Kankakee Community College                                                                                 Fall 2011 -Updated: 9 /11/11

Course Prefix & Number: Psyc 1813                                                                       Course Title: Introduction To Psychology

Credit Hours: 3                                          Lecture Hours: 3                                   Clinical/Lab Hours: 0

Catalog Description:

This course consists of a survey of the major topics in psychology; analyze psychological research; intelligence; memory and thinking; the biological basis of behavior; emotions, perception and sensation; motivation and wellness and stress; theories of personality; heredity, and learning; developmental psychology; social psycholog;, abnormal psychology (including therapy and treatment); and states of consciousness. Some sections of this course are taught in the computer lab; computer literacy skills are recommended. AA/AS: Social and behavioral science elective. IAI: S6 900 Social and behavioral science.

Prerequisite: Appropriate Assessment Score or consent of instructor.

Type of Course:

This is a face to face course using technology. KCC defines this as a course in which all of the instruction is scheduled to be delivered face to face but the instructor uses web-based technology i.e. Angel as a document repository, a resource for learners, and or a delivery mode for a limited number of course learning and or assessment activities. The instructor will make any document, resources, or learning and or assessment activities delivered online, available offline to any learners who request it.

Faculty: Professor Deborah S. Podwika, M.A., C.S.M.           Webpage: http://www.kcc.edu/FacultyStaff/facultypages/dpodwika/index.asp   

Office Location: L318             Phone:   802.8712           Email:  dpodwika@kcc.edu  (I do not use Angel Email!)     

Humanities/Social Science Division:   Phone:  802.8700    Office: L355   Administrative Assistant: Sheila Pfaff    Email:  spfaff@kcc.edu

Humanties/Social Science Division Associate Dean: Mark Lanting     Email: mlanting@kcc.edu   Phone: 802-8709      Office: L346

* Should you have any concerns about the class, you should first contact your instructor and discuss the matter.

Office Hours:

Weekly Schedule with Holidays, Meetings etc: http://www.podwika.org/General/schedule.htm

Mon
Tues
Wed
Thurs
Fri
10:15-10:45 Office
11-11:50 Introl
12-12:50 Intro
 8:45-9:15 Office
9:30-10:45 Intro
11-12:15 Office
12:30-1:45 Abnormal
2-3:15 Office
10:15-10:45 Office
11-11:50 Introl
12-12:50 Intro
 8:45-9:15 Office
9:30-10:45 Intro
11-12:15 Office
12:30-1:45 Abnormal
2-3:15 Office 		10:15-10:45 Office
11-11:50 Intro
12-12:50 Intro

Beginning Sep 19th:

Mon
Tues
Wed
Thurs
Fri
10:15-10:45 Office
11-11:50 Intro
12-12:50 Intro
1-2:40 Intro
8:45-9:15 Office
9:30-10:45 Intro
11-12:15 Office
12:30-1:45 Abnormal
2-3:15 Office
10:15-10:45 Office
11-11:50 Intro
12-12:50 Intro
1-2:40 Intro

8:45-9:15 Office
9:30-10:45 Intro
11-12:15 Office
12:30-1:45 Abnormal
2-3:15 Office 		10:15-10:45 Office
11-11:50 Intro
12-12:50 Intro

Textbook: Exploring Psychology in Modules 8th Edition by Dr. David Myers (http://www.davidmyers.org) ISBN: 978-1-4292-6264-8

Relationship to Academic Programs and Transferability:

Psyc 1813 was designed to meet specific student needs either individually or within a program and is designed to transfer to other colleges and universities. KCC participates in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IA), a statewide transfer agreement for general education courses. All colleges and universities participating in IAI agree to accept a collective "package" of IAI general education courses; transfer of courses separately is not guaranteed. For more information about IAI, go to their website at www.itransfer.org and IAI. For the transferability of courses to specific four-year institutions, go to U.Select Illinois at www.itransfer.org.

Course Goals and Objectives:

Upon completion of this course you will demonstrate an understanding of:

1. psychological research and evidence.
2. major principles of sensation and perception.
3. the kinds, causes, prevention, and treatments of psychological disorders and ways of coping with them.
4. major developmental changes that occur during the main stages of the lifespan.
5. the contributions of both heredity and learning to human behavior.
6. the functions and operations of the major parts of the brain and nervous system.
7. the causes, nature and effects of emotions.
8. the major principles of motivation.
9. the main theories of personality.
10. states of consciousness such as attention, sleep and dreaming, hypnosis and drug use.
11. the leading social factors that influence behavior, esp. how we relate to, influence, and think about people.
12. the principles of learning and memory, and the major kinds of learning.
13. how psychological factors influence physical health.
14. the functions and operations of cognitive processes.

General Education Outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, you will have:

Critical Thinking: Demonstrate the ability to think critically by separating fact from opinion, drawing logical inferences, and arriving at informed judgments.

Scientific Literacy: Demonstrate the ability to distinguish between empirical and non-empirical evidence, demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method, and make informed judgments regarding the credibility of scientific claims.

Evaluation:

Module Outcomes:

Chapter Outcomes are available to students and indicate the knowledge evaluated and in what method it will be evaluated. Outcomes are assessed through a VARIETY of methods. SOME Outcomes may be clarified by your instructor through class discussion. Other Outcomes will be SOLELY THE STUDENT'S RESPONSIBILITY to learn, through a variety of resources. Of course should you have difficulty with ANY particular outcome, you may seek help from many sources (additional readings, films, other students, your professor, etc.). You may access the outcomes on my website (http://www.podwika.org) or ask for a copy.

Quizzes/Exams/Activities:

You may use the ANGEL system to complete quizzes & exams and to keep track of your grades and attendance. KCC provides more than 700 computers in more than 35 computer labs on campus for those who do not have one with internet access at home. If you have any concerns about using ANGEL, please discuss other alternatives with me BY THE END OF THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASS! Quizzes, Exams, Take-Home Activities & Extra Credit dates are on your activity calendar! In-Class Activities are NOT pre-announced and can NOT be made up! Take-Home Activities are due no later than 5 minutes after the start of class. Take-Home Activities may be submitted early. Submissions may be emailed, HANDED to me in class or my office. Do NOT place work under my door! Work is due NO LATER than 5 minutes after clas begins to be on-time. Work submitted after this time through 5 minutes after the next class session will be considered late & will receive 1/2 the total points reduction. After this time period no credit will be given. Extra Credit is due NO LATER than 5 minutes after the start of class on the date designated in the Activities Calendar. No Late Extra Credit will be accepted. Should you have a substitute, the same rules apply. Give it to the Substitute. Should class be canceled bring your work to L355 and turn in as stated above. School sanctioned activities must adhere to the above policy as well.

Quizzes & Exams will be offered on Angel. They are to be completed online or in class by the date on the activities calendar. The latest you can begin your quiz or exam is by 5 min after the class time on the date indicated on the calendar. Quizzes may NOT be made up. There will be 2 Exams - A Midterm & Final. The Midterm may be made up in EXTREME cases of Emergencies. Similar to an Incomplete this Emergency will need to have official verification. The Final can only be made up if you qualify for an Incomplete. Quizzes & Exams may not be taken early.

Final Grades:

Your grade is determined on the percentage of total points earned throughout the term.

Points Percentage Activity
200 31% final grade Exams (2@100 pts each)
100 15% final grade Quizzes (10@10 pts each)
350 54% final grade Activities (In-Class & Take-Home)
650   Total Points

1. Keep all your work until your FINAL grade accurately reflects the points you earned.
2. Borderline grades I consider Attendance, Extra Credit Opportunities taken, etc.


Percentage/Grade:

585 points (90%)= A

This grade level required a student to demonstrate achievement which is of OUTSTANDING quality relative to the level necessary to meet course required outcomes.  

520 points (80%)=B

This grade level required a student to demonstrate achievement which is of HIGH quality relative to the level necessary to meet course required outcomes.

455 points (70%)=C

This grade level required a student to demonstrate achievement which is of SATISFACTORY quality relative to the level necessary to meet course required outcomes.

390 points (60%)=D

This grade level required a student to demonstrate achievement which is of BELOW SATISFACTORY quality relative to the level necessary to meet course required outcomes.

Below 390 points (below 60%)=F

This grade level requires a student to FAIL to demonstrate achievement of the minimum course required outcomes due to either failure 1) work not completed; or 2) work at a level of achievement not worthy of credit.

Extra Credit:

You can earn up to 30 pts (5%). Extra Credit opportunities and submissions requirements will be provided throughout the course. Due Dates are on your specific section's class calendar! Extra Credit Opportunties are listed on my website.

Course Policies:

Attendance:

According to the 2011-12 KCC Student Catalog, regular attendance at scheduled class sessions is expected. Students are responsible for notifying their instructors if and why they are unable to attend any class session if this is required in the course syllabus. Permission to make up work missed because of absence may be granted at the instructor’s discretion. My policy on making up work is above in the syllabus! The instructor has the right to record the grade of "F" for the course or reduce a student's grade if a student has excessive absences AS DEFINED IN THE INSTRUCTOR'S SYLLABUS! If you are not actively pursuing the course it will be reported to the state and you will be administratively withdrawn from the course. Should you be absent, it is your responsibility to get notes from fellow classmates. Make use of your extra credit opportunities for any work you can not make up.

Classroom Rules: Separate Handout Provided

Incompletes:

Incompletes are granted ONLY if more than 3/4s of the term is completed with a grade of C or better. Incompletes are granted under extreme situations and when these situations are NOT under the student's control. The situation will need to be officially documented. The make-up work must be completed by the time period granted by KCC.

Instructional Philosophy:

Education = the act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the powers of reasoning and judgment, and generally of preparing oneself or others intellectually for mature life (Dictionary.com)

Education is NOT repeating a definition from the text! I do NOT know any employer who will expect this of you! Therefore, I do NOT evaluate student's ability to memorize definitions from their text. Psychology is about life. It is extremely important for students to be able to critically think & apply the knowledge of this course to life. It is important for students to understand concepts and be able to recognize or provide examples of these concepts in life. Your ability to apply course concepts will allow you to reason better & make better judgments. As the saying goes," If I knew then, what I know now, I would have done better." I want you to improve with each page you read in your text, with each class period you attend, and with each activity you complete!

I will evaluate your ability to critically think (handout provided) about the course concepts. In addition, every course should help students improve their general skills - writing, technology, oral presentation etc. This course will provide these opportunities. I will reduce a grade by 10% for excessive spelling/grammar errors - more than 5 errors in an assignment - so please do make use of the writing labs suggested even after you have spell/grammar checked!

College Policies:

Withdrawals:


When it is necessary to withdraw from a course or from the college, a student may do so on or before the withdrawal date stated on the syllabus without receiving a punitive final grade. Change of Schedule forms (used to add or drop a course) are available in Student Services and the student should obtain the required signatures prior to submitting the Change of Schedule form to an adviser in Student Services. Students may submit Change of Schedule forms through the mail, but they must be postmarked no later than the withdrawal date. No withdrawals are allowed by phone. To determine the last date to withdraw with a grade of "W" in the course, log into KCConnect and click on "my registration statement" under Academic Profile.

Code of Conduct:

Students need to adhere to the Code of Conduct located in the college catalog. An instructor may ask a student whose behavior is disruptive to leave the classroom. If an instructor feels a student’s behavior justifies dismissal from a course, program or the college, a recommendation shall be submitted to the dean of Student Services for consideration, recommendation, and action. The dean of Student Services will initiate an investigation of reported violations in accordance with college policy for student due process (see section 17.3).

Inappropriate attire. Violation includes wearing clothing which is disruptive to the learning environment.

Disruptive use of electronic devices. Violation includes use of cell phones, pagers, and other devices which disrupts the learning environment. Students and visitors are expected to exercise good judgment and to de-activate such devices any time it may be a disruption.

With the exception of dangerous behavior or cheating/plagiarism/copyright violation, behavior such as texting, cell phones ringing, side conversations and other disruptive behavior I will warn you ONCE, a second violation will result in a recommendation of withdrawal from the course.

Dangerous behavior will result in an immediate withdrawal of the course.

If a student has been found cheating, plagiarizing, and/or copyrighting, they will receive a grade of ZERO the first time. A second offense will result in a grade of F for the course.

To ensure the safety and well-being of its patrons, children are not permitted in classes, testing, computer, or tutoring labs or employee work areas at any time. Also, for safety reasons, children under the age of 14 years cannot be left unattended at any time. This includes KCC campus property and vehicles, satellite centers, employee work areas, or at any college event. In the event a child under the age of 14 years is left unattended, KCC employees will notify campus security and the dean of student development to locate the parent and document the incident. Every effort will be made to locate the parents or guardian before contacting the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). This policy applies to children of students, employees and community members.

College Resources:


Academic Skills Center:

Tutorial Assistance: The center offers free tutorial services on a walk-in basis to support students enrolled at KCC in a wide range of college courses and individual skill development activities. The Learning Assistance Center, L335/339, is the location of most tutorial services. For a current tutoring schedule, go to http://www.kcc.edu/tutoring.

Learning Laboratory: The Learning Lab, located in Room L329, uses instructional technology to provide individualized learning for students enrolled at KCC. In the lab, students can review and practice math, writing, reading, basic sciences, study skills, word processing, and other basic skills. For a current tutoring schedule, go to http://www.kcc.edu/tutoring.

Office of Disability Service: KCC offers advisement and special instructional support for students who are physically and learning disabled, as well as those with academic deficiencies. Students will receive appropriate academic instructional support, including preparatory courses, tutorial assistance, study skills assistance, and self-instructional programs. For the office of disability services, go to room L326, Tel: 815-802-8632.

Learning Resource Center:

The LRC provides a variety of services free to students (print, audio, video, cd-rom & microfilm collections, computers etc.)

The LRC is available to you Monday through Saturday. For specific hours go to: http://www.kcc.edu/students/library.

Approximate Topical Calendar: (Activities Calendar Separate)
Module Pages are in the Table of Contents & on your Module Outcomes also!

16 Week:
Week Topic Week Topic
1 Syllabus/Perception Mod 16 (p 230-232)/
Personality Mod 31 (p454-455 Box)
Research Mod 1 & 2 (p2-34) & Appendix A (p A4-A8) & C (C1-C9) 		9 Motivation Mod 25-26 (p 353-388)/Appendix B (B1-B14)/
Personality Mod 30 (p 447-448)
2 Research Mod 1 & 2 (p2-34) & Appendix A (p A4-A8) & C (C1-C9)/
Social Mod 37-39 (p 543-588)		 10 Biology & Behavior Mod 3-4 (p 35-62) /
Nature, Nurture & Diversity Mod 8-9 (p 108-138)
3 Social Mod 37-39 (p 543-588)/Emotions Mod 27-28 (p 391-416) 11 Development Mod 10-13 (p 142-185)/
Personality Mod 30 (p 438-447)
4 Emotion Mod 27-28 (p 391-416)/Personality Mod 31 (p463 Box)/
Stress & Health Mod 29 (p 418-434)		 12 Development Mod 10-13 (p 142-185)/
Personality Mod 30 (p 438-477)
5 Stress & Health Mod 29 (p 418-434)/
Personality Mod 31 (p 461-464 & 466-469) 		13 States of Consciousness Mod 5-7 (p 66-105)
6 Cognition Mod 22-24 (p 303-350) 14 Sensation & Perception Mod 14-16 (p 188-229)
7 Cognition Mod 22-24 (p 303-350)/Learning Mod 17-19 (p 235-268) 15 Psychological Disorders Mod 32-34 (p 472-509)
8 Learning Mod 17-19 (p 235-268) /Memory Mod 20-21 (p 269-301) 16 Therapy Mod 35-36 (p 512-541)/Personality Mod 30 (p443-445)
* * 17 Finals Week: Exam 2

12 Week: Begins Sep 19th
Week Topic Week Topic
1 Syllabus/Perception Mod 16 (p 230-232)/
Personality Mod 31 (p454-455 Box)
Research Mod 1 & 2 (p2-34) & Appendix A (p A4-A8) & C (C1-C9) 		7 Learning Mod 17-19 (p 235-268) /
Memory Mod 20-21 (p 269-301)
2 Social Mod 37-39 (p 543-588)/Emotions Mod 27-28 (p 391-416) 8 Motivation Mod 25-26 (p 353-388)/Appendix B (B1-B14)/
Personality Mod 30 (p 447-448)
3 Emotion Mod 27-28 (p 391-416)/Personality Mod 31 (p463 Box)/
Stress & Health Mod 29 (p 418-434)		 9 Biology & Behavior Mod 3-4 (p 35-62) /
Nature, Nurture & Diversity Mod 8-9 (p 108-138)
4 Stress & Health Mod 29 (p 418-434)/
Personality Mod 31 (p 461-464 & 466-469) 		10 Development Mod 10-13 (p 142-185)/Personality Mod 30 (p 438-477)
5 Exam 1/Cognition Mod 23-25 (p 306-354) 11 States of Consciousness Mod 5-7 (p 66-105)/
Sensation & Perception Mod 14-16 (p 188-229)
6 Cognition Mod 22-24 (p 303-350)/Learning Mod 17-19 (p 235-268) 12 Psychological Disorders Mod 32-34 (p 472-509)/
Therapy Mod 35-36 (p 512-541)/Personality Mod 30 (p443-445)
* * 13 Finals Week: Exam 3

Copyright:

The materials on this course are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this courses. Further information regarding KCC's copyright policy is available at http://www.kcc.edu/copyright

Syllabus Disclaimers:

1. Course Syllabus/Calendar/Office Hours are subject to change.
2. By staying registered in this course the student agrees to abide by the syllabus conditions.