Psychology 101 Syllabus

Introduction to Psychology (5) Examination of basic psychological processes utilizing results of research investigations. Participation in at least two experiments or equivalent activity is expected.

Text Text: Gray Peter; Psychology, 6th Ed. New York: Worth Gray, Peter & Trahan, Mary; Focus On Psychology, 6th, ed., New York: Worth (Study Guide, not required)

Prim, Merle M. Academic Instruction Center, Rm Office Hours, MWF 10:00-11:00 AM and by appointment. Place: Arntzen, Rm. 100., 9:00 – 9:50, daily.

Weekly Tests Test: Weekly test, every Friday, 50 question multiple choice. Only excuse for not taking the tests is one’s death. There are no make-up exams.

Test Requirements READ THIS OR WEEP: All examinations are multiple guess and use the SCANTRON system. Each student provides his or her own #2 pencil.

SCANTRON ANSWER SHEET (FRONT SIDE)

SCANTRON ANSWER SHEET (BACK SIDE)

Extra Credit One may get extra credit by participating in ongoing research in the department. You are given 3 points for every hour of research participation up to 10 points. Sign-up for extra credit through the Psychology Webb site for this purpose (

GRADES Grades: Grades are based on accumulative weekly tests plus points given for research experience. Grades are based on a percentage of the highest score recorded for the current class. 90 – 100% (highest score) A % (highest score) B % (highest score) C % (highest score) D below 60% F

EXTRA CREDIT POINTS Extra-points are added to the scores after the grade distribution is made, not before the distribution is made. It is of main value for those students who are boarder line between one grade and another grade

Class Etiquette Cell phones shall be turned off before class. If a cell-phone goes off in class, the student will be required to leave class for that day. Two incidents by a given student of his or her cell-phone going off in class will result in that student being dropped from the class.

Cheating Cheating: Academic honest is expected of all students here at Western. Review rules for cheating in college handbook and student handbook. In this class cheating is not acceptable in any manner. Those found to have cheated flunk the class, no exceptions.

Caveat to students about study behavior. Teaching is a joint exercise between the instructor and the student. Learning is a singularly unique enterprise.

cont. This class will take some study time. On average, one will have to study at least two-hours/ night to pass this class, brighter student will do it in less time, and others may take more time.

cont. It is advisable that the text be read before the start of each week’s assignment.

cont. The number of tests is sufficiently frequent that one can stumble on one maybe two tests, but not many more.

cont. Lively discussion is desired, however, given the number of students in the lecture hall that will be difficult. Some of you will be asked question during the lecture.

Socratic method The Socratic method is to listen to the student’s answer and return that answer with another question. Do not be frustrated that a direct answer is not given. The object is to get you to think for yourself.

Week 1 & 2 4 Jan – 6th Jan 7th Jan Chapter 1 Foundations of Psychology 10 Jan - 13 Jan14 Jan Chapter 2, Appendix (A1- A8) Methods of Psychology

Week 3 17 March (Martin L. King birthday, School closed) 18 Jan – 20 Jan 21 Jan Chapter 3 Genetics and Evolutionary Foundations of Behavior

Week 4 & 5 24 Jan – 27 Jan 28 Jan Chapter 4 Basic Processes of Learning 31 Jan - 3 Feb4 Feb Chapter 5 Neural Control of Behavior

Week 6 & 7 7 Feb - 10 Feb11 Feb Chapter 6 Motivation and Emotion

Week 7 & 8 14 Feb - 17 Feb18 Feb Chapter 7, Appendix (A9-A10) Sensation & Perception 21 Feb, (Presidents day, school closed) 22 Feb – 24 Feb25 Feb Chapter 8 Psychology of Vision

Week 9 & Feb - 3 Mar4 March Chapter 9 Memory & Consciousness 7 Mar – 11 Mar 17 Mar Chapter 9 8:00-10:00 AM Reasoning & Intelligence (Final)