Room 105A & 105B

W 4:00 – 6:30 p.m.

y y y y

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the diverse field of psychology that emphasizes: (1) the scientific foundation of psychology (e.g., biological, methodological, and critical thinking roots); (2) the basic principles of behavior and the factors that influence its expression; and (3) the application of psychological principles to everyday problems.

Course Material

Course Objectives

1. To develop a better understanding of the field of psychology.
2. To better understand our own lives and goals through the application of psychological principles (e.g., understanding the connection between cognition and physiological functioning).
3. To understand the common terminology used by psychologists.
4. To convey thoughts and ideas about psychological principles through writing.

Course grades will be assigned by the number of possible points (not by percentage) accumulated in the class.

A = 468 – 520 D = 312 – 363

B = 416 – 467 F = < 312

C = 364 – 415

Because your grade is based on the work you do and not on the performance of your classmates, there is no reason that everyone cannot earn an "A" in this course. In addition, because your grade will reflect your mastery of the material rather than your relative position in the class, curving of test grades (and final grades) will not be a regular occurrence. However, because I recognize that a poorly worded test question may pop up here or there, I reserve the right to shift the class’ grades on individual exams upward to a reasonable level.

Course Requirements [top]

Extra Credit

The two primary forms of extra credit include but are not limited to: (1) bonus questions on exams and (2) the optional cumulative final.

Course Outline [top]

Below are listed chapters/readings, exam dates, and due date for the experimental paper. I reserve the freedom to keep this schedule flexible, and to assign daily homework if deemed necessary. Reading assignments are to be completed by the due date. Students who do well tend to keep up in the reading. Discussion of reading material is highly encouraged. Feel free to work ahead.

Instructor Policies [top]

1. Take-home assignments are to be typed, word-processed, or printed VERY NEATLY double-spaced, with 1" for all margins, and in 12 point font. Proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling are expected on all assignments; i.e., points will be deducted if not followed.
2. Please take advantage of appointments. They are set aside so that you can clarify any questions or concerns you have about the class or assist you if you are having difficulty with the class or a particular assignment. My goal in this course is for you to excel and learn something useful, but I cannot do this without some effort on your part.
3. I will not drop students from the class. It is the student’s responsibility to drop from the course if s/he chooses. Simply not attending class or not taking tests is not sufficient. Any student on the roster at the end of the semester will receive a grade regardless of attendance or test performance.
4. The class schedule listed here is tentative, and while I do not plan too many changes, I reserve the right to adjust it as necessary. Any changes in quiz dates and/or material covered on a particular quiz will be announced at least one week in advance. Thus, if you miss a lecture, you should contact someone in the class to find out if I have made any announcements.
5. Attendance Policy: Attendance allows you the opportunity to maximize your learning potential, and is therefore expected. Class attendance is a serious and vital responsibility for all students. Missing class puts you at a significant disadvantage. Obtaining lecture notes for missed classes is your responsibility. If you know in advance that you will be missing class on major due dates or for long periods of time, please notify me immediately and make sure that any missed work is made up in advance. Attendance does NOT mean that you show up to class and read a newspaper. Individuals, who exhibit behavior that the instructor considers disrespectful or a hindrance to the learning process, will be asked to leave the classroom.
6. Late Policy: Missed assignments are the responsibility of the individual student. Written work is due at the beginning of class; points are deducted for late papers. Take home message: turn things in on time. Turning things in late hurts, but it is better than not at all.
7. Academic Misconduct: Any one caught cheating will automatically receive a zero on the assignment and fall under the jurisdiction of KSU’s Statement on Academic Integrity (http://www.ksu.edu/honor). Simply don’t do it.

Accommodation for Disability

If you have a condition (e.g., physical or learning disability) that will require special academic accommodations, please see me within the first two weeks of classes.

Copyright Ó 2000 Patricia Marsh as to this syllabus and all lectures. Students are prohibited from selling (or being paid for taking) notes during this course to or by any person or commercial firm without the express written permission of the instructor teaching this course.