Psychology 121: Introductory Psychology        

Fall 2004      Index #4360      Section 10          Class Time: 9:30-10:45

 

Instructor: Alicia Summers                    Office: Russell 407       

e-mail: asimons@radford.edu                Phone: 831-6114

 

Office Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 11:00-2:00

                        Appointments outside office hours available

 

Required Texts: Wase, C., & Tavris, C. (2004) Invitation to Psychology, (3^rd Edition). Boston, MA: Pearson

Prentice Hall.               

ISBN: 0131532693

 

Course Objectives:

You will be engaged in a series of activities designed to develop understanding of concepts, theories, and research related to field of Psychology.  Through class lecture, discussions, and other components for evaluation (below), you will be acquainted with information about many diverse areas of psychology.  This process will encourage you to develop insight into and to think objectively about your own experiences, which should aid in the development of self-understanding. It will also promote the development of understanding of others.

 

Class Policy

Attendance: I hate attendance policies.  You are in college and thus old enough to make your own decisions concerning your attendance and your abilities in class.  However, I would like to award people who take the time to show up for class.  Therefore, I will be giving two random attendance checks prior to each exam.  If you are present for both attendance checks, you will receive bonus points on the exam.  This will provide an opportunity to award attendees and also to give an opportunity for extra credit on the exams.

 

Cell Phones: Please do not bring your cell phone to class.  If you feel it is necessary and you can’t live without it-turn it OFF. Cell phone interruptions during class time are rude and unacceptable.

 

WebCT & Email: Please get used to checking your email and familiarize yourself with WebCT.  I will be providing instructions on how to use WebCt.  It will provide you with an online version of the syllabus, class calendar, discussion boards, class resources, and practice tests.  Any changes made to the syllabus or class schedule will be made via email and you will be responsible to check your email.

 

Assigned Readings:  The syllabus provides a detailed outline of the class lectures.  Please read the material prior to class in order to participate in class discussions.  Class discussions are an important part of class as they facilitate learning and application of material.  Also, the lecture and discussions will not be able to cover all the material.  The textbook material will be on the test—read it!

 

Evaluation:

The student’s progress in meeting course objectives will be inferred from performance on the following numbered components.

1. Exams: Three 100-point midterm exams and a 100-point final exam will be given. The dates for each exam are listed in the course outline.

University policy for Academic Dishonesty will be enforced (so do us both a favor and don't cheat).

Students should bring their Radford ID's with them to exams. You may be asked to present them. Students may not retain copies of the exam questions. Do not arrive at an exam late: once anyone has finished the exam and left, no one else may start the exam and a make-up will be administered.

 

Make-up exams: If you anticipate missing an exam and have an adequate documented excuse that is present to the instructor prior to the exam, then you may take a make-up exam. You must see me, in person, in my office for this. The instructor reserves the right to decide on the adequacy of excuses. A special test session will be used for giving all make-up exams.

 

This will probably be Monday., Nov. 24th at X:00 p.m. Details will be announced in class. If an exam is missed without notifying the instructor, a zero will be given for that exam. See me at once if you miss an exam for any reason, or when you anticipate missing an exam.

 

2. Extra Credit: Throughout the semester, you will have a chance to earn extra credit points for participating in research or reflection assignments. All extra credit is due by Friday Dec. 5th. No extra credit will accepted after this date.

 

Research Participation: Each study that you participate in is worth 2 points. In order to receive credit you must

present the instructor with a copy of study consent form, signed and dated by you.  For longer research studies, points will be awarded per hour.

 

Reflection Assignments: Each reflection assignment is worth 2 points. These assignments will be given periodically throughout the semester at the instructor’s discretion.  It must be 2 pages (not including name, course number, titles, and complete article reference; which belong on a cover sheet). The paper must be typed, double spaced, with 1 inch margins and in 12 pt typeface. In the extremely unlikely event that your extra credit paper is missing, has accidentally been lost, or has been destroyed, be sure that you have a hard copy of the paper AND a backup disk in addition to the copy that you turn in. If you do not have a backup, it will be your responsibility to redo the paper.

 

Summary of Evaluation:

Exams: 4 exams worth 100 points = 400 points

Extra Credit will be added directly to your final points

 

Grades: Grades are based on an absolute system with the minimum percentages for each letter grade as follows:

D=60%, (240-280 points)

C=70%, (280-320 points)

B= 80%, (320-360 points)

A= 90% (360-400 points)

Percentages are obtained by diving the total points you earn by the total points possible in the course.

 

Special needs Students: In accordance with University policy, if you have a documented disability and require

accommodations to obtain equal access in this course, please contact the instructor at the beginning of the semester or when given an assignment for which an accommodation is required. Students with disabilities must verify their eligibility through the Disability Resource Office in the Tyler Hall (831-6350).

 

 

 

Lecture and Reading Outline:

This outline can only be an approximate guide. Dates for particular lecture topics are approximate and material may be added or deleted. The dates and material for the exams will be as listed, unless changes are absolutely necessary. If changes affecting exams are made, they will be announced in class as soon as possible. On the class day immediately before an exam, there will be time for questions, etc.