COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Welcome to Introduction to psychology course. This course is an introduction to the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.

INSTRUCTOR OBJECTIVES:

1.   To teach psychology as an empirical science.

2.   To learn theories and ethical issues in psychology.

3.   To learn application of the theories in every-day life

4.   To examine psychological theories from a multicultural perspective and to develop an appreciation for the cultural and religious values of individuals.

5.   To create a warm and supportive learning environment where students can express their values, beliefs, and identity freely.

6.   To learn how to be a successful student.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:

1. Compare and contrast the fundamental principles of psychodynamic, behavioral, and humanistic perspectives in psychology, and explain how they relate to everyday behavior

2. List the steps in the scientific method and compare and contrast correlational and experimental research methodology.

3. Examine scientific evidence in order to evaluate behavioral claims.

4. Identify the basic structure of a neuron.

5. Categorize behavior as it relates to frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal lobe functioning

6. Identify stages of sleep and distinguish sleep disorders (e.g., insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, somnambulism, night terrors).

7. Formulate a plan to promote behavioral improvement using principles of classical and operant conditioning.

8. Evaluate the appropriateness of cognitive and social behavior using the developmental theories of Piaget and Erikson.

9. Analyze behavioral symptoms and classify them into diagnostic categories related to anxiety, mood, and schizophrenic disorders.

10. Examine prejudicial attitudes and discriminatory behavior in popular media.

11. List factors that influence conformity and obedience.

Evaluation of the student-learning outcome (SLO) in TRacDat will be based upon the following item:

SLO #1

Psychological Perspectives - Students will be able to correctly identify explanations and interpretations of human behavior provided by psychology's alternative perspectives with an accuracy rate of 70% or higher.

Assessment Method: Administer an 8-item quiz as part of the students' regular final exams Assessment Type: Exam/Quiz - Standardized

Criterion: All students will score 70% or better on an 8- item quiz on the different psychological perspectives.

EVALUATION & GRADING:

I.        Requirements:

1.         Using Canvas:

•   Log on to www.ivc.edu, click on the “Canvas” button, or connect to it at: http://www.ivc.edu/onlineeducation>

•   Under “login” supply yourusername and password.

•   User ID: Your first initial followed your lastname (same as your student email address (e.g., ytaylor).

•   User Password: The last 4 digits of your social security number + 00 (or your assigned registration PIN number).

The college assigns each student an email account at registration. If you do not have this information, or forgot your password, please contact Admissions and Records department.

If you have difficulty logging into Canvas or have other issues related to this, please contact: Help Desk (949) 451-5696, or you can visit technology support page athttps://tech.ivc.edu/

2.   Canvas page information and study tips:

•   Textbook Reading: You are responsible for buying textbook assigned for this course and reading assigned chapters highlighted on the first page of this syllabus.

•   Canvas Page: On the left-hand side of the course Canvas page, you will see tabs such as, announcement, modules, and grades. Inside modules tab is where all course contents materials are located, such as syllabus, chapter readings, lecture power points, quizzes, discussion board, study guide, and other assignments. I would encourage you to read chapter from your textbook, powerpoint slides and watch chapter videos assigned. Create your own notes out of these resources so you will have a better understanding of the course contents.

•   Chapter Quizzes: There are 10 multiple-choice questions on each chapter quiz, worth 10 points. The quizzes are timed with a 15 minutes restriction, and you can only take it once. You will not be able to go back and forth from one question to the other. You will be presented with one question at a time. I encourage you to read the chapter first, understand the concepts before you sit down to take the quiz. Video quizzes are not timed. I encourage you to watch these videos, expect questions from contents of the videos in your discussion assignments and exams.

•    Study Guide: I will create a study guide for each exam roughly two weeks before the scheduled exams. The study guide will be posted in Modules tab.

•   I want to encourage you to ask for assistance early in the semester if you are struggling with some concepts in this course. Please talk to me if you need help.

*As your instructor, I promise to do my best to set you up for success.  I will support and guide your efforts in achieving your goals; however, you are ultimately responsible for your success.

IV.      Written Assignments: NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED IN THIS CLASS

1.         Discussion Board/Bi-weekly discussions

I will post new topics that will be relevant to the material presented in the textbook, power points slide, and videos for discussion. There are two classes of discussions. One is titled: discussion board assignment, there are two scheduled (3/28 & 5/2),maximum of 255 points. The other is titled, biweekly discussion box. This biweekly discussion box is for you to post questions on concepts and engage with your peers. This is worth 1 point. This is optional. If you do not have question on chapter concepts for clarification, it is okay.

Everyone in the class gets one-point for this assignment regardless if you post or respond to your peers or not. In responding to your peers in your discussions, it is important to be respectful in your comments to your peers’ opinion/belief system even if you disagree.

2.         Term Paper Assignments

You will be asked to write a 7-page paper on psychological theories. Structure for this paper will be in assignment folder. This assignment is worth maximum of 150 points. Plagiarized papers will not receive a passing grade.

Note: It is important you use your own words when writing your paper. NO QUOTES even if the paper is cited. It is important you submit your paper as instructed. You need to use a word document, such as doc. docx, or txt. If you use a different format than the one stated here, you will lose points on that assignment. If I cannot open your document, I cannot assign a grade, thus a zero will apply. So please plan ahead.

Note: Plagiarized paper: This is when you submit a paper written by your peer as your own, download, or copy and paste published work done by others on the internet, in research articles or books into your own writing without referencing the contents properly. A plagiarized paper will receive zero point, no exceptions. Here is a handout on plagiarism:http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets.shtml

V.       Late Assignments: No late assignments will be accepted in this class.

As stated before, all assignments are required to be turned in ON TIME, that is, on the scheduled date and time on assignment page.  Read the paragraph on due date in this text.

It is your responsibility to know when these assignments are due and dates of your scheduled exams.  Excuses about computer crash and or printer failure are not good enough reasons for submitting your papers in late. Late assignments will not be accepted. Only verified medical emergencies, unconscious sate, deaths and subsequent verified resurrections (your own), and other absolutely, unavoidable emergencies will constitute reasonable excuses. Even then, I have the right to abjure your verified medical emergencies for late assignments. The facts that you play sports for the college, go on vacations, work, etc., are not reasonable excuses for missing assignments and exams. Please plan ahead!

VI. Accommodations/Campus Resources:

Irvine Valley College makes reasonable accommodations for qualified students with documented disabilities. If you have a disability that qualifies under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), impacts your work for this class, and necessitates accommodations, you should contact Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) at 949-451-5630 or Student Services Center SC 171 for information on appropriate policies and procedures. Disabilities covered by ADA may include learning, psychiatric, physical disabilities, or chronic health disorders, among others. You may contact DSPS if you are uncertain whether a medical condition/disability qualifies or if you feel you may have a learning disability.

•   Counseling Center, Location: SC210; 949-451-5251

•   Reading Center, Location: B300 Building, Room B382; 949-451-5663

•   Student Success Center, Location: BSTIC 110, 949 451-5471

•   Extended Opportunity Program Services (EOPS), Location: SC 130; 949-451-5243

•   Health and Wellness Center, Location: SC 150; 949-451-5221

•   IVC Veterans Program, Location: Library, First Floor, Room 100C; 949-451-5296

•   IVC Campus Police Department, Location: CP- 100; 949-451-5234

•   IVC Help Desk, (949) 451-5696: support page athttps://tech.ivc.edu/

VII.     Classroom Code of Conduct:

You are encouraged to participate in class online discussion posts and ask questions in an appropriate manner. Differences in values, opinions, and ideas with other students will be respected. All disclosures in class discussion posts must be kept confidential to the extent possible. My class is not a place for anyone with oppositional or conducts behavioral issues. If, you have difficulty regulating your emotions and or respecting the rights of others you will be dismissed from my class and possible expulsion from the College (Read the standards set by the SOCCCD in the 2023-2024 Course Catalogue on class conduct).

Students may NOT take photographs or videos of lectures, and or of other students, instructors without their consent, nor may they distribute any course content/materials. Copyright (and Confidentiality) Laws are Applicable. Students may share their personal notes, copy notes from another student with their permission, and study together. I suggest you follow all etiquette, communication, and academic honesty policies under the College student conduct guide. No vulgarity or invective posting. If you observe any behavior that is disruptive (inappropriate postings etc.) in anyway, please let me know immediately. Show respect to others. Irvine Valley  College students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the function of the college as an educational institution and to respect and obey all civil and criminal laws.