Course Syllabus

Midland College
PSYC 2301: INTRODUCTION OF PSYCHOLOGY 

Participation Requirement: Active participation is required from all students enrolled in the course. For Online courses, students MUST actively participate by completing an academic assignment by the official census date. Students who do not do so, will be dropped from the course.
Course Description: General Psychology is a survey of the major psychological topics, theories and approaches to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. 
Text: No textbook needed for this course.  Book chapters, power-points, supplemental reading and other essential information will be accessible for you via Canvas. 
Student Learning Outcomes:
Learning Outcomes – Upon successful completion of this course, students will: 
1. Identify various research methods and their characteristics used in the scientific study of psychology. 
2. Describe the historical influences and early schools of thought that shaped the field of psychology. 
3. Describe some of the prominent perspectives and approaches used in the study of psychology.
 4. Use terminology unique to the study of psychology.
5. Describe accepted approaches and standards in psychological assessment and evaluation.
6. Identify factors in physiological and psychological processes involved in human behavior. 

Core Curriculum Objectives: 

    Critical thinking skills – Sociological concepts and theories are presented, compared,     analyzed, and evaluated.  This is accomplished through the formal or informal evaluation of class discussions, student projects, written assignments and exams.

    Communication skills – Students in all sections are required to successfully participate     in one or more of the following at the discretion of the instructor:

•    Written  papers
•    Essay questions on exams
•    Group projects
•    Class presentations
•    Class discussions
•    Video presentations
•    Interpretation of graphs, tables, models, and diagrams.  

    Students are evaluated on their performance on these activities.

    Empirical & Quantitative skills – Research design and data analysis is the topic of an     entire chapter of the textbook. This topic is discussed in class and appears on tests for the     course. In addition, research on sociological topics is presented throughout the course.

    Social Responsibility – This course includes social psychological concepts such as conformity, altruism, obedience, bystander effect, and social roles.  Intercultural differences in human behaviors are also presented.  These concepts are included in assignments and student knowledge of them is evaluated in exams. Students will observe,     research, or participate in a voluntary organization to gain a better understanding of social responsibility.

Student Responsibilities and Class Policies:

•    Students are expected to attend class regularly and read the material in the textbook.
•    Students will take tests (covering text material and lecture notes) and turn in assignments on time.
•    Students should reduce distractions in the classroom by refraining from private discussions with other students and by turning off cell phones, iPods, and beepers during class.  No texting.
•    A schedule of classroom activities will be given to each student at the beginning of the semester.  
•    Cheating policy:   Students are expected to complete their own work and academic dishonesty will not be tolerated.  (See MC Catalog & Handbook for college policy.)  The minimum penalty for academic dishonesty will be failure on that assignment.  Information should be put in your own words and references should be cited.  Quoted material must include quotation marks and cited sources. 
•    Instructors cannot drop students with a “W”.  This must be accomplished officially by the student in the registrar’s office.

Evaluation of Students: 

    Final grades will be determined according to the following criteria:

•    Tests will consist of questions based on assigned reading material and lectures. A variety of testing methods may be used including essay exams, multiple choice, and short answer
questions. Some evaluation must be completed through writing. It is the student’s responsibility to know their individual instructor’s grading policy.

•    The grading system used in class will be discussed during the first week of the class. Grades are determined by the method determined by the instructor.

• Makeup exam policy is at the discretion of the instructor, except when the student is absent on official College business or activity. The testing center may be used for make-up exams.

Grading:  The grade in this course will be based on the following:
•   Attendance/Participation                                                             A 90-100
•   Assignments (HW, Essays, Chapter Modules)                           B 80-89
•  Discussions & Chapter quizzes                                                   C 70-79
•   Exams/Final Exam                                                                      D 60-69
                                                                                                        F Below 60

Course Schedule:  Topics for the course that will be discussed/studied include:

Module 1:  Foundations of Psychology and Science of Psychology 
Module 2: Biopsychology and Human Development 
Module 3: Approaches to Learning, Memory, and Motivation
Module 4: Intelligence, Personality
Module 5:  Social Psychology  
Module 6:  Stress, Lifestyle, and Health
Module 7: Psychological Disorders and Therapy
Module 8:  Final 

Assignments, quizzes, and other requirements for each module will be announced in class and/or posted via Canvas.

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT: Midland College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs and activities. For information and inquiries regarding Midland College’s non-discrimination policies, go to: https://www.midland.edu/about/tix/index.php
For further information on notice of non-discrimination, visit the ED.gov Office of Civil Rights website, or call 1 (800) 421-3481.
DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES: Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements to meet course requirements should contact disabilities support services as soon as possible at:  https://www.midland.edu/services-resources/accommodation-services.php

Conditions may include documented physical or educational disabilities. Please be aware that services or accommodations are not automatic. Each student must request them and secure the proper authorizations/documentation. Accessibility Links can be found on the Pages tab in Canvas. 

DIVISION OFFICE: Social & Behavioral Sciences; MHAB 176; 685-6829

Division Dean: Michael Makowsky         Office: MHAB 153         Phone: 432-685-6828
Department Chair: Sonya Laster         Office: MHAB 165         Phone: 432-685-6885
Division Secretary: Angelina Dolaptchieva     Office: MHAB 174         Phone: 432-685-6830