Course Syllabus

Community College of Philadelphia
PSYCHOLOGY 101: Introduction to Psychology

Syllabus

Distance Education – Online Course

Instructor: Abbey Wexler, M.A. English/M.A Counseling Psychology
e-mail: awexler@ccp.edu

Text: Discovering Psychology Sixth Edition By, Hockenbury and Hockenbury.

Course Description:
In this course students survey the research and theories of the science of human behavior with a particular focus on human mental processes. Among the topics discussed are development, learning, memory, perception, personality, motivation, social behavior, abnormal behavior and therapy. Also included is an introduction to the various careers associated with psychology. Key to the study of psychology is the scientific method and how it is applied to the analysis and measurement of individuals and groups.

 

Course Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:
•Demonstrate a basic understanding of psychology's major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings and historical trends.
•Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the principles of research design and an ability to apply them.
•Demonstrate the ability to think critically about statements concerning mental processes and behavior.
•Demonstrate an understanding of the ways psychology is applied in the realms of work, personal life, education and other real-world situations.
•Demonstrate understanding of the career choices open to psychology students.

Assignments and Grading:
• Online Gradable Discussions:
Students will be expected to participate in graded online discussions. You will find the topics under each module. Each gradable discussion is worth 1 point. Some topics are based on readings from textbook, some topics are based on articles and some topics are based on videos you will watch. I look forward to discussing these!

• Written assignments:
Written assignments are explained in the modules. If there is no "assignment" link in a module, it means that module does not have an assignment for that week.

• Exams:
Some modules have quizzes. The last module (16) has a 20 question "final exam" in the form of a quiz. Some quizzes are worth 10 points, some are worth 5 points and the final exam is worth 20 points.

Grading Outline
Grading is done on a point system. Quizzes, assignments and gradable discussions are worth points that add up to 100 total points for the semester. When you click on a quiz, assignment or gradable discussion, it will tell you how many points it is worth.

Grading System:
A = 90-100 points
B = 80-89 points
C = 70-79 points
D = 60-69 points
F – 59 points or below

“Netiquette”:
As an online class, students and instructor are expected to use “netiquette” within the online components of the course. Netiquette is a term used to describe professional etiquette through online communication. All postings on class discussion boards should adhere to common courtesy so that we can maintain a supportive and communal learning environment for our class.

Academic Dishonesty: Any student who submits another person’s work as their own is guilty of plagiarism. Cutting and pasting of text from web pages or other documents into your writing assignments and submitting it as your own is one example of plagiarism. Not giving credit (citations, bibliography) for another person’s ideas in a paper you write, in-class cheating or cheating outside the classroom is also classified as academic dishonesty. Students are expected to adhere to the college’s Code of Conduct, as outlined in the Student Handbook. Any work determined to be plagiarized or attained through cheating will receive an automatic “F” grade. Students found guilty of academic dishonesty may be subject to an “F” grade for the course.

Students are expected to be computer competent. Students must visit “CANVAS” frequently for course assignments, messages, and materials.

Student Accommodations and College Resources:
All students will receive the needed accommodations and assisted strategies to support their success in this course. Students should provide this information at the beginning of the semester, so the instructor can assist them in the most appropriate accommodation possible. The College offers tutorial support in the various Learning Labs. Information on locations and hours can be found on CCP’s website. This information is also available in the College Handbook. Our library often has course text(s) on hold for student use and many other resources available to you. The Center on Disability should be contacted if you require instructional or testing accommodations. It is located in the Bonnell Building, Room BG-39.

College Early Alert Starfish System:
The Early Alert System called Starfish provides faculty the opportunity to assist students by effectively communicating feedback about current academic performance and supplying recommendations beneficial to achieving academic success. At the 20% and 50% reporting periods during the semester, students may be assessed on the following items: attendance, punctuality, meeting assignment deadlines, classroom behavior, classroom participation, and other factors pivotal to student success. Should you receive an Early Alert letter, please follow up on the suggested intervention strategy as soon as possible.

Technical Help:
Students can receive assistance with the online aspects of this course in one of three ways: contacting the instructor, going to “Help” on Canvas (upper right hand of the screen), or calling the College IT helpline: (215) 496-6000.

Class Schedule

Week 1
School starts on January 19
Overview of course requirements.
Introduction to Psychology and Research Methods

Week 2
Week of January 24
Research Methods: Biology and Behavior

Week 3
Week of January 31
Biology and Behavior:
Sensory and Perception

Week 4
Week of February 7
Sensation and Perception

Week 5
Week of February 14
Consciousness and Learning

Week 6
Week of February 21
Learning and Memory

Week 7
Week of February 28
Memory

Week 8
Week of March 6
NO CLASS – SPRING BREAK
ENJOY! RELAX!

Week 9
Week of March 13
Personality

Week 10
Week of March 20
Personality and Psychological Disorders

Week 11
Week of March 27
Psychological Disorders 3rd Exam

Week 12
Week of April 3
Psychological Disorders

Week 13
Week of April 10
Psychological Disorders and Treatment

Week 14
Week of April 17
Psychology Career and Workplace

April 25 – Last day of Spring Semester
No class – Professional Development

Week of April 29 Final Exam Week