Introduction to Psychology Syllabus (Fall, 2011). Course: ... PSY103 must be
completed in addition to PSY101 to satisfy four credits of the Knowledge of the.
Introduction to Psychology Syllabus (Fall, 2011) Course:
Instructor:
Required Text:
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Psychology 101 (Introductory Psychology) James T. Todd, Ph.D. Lilienfeld, S. et al. (2010). Psychology: Framework for Everyday Thinking 11:00 am - 12:15 pm MW 169 McKenny Hall December 14, 11:00 am 734-487-0376
[email protected] people.emich.edu/jtodd (contains readings and links to readings) reserves.emich.edu (additional readings may be posted here) MW 1-3 pm
Course Objectives This course is an introduction to the principles, theories and methods evolving from the scientific analysis of behavior. For successful completion of the course, the student will demonstrate (by successful performance on examinations) a grasp of the basic concepts covered in the lectures, text, readings, and discussion. This course takes a scientific perspective on behavior, and will include discussion of critical thinking skills and a skeptical attitude toward claims. General Education PSY103 must be completed in addition to PSY101 to satisfy four credits of the Knowledge of the Disciplines - Natural Science portion of the General Education program. Laboratory demonstrations and experiments illustrating concepts presented in PSY101 lectures. PSY101 must be completed in addition to PSY103 to satisfy four credit hours of the Knowledge of the Disciplines - Natural Science portion of the General Education program. Assignments Aside from the weekly reading, there will be no regularly scheduled written assignments. The instructor may, however, occasionally provide study guides and other items. The reading assignment should be completed prior to the class session. Examinations The course will have four examinations plus one final examination. Course examination questions will typically be multiple choice, true or false, fill in the blank, or essay. Other question formats may be used if appropriate. The examinations will cover material from the lectures and the book. Unless otherwise specified, the examinations will be given in class. On occasion, the instructor may elect to give the examination online via the instructor’s website. If this is done, the examination will usually be available online for a specified period on the day scheduled for the examination. Special passwords and other identifying information may be
required for students to access the examinations. Online dishonesty will be monitored via software mechanisms. Readings From time to time, the instructor will assign additional readings. These will be provided in class or can be obtained by the student via download from the instructor’s website, library sources, or electronic course reserves. Unless otherwise specified, the contents of these readings will be subject to examination. Students are encouraged to read beyond the items assigned. Make-ups Make-up examinations will be arranged only for those students who provide valid reasons for missing a scheduled examination. If you know beforehand you will miss a scheduled examination, inform the instructor as soon as possible. Documentation verifying a valid reason for the absence from the test may be required in cases a make-up test is arranged. Attendance With certain exceptions specified by University or Federal regulation, lecture attendance will not ordinarily be checked. However, since the examinations will cover lecture material and important announcements may be made at any time regarding issues such as reading assignment changes, class cancellations, and examination coverage, attendance at every class meeting is encouraged. Grading The grading scale for examinations will be as follows: A=100-90.0%, B=89.9-80.0%, C=79.9-70.0%, D=69.9-60.0%, E=59.9-0.0%. The top third of the range is the "plus" grade, and the bottom third is the "minus" grade. (There is no "A-plus grade.") The final exam is worth two regular examination grades. Any student who averages 90% or higher on the first four examinations will be excused from the final examination. The lowest of the four regular examination scores (not including the Final grade) will be dropped from the average. General Education This course, along with the laboratory section, fulfills the four of the required seven hours of science credits required for the “Content of the Discipline” category of the new General Education requirements. Cheating University and departmental policies with respect to academic dishonesty and cheating will be followed and enforced. You will not be permitted to use notes, books, tape players, radios, calculators, or similar items during testing periods.
Student Requests Requests for make-up tests, grade changes, extensions, etc. should be made in writing directly to the instructor and include supporting documentation. Accommodations Students who have recognized disabilities or other circumstances that require accommodations should inform the Office of Access in a timely manner as specified in applicable University regulations and guideline. Reasonable accommodations will be made in accordance with applicable laws and policies Syllabus Changes Unforeseen circumstances may result in changes in any aspect of this course. The instructor may make changes in the syllabus, schedule, requirements, and other aspects of the course. If possible, these changes will be announced in class or disseminated in another manner. Class Cancellations Class meetings may be canceled by university authorities or by the instructor. Cancellations will be announced in as timely a manner as possible. You will be responsible for reading material assigned for the day of the canceled class. Other policies Please refer to official university publications, especially the Fall Class Schedule, for questions regarding enrollment, registration, schedules, adds, drops, grading options, and other policies.
Course Schedule Week 1 (August 31): Introduction to the course. Introduction to psychology. Some elements of the history of psychology. Reading: Chapter 1, pp. 4-39 Core issue: "What is it you saw that made you say that?" Week 2 (September 7): Research in Psychology Readings:
Chapter 2, pp. 42-77.
Single-subject designs (website) Core Issues: Group vs. Single-Subject Research; Descriptive vs. Inferential Statistics Week 3 (September 12 & 14): Biology of Behavior
Reading:
Chapter 3, pp. 80-111. Core issues:
Do brains matter? Can behavior be inherited? Week 4 (Sept. 19): Test 1
(Sept. 21): Basic Principles of Learning Readings:
Chapter 5, pp. 152-185; “How to Teach Animals” (Skinner, 1951)
“The Creative Porpoise” (Pryor et al. 1966)
Core issue:
Are theories of learning necessary? The revolution in animal training. Week 5 (September 26): Basic Principles of Learning (continued)
(September 28): Memory
Reading:
Chapter 6, pp. 188-223. Core issue:
What do you have when you have a memory? Week 6 (October 4): Memory, continued; Consciousness and Sleep Week 6 (October 6): Consciousness and Sleep (Continued)
Reading:
Chapter 10, pp. 365-371; Chapter 4, 139-145 Core issue:
Does consciousness exist? Week 7 (October 10): Test 2
(October 10): Language
Reading:
Chapter 7, pp. 226-234 Core issue:
Language vs. Verbal Behavior.
Week 8 (October 17 & 19): Language (continued); Intelligence and Thinking
Reading:
Chapter 7, 234-257
Gould: “Carrie Buck’s Daughter” (Online) Core issue: How the concept of intelligence can make racism and sexism acceptable. Week 9 (October 24 & 26): Life-Span Development
Reading:
Chapter 8, pp.264-295 Week 10 (October 31 & November 2): Motivation and Emotion Reading:
Chapter 9, 303-333
Week 11 (November 7): Test 3
(November 9): Personality Reading:
Chapter 15, pp. 378-411 Core Issue:
Do you “have” a personality? Week 12 (November 14 & 16): Personality (continued); Social Psychology Reading: Chapter 12, pp. 418-447
Core Issue: Traits vs. Situations
Week 13: (November 21): Nature and Causes of Mental Disorders Reading:
Core Issue:
Chapter 13, pp. 454-483 Is psychopathology real? If so, which ones? The self-diagnosis trend.
Week 14: (November 28 & 30): Mental Disorders (continued); Treatment of Mental Disorders. Reading:
Core Issue:
Chapter 14, pp. 491-517 Should there be treatment?
Week 15: (December 5 & 7) Treatment of Mental Disorders Core Issue: Bogus treatments and more bogus treatments. Final Review: Monday, December 12 Final Examination: Wednesday, December 14
