Lamar State College - Port Arthur

House Bill 2504

Fall 2017 Course Syllabus

PSYC-2301-03 - General Psychology

 
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Faculty Information
SemesterFall 2017
InstructorCarona, Ken M
Phone(409) 984-6576
E-mailcaronkm@lamarpa.edu
Department
General Education and Developmental Studies
Chair:Michelle Davis
Phone:(409) 984-6341
E-mail:davisml1@lamarpa.edu
Office
Hours:By Appointment
Building:Educational Annex (EDUC)
Room:111
MyLamarPA Be sure to check your campus E-mail and Course Homepage using MyLamarPA campus web portal (My.LamarPA.edu). When you’ve logged in, click the email icon in the upper right-hand corner to check email, or click on the “My Courses” tab to get to your Course Homepage. Click the link to your course and review the information presented. It is important that you check your email and Course Homepage regularly. You can also access your grades, transcripts, and determine who your academic advisor is by using MyLamarPA.
Course Information
Course Number91711
Course Description General Psychology is a survey of the major psychological topics, theories and approaches to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.
Course Prerequisites None
Required Textbooks None
Attendance Policy Research has shown a cause and effect relationship between attendance and college success. I strongly recommend regular attendance. If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to get notes on what you missed in your absence from another student. Attendance will help you succeed in this course. I do not drop you from the class if you quit coming. It is your responsibility to drop if you think it is necessary.
Course Grading Scale  90 - 100=A    80 - 89=B    70 - 79=C     60 - 69=D    Below 59 = F
Determination of Final Grade GRADING: There will be 4 exams, 100 points each, which includes a final exam. NO TEST SCORE WILL BE DROPPED. Course letter grade will be based on a percentage of 400 points as follows:
Grade     Point Totals Approx. Percentages
A     360 and above 90% and above
B 320-359 80%-89%
C 280-319 70%-79%
D 240-279 60%-69%
F 239 and below 59% and below
Exams will be multiple-choice questions. Scantron 882-ES will be used. I do not give make-up exams. Be here on exam day. No shows will receive a zero for that exam including a no show for the final exam. If you can't make it to the exam you must find me no later than 24 hours after the exam. I will decide on an individual basis if you will be allowed to take the exam. You or someone must find me if you are going to miss an exam. Keep a record of your points from each exam. I occasionally use films for specific topics and will have questions on exams from the films. Regular attendance will help you do well when it comes to questions from the films. I may give surprise quizzes for extra credit so keeping up with the material may be benefical for you.
Projected Schedule of Exams:
This is a projected schedule only. Exam dates may be changed at anytine during the semester.It is important to attend class so you will know if there are any changes.
Exam 1: Sept. 21
Exam 2: Oct. 19
Exam 3: Nov. 21
Exam 4: Final Exam, Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017 @ 8:00 AM
The final exam will cover the final chapters of the course
Final Exam Date December 7, 2017 - 8:00 AM   Through  December 7, 2017 - 9:00 AM
Major Assignments Week 6: Exam 1 on history of psychology, research and statistical methods, and biological psychology
Week 11: Exam 2 on learning and behavior modification, memory, conscious and unconscious processes
Week 14: Exam 3 on relationships, sex, marriage, and divorce
Week 17: Final exam on personality traits, disorders, death, and dying
Calendar of Lecture Topics and Major Assignment Due Dates Week 1: Course Introduction, expectations, syllabus review, personal introductions
Week 2: History of Psychology
Week 3: Psychological research and statistical methods
Week 4: Biological Psychology
Week 5: Films of psychology and the brain
Week 6: Exam 1
Week 7: Learning and Behavior Modification
Week 8: Memory
Week 9: Conscious and Unconscious processes
Week 10: Films on behavior
Week 11: Exam 2
Week 12: Relationships and Sex
Week 13: Marriage and Divorce and films
Week 14: Exam 3
Week 15: Personality traits and disorders
week 16: Death & Dying
week 17: Final Exam
General Education/Core Curriculum Student Learning Outcomes
Communication skills:Students will demonstrate effective written, oral and visual communication.

Critical Thinking Skills:Students will engage in creative and/or innovative thinking, and/or inquiry, analysis, evaluation, synthesis of information, organizing concepts and constructing solutions.

Empirical and Quantitative Skills:Students will demonstrate applications of scientific and mathematical concepts.

Teamwork:Students will demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal and consider different points of view.

Social Responsibility:Students will demonstrate intercultural competency and civic knowledge by engaging effectively in local, regional, national and/or global communities.

Personal Responsibility:Students will demonstrate the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making.

Program Student Learning Outcomes PSLO Alpha: Reading skills - Demonstrates comprehension of content-area reading material.

PSLO #1: Critical Thinking Skills � Uses creative thinking, innovation, inquiry and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information.

PSLO #2: Communication Skills � Demonstrates effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas through written, oral and/or visual communication.

PSLO #3: Empirical and Quantitative Skills � Applies the manipulation and/or analysis of numerical data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions.

PSLO #5: Social Responsibility Skills - Expresses intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities.
Course Student Learning Outcomes Identify various research methods and their characteristics used in the scientific study of psychology.(PSLO Alpha) Measured by Pre-Test/Post-Test

Describe the historical influences and early schools of thought that shaped the field of psychology. Describe some of the prominent perspectives and approaches used in the study of psychology.(PSLO #1) Imbedded test questions

Use terminology unique to the study of psychology. (PSLO #2) Imbedded test questions

Describe accepted approaches and standards in psychological assessment and evaluation.(PSLO #3) Imbedded test questions

Identify factors in physiological and psychological processes involved in human behavior.(PSLO #5) Imbedded test questions
Academic Honesty Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSC-PA policies (Section IX, subsection A, in the Faculty Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
Facility Policies
  • No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom.

  • Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission.

  • Electronic devices (including but not restricted to cell phones, MP3 players, and laptop computers) shall not be used during examinations unless specifically allowed by the instructor.

  • Use of electronic devices during normal class hours distracts other students, disrupts the class, and wastes valuable time. Instructors have an obligation to reduce such disruptions.

  • Turn your cellphones to vibrate when you enter the classroom.
Additional Information Absences, Tardiness & Makeups:
I strongly recommend regular, punctual attendance. If you miss class, it is your responsibility to find someone in your class to get the details of the class you missed. Be here on time for class. If you are late for class, you will need to find someone to get the details of what you missed. Try not to disturb the entire class if you come in late. Do not ask me for the notes you missed from being absent or being late to class.
If you miss 10 or more classes I will deduct 15 points from your final points. If you miss 4-9 classes I will deduct 5 ponts from your final points. If you miss 3 classes I will add 5 points to your final points. If miss 1-2 classes I will add 10 points to your final points. If you don't miss any classes I will add 15 points to your final points. I will inform you when the counting starts as students add and drop at the first of the semester. The total amount of Extra Credit you are able to earn is limited to 20 points.
General Regulations: I do not appreciate students talking loudly with other students during class when I am talking or a fellow student is talking. Give your classmate and me your attention and courtesy. If I tell you to leave my class because of your behavior, you will have one more chance to remain in my class. If you are asked to leave a second time, I will drop you from the class.
CELL PHONE RULES: You will not be allowed to surf the internet, post on facebook or any other social media while in class on any laptop, cell phone, or other device. You will not text, send photos or any similar type action with your cell phone, laptop, etc. during class. Your cell phone will be in your purse, phone holder, or your pocket not in your lap, or on the floor where you can read it, or on your desk during class. I do not want to see your cell phone while we are having class. No earbuds or headphones connected to you and any device during class.
1st Violation: I will deduct 10 points from your final points earned, you lose the opportunity to earn any extra credit, you lose any extra credit earend, and you have to leave the classroom for that period. 2nd Violation: I will deduct 25 points from your final points earned, and you will have to leave my classroom for that period. 3rd Violation: I will deduct 50 points from your final points earned, and you will have to leave my classroom for that period. 50 points for each violation afterward will be deducted. Cell phones shall be on vibrate during class. If you must take a phone call step outside. You will not be able to answer your cell phone during an exam.
Academic Dishonesty:
Academic dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the student handbook for consequences of academic dishonesty. These policies will be strictly enforced.
Students with Disabilities:
The Americans with Disabilities (ADA) is a Federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities have access to a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe that you have a disability requiring an accommodation, it is your responsibility to make this known to the Special Populations Coordinator. That office is in the Madison Monroe Building, Room 210. The telephone number is 984-6241.
Important Information
ADA Considerations The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Special Populations Coordinator, Room 231, in the Madison Monroe Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
Copyright Violations Some material in this course may be copyrighted. They may be used only for instructional purposes this semester, by students enrolled in this course. These materials are being used fairly and legally. No one may distribute or share these copyrighted materials in any medium or format with anyone outside this class, including publishing essays with copyrighted material, uploading copyrighted material to Facebook or YouTube, or painting or performing copyrighted material for public display.

Copyright violation is not the same thing as plagiarism. Plagiarism is intellectual dishonesty. Offenses of plagiarism result in lower grades or failing scores, and professors and the college strictly enforce plagiarism rules. There is never any acceptable use of plagiarism. Copyright violation is a legal offense, punishable by large fines and penalties.

Copyrighted material can be used if permission from the material’s creator is obtained, or if its use meets the standards of fair use in an educational setting. For example, a student can quote a line from Shakespeare’s Hamlet in a report without violating copyright but still be guilty of plagiarism if the quotation is not properly documented.

If you are in doubt about what material can be freely used, ask your professor or contact the Dean of Library Services, at (409) 984-6216.
Assessment Statement Assessment is a process by which LSCPA can help you learn better and gauge the level of progress you have made to attain knowledge, skills, beliefs, and values. It also helps your professors understand how to improve teaching and testing methods in your classes, and it helps each department understand and improve degree and certificate programs.

Periodically LSC-PA will collect assessment data for research and reporting purposes, including statistical data and sometimes copies of your work. Be assured that all material the college uses for assessment purposes will be kept confidential. To ensure anonymity, your name will be removed from any material we use for assessment purposes, including video-recorded performances, speeches, and projects.

If you object to allowing LSC-PA to use your material for assessment purposes, submit a letter stating so to your professor by the 12th class day. You will still be required to participate in whatever assessments are being done; we just won’t use your data.

What’s the difference between assessment and grades? The grades you get on papers, projects, speeches, and assignments are specific types of focused assessment. LSC-PA’s assessment efforts include class grades, surveys, standardized tests, and other tools.
Privacy Notice Federal privacy laws apply to college students. This means that college employees, including instructors, cannot divulge information to third parties, including parents and legal guardians of students. Even if the students are minors, information about their college work cannot be shared with anyone except in very limited circumstances.

Anyone requesting information about a student should be referred to the Registrar. Instructors will be notified in writing by that Office about what information may be released and to whom.

Please remember that releasing private information about a student, however innocuous it may seem, can be a violation of federal law, with very serious consequences.

Circumstances under which information may be released:

An adult student may submit, to the Registrar, a handwritten, signed note granting permission for release of information. The note must specify what information may be divulged, and it must specify the name of the person to whom the information may be given.

A parent or guardian may be given access to information about a student by providing a copy of a filed tax return that shows that the student was listed as a dependent of that parent or guardian. The tax return must be for last complete tax year. Again, this documentation must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office.

A parent or guardian may be given access to information about a student if the student logs on to My.LamarPA.edu and sends an email to the Registrar granting permission. The email must specify what information may be given and the name of the person to whom it may be given.

Co-enrollment students are protected by the same privacy laws as adult students.

The Registrar’s office is located in the Student Center room 303B, and can be reached at (409) 984-6165.

College-Level Perspectives This course helps add to the students’ overall collegiate experience in the following ways:

  • Establishing broad and multiple perspectives on the individual in relationship to the larger society and world in which s/he lives, and to understand the responsibilities of living in a culturally and ethnically diversified world.

  • Stimulating a capacity to discuss and reflect upon individual, political, economic, and social aspects of life in order to understand ways in which to be a responsible member of society.

  • Developing a capacity to use knowledge of how technology and science affect their lives.

  • Developing personal values for ethical behavior.

  • Developing the ability to make aesthetic judgments.

  • Using logical reasoning in problem solving.

  • Integrating knowledge and understand the interrelationships of the scholarly disciplines.

Degree Plan Evaluation A Degree Plan Evaluation will help you determine which classes you need to complete your program.

  1. Sign in to your my.lamarpa.edu account.

  2. Click on the “My Services” tab.

  3. Click on the “Student” tab.

  4. Click on Student Records.

  5. Click on Degree Evaluation.

  6. Select the term you are planning on registering for (i.e. Summer I, Summer II, Fall, or Spring)

  7. Verify that the Curriculum Information (your MAJOR) is correct

  8. Click on “Generate New Evaluation” at the bottom of the screen.

  9. Click the radio button next to Program

  10. Click on the Generate Request button.

All of the classes that you have taken that apply to your declared major will be listed on the right. If you have a class that still needs to be completed, a “NO” will be listed on the right next to the required class.

HB 2504 This syllabus is part of LSC-PA’s efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.

Lamar State College - Port Arthur

Mission

Lamar State College - Port Arthur, a member of The Texas State University System, is an open-access, comprehensive public two-year college offering quality and affordable instruction leading to associate degrees and a variety of certificates. The College embraces the premise that education is an ongoing process that enhances career potential, broadens intellectual horizons, and enriches life.

Core Values

  • Shared commitment by faculty, staff and administration to a mission characterized by student learning, diversity, and community involvement

  • General education/core curriculum that develops the values and concepts that allow the student to make a meaningful contribution in the workplace or community

  • Academic and technical programs designed to fulfill our commitment to accommodate students with diverse goals and backgrounds, using a variety of delivery methods, on and off campus

  • Technical education programs that provide for the acquisition of the knowledge, skills and behavior necessary for initial and continued employment

  • Student achievement characterized by attainment of individual goals and measured by successful accomplishments and completion of curriculum

  • Co-curricular opportunities that develop social, financial and civic acuity

Principles

Lamar State College - Port Arthur operates in the belief that all individuals should be:

  • treated with dignity and respect;

  • afforded equal opportunity to acquire a complete educational experience;

  • given an opportunity to discover and develop their special aptitudes and insights; and,

  • provided an opportunity to equip themselves for a fulfilling life and responsible citizenship in a world characterized by change.

 
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