PSY2301.
002—Introduction to Psychology—Fall 2005
Hoblitzelle Hall 4.428 Monday, Wednesday & Friday Lectures 10:00-10:50 AM
Friday Discussion Sessions 9-9:50, 10-10:50 and 11–11:50 AM
INSTRUCTORS
Dr. James C. Bartlett
GR 4.520 972-883-2079
jbartlet@utdallas.edu
Office hours: Wed. 11 AM-12 PM
TEACHING ASSISTANTS
Hillery Gross
GR 4.414
hillery.gross@student.utdallas.edu
Office hours: Tues. 10:30 – 11:30 am, Thurs. 10-11am
Course Website : http://blackboard.utdallas.edu/
Goals and Learning Objectives:
This course introduces students to the phenomena, principles,
and theories of psyc hology. Psychologists study how biological,
cognitive, social, and cultural factors interact to determine how
we develop our amazing capacity for complex behavior,
emotions, and cognitions. Psychologists seek to understand
why and how risk factors lead some individuals to suffer from
psychological disorders, whereas others are able to be resilient
in the face of adversity.
Prerequisites: None
Requirements:
Text: Sternberg, R. J. Psychology: In Search of the Human
Mind, 4 th edition. 2003. Publisher support site:
http://www.wadsworth.com/cgi-
wadsworth/course_products_wp.pl?fid=M20b&product_isbn_is
sn=053461812X&discipline_number=24
Methods of Evaluation:
Exams: We will have four non-cumulative exams based on the
lectures and reading, which will include multiple choice,
matching, and short answer essay questions. In addition, some
exams will include short answer, fill-in or brief thought-provoking
essay questions that will be announced in class the week prior
to the exam. Material from lectures, readings, and discussion
sessions will appear on the exams.
Exam answer forms: Exam System II, Form 229630
Papers: We will require 2 brief papers, both of which will arise
out of activities in the discussion sessions.
Attendance: Students must sign-in on the attendance sheets
at class and discussion sessions. Attendance grade based on
percent of classes attended (allowing for 10% excused
absences).
Grading is based on a set of a priori criteria: 90% correct for A’s,
80% for B’s, 60% for C’s, and 50% for D’s. In case we find that
our tests were unusually difficult we may relax these criteria.
Grades will be based on the total number of points across the
course. The four exams will count 70% of the grade, the papers
taken together will count 20%, and attendance 10%.
Dr. Duane Buhrmester
GR 4.532 972-883-2352
buhrmest@utdallas.edu
Office hours: Mon. 11 AM -12 PM
Policies:
Exams: DON'T MISS AN EXAM! Make-up exams will be given only if:
(a) you were seriously ill and have documentation from a physician, or (b)
you were detained the day and time of the exam, or (c) you made
arrangements prior to the exam to attend an urgent family affair (e.g.,
funeral). In any of these cases, you must notify one of the professors or
TAs in advance of the scheduled time of the exam (call and leave a voice-
mail message if you can do nothing else). Otherwise, you will receive an
F. It is the student's responsibility to make sure that an exam is made up
within one week of the scheduled time. Beware, make-up exams are
designed to be more comprehensive to compensate for having more study
time.
Faulty Exam Questions: Occasionally, we write faulty exam questions. If
you encounter such a question, let us know immediately after the exam
period. (You may talk to the instructor or leave a note with the secretary in
the Associate Dean’s Office, GR 4.528). We will consider your arguments
before grading the exams, and if necessary throw out the question for
everyone.
Drop and Withdrawal: Up until 9/2, dropped courses will not show on the
student’s transcript. From 9/3 to 10/20, withdrawing from courses will earn
a WP or WF with advisor and instructor signatures. No withdraws after
10/20 without hassle.
Incomplete: The grade of Incomplete will normally not be given. If a
student is unable to attend a substantial portion of the course, then he or
she should withdraw from the course.
Scholastic Dishonesty: Scholastic dishonesty included cheating,
plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration, or any other action that is not an
honest participation in the learning process. By enrolling in this course,
you agree to UTD’s guidelines
at : http://www.utdallas.edu/student/slife/scholastic.html. Policies on
scholastic dishonesty will be strictly enforced.
Disabilities. UTD proudly supports a very diverse student body. Among
our students are those with learning, sensory, and physical disabilities that
require special accommodations. Please contact Kerrie Tate at *2098 for
the documentation that instructor need.
Classroom Civility. As a member of this class, your behavior affects
fellow students and the professor. Talking, coming in late, leaving early,
and being discourteous can diminish the learning experience for everyone.
Therefore, violators will be required to leave class.
Date Topic Reading
Aug. 19 Lecture Hall: Introduction and Orientation
22 What is Psychology? Early and contemporary approaches Ch. 1
24 Methods & critical thinking in psychology Ch. 2
26 Discussion Rooms @ 9 & 11am: The Stroop effect Stroop effect reading
29 Biological Foundations I: Organization of nervous system/brain Ch. 3
31 Biological Foundations II: Neurons and neural transmission; Ch. 3 (cont’d)
the endocrine system
Sep. 2 Lecture Hall @ 10am: Statistics in psychology – The correlation A-1 through A-10
coefficient – 1st paper assignment
5 Labor Day
7 Sensation & Perception I: General principles; vision Ch. 4
9 Discussion Rooms @ 9 & 11am: How we perceive faces . . . The
Margaret Thatcher illusion
12 Sensation & Perception II: The auditory system and other senses Ch. 4 (cont’d)
14 Consciousness: Attention and awareness Ch. 5 (p175-183)
16 Lecture Hall: Exam 1 at 10 AM
19 Learning I: Classical conditioning Ch. 6
21 Learning II: Operant conditioning and social learning Ch. 6 (cont’d)
23 Discussion Rooms @ 9 & 11am: False memories False memory reading
26 Memory I: Measures and models of memory Ch. 7
28 Memory II: Extremes of memory; memory and brain Ch. 7 (cont’d)
30 Lecture Hall @ 10am: The nature of language / 1st paper due
Oct. 3 Language & Thought I: Levels of language & how it is learned Ch. 8
5 Language & Thought II: Solving problems, making decisions, Ch. 8 (cont’d)
reasoning, and being creative
7 Discussion Rooms @ 9 & 11am: Framing effects in language,
thought, . . . and politics
10 Intelligence I: Measuring intelligence; theories of intelligence Ch. 9
12 Intelligence II: Extremes of intelligence; Genes and intelligence Ch. 9 (cont’d)
14 Lecture Hall: Exam 2 at 10 AM
17 How does intelligence grow? (Buhrmester begins) Ch. 10 (360-385)
19 Piagetian demonstration Ch. 11 (407-416)
21 Lecture Hall @ 10am: Are infant attachments critical?
24 What’s the best way to parent? Ch. 11 (394-407; 416-426)
26 Could Freud be right? Ch. 15 (536-545); Dora Read
28 Discussion Rooms @ 10 and 11am: Name that Defense
Mechanism
31 Are other approaches to personality more useful? Ch. 15 (546-563)
Nov. 2 Do parents shape who we are? Harris Reading
4 Lecture Hall: Exam 3 at 10 AM
7 Attitudes and their vicissitudes Ch. 13 (470-486)
9 Behaving in groups Ch. 14 (502-522)
11 Discussion Rooms @ 10 and 11am: Zimbardo Prison Film
14 Insanity and its classification; 2st Paper Assignment Ch. 16 (570-576) Insane Read.
16 Disorders of mind and behavior Ch. 16 (577-587)
18 Lecture Hall @ 10am: Return from madness (film)
21 Treating the mind Ch. 17 (608-634)
23 Thanksgiving Holiday Prozac Reading
 25 Changing behaviors
28 B.F. Skinner’s Walden II..Last class day Walden II Reading6
30 Catching up & Review; 2nd Paper Due
Dec. 2 Lecture Hall: Exam 4 at 8 am