Fall 2015 Course Syllabus

PSYCHOLOGY 101: Introduction to Psychology

Course Information
Instructor: Lisa Maisano Kennedy
E-mail: lisa.kennedy@vvc.edu
Mailbox: Academic Commons
Campus Website: www.vvc.edu

Course Title: Introduction to Psychology

Course No: Psych 101 Section: 54354
Units: 3.0
Class Days/Hours: Online

Course Calendar
Fall Term Begins
Labor Day Holiday (college closed)
Veterans Day Holiday (college closed)
Thanksgiving Holiday (college closed)
Fall Term Ends

August 31
September 7
November 11
November 27-29
December 19

Sixteen (16) week term

First Twelve (12) week term
Second Twelve (12) week term
First Eight (8) week term
Second Eight (8) week term

August 31 December 19
August 31 - November 21
September 28 December 19
August 31 October 24
October 26 December 19

NOTE CAMPUS IS CLOSED and CLASSES WILL NOT BE HELD ON CAMPUS THE
FOLLOWING DATES: September 7th, November 11th, 26th, 27th, 28th

Statement of Access
Students with special needs are encouraged to contact instructors to discuss the
opportunity for academic accommodations and referral to Disabled Students Programs and
Services [DSPS] http://www.vvc.edu/offices/disabled_student_program_services/ per
Administrative Procedure (AP 3440). Also, please contact the instructor with any concerns
as soon as possible so that I will have the best opportunity to rectify any problems as
quickly as possible.

Course Overview
This course studies the multifaceted discipline of psychology and explores the scientific
study of human behavior and mental processes. Topics to be discussed include:

Research Methods
Biological Basis of Behavior
Sensation & Perception
Emotion & Motivation
Memory
Personality
Psychological Disorders & Treatments
Gender & Sexuality
Learning
Intelligence
Classical/Operant Conditioning
Theoretical Perspectives
Prerequisite: None.
Recommended Preparation: Eligibility for English 101. CSU, UC (UC credit limitation).

Student Learning Objectives

Successful completion of this class will enable the student to:
1. Demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives,
empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
2. Apply basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data
analysis and interpretation.
3. Apply psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues.

Required Textbook
Gazzaniga, M., Heatherton, T., & Halpern, D. (2015). Psychological Science (5th ed.).
NYC: W.W. Norton.
Note: Purchase information for the textbook and access code are posted on Blackboard
under in the left-hand menu under the tab: Start Here
https://digital.wwnorton.com/psychsci5

Academic Policies
Academic Honesty
Our faculty, staff and students play a critical role in maintaining the academic integrity of
VVC. As a result, it is imperative that we maintain high standards of academic honesty.
Plagiarism and cheating are unacceptable behaviors that damage the integrity of
academic institutions.

Plagiarism
Plagiarism refers to taking credit for work that is not yours, where you have not fully
identified the source from which you have borrowed. In other words, taking someone
elses ideas or paraphrasing their expression without acknowledgement is plagiarism.

Cheating
Cheating is defined as providing or accepting information on an exam, copying
someone elses work, or providing your own work to be copied.
Plagiarizing and cheating are considered very serious offenses. Thus, they have serious
consequences. Such incidents may result in the following: 1) failure of assignment or
test; 2) failure of the class; and 3) notification to the Academic Dean.

Drop Policy
Thursday, September 3rd: Students who fail to login to the class or contact me to
discuss their lack of participation by Thursday, 9/3 @ midnight will be dropped at the
end of the first week. This will allow waitlisted students the opportunity to be added to
the class.
But wait there is more! If you decide to drop this class it -- is your responsibility. Please
do not assume that because you stop participating in the class that you will be
automatically dropped you from the course. Failure to withdraw from the class by VVC
deadlines will result in an FW on your transcript. An FW is equal to a failing grade.
Please be advised of the following VVC deadlines:
Drop without a W: 9/13/2015
Drop with a W: 10/17/2015
Dropping a class? If you are dropping a class within the deadlines you may do so via
Webadvisor: https://webadvisor.vvc.edu/
Additional Questions?: Please contact Admissions & Records @ 760-245-4271 x2272
or at their email address: http://www.vvc.edu/offices/admissions-records/index.shtml
Course Format
This course is delivered completely online and uses Blackboard as the course
management system. Since you have opted to take an online class, I expect that you
have a sufficient level of technological proficiency and adequate internet access.
However, if you need assistance, please take note of the following resources:

Blackboard Information:
Course login for Blackboard:
Login link: http://www.vvc.edu/schedule/online/blackboard_login.shtml

This page will also provide you with assistance in a variety of areas including: step-by-step login
instructions, test for browser compatibility, and software requirements.

VVC Online Readiness Assessment: VVC has posted an assessment tools to help
you understand you level of readiness for independent learning. This assessment is
only for your own personal use. It has no effect on your enrollment in a class. It is strictly
for personal use. http://www.vvc.edu/schedule/online/online-classes-readinesssurvey.shtml
Difficulty logging in to BB? Please contact VVC Blackboard Online Help Desk
onlinehelp@vvc.edu or call (760)245-4271 ext. 2740. (Our staff is wonderful!)

Communication
Instructor to Student
I will communicate with you via the Blackboard Announcements and VVC email. I will
also be posting a weekly checklist on the BB Course Content Board at the beginning of
each week. This will help you to organize weekly assignments.
Student to Instructor
My preferred method of communication is via email: lisa.kennedy@vvc.edu. I will
monitor my email in the morning and in the evening (Monday through Saturday) and will
respond to questions within 24 to 48 hours. Please be sure to include Psychology 101:
Online - 54354 in the subject bar so that I will recognize you as a student in this class.
If you do not receive a response within 48 hours, I would request that you email me a
2nd time. Please keep in mind that email is not the same as texting. We will be working
together in a professional setting. Please construct your emails accordingly.
Student to Student
Netiquette: Term used to define acceptable conduct when using social media platforms.

Our class will be communicating within the context of various assignments posted
throughout the semester. In fact, the success of the class will be impacted by the quality
of those interactions. Therefore, it is very important that we maintain a positive
atmosphere and respectful tone when participating in the class discussions. Please
keep in mind that when we communicate via writing, especially in the use of social
media platforms, it is imperative that we take care in the wording of our
communications.
Remember to use the following guidelines when communicating with fellow students:

1 Respect other students

2 Re-read your writing before posting
3 Explain ideas using formal academic language (Discussion posts are not texts or
tweets.)
4 Maintain academic honesty
5 Review: The Core Rules of Netiquette
http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html
Teamwork!! Blackboard Q & A Board: If you have questions regarding assignments,
discussion boards or the course in general, please post them on the Q & A Board on
Blackboard. Please check this board before emailing me to see if your question has
already been addressed in that forum! If your question is personal, please do not
hesitate emailing me at lisa.kennedy@vvc.edu.

Course Requirements
Student Commitment
Commitment to this class will require at least as much time as you would dedicate to a
traditional face-to-face class. Therefore, you can anticipate allocating approximately 9
hours per week of your time to meet course requirements. I anticipate that you will
thoroughly read assigned chapters and complete weekly assignments by the due dates.
Self-motivation, self-discipline attention to details, and skills in reading and writing are
critical for succeeding online.

Overview: Weekly Responsibilities

This course is divided into 16 weeks and is organized around 14 unique topics. Each
week opens at Monday @ 8:00 A.M. and closes on Sunday at 11:59 P.M. Assignments
due for each week must be submitted by the 11:59 P.M. No exceptions. Please see the
course schedule for exact due dates of assignments, tests, etc. To maximize the
opportunity for success in this class, students should complete the following tasks each
week:
1
2
3
4

Review: Weekly Checklist and Chapter Objectives

Read and study: Assigned chapters and any supplemental materials
Post: Original response and cohort response on the BB Discussion Board
Complete:
a Chapter Assignments:
b Interactive/Zap Activities
c InQuizitive Assessments
d Chapter Quiz

WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS
There will be a variety of chapter assignments that will post on Blackboard. The
assignments may take various forms (e.g., discussion boards, worksheets, group work,
etc.) and require a variety of responses. Please read all instructions carefully to be
certain that you understand the assignment. Assignments will be graded on content of
response, cohesion of thought, grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc.
Discussion Boards
Discussion topics will be presented each week and will be related to the weekly
readings and student learning objectives. You will be required to participate in online
discussions throughout the semester by 1) posting your original answers to the
assigned topic questions and 2) posting a response to 2 other students.
The conversations that are created in the discussion board area are very important as
they contribute to the learning process and provide an opportunity for interesting
discussions that will contribute to your understanding of the course content. I anticipate
that you will be an active and thoughtful member in our class when you participate in
these conversations.
Detailed Discussion Board instructions will be posted on Blackboard in the Weekly
Content folder. Original posts will be due on Fridays @ 11:59 PM and cohort responses
will be due on Sundays @ 11:59 PM. (Total: 10 points each)
Chapter Assignments
Some chapters include a video activity, a worksheet, or supplemental reading.
Assignments are chosen based on the course topic areas and student learning
objectives. The purpose of the assignments is to help students understand the course
materials, utilize critical thinking skills, apply psychological topics to real world
examples, and to improve the likelihood for success in the class. (10 points each)
InQuizitive Quizzes
InQuizitive quizzes are fun, interactive quizzes that will help student prepare for the
chapter quizzes and the final exam. (5 points each)
Chapter Quizzes
There will be a one quiz posted for each chapter throughout the semester. To prepare
for the quiz please read the assigned chapter materials, review any supplemental
materials, and complete all assignments. Once your preparation is done, complete the
chapter quiz by the due date. There will be no make-up quizzes. (20 points each)

Final Exam
The final exam is cumulative. It will consist of multiple-choice questions and a matching
column and must be completed by 12/19 @ midnight. No exceptions. The final is worth
125 points.
Preparing for the final exam: All of the resources and activities assigned for lesson
completion are designed to help you learn the material of the course. Please use these
resources to help you prepare for your final exam.

Missed or Late Work

Late work is not accepted for this course. However, I will be dropping the lowest score
from each course requirement category: discussion boards, chapter assignments,
InQuizitive quizzes, and chapter quizzes. This will allow for some flexibility in your work.

Grading Policies
Your final grade will be determined based on your performance on the following activities:

Distribution of Points
Type of Activity

Activity Points

Total Points

Week One: Intro Syllabus Quiz

1 @ 10 points

10

Week One: Intro Class Survey

1 @ 10 points

10

Week One: Intro Discussion Board Post

1 @ 10 points

10

InQuizitive Assessments (14)

13 @ 5 points

65

13 @ 20 points

260

Chapter Assignments (14)

13 @ 10

130

Discussion Board (14)

13 @ 10

130

125

125

Chapter Quizzes (14)

FINAL EXAM
TOTAL POINTS

740

Grade Breakdown
Points

Percentage

Grade

666-740

90-100%

592-665

80-89%

518-591

70-79%

444-517

60-69%

443 and below

0-59%

Course Outline & Schedule

Note: This schedule is a guide and is subject to change. Students will be notified via class
email and/or Blackboard announcements of any changes to syllabus. Detailed instructions
for assignments and quizzes will be posted on Blackboard.
DATES

ASSIGNMENTS

ASSESSMENT

WEEK 1
8/31-9/6

Orientation to Course:
1) Review Syllabus
2) Check-in by Wednesday, 9/2
3) Introductions! Introduction Post & 2 Responses
4) Class Survey

1) Check-In: Due Thursday

@ 11:59 PM
2) Introduction Post Due: 9/4
@ 11:59 & Response Due:
Sunday, 9/6 @ 11:59
3) Class Survey Due:
Sunday, 9/6 @ 11:59 PM

WEEK 2
9/7-9/13

1) Read Chapter 1: The Science of Psychology

2) Complete all Chapter 1 Assignments and Quizzes

Quizzes/Assignments Due:
Sunday, 9/13 @ 11:59 PM

WEEK 3
9/14-9/20

1) Read Chapter 2: Research Methodology

2) Complete all Chapter 2 Assignments and Quizzes

Quizzes/Assignments Due:
Sunday, 9/20 @ 11:59 PM

WEEK 4
9/21-9/27

1) Read Chapter 3: Biology & Behavior

2) Complete all Chapter 3 Assignments and Quizzes

Quizzes/Assignments Due:
Sunday, 9/27 @ 11:59 PM

WEEK 5
9/28-10/4

1) Read Chapter 5: Sensation & Perception

2) Complete all Chapter 5 assignments and quizzes

Quizzes/Assignments Due:
Sunday, 9/27 @ 11:59 PM

WEEK 6
10/5-10/11

1) Read Chapter 6: Learning

2) Complete all Chapter 6 assignments and quizzes

Quizzes/Assignments Due:
Sunday, 10/11 @ 11:59 PM

WEEK 7
1) Read Chapter 7: Memory
10/12-10/18 2) Complete all Chapter 7 assignments and quizzes

Quizzes/Assignments Due:
Sunday, 10/18 @ 11:59 PM

WEEK 8
1) Read Chapter 8: Thinking, Language & Intelligences
10/19-10/25 2) Complete all Chapter 8 assignments and quizzes

Quizzes/Assignments Due:
Sunday, 10/25 @ 11:59 PM

WEEK 9
10/26-11/1

1) Read Chapter 9: Human Development

2) Complete all Chapter 9 assignments and quizzes

Quizzes/Assignments Due:
Sunday, 11/1 @ 11:59 PM

WEEK 10
11/2-11/8

1) Read Chapter 10: Emotion & Motivation

2) Complete all Chapter 10 assignments and quizzes

Quizzes/Assignments Due:
Sunday, 11/8 @ 11:59 PM

WEEK 11
11/9-11/15

1) Read Chapter 11: Health & Well-Being

2) Complete all Chapter 11 assignments and quizzes

Quizzes/Assignments Due:
Sunday, 11/15 @ 11:59 PM

WEEK 12 1) Read Chapter 12: Social Psychology

11/16-11/22 2) Complete all Chapter 12 assignments and quizzes

Quizzes/Assignments Due:
Sunday, 11/22 @ 11:59 PM

DATES

ASSIGNMENTS

ASSESSMENT

WEEK 13 1) Read Chapter 13: Personality

11/23-11/29 2) Complete all Chapter 13 assignments and quizzes

Quizzes/Assignments Due:
Sunday, 11/29 @ 11:59 PM

WEEK 14
11/30-12/6

1) Read Chapter 14: Psychological Disorders

2) Complete all Chapter 14 assignments and quizzes

Quizzes/Assignments Due:
Sunday, 12/6 @ 11:59 PM

WEEK 15
12/7-12/13

1) Read Chapter 15: Treatment of Psychological

Disorders
2) Complete all Chapter 15 assignments and quizzes

Quizzes/Assignments Due:
Sunday, 12/13 @ 11:59 PM

WEEK 16 Finals Week:

12/14-12/19 1) Prepare for Final
2) Complete any assignments and quizzes

Quizzes/Assignments Due:
Sunday, 10/11 @ 11:59 PM
Final: Open from 12/1712/19