SYLLABUS
General Psychology, PY 110
Instructor: Russ Lewis
Office JHG 268 Phone: 824-1861
Email: Russ.Lewis@kctcs.edu
Madisonville KCTCS Website: http://www.kctcs.edu
Fall, 2008
Required Text: Gerrig, Richard J. and Zimbardo, Philip G. (2007).
Psychology and Life (18th Edition). Boston, MA: Pearson. IBSN: 0-205-49846-9.
Office hours will be established at the first class of the semester.
Other times by appointment.
Official Course Description
A survey course in psychology designed to give the student an introduction
to the history, methods, and content of modern psychology. Topics
include the history and systems of psychology, psychological research,
physiological psychology, personality, abnormal behavior and social
psychology.
Course Overview/Objectives
Welcome to General Psychology. This course contains
a synopsis of the field of psychology that encompasses the history
of the science to the most recent perspectives. In this course you
will receive information regarding research and experimentation that
have lead to current psychological theory, as well as the most prominent
"schools" or areas of psychology. The questions we shall
endeavor to answer with regard to psychology are: What is psychology,
how did we get to this point in psychology, how is psychology practically
applied and what is the future of psychology? In its most simplistic
definition, psychology is the study of the individual in society.
That leads me to the goals:
1. To expose you to the basic theories, tenets and trends
in historic and contemporary psychology in an effective learning environment.
2. To introduce you to the practical application of psychology.
3. To provide the student with a learning environment that optimizes
her/his internalizing of the basic principles of psychology as evidenced
by the student's being able to demonstrate such in written word, verbalizations,
and positive test performance.
4. My last goal, as always, is to give you an opportunity to learn
why people are as they are. It is my fervent belief that with greater
understanding of the "human condition", the greater the
probability of having positive interpersonal and professional experiences.
You may have noticed there were no directives such as,
"you will learn" stated in the goals. This is by design,
because it is not my job to force learning upon you. I know from experience
that learning, while a very serious endeavor, can be highly enjoyable.
With that in mind, it is incumbent on you to learn, and I will vehemently
try to provide you with an enjoyable, effective (and hopefully fun)
environment where you can learn everything you chose to learn about
psychology.
KCTCS General Education Competencies
I. Communicate effectively.
Students are required to communicate effectively using standard written
English. Writing will be assessed via the term paper and essay questions
on the tests. The Community Colleges Rules, Section V, 2.33 Acceptable
Standards in English states the following:
"Instructors in all courses are expected to call attention to
proper English usage and may penalize for errors and/or require the
rewriting of papers which do not meet acceptable standards in English.
Any instructor who finds the written work of any student seriously
defective in English may recommend remedial work or refer the student
for additional assistance from local resources."
Therefore, you will be graded on all applicable grammatical and spelling
rules as well as content of your term paper. In order to practice
basic computer skills, such as keyboarding, assigned reports should
be typed. Students will be assessed on their ability to comprehend
what they have read and what they have heard via testing on course
text(s), lectures, and discussions.
o Read and listen with comprehension: as evidenced by appropriate
reiteration of class presented information and written factual and
abstract/novel application of internalized information heard and read
in a 5 page written "term paper". Additionally evidenced
via correct answers to test questions.
o Speak and write clearly using Standard English: as evidenced by
verbal class participation (both questioning and answering questions),
and by writing a 5 page "term paper".
o Interact cooperatively with other using both verbal and non-verbal
means: as evidenced by awaiting turn to speak, not interrupting others,
not speaking while others are speaking, not otherwise engaging in
behavior that is distracting or rude to other persons in the class,
and by following the "KCTCS Student Code of Conduct" while
participating in class discussion and/or other class activities.
II. Think Critically.
By employing Creative Thinking, students are expected to elaborate
upon knowledge to create new thoughts and/or processes. Creativity
is demonstrated by being able to take experientially gained knowledge/information
and to use this knowledge/information to
successfully engage in a novel situation or novel task. This will
be demonstrated by the students in class verbalizations and in the
writings contained in their term papers. Students will be assessed
on their abilities to interpret, analyze, and summarize a variety
of materials by studying and compiling reference and resource materials
into a written report indicative of an understanding of problem solving
by synthesis of ideas. With regard to ethics and values, students
are expected to demonstrate awareness of ethical considerations in
making value choices and verbalize such in class discussion and in
written form. Students will be exposed to the ethical principles that
guide psychological research (as well as research in general) and
practical application of psychology in class
work, written term paper, and through lecture. Students will be held
to those standards and additionally academic ethics and values including
plagiarism and cheating. By use of the textbook(s) and the reference
materials for writing their term paper, students are expected to understand,
analyze, and summarize, and interpret a variety of reading materials,
including the mathematical aspects inherent in behavioral statistics
contained in psychology research.
o Make connections in learning across the disciplines and draw logical
conclusions: as evidenced by utilizing Internet acquired resources
in creating the "term paper". Further evidenced by contact
with the instructor via E-mail communications, and accessing syllabi
and other course specific documents posted in various KCTCS Internet
domains.
o Demonstrate problem solving through interpreting, analyzing, summarizing,
and or integrating a variety of materials: as evidenced by abstract
application of internet resources/information, book acquired information,
class lecture, and information acquired from periodical publications
in writing a novel 5 page "term paper". Further evidenced
by correct answers to test questions that require inductive reasoning.
o Use mathematics to organize, analyze, and synthesize data to solve
a problem: As evidenced by in-class study and explanation of basic
behavioral statistics, including but not limited to, correlation coefficient,
Cattel's Factor Analysis, and basic psychological research interpretation.
III. Learn Independently.
Students will demonstrate their ability to learn independently by
means of preparing a writing assignment that will include references/resources,
choice of topics, current world and social implications. Students
will share in discussion of current events and the related psychological
aspects of such events from world, national and local news, as well
as the implications for them personally, in the public forum of the
classroom.
o Use appropriate search strategies and resources to find, evaluate,
and use information: As evidenced by completing a 5 resource, 5 page
term paper applying a psychological aspect/theory to an event or person
(refer to class handout for instructions and perimeters).
o Make choices based upon awareness of ethics and differing perspectives/ideas:
as evidenced by participation in class discussion on APA and research
ethics and social psychology. Also, utilize information to write a
5 resource, 5 page term paper applying a psychological aspect/theory
to an event or person (refer to class handout for instructions and
perimeters).
o Apply learning in academic, personal, and public situation: as evidenced
by correctly answering test questions in the academic milieu, iteration
of "real life" experiences and how the studied and lectured
upon class material relates to those experiences in class discussion,
and the discussion during class participation of how various psychological
disorders effect and are effected by public opinion and public reaction.
o Think creatively to develop new ideas, processes, or products: as
evidenced by creation of a written "term paper" that applies
the individual student's ideas in a novel way to explain a person's
behavior, or person's behavior subsequent to an event (i.e., the most
likely cause of Nero's burning of Rome, The effect so the introduction
of the birth control pill in the 1960s, respectively).
IV. Examine Relationships in Diverse and Complex Environments.
Psychology by inherent nature explores the human condition from complex
cultural, historical, and physiological perspectives, not only from
each individual's perspective, but also from an integrated dynamic
view of these perspectives. This includes how the relationships of
the individual affect society/culture and physical environment, and
how the society/culture and physical environment affect individuals.
o Recognize the relationship of the individual to human heritage and
culture: as evidenced by correctly answering questions regarding the
history of psychology and both evolutionary psychology and social
psychology.
o Demonstrate an awareness of the relationship of the individual to
the biological and physical environment: as evidenced by correctly
answering test questions regarding physiological, neurological, and
environmental psychology and the effects of drugs, physiological deprivations/excesses
and toxins on the psychological makeup of the individual.
Develop an awareness of self as an individual member of a multicultural
global community: as evidenced by correctly answering test questions
regarding social psychology and culturally induced behavioral differences
and historically culturally biased psycho diagnoses. Further evidenced
by participation in class discussion regarding culturally induced
behavioral differences and historically culturally biased psycho diagnoses.
General Psychology Course PY 110 Competencies
Specific to PY 110 Classes-Instructor Russ Lewis.
Philosophy: In keeping with classic definitions of
psychology as the scientific study of the behavior of individuals
and their mental processes, students will be exposed to a learning
conducive environment designed to optimize understanding, knowledge
and the internalization of the theories, research practices and practical
application of the science of psychology.
Outcome: Upon completion of courses PSY 100 and PY
110, students availing themselves to instruction will demonstrate
knowledge of the science of psychology by demonstrating the following
competencies, in addition to the KCTCS Core Competencies.
Competencies and Outcomes
1. Provide the definition of psychology.
Define psychology as a ubiquitous science demonstrated by human adaptation
to the ever changing environment and how humans change their environment
to adapt to their needs via behavior indicative of abstract thought
and learning.
*Outcome 1-Engage in classroom discussions (verbalization)
that indicate knowledge of the definition of psychology.
*Outcome 2-Positively perform on a formal assessment instrument
that includes the definition of psychology.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic role of psychology
in daily living.
Through various means, the student should indicate how psychology
is applied in daily interpersonal and social interaction by way of
learning, persuasion, adaptation, accommodation and assimilation to
manipulate and negotiate the environment.
*Outcome 1-Compose a written document that indicates an understanding
or the basic role of psychology in daily living.
* Outcome 2-Engage in classroom discussions (verbalization)
that indicate an understanding or the basic role of psychology in
daily living.
"Outcome 3-Positively perform on a formal assessment instrument
that indicates an understanding or the basic role of psychology in
daily living.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the history and development
of psychology as a pervasive science.
Through various means, the student should indicate how persons and
cultures in history have shaped human behavior and how human behavior
has changed the environment.
*Outcome 1-Perform positively on a formal assessment instrument
that would demonstrate an understanding of the history and development
of psychology as a pervasive science.
*Outcome 2- Engage in classroom discussions (verbalization)
that demonstrate an understanding of the history and development of
psychology as a pervasive science.
4. Develop a basic and abstract knowledge of the practical application
of psychology in daily life, including but not limited to the interpersonal,
social, recreational and occupational milieus; as demonstrated by
written and oral creation of in vitro scenarios as well as relating
the concepts and principles to experience and situations.
*Outcome 1- Develop a basic and abstract knowledge of the practical
application of psychology as evidenced by positive performance on
a formal assessment instrument.
*Outcome 2- Develop a basic and abstract knowledge of the practical
application of psychology as evidenced by composition of a written
document that includes accurate application.
*Outcome 3- Develop a basic and abstract knowledge of the practical
application of psychology as evidenced by classroom discussion indicative
of such practical application.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of scientific research and methodology
as they relate to psychology.
*Outcome 1-Perform positively on formal assessment instrument indicative
of understanding scientific research and methodology as they relate
to psychology.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the psychological aspects of
Human Development.
*Outcome 1- Demonstrate an understanding of the psychological
aspects of human development as evidenced by positive performance
on a formal assessment instrument.
*Outcome 2- Demonstrate an understanding of the psychological
aspects of human development as evidenced by composition of a written
document that includes accurate understanding.
*Outcome 3- Demonstrate an understanding of the psychological
aspects of human development as evidenced by classroom discussion
indicative of such understanding.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic therapeutic modalities.
*Outcome 1-The student will participate in classroom discussion
that demonstrates an understanding of the basic therapeutic modalities.
*Outcome 2-The student will compose a written document that
includes demonstration of an understanding of the basic therapeutic
modalities.
*Outcome 3-The student will accurately answer questions on
formal assessment instruments as assigned.
8. Demonstrate an understanding of the psychodynamic, behavioral,
humanistic and cognitive-behavioral (the "Four Forces")
approaches of psychology.
*Outcome 1-The student will demonstrate an understanding of the "Four
Forces" by accurate performance on a written assessment.
*Outcome 2- The student will demonstrate an understanding of the "Four
Forces" by verbalizing such understanding in classroom discussion.
9. In general form, demonstrate an understanding of the most basic
principles and concepts of the following psychological areas:
a) Emotion and Motivation
b) Psychophysiology
c) Psychometrics
d) Psychopharmacology
e) Neuropsychology
f) Biological Foundations of Behavior
g) Mind, Consciousness, and Altered States
h) Physiological manifestations of psychological states
i) Preventative methods to maintain mental health
j) Educational aspects of Psychology
k) Intelligence Theories
l) Psycho diagnostics
m) Psychopathology
n) Psychotherapy
o) Abnormal Psychology
p) Treatment
q) Human Development
r) Parenting
s) Human Sexuality
t) Psycho Genetic Theories
u) Perception and Reality
*Outcome 1-The student will demonstrate an understanding of
the basic principles and concepts of psychology by positive performance
on assigned formal assessment instruments.
*Outcome 2- The student will demonstrate an understanding of
the basic principles and concepts of psychology as evidenced by participation
in classroom discussions indicative of such understanding.
Class Policies and FYI
*Class participation, and subsequently attendance, is
important to the learning process for me and for you. So, please be
ready to participate when you attend. Attendance deficit of 6 or more
classes for classes that meet twice weekly, or a deficit of 3 or more
classes for classes that meet 1 time weekly, may, at the discretion
of the instructor, in correlation with the participation and current
grade level of the student in question, may result in a final grade
of "E" effectively failing the class.
*Work turned in after announced due dates are subject to lowering
of grade at the discretion of the instructor.
" Supplies needed for effective class engagement are left to
the student's discretion.
" Withdraw from class will follow the policy as outlined in the
2007-2008 KCTCS Catalog.
*There will be three (3) tests, including a comprehensive final examination.
These will cover both lecture and reading assignments (whether or
not reading is covered in class).
*Do not be late for tests/final examinations. If you are late you
are subject to be dismissed from the test. Dismissal from the test/final
examination will result in a grade of zero (0) for that test/final
examination. Do not miss tests/final examination. No "make-up
will be allowed (except at the discretion of the instructor), and
the result will be a zero (0) for that test/final examination.
*Grading will be as follows: 3 tests-60% of Total Grade; Term paper-20%
of Total Grade; Attendance & Participation-20% of Total Grade.
*Grading scale is: 90-100="A"; 80-89="B"; 70-79="C";
60-69="D"; 59 and below equals an "E" (or failing
grade).
" Plagiarism on term paper = failing grade on term paper.
*I will make myself very accessible via office hours, e-mail and phone
(to be provided at 1st class). So, please contact me if you feel the
need.
*As a general rule, there are no make up examinations. IMPORTANT:
Make up examinations are permissible solely at the subjective discretion
of the instructor.
*Students are expected to follow the "KCTCS Code of Student Conduct",
found at the web site, www.kctcs.edu. Please show courtesy and respect
for others in your class. All guests brought to class must be pre-approved
to attend by the instructor prior to bringing them to class. Any student,
who creates disruption interfering with learning, will leave the class.
*The instructor reserves the right to change any and/or all exam dates
and/or due dates for term papers and/or other course work.
*Do not bring children to class without 1-week prior approval, which
is solely the decision of the instructor. Under no circumstances bring
children under the age of 6 years old to class. My decision will be
arbitrary, and final.
*To optimize campus security via the SNAP program, cell phones are
allowed in the classroom and must be set for "silent" operation
so ring tones do not disrupt the class. No other electronic devices
will be allowed for use in class, except for individuals cleared with
a disability to use such devices, or at the discretion of the instructor.
*Inclement weather policy: When possible, the college
will hold classes during inclement weather. If the college so chooses,
there will be a modified class schedule. Otherwise, all classes will
occur at their scheduled times. Modifications in schedule will be
announced by 7:00 am on radio and television stations for day classes,
and by 4:30 pm for evening classes. Announcements will be made on
the following stations:
RADIO TELEVISION
WKTG-93.9- FM-Madisonville WFIE Channel 14
WSTO-96.1 FM-Owensboro WTWV Channel 7
WHRZ-97.7 FM-Providence WEHT Channel 25
WYMV-106.9 FM-Madisonville
WMJL-102.7 FM-Marion CELL PHONE
WNES-105.0 FM-Greenville/Central City Text message via SNAP sent by
MCC
WFMW-73.0 FM Madisonville
WTTL-1310 AM-Madisonville COMPUTER
Email sent via SNAP sent by MCC
NOTE: If local school systems cancel classes, then any classes held
at locations in that school system will also be cancelled.
*Students with disabilities who require accommodations (academic
adjustments and/or auxiliary aids or services) for this course you
are required to contact the Disability Resource Coordinator, room
112 of the LRC, (270) 824-1670.
Any changes in this syllabus will be announced in class.
Thank you and I look forward sharing this class with you!
Sincerely,
Russ Lewis, M.S. Psy.
