PSY2301.
001—Introduction to Psychology—Spring 2005
Green Hall 4.428 Monday, Wednesday & Friday Lectures 10:00-10:50 AM
Friday Discussion Sessions 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: Mon 2-3pm, Thurs. 10-11am
Course Website: http://blackboard.utdallas.edu/
Goals and Learning Objectives:
This course introduces students to the phenomena, principles,
and theories of psychology. 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,
4th edition. 2003. Publisher support site:
http://www.wadsworth.com/cgi-
wadsworth/course_products_wp.pl?fid=M20b&product_isbn_issn
=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
Dana Roark
GR 4.205
danar@utdallas.edu
Office hours: Mon/Wed 12-1; Thursday 1-2
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: Prior to 1/26 dropped courses will not show on
the student’s transcript. From 1/27 to 2/13 withdrawing from courses
earns “W”. Withdrawing from 2/14 to 3/14 earn WP or WF with advisor
and instructor signatures. No withdraws after 3/14 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 studies 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
Jan. 10 Introduction/Orientation
12 What is Psychology? Early and contemporary approaches Ch. 1
14 Methods & critical thinking in psychology Ch. 2
17 Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
19 Biological Foundations I: Organization of nervous system/brain Ch. 3
21 Discussion Rooms @ 10 & 11am: The Stroop effect Stroop effect reading
24 Biological Foundations II: Neurons and neural transmission; Ch. 3 (cont’d)
the endocrine system
26 Sensation & Perception I: General principles; vision Ch. 4
28 Lecture Hall @ 10am: Statistics in psychology – The correlation A-1 through A-10
coefficient – 1st paper assignment
31 Sensation & Perception II: The auditory system and other senses Ch. 4 (cont’d)
Feb. 2 Consciousness: Attention and awareness Ch. 5 (p175-183)
4 Lecture Hall: Exam 1 at 10 AM
7 Learning I: Classical conditioning Ch. 6
9 Learning II: Operant conditioning and social learning Ch. 6 (cont’d)
11 Discussion Rooms @ 10 & 11am: False memories False memory reading
14 Memory I: Measures and models of memory Ch. 7
16 Memory II: Extremes of memory; memory and brain Ch. 7 (cont’d)
18 Lecture Hall @ 10am: The nature of language / 1st paper due
21 Language & Thought I: Levels of language & how it is learned Ch. 8
23 Language & Thought II: Solving problems, making decisions, Ch. 8 (cont’d)
reasoning, and being creative
25 Discussion Rooms @ 10 & 11am: Intelligence test demonstration
28 Intelligence I: Measuring intelligence; theories of intelligence Ch. 9
Mar. 2 Intelligence II: Extremes of intelligence; Genes and intelligence Ch. 9 (cont’d)
4 Lecture Hall: Exam 2 at 10 AM
7-11 Spring Break
14 How does intelligence grow? (Buhrmester begins) Ch. 10 (360-385)
16 Piagetian demonstration Ch. 11 (407-416)
18 Lecture Hall @ 10am: Are infant attachments critical?
21 What’s the best way to parent? Ch. 11 (394-407; 416-426)
23 Could Freud be right? Ch. 15 (536-545); Dora Read
25 Discussion Rooms @ 10 and 11am: Name that Defense Mechanism
28 Are other approaches to personality more useful? Ch. 15 (546-563)
30 Do parents shape who we are? Harris Reading
April 1 Lecture Hall: Exam 3 at 10 AM
4 Attitudes and their vicissitudes Ch. 13 (470-486)
6 Behaving in groups Ch. 14 (502-522)
8 Discussion Rooms @ 10 and 11am: Zimbardo Prison Film
11 Insanity and its classification; 2st Paper Assignment Ch. 16 (570-576) Insane Read.
13 Disorders of mind and behavior Ch. 16 (577-587)
15 Lecture Hall @ 10am: Return from madness (film)
18 Treating the mind Ch. 17 (608-634)
20 Changing behaviors Prozac Reading
22 B.F. Skinner’s Walden II Walden II Reading6
25 Catching up & Review; 2nd Paper Due
27 Lecture Hall: Exam 4 at 8 am