exam. 6. T / F Office hours are a good time to ask questions about the class. 7. T / F Copying a classmate s assignment is considered plagiarism. 8. T / F Plagiarism is a good thing 9. T / F In class quizzes will only cover material from lectures 10. T / F Exams are given in the Testing Center and students are responsible for keeping track of exam dates and Testing Center hours. Signing this document indicates that you have read and understand the policies of this course, and your expectations and requirements as a member of this class. I have read this syllabus. By signing my name below, I indicate that I understand and agree to these expectations. Signature Date Print your name 8