SPRING 2012 PSY 2012 T R 10:50-12:05pm Rm 39-1009

Introduction to Psychology
Course Description

John L. Oliver
M.Div., Ph.D. email: johnoliver.school @yahoo.com

This course explores the physiological, behavioral, and psychological development of the human person from conception to death. Through varied stages of development the human person adapts to and shapes their environment. By examining the relation of nature and the environment in matters of thinking, feeling, sexuality, memory, personality and psychological disorders we will

understand the complex reality of psychological theories. As you explore the varied theories and schools of psychology, you will become aware of the competing viewpoints. But one overriding fact seems clear: that human behavior is multi-determined. We will investigate your mind, emotions, and behaviors so you have a basic understanding of how psychology approaches the marvel of human life.

REQUIRED TEXT: Ciccarelli, Sandra and Myer, Glenn Psychology 3rd ed. Pearson/Printice Hall 2011

Course Objectives
To develop an understanding of the relationship between human behavior and contemporary psychological theories. To understand the influences that shape attitudes, values and behaviors To understand the diversity of view points and schools of psychology To understand how human behavior relates to, affects, and is affected by human relationships, in all their interpersonal contexts. To understand the biological basis of human behavior, including anatomy and physiology, with particular attention to the brain, neurotransmitters and genes To understand psycho-sexual difficulties and diseases. To understand particular personality theories and pathologies To create a positive climate of openness that will enhance our discussion of human behavior and enable students to explore and develop their personal values related to psychology. .

To know oneself, one should assert oneself. Psychology is action, not thinking about oneself.
Albert Camus

PSYCHOLOGY Course Requirements:

Reading of assigned textbook material. Class participation. Successful completion of exercises and activities. Writing 2 reflection papers. Participate in research Successful completion of 4 unit tests. Successful completion of the cumulative make-up test should you miss test 1, 2, or 3. (You can only miss one test).

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I frequently have students ask me at the end of the semester to add a point or two to their final score so they can receive a certain grade. Please do not ask. I merely record your grades, you earn them, I do no give you a grade. You have the opportunity to earn 25 extra points offered throughout the semester. So your grade is in your hands not mine.

Grades
The total number of points earned from the 4 exams, two papers, and research participation will be subjected to the following grade scale: 218-232 210-217 202-209 194-201 187-193 171-186 164-170 142-163 141 & below A AB+ B BC+ C D F

Each test is worth 50 points Two Reflection papers worth 20 points. Research Participation worth 12 points.

Students often make errors in figuring out their grades. It is very simple: LOOK AT YOUR TOTAL SCORE. DO NOT CONSIDER THE POSSIBLE POINTS, DO NOT DIVIDE ANY SCORES. JUST LOOK AT YOUR TOTAL SCORE. If it is 218 you have an A. If it is 198 you have a B. Your total score will determine your final grade. Thats it. Simple.

You will have two weeks once a Test, or, paper, or class exercise is completed to inform me of any problems with your score on Bb. After the two weeks has passed I will not make any changes to your posted grades. Your grades are your responsibility. Keep an eye on them. If you wait until the end of the semester I will not change any grades.

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PSYCHOLOGY

Exams IMPORTANT! HINT!!

You are required to take 4 exams during the semester. The exams will cover material from the designated chapters in the text, lectures and handouts. All work will be scored from 0 to 50. You must take all tests at the scheduled time. If you miss test 1, 2,or 3 (you can only miss one test) you can still pass, but you must take a cumulative makeup test at the end of the semester instead of Test 4. This test is given at the same time as Test 4. This cumulative make-up test covers all the material presented during the semester and is worth 100 points (and therefore, counts as two test)! Test dates are listed in the course outline, but are subject to change. You need to double check if you miss a class to be sure test dates have not been altered. Test will be given on Blackboard at the designated times. Full instructions will be posted on blackboard and announced in class.

Required Reflection Papers

Each student is to write a reflection paper answering the questions proposed below.

Papers are worth 20 points toward your final grade. Two pages, double-spaced. Stapled. If the papers are not stapled you will not receive credit. Papers must be turned in on the day they are assigned. You can not turn in late papers and no papers can be emailed to me! NO LATE PAPERS.

PAPERS ARE NOT RETURNED TO YOU. Paper #1: How I got to this point in my SEX life. Paper #2 : How I learned about sex. * *Other topics may be substituted for paper 2: love, friendship, etc.

NOTE: Blackboard crashes frequently during tests.

It will be your responsibility to take the test in a timely manner so as to complete it before the deadline. If you do not complete tests 1, 2, or 3 on time because of a Blackboard malfunction you will have to take the cumulative make-up test at the end of the semester. If Test 4 crashes and it cannot be reset before time runs out, you will be given whatever score you earned on test 4. As the instructions on the tests will indicate, if you answer question 40 or higher and Bb crashes, or it crashes on you 3 times during the test period I will not reset it. Test are posted after class ends and closes at 11:59 PM the day of the test. FULL INSTUCTIONS WILL BE ON BLACKBOARD.

Page 4 of 6 PARTICIPATION IN RESEARCH

As part of this class, you should learn what it is like to be a research participant. Therefore, there is a 3-hour research requirement that is worth 12 points toward your final grade. You can fulfill it in one of three ways:

PSYCHOLOGY
DUE DATES ( you can turn the research article papers into Blackboard early but not late). Paper 1: January 31 Paper 2: February 28 Paper 3: March 27 (Each paper is due at 11:59pm on the above dates. You must turn it in on time, there are no extensions).

Complete three hours worth of

experiments on SONA. Check the Course Information folder on Blackboard for instructions on how to sign up. Please note that if you are under 18-years-old, you will not be able to participate in most SONA experiments.

You may also mix and match, meaning

that you could do two hours of SONA research and one paper, or two papers and one hour of SONA research." You can only receive the 12 points if you complete ALL 3 hours of participation. There is no partial credit. So plan ahead. Waiting to the last minute will affect your grade!

Choose from articles that are in the

Course Information folder on Blackboard. Then go to the ASSIGNMENT FOLDER and write your paper in the box provided. Do not attach a file. You will not receive credit for doing the work. It must be submitted in the assignment box in Blackboard. Many students type it in Word, then paste it into the box. This is what is expected to receive credit: 1) a 1-paragraph article summary of the article 2) 2 paragraph description of what it would have been like to have been a participant in the study. Would you have wanted to be a participant in this study? 3) 1-paragraph on: What value do you see in the study? 4) 1-paragraph on: What further questions do you think arise from this study? Note that these are paragraphs not one or two sentences. If you want credit, do them correctly.

PLEASE BE ADVISED: If you sign up for

SONA and do not use your N number as your ID, you will not receive credit for participating. If you sign up for the wrong class (note my name and THIS class. I teach other classes so if you sign up in one of the other classes) you will not receive credit for this class. I would advise care when doing this work. It will rob you of 12 vital points if you do not take the time to read the instructions and do it right. You only get credit if you do 3 hours (even if you do more you only get 12 points). It is ALL or NOTHING. Doing two hours will credit you 0 points. You must do all three hours by the end of the semester to get the 12 points.

PSYCHOLOGY Attendance
Attendance will figure into your participation grade. It's important to take discussions, activities, and writing assignments seriously. Class time also provides an ideal opportunity to raise questions and ask for clarification. Second, there is a lot of information to be covered, and much of the lecture material will go well beyond what is covered in the text. Some classes will focus on select aspects of material introduced in the text and to extensive practice. Other classes will be devoted to discussion of issues not covered in the text. Please be on time! Its a simple matter of professionalism and courtesy. Consistently walking into class late is disruptive and disrespectful to me and to your fellow students. Your presence is expected in class. The first and second absences drops your grade by 3 points. After that you lose 5 points for each absence. I can excuse absences for a good reason (my discretion) but it must be done in class not by email.

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Classroom Procedures
1. Class begins on time and ends on time. 2. You are expected to actively participate with questions and relevant comments. 3. Chatting with your neighbor is considered rude and may lead to you being asked to leave and counted absent. 4. Cell phones should be turned off during class time. TEXTING is not permitted. 5. I reserves the right to revise the course syllabus and calendar as required by either judgment or circumstance. Changes will be announced in class and students are responsible for recording changes as announced. 6. Emergencies occasionally take place in a persons life. If you should have to miss a class, be sure to email me. 7. You are expected to follow UNF rules of conduct: show consideration for others, demonstrate integrity in your academic work and participate with enthusiasm. 8. No work is permitted through email or in my mailbox. All work must be handed in at the appointed time.

Contact me
You may email me at

johnoliver.school@yahoo.com

PSYCHOLOGY Course Outline

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This outline is subject to change. Students are responsible for knowing any changes made in the course of the semester. (Numbers in parenthesis indicated book chapter).

Chapters
1 2 3 What is Psychology? Biological Functions (the Brain) Sensations and Perceptions
Reflection paper 1- January 19

TEST 1 4 5 6 States of Consciousness Learning Memory TEST 2 7 7 9 9 Thinking and Language Intelligence Motivation Emotions

February 9

March 1

Reflection paper 2- March 6

TEST 3

March 29

10 13 14 15

Human Sexuality Personality Psychological Disorders Therapies Positive Psychology

TEST 4 April 17 or CUMULATIVE MAKE-UP TEST