TEXT: Psychology: A Journey (Third Edition) by Dennis Coon, Wadsworth 2008.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: (PSY 200) Surveys the basic concepts of psychology. Covers the scientific study of behavior, behavioral research methods and analysis, and theoretical interpretations. Includes topics such as: physiological mechanisms, sensation/perception, motivation, learning, personality, psychopathology, therapy, and social psychology.

GENERAL GOAL: To familiarize the student with the basic concepts, ideas, and theories of human behavior. Major emphasis will be placed on the practical application of psychological principles to the experience and goals of the individual student.

GENERAL CLASS POLICIES/CONSIDERATIONS: It is expected of all students that they respect the right and privilege of their fellows to express their thoughts, ideas and opinions freely within the context of class discussions. The classroom environment shall be a relaxed and open forum for presentation and discussion of topics relevant to the course.

* Please be considerate if you have a cell phone and turn it off or (if you must be available for family emergencies) keep it on silent.

ATTENDANCE: Regular class attendance is required. When absence from a class is necessary, it is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor prior to the absence. The student is responsible for the subsequent completion of all work missed during an absence. (MECC Student Handbook)

Mountain Empire Community College is committed to academic quality and student success. Elements that support both of these values are regular attendance and participation in class. The college policy states that regular class attendance is required. The attendance policy in this class is: A total of three (3) absences are permitted with no penalty. However, every absence after that may result in five (5) points for each absence being deducted from the final grade average. Students with excessive absences (25% by March 9) may be withdrawn. Should you need to be late on occasion, please enter the room quietly so as not to distract from the teaching-learning process of the class (three tardies will count as one absence). If you must leave class early, for justified reasons such as medical appointments, you are to discuss the situation with the instructor before that class period begins. Failure to get prior approval from the instructor for an early departure may result in an absence for that class period. If you are not in class, you are absent.

*IMPORTANT: If the need should arise for you to drop any course, make sure you complete the “drop and add” procedure required by the college. Failure to do so will result in the recording of an “F” for your final grade on your permanent record. The instructor has no control over this process. Last day for students to withdraw without penalty or change from credit to audit is March 29.

SCHEDULED TESTS: Four (4) scheduled tests will be administered. These tests will be objective; dates are in the reading schedule. Unless other arrangements are made, students (with a valid excuse) missing a test will be required to take a make-up test at the end of the semester (date TBA); after this time, a grade of zero (0) will be recorded. An excusable reason must be given, documented by a doctor's excuse or relevant verbal explanation. (Make-up tests may not be the same as regular scheduled tests and may consist of multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and essay questions.)

INTERNET TESTS: Students have the option of completing practice tests via the Internet for extra credit points. There will be four Internet tests worth up to “5 points” each (these extra points will be added to the student's test scores at the end of the semester). The extra credit points will be calculated in this manner – a test score of 90-100% will earn “5” points, 80-89% = “4” points, 70-79% = “3” points, 60-69% = “2” points, 50-59% = “1” point. You may submit the test “one-time” only so make sure it's correct before you submit it. Tests may be accessed through the Internet and will be available until the scheduled test date. *This is a privilege, extended to you, to help raise your test scores (if this is abused in any way, it will be discontinued).

In order to take a test, you must:
1. Enter your name as it appears on the college register.
2. Enter the last four (4) digits of your SS Number for the ID.
3. Enter your MECC (or other) email address.

GRADING: The average of all grades taken will determine the basic course grade. Grading scale is: 90-100%=A, 80-89%=B, 70-79%=C, 60-69%=D, below 60%=F.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES: Students may request academic accommodations for disabilities through the Office of Student Services. That office will evaluate the request and make recommendations for appropriate and reasonable accommodations, which the student will provide to the instructor. Individuals requiring temporary handicapped parking accommodations due to short-term illness should also contact Student Services. All correspondence will be kept confidential.

EMERGENCY STATEMENT: In the event of a college-declared emergency, the instructor of the class will post instructions, and any additional assignments needed for completing the class, on the Internet web-site set up for the class. Students may also contact me at the email addresses listed below under “Student/Instructor Conferences”.

STUDENT/INSTRUCTOR CONFERENCES: I will be available to students before and after class meetings. If a need arises and you need to contact me other than at this time, you may do so by calling 276-523-2400 (please leave your message with the Secretary in “Arts and Sciences.” Students may also contact me by email.

My email address is "sam8110@comcast.net" or "sbaker@me.vccs.edu".
This is the best way to contact me.

TU/TR - CHAPTER/TOPIC

Jan. 12 / Welcome
Jan. 14 & 19 / 1 – Introduction: Psychology & Research Methods
Jan. 21 & 26 / 2 – The Brain and Behavior
Jan. 28 / TEST 1

Feb. 2 & 4 / 4 – Sensation and Perception
Feb. 9 & 11 / 5 – States of Consciousness
Feb. 16 / TEST 2

Feb. 18 / *Holiday – College Closed
Feb. 23 & 25 / 6 – Conditioning and Learning
Mar. 2 & 4 / 7 – Memory
Mar. 9 & 11 / 8 – Cognition, Intelligence, and Creativity
Mar. 16 – 19 / *Spring Break – No Classes
Mar. 23 & 25 / 9 – Motivation and Emotion
Mar. 30 / TEST 3

Apr. 1 / 10 – Personality
Apr. 6 / *Faculty Work Day – No Classes
Apr. 8 & 13 / 10 – Personality
Apr. 15 11 – Health, Stress, and Coping
Apr. 20 & 22 / 12 – Psychological Disorders
Apr. 27 & 29 / 13 – Therapies
May 4 / 14 – Social Behavior
May 6 / TEST 4

May 10 - 13 / FINAL TESTS

MISCELLANEOUS: Textbook readings may be supplemented with audio-visuals and handouts. Students will be held responsible for all materials covered in class, the text, and any other materials supplied by the instructor.

REMEMBER – Unless other arrangements are made, all make-up tests will be given at the end of the semester (date TBA).

In order to make up for missed class time, due to bad weather conditions, the following actions may be taken: 1. outside homework/activities will be assigned, 2. class sessions may be held overtime, 3. as a last resort, classes may be held during spring break week.