Fall 2025 Course Syllabus Course: PSYC-2301 (Section: 5C, CRN: 92492) General Psychology

Instructor Information
Instructor	Sonya Briscoe
Email	briscoesy@lamarpa.edu
Phone	(409) 984-6330
Office	Educational I - Room: 133
Office Hours	NONE
Additional Contact Information	Student meetings may be set directly before or after class by appointment. Contact thru Education Dept.
Course Information
Description	General Psychology is a survey of the major psychological topics, theories and approaches to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.
Required Textbooks	Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer. Psychology (9th ed.), Bernstein, D. A., Penner, L. A., Clarke-Stewart, A., Roy, E. J. Cengage Learning. ISBN-13: 978-1-111-30155-2 / ISBN-10: 1-111-30155-7
Additional Materials/Resources	None.
Corequisites/Prerequisites	ENGL-0302 College Reading Skills
Learning Outcomes	Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, students will: 1. Identify various research methods and their characteristics used in the scientific study of psychology. 2. Describe the historical influences and early schools of thought that shaped the field of psychology. 3. Describe some of the prominent perspectives and approaches used in the study of psychology. 4. Use terminology unique to the study of psychology. 5.Describe accepted approaches and standards in psychological assessment and evaluation. 6. Identify factors in physiological and psychological processes involved in human behavior.
Core Objectives	* Communication skills: Students will demonstrate effective written, oral and/or 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.
Lecture Topics Outline	Course Introduction and Syllabus Review        Introduction and Research Methods        Research in Psychology        Biological Aspect of Psychology        Sensation        Perception        Learning        Memory        Cognition and Language             Consciousness        Cognitive Abilities        Motivation and Emotion        Human Development           Health, Stress, and Coping        Personality        Psychological Disorders        Treatment of Psychological Disorders        Social Cognition         Social Influence
Major Assignments Schedule	EXAM 1  (Ch 1-4)   EXAM 2  (Ch 5-8)   Midterm Research Project     EXAM 3 (Ch 9-12)   EXAM 4 (13-20)       Final Research Project
Final Exam Date	December 7, 2025 - 6:00 PM   Through  December 7, 2025 - 8:00 PM
Grading Scale	900 - 1000 = A     800 - 899 = B     700 - 799 = C     600 - 699 = D    599 – below = F
Determination of Final Grade	Exams:  4 @ 150pts = 600 (60%) Worksheets:  2 @ 50pts = 100 (10%) Midterm Project:  150 (15%) Final Project/Core Assignment: 150 (15%) Core Assignment   Total Possible Points - 1000
Course Policies
Instructor Policies	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.   You should have a good understanding of the word and considerations of PLAGIARISM.  Punishment for such can range from receiving a zero on an assignment to school expulsion. Again, see LSC-PA policies.    Please Note:  If plagiarism is discovered at any point in the course, all previously graded work will be subject to reexamination/regarding.  Your course average will be adjusted accordingly.  Again, I stress, all plagiarism results in the grade of ZERO and you can be removed from the course.     You are responsible for all materials (including textbooks, computer, and the technology) required for coursework. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Silence your cell phones for the duration of class. Electronic devices - (cell phones, laptops, the internet) may be used only as part of classroom activities. Unrelated use of electronic devices (talking/texting/scrolling/social media) during class is a distraction for you, your classmates and your instructor.  Having to address such wastes valuable time.  Problematic behavior may result in you being asked to exit the classroom. Respectful behavior:  Be respectful of instructors, fellow students and the academic environment.  Instructors have NO obligation to tolerate disruptive behaviors of any kind.  This includes excessive/disruptive talking.  Problematic behavior may result in you being asked to exit the classroom and/or dismissal from the course. Sleeping in class:  Please be aware that attendance requires not just your presence but your attention.  If you sleep in class you will be asked to leave and counted absent for the day.  NOTE:  In accordance with the attendance policy, five (5) absences can result in administrative removal from the course. Please be mindful of students with disabilities:  Some may be visible and others may not.  Most of us are extremely considerate of disabilities we recognize, but less aware and thus less sensitive to those we cannot see.  Invisible disabilities may include such conditions as (ADHD, asthmas, allergies, chronic pain, hearing impairments, migraines, seizures, vision impairments, and many more).  Something as simple as body sprays and fragrances may affect/trigger asthma or migraines.  Lighting or excessive noise can become problems for those with hearing disorders or epilepsy.  Let us all keep these things in mind and BE CONSIDERATE OF THE NEEDS OF THOSE AROUND US.
Attendance Policy	Absences, Tardiness, and Make-ups:   Attendance and punctuality are expected.   Your preparation and participation are expected.   Absences:  In accordance with the attendance policy, five (5) absences can result in administrative removal from the course.   Tardies:  2 Unexcused Tardies equate to an absence.   The privilege of making up an assignment (including exams) should not be assumed.  If possible, make arrangements in advance, for known scheduling problems/conflict.  If you miss an exam or assignment because of an excused absence that was not prearranged, speak to the instructor as soon as possible regarding the missed work.
Additional Information
Institutional Policies
MyLSCPA	Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.
Academic Honesty	Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
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 Disability Services Coordinator, Room 117, in the Student Sucess Center. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
COVID 19 Information	The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition directly to their local health department. Students should also contact their course faculty to report their quarantine status. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings when directly exposed to COVID 19 in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website.
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. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
HB 2504	This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect	As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct	LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.
Clery Act Crime Reporting	For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.
Grievance / Complaint / Concern	If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.
Department Information	Inmate Instruction Chair: Dr. Steven Zani Email: zanisj@lamarpa.edu Phone: (409) 984-6431