SYLLABUS PSY 1013-002C
GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY
(SBU.CCTC.DEC2006)
© 2006-2007 SOUTHWEST BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

Richard L. Brewer, Psy.D.
Southwest Baptist University
1600 University Avenue              
Bolivar, MO   65613-2597    

Please read this entire document. There is a "Welcome" statement at the end.

Disability Disclaimer:

It is the desire of Southwest Baptist University to provide all students with optimum learning experiences.  If there are circumstances, due to disability, that may impact your learning in this course, it is necessary for you to inform your instructor within one week of official enrollment (as determined by the Department of Extended Learning) in this course.  If you do not notify your instructor, it will be assumed that you do not require special assistance.

Required Textbooks:

Davis, S. F., & Palladino, J. J. (2007). Psychology. (5th ed.) Upper Saddle River, NJ; Prentice Hall, Inc.  ISBN: 0-13-22084-7

Smith, C.J. & Felton, F. (2007). Study Guide: Psychology.  (5th ed.) Upper Saddle River, NJ; Prentice Hall, Inc. ISBN: 0-13-220838-5

Special Pack (text and study guide): Psychology. (5th ed.) 2007. Upper Saddle River, NJ; Prentice Hall. ISBN: 0-13-2308282

The text is a very readable, application oriented, user-friendly book. It will provide the student with the basic information for this study.

Texts Disclaimer:  The views of the author of these texts do not necessarily represent the opinions of this instructor nor the philosophy of Southwest Baptist University.

Course Description:

General Psychology is an introductory, "life oriented" course that is designed to acquaint the student with basic psychological concepts and principles. Topics covered in this course include a brief history of the origins of psychology, physiological backgrounds of behavior, development, motivation, emotion, intelligence, personality, adjustment, social psychology, and industrial/organizational psychology.

Goals and Objectives:

Goal: Students will explore the field of psychology and its implications to life and living.

Upon completion of this course the student should be able to:

A.    Understand the development of, and be able to delineate the similarities and differences between, the many branches of psychology.
B.    Recognize and comprehend basic terms and concepts sufficient for enrollment into advanced psychology and other courses.
C.    Begin to integrate psychology with his/her personal faith.

Major Topics:
A. 
 The Development of Psychology as a Science
B.
 Biological Foundations of Psychology
C. 
  Sensation and Perception
D.   
 Motivation and Emotions
E. 
 Consciousness
F.  
 Principles of Learning
G.
 Memory
H. 
 Thinking and Intelligence
I.  
 Developmental Issues
J.
 Gender Issues
K.
 Personality
L.
 Psychopathology
M. 
 Therapeutic Issues
N. 
 Health Psychology
O.  
 Social Psychology
P.
  Industrial/Organizational Psychology



Requirements:

A suggested study sequence is: read the chapter in the text, review to chapter outline, and complete the chapter study guide. You may also engage the online chapter practice exams. Though there are no points associated with these quizzes, engaging them will be beneficial. You have multiple attempts at these quizzes.

A.    Completion of Examinations. Eight will be given. (400 points. 50 points each).  Each web-based exam is timed, 50 multiple-choice questions worth 1 point a piece. All text questions will be taken from text materials.  Please follow examing taking guidelines found in your course. Exams are to be scheduled through SBU’s Department of Extended Learning. This should be done only after a thorough reading of the chapters to be covered by the exams and completion of the corresponding chapters in the Study Guide.

1.    Unit 1 = Chapters 1-2 = 50 points
2.    Unit 2 = Chapters 3-4 = 50 points
3.    Unit 3 = Chapters 5-6 = 50 points
4.    Unit 4 = Chapters 7-8 = 50 points
5.    Unit 5 = Chapters 9-10 = 50 points
6.    Unit 6 = Chapters 11-12 = 50 points
7.    Unit 7 = Chapters 13-14 = 50 points
6.    Unit 6 = Chapters 15-16 = 50 points

B.    Completion of the Study Guide. (100 points).

1.    To be submitted at the end of the course. Postal mail to instructor or Department of Extended Learning. Place full name inside front cover.

2.    The entire study guide must be completed and submitted BEFORE taking Unit  Exam #8 to obtain full credit. The answers to guided reviews and practice tests are provided. However, checking your answers only after completing those sections is strongly advised. The exercises provide excellent preparation for the exams.

C.    Completion of  the Chapter Reflection/Integration Questions. (50 points).

Complete and submit 5 chapter Reflection/Integration Questions. You will choose from a list of 15 questions. These are to be completed and submitted to the instructor using the Assignment feature and BEFORE you take the pertinent unit exam associated with the Question.  Each submission is worth 10pts. A total of 50 points are available.  Each submission must be created in Microsoft Word (version 97 or above)  and sent using the Assignment feature (see course for more details). The minimum length of each reflection response is 150 words in 12 point font.

Exams and Grading:
            
All exams are online in a non-proctored setting. The Department of Extended Learning granst access to the exams (see course for more details).

1. All tests will be objective, consisting of multiple-choice items.  

2. Questions will be taken from text and course study guide material.

3. The following standard grading scale will be used.

A = 90-100, B = 80-89,C = 70-79,D = 60-69, F = Below 60%.

A = 495-550
B = 440-494
C= 385-439
D = 330-384
F= 329 and less

Use the Chapter Outlines as you both read the text chapters and work through the course study guide. Refer to the Unit Study Guides section for helps in preparing for the examinations.

After you complete and submit an examination, the results will be posted within Blackboard. You can find your examination scores by going to the "Tool" button and then clicking-on the "My Grade" button.

Welcome to this course

Please feel free to contact me at any time should you have questions or concerns. You may e-mail me questions or comments. My e-mail can be found by clicking-on the "Faculty Information" button. I will attempt to  response to your inquiry witin 48 hours of receipt.

Some of the material is difficult. Plan to spend a good deal of time on those sections. Remember, there is no substitute for careful reading. Use the study guide to assist you in your study. Resist the temptation to use the study guide as a substitute for reading the textbook. Also, resist the temptation to look up answers  in the study guide. Rather, spend time working to discover the answer on your own. That will insure greater learning, greater retention, and greater performance on the exams.

Now click-on the "Course Information" button to your left.