General Psychology

Course Details

Course Number: 1103  Section Number: 205

Spring 2013

Location: Prothro-Yeager Hall

Classroom Number: 102

Course Attachments

Syllabus Spring 2013  SyllabusSpring2013-20130110-001119.pdf

Textbooks

The Science of Psychology: An Appreciative View (2
King, L.A. (2011)
MSU Faculty Member
Dana Hodges, M.A.   
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Course Objectives
  1. To introduce the interesting and exciting field of psychology by providing a general overview of the subject matter
  2. To emphasize the importance and validity of psychology as a scientific study of human behavior and functioning
  3. To learn to think critically about psychological topics and issues through:
    • Discussions
    • Tests
    • Minute Papers
    • Handouts

Course Expectations

Grades will be based on 5 exam grades worth 100 points each. Exams will be multiple-choice and taken on Scantrons. Exams will cover information from all chapters included in that section. Test questions will be drawn from material in the textbook and lectures. Since not all the information can be found in the textbook, it is important that students attend class regularly. The final exam (exam #5) will be given on the last day of class and is not comprehensive.

 

There is a total of 500 possible points available, so the grade ranges are as follows:    

A: 450-500                  90-100%

                                                B: 400-449                  80-89%

                                                C: 350-399                  70-79%

                                                D: 300-349                  60-69%

                                                F: 299 or lower            <60%

 

There will be brief handouts and “minute papers” in class. Minute papers are 100-200 word essays that demonstrate personal opinions and understanding of the material presented in lecture. These activities are designed to stimulate critical thinking about psychological topics. They do not contribute to your grade, but participation in encouraged.

Research Requirement:

Given the importance of research and research ethics in the field of psychology, all students are required to participate in 90 minutes of the following research related exercises.  No credit will be given for participation, but students’ failure to do so will result in a letter grade reduction for the course.


 1) Participate in the General Psychology Screening.  Participants will provide anonymous responses to several psychological questionnaires soliciting general demographic information (e.g., age, gender, ethnicity, class rank) as well as information regarding attitudes, behaviors, and emotional experience.  It is anticipated that participation in one screening will require less than one hour.

or

2) Complete a research ethics essay.  Participating students will read academic writings addressing    research ethics.  Following their reading, students will complete a three-page typed review of the information contained in the readings.  Essays will be submitted electronically to the email address provided above.  Completion of this activity should require approximately 90 minutes.

or

3) Other research options may become available during the semester. Additional instructions about this component of the course will be provided as it becomes available.


You can do the above by going to http://libarts.mwsu.edu/psychology/index.asp


Final Exam5/7/2013  8:00

Submission Format PolicyNote: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

Students are allowed 3 unexcused absences. After 3 unexcused absences, each subsequent absence will result in a 30-point (approximately 1/2 letter-grade) deduction. Tardies are equivalent to one-half absence. Leaving class before dismissal is equivalent to one-half absence. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the professor if s/he enters the classroom after attendance has been taken, otherwise the student will be counted absent for that day. Do not enter the classroom late or leave class prior to dismissal unless it is an emergency! This disrupts the learning environment. The student is responsible for keeping track of his/her own absences. Students will not receive any warning from the instructor if he/she exceeds the number of allowed absences.

Absences are considered excused only if the student provides the instructor with:

  1. A written excuse from a medical practitioner stating that the student (or student’s dependent child) was unable to attend class on the day(s) of the absence
  2. A written excuse from an official of Midwestern State University stating that the student was unable to attend class on the day(s) of the absence due to a mandatory university event
  3. Emergency absences may or may not be considered excused upon the discretion of the instructor. The student must contact the instructor as soon as possible in the event of an emergency absence. It is recommended that you also contact the Dean of Students.

Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.