Cuyamaca College

Spring 2003

Introductory Psychology

Psychology 120; Section 1661

TTH 2:00-3:15 p.m.  Room D-111

 

Instructor:  Karen Mor

Office Hours:  By Appointment Only
Phone: (619) 660-4000 ext. 3036  Campus Mailbox: Mailroom
E-mail: kmor@ucsd.edu   

Course Description

This course is designed to introduce students to the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. In this course, students will be exposed to the facts and theories that seek to explain and understand human thought and behavior, including such topics as psychopathology, personality, learning, memory, psychophysiology and group behavior. Furthermore, this course will provide students with sufficient background to qualify for advancement to other psychology courses.

Required Text

 Lahey, B.B. (2001).  Psychology An Introduction, 7th edition, McGraw Hill Publishers

Course Format

This course will be lecture/discussion format. Occasional videotapes will be shown to compliment lecture material.

Course Requirements

Reading Assignments:

Approximately one chapter of the text will be covered in class each week. Specific assignments are detailed on the course schedule. To ensure a better understanding of class lectures, I recommend that you read these chapters before they are covered in class to acquaint yourself with key terms and concepts. Supplemental materials will be provided throughout the course.

Examination Format:

Five exams will be given as indicated on the course schedule. Test questions will be based on reading material, class lectures, films and any supplemental handouts used in class. Each exam will consist of 50 multiple-choice questions worth one point each, and 5 short-answer essay questions worth 5 points each. Your lowest exam grade will be dropped, therefore no make-up examinations will be given. No exceptions.

Extra Credit:

Extra credit points can be obtained for each testing period. An article from any current source corresponding to a lecture topic may be summarized in a 2-3 page typed written paper and turned in prior to each exam. Five possible points will be available for each testing period. No late assignments will be accepted for extra credit.

Additional extra credit points may be earned for participating in a pre-approved research study pertaining to the field of Psychology. Details will be discussed in class.

 

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Grading

Grades will be calculated based on the number of points you receive for each of the four exams and assessed according to the class curve. Each exam is worth a maximum of 75 points, therefore the total possible points for the course is 300.

Exams              4 x 75 = 300 points

A range             271 - 300 points  

B range             241 - 270 points  

C range             211 - 240 points  

D range             180 - 210 points 

Class Preparation and Attendance

Students are expected to be on time, and stay for the entire class period. Roll will be taken. Since lecture material may differ from the text material, it is strongly recommended that students attend all lectures to obtain information that will be covered in the exams. Excellent or poor attendance will be a deciding factor when a grade is borderline. Please try to choose a seat for the semester, as it will help me to get to know your names. Be sure to exchange your name and telephone number/e-mail address with a classmate in case you miss a class and need to get the notes, announcements, etc. for that day.

Add, Drop and Withdraw

It is the student’s responsibility to add, drop or withdraw from classes before the deadlines stated in the class schedule.

Special Needs

Students with disabilities who may need accommodations are encouraged to notify the instructor or contact Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) early in the semester so that reasonable accommodations may be implemented as soon as possible. Students may contact DSPS in person in Z300 or by calling (619) 660-4386.  

 

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Course Schedule

WEEK 1: Jan 28 - Introduction to course; Chapter 1

WEEK 2: Feb 4 – Chapters 2 and 3

WEEK 3: Feb 11 - Chapters 3 and 4

WEEK 4: Feb 18 – Chapter 5

WEEK 5: Feb 25 – Exam Review;  Exam 1 (Chapters 1-5)

WEEK 6: Mar 4 – Chapter 6

WEEK 7: Mar 11 – Chapters 7 and 8

WEEK 8: Mar 18 – Chapter 9; Exam Review

WEEK 9: Mar 25 - Exam 2 (Chapters 6-9); Chapter 10

WEEK 10: Apr 1  - Chapter 11

WEEK 11: Apr 8 – Chapter 12

WEEK 12: Apr 15 - SPRING BREAK (No Class)

WEEK 13: Apr 22 -Chapter 13; Exam Review; Exam 3 (Chapters 10-13)

WEEK 14: Apr 29 - Chapter 14

WEEK 15: May 6 – Chapter 15

WEEK 16: May 13  - Chapter 16

WEEK 17: May 20 - Chapter 17; Exam Review; Exam 4 (Chapters 14-17)

WEEK 18: Tuesday May 27 (2:00-4:00 p.m.) - Final Exam (Cumulative)

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