Instructor: Mark Winter
Office: CA 132, Eureka Campus
Phone: 707-476-4310
Email: mark-winter@redwoods.edu
Class Website: http://bb.redwoods.edu

Course Description: Scientific study of behavior and mental processes through the exploration of major theories and concepts, methods, and research findings. Topics include biological foundations, perception, learning, cognition, emotion, motivation, development, personality, social psychology, psychological disorders and therapies, and applied psychology.

Learning Outcomes:
1. Draw connections between research findings and their theoretical implications.
2. Develop an overview of the scientific field of psychology including the major theoretical approaches.
3. Draw the distinction between scientific and non-scientific methods of understanding and analysis.
4. Relate the areas of psychology to each other and to other fields within the social sciences.
5. Compare and contrast the assumptions and methods of psychology with those of other disciplines.
6. Respect and use scientific approaches to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes..
7. Demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, core empirical findings, and historic trends in psychology.
8. Identify and explain the primary objectives of psychology: describing, understanding, predicting, and influencing behavior and mental processes.
9. Explain (including advantages and disadvantages) and compare major theoretical perspectives of psychology (e.g., behavioral, biological, cognitive, evolutionary, humanistic, psychodynamic and socio-cultural).
10. Describe major applied areas of psychology (e.g., clinical, counseling, industrial/organizational, human factors, school, and health.)
11. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding representing appropriate breadth and depth in selected content areas of psychological theory and research representing each of the following nine domains: (a) biological bases of behavior and mental processes, (b) sensation and perception, (c) learning, (d) cognition, (e) individual differences, psychometrics, personality, (f) social processes (including those related to socio-cultural and international dimensions), (g) developmental changes in behavior and mental processes that occur across the lifespan, (h) psychological disorders, and (i) emotion, motivation.
12. Explain the interaction between heredity and the environment.
13. Use critical thinking in acquiring knowledge.
14. Recognize, understand, and respect the importance of the impact of diversity on psychological research, theory and application, including (but not limited to): race, ethnicity, culture, gender, socio-economic status, disability, and sexual orientation.
15. Understand and apply psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues.
16. Develop insight into their own and others’ behavior and mental processes and apply effective strategies for self-management and self-improvement.
17. Develop awareness of the principles embodied in the APA Code of Ethics.
18. Demonstrate information competence (e.g. locate and choose relevant sources from appropriate media, read and accurately summarize the general scientific literature for an area of psychology, and search the World Wide Web for high quality information).

Computer Skills: Online courses require adequate computer skills. You should be able to navigate websites, open and download files, use a word processor and be able to convert files into rich text format, and submit files to Blackboard. It is the student’s responsibility to meet the technological demands of the course.

Computer Requirements: Most computers and internet providers are adequate. You will need shockwave and audio software (free and common with most computers) and speakers to listen to lectures. All audio files will have an accompanying transcript. I would recommend broadband services such as cable, DSL, or from satellite providers.  You need to have reliable access to the internet at least twice a week for 15 weeks.

Student Commitment: Your commitment will require at least as much time as you would dedicate to a traditional class. A typical three credit hour class will require about nine hours per week of your time. You will need to listen to lectures (and/or read lecture text files), carefully read textbook chapters, participate in online discussions, complete weekly quizzes, write and submit a paper, and take online midterm and final exams. Self discipline, attention to details, and skills in reading and writing are critical for succeeding online. 

Text: Morris, C. G. and Maisto, A. A. (2008). Understanding Psychology (8th edition), Pearson/Prentice Hall. The text can be purchased at a CR Bookstore or by phone at (707-476-4130). Phone orders have no charge for shipping and handling but require credit card payments. In addition, both new and used texts can be ordered online from commercial websites. The text is an important part of the class. Please have the text before the first day of class. You can also find the text on two-hour reserve at the LRC, Eureka campus.

Grading:
Topic Quizzes (110 points): This course is organized around 12 topics/chapters. Each topic will have a chapter quiz consisting of 10 multiple-choice items based on that week's readings from the textbook and online lecture. The last quiz will serve as "extra credit" to offset a missed or low-scoring quiz. Quizzes will be available online during the time period when the topic is presented. These are open-book exams. You are expected to follow the class code of conduct (see below).

Midterm Exams (200 points): There will be two midterm exams consisting of 100 multiple-choice items. As with the quizzes, exams will be completed online anytime during the weeks they are available. However, unlike quizzes, exams can be opened only once and will be time-limited. You will be free to use your book or notes during the exam but will not have time to search for answers to the questions. Prepare for these exams the same as you would for a similar exam in the classroom. Late exams are available at the discretion of the instructor and will receive a late penalty.

Research Papers (30 points): You are required to write a short paper on any psychology topic of your choice. Refer to the research paper handout for more information.

Class Discussion (120 points): Each week will have a discussion based on a question. You will receive up to a maximum of 10 points for postings and responses to other peoples' postings (reduced credit for superficial postings and responses). This is an important and required part of the class. The discussion forum can be accessed from the class homepage on Blackboard. The last week's discussion will serve as "extra credit" to offset a missed or low-scoring discussion.

Final Exam (100 points): The final exam will consist of 100 multiple-choice questions based on the material presented since the last midterm exam. These exams will be administered online and will be similar in format to the midterm exams. No late or make-up exams will be allowed.

Note: There are no provisions for additional extra credit assignments.

Grade Distribution: A=93% and above, A-=90-92%, B+=88-89%, B=83-87, B-=80-82%, C+=78-79%, C=65-77%, D=60-64%, F=59% and below

Course Schedule: Thirteen weeks will consist of a weekly Topic, Readings (lecture and text chapter) and Assessment (quiz and discussion.) Three weeks will be dedicated to the midterm and final exams. Every week, except finals week, will have a required discussion. Two brief papers are required as scheduled.

Note: While I make every effort to follow the standards and schedule of this syllabus there may be times when changes are necessary. I will inform the class through the announcement board and/or class email of any changes.

Code of Conduct: I would encourage you to familiarize yourself with the Student Code of Conduct Standards in the college catalogue under campus policies and regulations on page 223. In addition, as an online class I have two additional requirements. First, you must do your own work. All papers, quizzes, and exams must be completed by you without any assistance. Second, be respectful of your fellow students. Be kind and considerate in all of your postings and responses to the discussion forum.