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Course length: 15 weeks Last revised: 6 October 2003 |
Prerequisite(s)
None.
Course Materials
Textbook(s)
Myers, D. G. (2004). Psychology. 7th ed. New York, NY: Worth.
Psychology Reader. (2000). New York, NY: Scientific American (included with purchase of text)
CD-ROM: PsychInquiry: Student Activities in Research and Critical Thinking (included with purchase of text)
PSYC 100 CD. The course modules are contained on this CD.
Description
A survey of the basic principles, research concepts, and problems in psychological science. The biological, cognitive, and social perspectives of human thought and behavior are addressed. Topics include neuroscience, sensation and perception, learning and conditioning, memory, motivation, language and intelligence, personality and social behavior, and psychopathology and therapy. Applications of psychology are also presented. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BEHS 101 or PSYC 100.
Objectives
This course will review psychological explanations of human behavior as well as the methods by which these explanations are derived. At the end of this course the student who has fully participated should be able to:
- Identify the major concepts, principles and research findings in the science of psychology.
- Describe the variety of methods that psychologists use to study behavior and the mind
- Identify the elements of a psychological study and to evaluate how those findings can be used.
- Give examples of the role and relevance of psychology in a variety of domains and fields.
- Analyze and evaluate critically psychological information from a variety of sources
- Apply psychological constructs to understand life experiences.
Course Introduction
The study of psychology is an exciting journey that can help us develop an understanding of human behavior. This course covers a broad range of topics and examines the scientific approach to understanding behavior. As technology has allowed us to learn more and more about the biological and chemical roots of behavior, psychology has become more science oriented. You may even think you are in a biology class at time! But we also use science to investigate functions of the mind and social causes of behavior. So this course will not simply be an extended television talk show where we examine only our feelings or eccentricities of behavior.
Get off to a good start in this class. Students sometimes think that 100 level or introductory courses are easy. That is not the case. In fact, introductory courses can be even more difficult. Introduction to Psychology is a survey course that spans the entire field. As such, it moves quickly and we don’t spent much time on any one topic. If you are really interested in a particular topic, you may find an upper-level course that focuses in a specific sub-discipline of psychology. But you need PSYC 100 as a prerequisite for those courses. So, it is important for you to do well in this course.
Grading Information
Grading is designed to tap into a variety of strengths. Assignments are designed to help you better process the material. Grading will consist of the following:
| Individual Project | 20% |
| 3 exams (20% each) | 60% |
| Short essays/summaries of Scientific American articles | 20% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Scale
A = 90-100% Outstanding scholarship
B = 80-89% Good scholarship
C = 70-79% Satisfactory scholarship
D = 60-69% Marginal scholarship
F(a) = below 60% Failure
Late Policy
Permission must be obtained in advance if assignments are to be submitted late, and an extension will be granted only for legitimate reasons, e.g., sudden deployment, illness. The instructor must agree to the revised due dates. For significant delays, see the rules for an Incomplete listed below.
Assignments
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Scheduled Assignments: Information regarding activity assignments will be distributed throughout the course. These may take the form (and combination) of regular quizzes, midterm, demonstrations, presentations, homework, group work or other types of assignments as determined by your instructor.
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Individual Project: See Project Descriptions.
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Scientific American Articles: 3-4 articles will be assigned during the course. Criteria for summarizing the articles will be distributed during the first week of the course. Selected portions of all of the articles might be cited during the course.
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Examinations: The examinations serve the useful purpose of evaluating the breadth and depth of the knowledge you gained in the course. Each exam consists of various kinds of objective, short answer and essay questions from all relevant materials presented in the course. You can prepare best for the examination by reviewing your scheduled assignment work and required readings. Your instructor will provide you with more detail regarding the exact construction and format of the exams. Note, Exam #3 is proctored.
Project Descriptions
Individual Project: Written Project
A written project provides an opportunity for you to explore a topic in more depth and to enhance both information literacy and effective writing skills. The projects also provide an opportunity to succeed for students who may have difficulty on tests. Your instructor will provide additional information at the beginning of the course.
There are two possibilities for your written project.
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Review a book related to psychology. This is a review, not a "book report". A review usually includes a summary and critical analysis of a written work. Your instructor will provide detailed guidance. A list of approved books will be available from the beginning of the course. Note the UMUC guidelines for grading of written work in the policy section of the syllabus. In addition to fulfilling the topic requirements, spelling, grammar, punctuation and writing style are a significant portion of the grade.
- Critique an article from a psychology journal. Your instructor will provide detailed guidance. A list of approved articles will be available from the beginning of the course.
Course Schedule
| Week 1: |
Introduction, Critical Thinking Read
|
| Week 2: |
Critical Thinking; Neuroscience Read
Submit: Project topic selection due |
| Week 3: |
Nature/Nurture; Life Development Read
Submit: Scientific American Article #1 |
| Week 4: |
Sensation Read
|
| Week 5: |
Perception Read
|
| Week 6: | Exam #1 |
| Week 7: |
Consciousness Read
Submit: Scientific American Article #2 |
| Week 8: |
Learning; Memory Read
|
| Week 9: |
Thinking & Language; Intelligence Read
|
| Week 10: |
Motivation; Emotion Read
|
| Week 11: | Exam # 2 |
|
Week 12: |
Personality/Psychological Disorders Read
Submit: Scientific American Article #3 |
| Week 13: |
Psychology Disorders/Therapies Read
|
| Week 14: |
Health Psychology Read
Submit: Written project due |
| Week 15: | Exam #3 (PROCTORED) |
Additional Information
Cross Curricular Initiatives
UMUC has cross-curricular initiatives that must be met in every course. They are:
- effective writing
- competence in information technology
- historical perspectives
- international perspectives
- civic responsibility
- information literacy
Here is additional information about those initiatives from the UMUC Undergraduate catalog:
"Cross-curricular initiatives, promoted both by specific courses and by integration throughout all program, build the student's ability to analyze, synthesize, and integrate knowledge, perspectives, and techniques. The cross-curricular requirements in effective writing, competence in information technology, historical and international perspectives, civic responsibility, and information literacy ensure that students are able to:
- define problems, develop and articulate informed judgments, and think critically and systematically
- function in professional roles requiring an appreciation and understanding of the interdependency among all disciplines in the global workplace
- put learning in the context of historical events and achievements through time
- function responsibly as adult citizens of the world, engaging and negotiating different perspectives and exercising ethical judgment in their personal and professional lives"
| Cross-curricular initiatives | Activity in this class that fulfills the initiative |
| Effective Writing | Assignments and examination |
| Competence in Information Technology | Projects |
| Historical Perspective | Module 1 and Chapter 1 readings |
| International Perspective | Reviewing the development of Standards for End-User Information Systems by the International Standards Organization |
| Civic Responsibility | Chapter 16--study of the role and responsibilities of the database administrator |
| Information Literacy | Assignments and Projects |
Course Modules
Course modules are located on the CD.
Academic Policies
- Attendance: Individualized learning courses do not have class attendance. However, you have regular study and other assignments with deadlines.
- Contact Information: You are responsible for keeping your contact information current. This is necessary for receiving both your returned assignments and other information.
- Proctored Exams: A proctored final exam is required for successful completion of this course. UMUC will mail your exams directly to the education center you designated on your application. If you will not be in close proximity to that education center, the Exams Clerk will coordinate directly with your proctor.
It is your responsibility to schedule your final exam within the designated period according to the procedures at your education center.
Further questions on the exam process should be directed to the Distance Education Office or your education center.
- Course Load: One traditional face-2-face course, or 3 semester hours (s.h.), is considered a normal course load for a student who is fully employed. This course load will require at least six hours of class time per week and approximately 12 hours per week of additional out-of-class study time. Although there is no "face-2-face" class time with individualized learning courses, a student should expect approximately 9 to 12 hours per week of study time and additional time in preparing assignments for a 3 semester hour individualized learning course.
Students should carefully and realistically assess other commitments before registering for more than 6 s.h. a term. In no case may a student register for more than 9 s.h. a term without permission from the UMUC-Europe registrar in Heidelberg. Permission to register for more than 9 s.h. is based on demonstrated academic excellence at UMUC. A minimum grade point average of 3.5 and an enrollment history indicating success in carrying a heavier-than-average course load at UMUC are required.
- Academic Research: Learn more about academic research through UMUC at http://www.ed.umuc.edu/de/defacguide/academic-research.htm.
Grading Policies
The Mark of "I"
The mark of I (Incomplete) is exceptional. It is given only upon the request of a student whose work in a course has been satisfactory, and who is unable to complete the course because of illness or other circumstances beyond his or her control. In no case will the I be recorded for a student who has not completed the major portion (60%) of the work in the course. The student must consult with the instructor and present documentation substantiating the reasons for requesting the Incomplete.
The instructor makes the final decision concerning the granting of the Incomplete. When recording the Incomplete on the Final Grade Report, the instructor will state the quality of the student’s work to date, the requirements remaining, and the deadline – not to exceed six months – for completion of the work. If the student does not complete the requirements of the course within six months from the course end date, the student cannot thereafter make up the Incomplete. The mark of I will become terminal and subsequently may not be changed. An Incomplete not removed after six months is converted to the grade of F.
It is the responsibility of the student, not of the Education Center nor of UMUC, to arrange with the instructor for the assignment of and subsequent removal of an Incomplete. Students should realize that it is virtually impossible to remove an I after transfer out of the European Division. A student no longer in contact with the instructor who assigned the I should write to the instructor, c/o UMUC, Unit 29216, APO AE 09102, and the mail will be forwarded. An I cannot be removed by an X or W. A student who elects to repeat the course must register, pay the full fees, and repeat the entire course. In such cases, the mark of I for the first attempt is not changed if the course is repeated. For purposes of academic retention, the mark of I is counted as hours attempted. It is not used in determining grade point averages.
For Bowie State University graduate courses, an Incomplete not removed after one year is converted to the grade of F. For University of Maryland, College Park graduate courses, an Incomplete not removed after six months becomes terminal and subsequently may not be changed.
Mark of "W"
If for whatever reason a student is no longer able to participate in the class, the student should formally withdraw. When a student officially withdraws, a W is assigned. The W can be posted only when it is documented by an Application for Withdrawal (UMGR-003). For purposes of academic retention, the mark of W is counted as attempted hours. It is not used in determining grade point averages. Students that neglect to withdraw formally, may receive the grade of Fn (Failure for non-attendance).
Students in online distance education classes which span over two terms cannot withdraw after the Friday before the final week of the class. Additional information for students receiving VA educational benefits and financial aid can be found in the VA and Financial Aid sections of the Catalog.
Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty is failure to maintain academic integrity. It includes, but is not limited to, obtaining or giving aid on an examination, having unauthorized prior knowledge of an examination, doing work for another student, and plagiarism. Academic dishonesty can result in severe academic penalty, including failure in the course and/or dismissal from the institution.
Plagiarism is the presentation of another person’s idea or product as one’s own. Examples of plagiarism are: copying verbatim and without attribution all or part of another’s written work; using phrases, charts, figures, illustrations, computer programs, or mathematical or scientific solutions without citing the source; paraphrasing ideas, conclusions or research without citing the source; and using all or part of a literary plot, poem, film, musical score, computer program, or other artistic product without attributing the work to its creator.
Students can avoid unintentional plagiarism by carefully following accepted scholarly practices. Notes taken for papers and research projects should accurately record sources of material to be cited, quoted, paraphrased or summarized, and research or critical papers should acknowledge these sources in footnotes or by use of direct quotations.
UMUC provides an interactive Web-based tutorial on plagiarism through its online writing center called “How to Avoid Plagiarism” at http://www.umuc.edu/prog/ugp/ewp_writingcenter/modules/plagiarism/start.html