Course SyllabusPSY/201Foundations of Psychology

Course Start Date: 11/14/2011Course End Date: 1/29/2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please print a copy of this syllabus for handy reference.

Whenever there is a question about what assignments are due, please remember this syllabus is considered the ruling document.

Copyright

Copyright © 2011 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved.

University of Phoenix© is a registered trademark of Apollo Group, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.

Microsoft©, Windows©, and Windows NT© are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Use of these marks is not intended to imply endorsement, sponsorship, or affiliation.

Edited in accordance with University of Phoenix© editorial standards and practices.

Facilitator   Information                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Spencer H Davisfreyosol@email.phoenix.edu (University of Phoenix) 919-247-9257 (Eastern Standard Time)

Facilitator Availability

I am available from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Eastern Time on most days, but I attempt to reserve Monday and Saturday for my family. On Sundays, I tend to be online in the morning only. If these times are not convenient for you, please let me know. I will be happy to accommodate your schedule, if possible. I provide you with these times to make it easier to communicate with me, and not to limit our contact.

If you need to reach me by phone, feel free to do so and leave a message. Please be aware that this is a phone in my home so please do not call late at night or very early in the morning.

Because I am typically offline on Saturday and Monday, any questions asked during those days will be addressed the following day.

For emergencies, when you are not able to gain access to messages on the Online Learning System (OLS), please send a message to my personal email address. In the event a third party needs to contact me, please direct them to my contact information listed under "facilitator information." No third party should use your login credentials to gain access to the classroom.

Facilitator Bio

To introduce myself more fully, I am posting my biography in a separate note to our Chat Room forum. After you have read my bio, please post a bio about yourself—I look forward to getting to know you!

Words of Welcome

Welcome to PSY/201, Foundations of Psychology. I congratulate you on your decision to complete your Associate’s degree. I will do everything I can to ensure the next 9 weeks will be a stimulating learning experience for all of us. If you ever have questions or need additional guidance, please feel free to contact me. Together, I trust we will have a challenging and rewarding class experience.

Where to Go to Class                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Main: This is the main forum for the class and is where discussion is conducted. It has read-and-write access for everyone.

Chat-Room: This is a read-and-write access forum. It is designed as a place to discuss issues not related to the course content. This is the forum to which we will send our bios.

Course-Materials: This is a read-only forum, which means you can read messages here but cannot send any. This is where I will post the course syllabus and materials.

Individual Forum: You will see one forum with your name on it. This is a private forum, shared only by you and me, the facilitator. Your classmates will not have access to this forum. You can ask questions here. However, if you have general questions about instructions of assignments, please post those in the Main forum, since other students may benefit by that exchange as well.

Where to Submit Your Assignments                                                                                                                                                      

Assignment Section: This is where you will submit all formal assignments. Navigate to the Assignments link on eCampus. Locate the link to submit your assignment as an attachment.

Policies                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

For class policies, please see the "Policies" link on the left side of the Materials page for the course on eCampus. Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within that link. University policies are subject to change so please be sure to read them at the beginning of each class as it may have changed since your last class. Policies may be slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend class. If you have recently changed modalities it is important you read the policies governing your current class modality.

Participation Policy Clarification

Participation online is very important. As stated in the Policies link on the eCampus page, you are expected to participate 4 days a week in several different discussions and to contribute at least two substantive comments in the Main forum 4 of 7 days each week. This participation is a required part of your grade. Participation consists of notes you send above and beyond graded assignments, which generally means the messages you send as replies to messages from your classmates and me.

Please note that both quantity and quality are important considerations when it comes to participation. A message that says simply, "I agree," for example, would not constitute participation because it does not add anything of substance to the discussion.

In order to earn full participation points, you must add something of substance to the discussion 4 out of 7 days per week—adding something of substance would consist of new ideas, your perspectives, pointed follow-up questions, responses to discussion questions, etc. You will find it is much easier to keep up with an online class if you are logging in and participating regularly. In addition, you must also respond to at least three discussion questions in order to earn full participation points.

Expectations for Discussion Question Responses                                                                                                            

Discussion question responses should be at least 150 to 300 words. For discussion question responses in the Main forum, please post responses to the threads provided. To respond, highlight the appropriate thread, click on Reply, type your response, and post message. Please do not start a new thread for the weekly discussion questions in the Main forum.

Unlike your formal written assignments, I do not require that your discussion question responses adhere to specific formatting requirements. However, please make sure to proofread carefully. I will evaluate your grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

I expect your discussion question responses to reflect critical thought. Whenever possible, please try to relate the course content to real-world applications from your work experience.

Course Materials                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

The assignment materials and syllabus may vary from those posted on your Materials page for this course. When in doubt, always refer back to this Course Syllabus for exact assignments and instructions. All assignments and additional reading assignments will be posted in the Course Materials forum. You will still need to refer to your Materials page on eCampus to access to the required reading assignments.

Technical Support                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Technical Support is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 1-877-832-4867, or use the e-mail support form. Answers to the most common issues are found in the Knowledge Base by clicking Help, found at the top of every student Web site.

Feedback                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Each week, I will provide grades or scores and comments on your assignments.

Grading Formula                                                                                                               

Points Grade

95+ A

90-94 A-

87-89 B+

84-86 B

80-83 B-

77-79 C+

74-76 C

70-73 C-

67-69 D+

64-66 D

60-63 D-

<59 F

Course Description

This course overviews the foundations of psychology as the field applies to everyday life. The physical and mental aspects of psychology are traced through lifespan development with emphasis on psychological health and wellness. Further study focuses on personality; thinking, learning and memory; motivation and emotions; and gender and sexuality. Based in various historical traditions, the course is set in the context of contemporary psychological principles.

Course Topics & Objectives                                                                                                                                                                                      

Week One: A Brief History of Psychology

Describe the subfields of psychology. Explain the five major perspectives in the field of psychology. Identify research methods used by psychologists.

Identify major ethical issues in the field of psychology research.

Week Two: The Brain and Mind

Identify the structure and functions of the brain. Describe sensation and perception. Recognize behaviors associated with states of consciousness.

Week Three: Learning and Memory

Compare classical and operant conditioning. Summarize cognitive approaches to learning. Explain the three-system approach to memory.

Week Four: Motivation and Emotion

Compare different approaches to motivation. Summarize the varieties of human needs. Classify the range of emotions.

Week Five: Lifespan Development: Infancy and Childhood

Contrast the influence of nature vs. nurture. Outline the milestones of physical, social, and cognitive development during childhood.

Week Six: Lifespan Development: Adulthood

Summarize the major transitions that characterize adolescence. Explain social development in adulthood. Identify the cognitive changes that occur in late adulthood.

Week Seven: Personality and Intelligence

Compare approaches to personality. Explain behavioral assessments. Summarize the theories of intelligence.

Week Eight: Psychological Disorders

Describe perspectives on normal vs. abnormal behavior. Identify the major classifications of psychological disorders. Explain treatment approaches for psychological disorders.

Week Nine: Psychological Health and Wellness

Explain social cognition. Determine ways to reduce discrimination. Compare the concepts of like and love. Describe how people cope with stress.

Course Materials

Feldman, R. S. (2010) Psychology and your life. New York: McGraw Hill.

All electronic materials are available on your student website.

Point Values for Course Assignments                                                                           

ASSIGNMENTS Points

Individual (100%)  

Testing a Theory (Week 1) 5

Mediation Worksheet (Week 2) 5

Memory Presentation (Week 3) 5

Midterm Exam (Week 4) 10

Piaget Worksheet (Week 5) 5

Social Development Research (Week 6) 8

Testing Intelligence (Week 7) 10

Psychotherapy Matrix (Week 8) 5

Final Exam (Week 9) 20

Participation/Discussion Questions (3 points per week) 27

Total 100

Week One

A Brief History of Psychology

Describe the subfields of psychology. Explain the five major perspectives in the field of psychology. Identify research methods used by psychologists. Identify major ethical issues in the field of psychology research.

Course Assignments

1. Course Preparation

Read the course description and objectives. Read the instructor’s biography and post your own in the Chat Room Forum by Week One

Day 2. Your bio should be posted within a message (not an attachment), single spaced, and approximately 150 to 300 words. Consider sharing where you live and work, and information about your family, career goals, hobbies, and interests.

2. Readings & Tutorial

Read Ch. 1 of Psychology and Your Life. Watch The Field of Psychology – Interactive Tutorial located at the following link:

http://media.pearsoncmg.com/pcp/pcp_94123_psych_axia/lesson_01/select.htm

3. Week One DQs: Post a 150- to 300-word response to at least 3 of the 5 Week One DQs in the Main forum.

4. Participate with at least two substantive comments in the Main forum at least 4 of 7 days (including initial responses to 3 of the 5 discussion questions).

5. Assignment: Testing a Theory

Write at least 300 words describing a time when you had to test a theory. This theory may be something you have tested at work, school, or even at home.

Answer the following questions in your summary:

o What type of informal research method did you use? o How was your research method similar to research methods used by psychologists? o If given another opportunity, what would you have done differently?

Submit your answers as a Microsoft® Word attachment to the Assignments link by Week One Day 7.

Weekly Reminders

Discussion Questions

Discussion question responses will count towards the class participation requirement.

Participation

All week: Participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages on 4 out of 7 days during the week, with a total of eight substantive messages per week. At least three of the discussion questions must be answered each week. These three discussion question answers will count towards the eight substantive postings needed for the week.

Only posts in the Main classroom forum will count towards your class participation score.

Summary of Week 1 Deliverables

Assignment Location Due

Bio Chat Room Forum Day 2 (Tuesday)

Participation and Discussion Questions  Main Forum Ongoing (4 days per week)

Assignment: Testing a Theory  Assignments link Day 7 (Sunday)

Week Two

The Brain and Mind

Identify the structure and functions of the brain. Describe sensation and perception. Recognize behaviors associated with states of consciousness.

Course Assignments

1. Readings & Tutorial

Read Ch. 2 (Module 7), Ch. 3 (Modules 8 & 11), & Ch. 4 (Modules 12–13), of Psychology and Your Life.

Watch the Stages of Sleep tutorial located at the following link: http://media.pearsoncmg.com/pcp/pcp_94178_psych_axia/livepsych/interface/index.htm?atitle=Stages%20of%20Sleep&id1=16_1&id2=16_2&id3=16_3&sid=16_1

2. Week Two DQs: Post a 150- to 300-word response to 3 of the 5 Week Two DQs in the Main forum.

3. Participate with at least two substantive comments in the Main forum at least 4 of 7 days (including initial responses to 3 of the 5 discussion questions).

4. Assignment: Meditation Worksheet

Resources: Appendix A Locate two credible resources on the Internet that explain meditation techniques. Complete the Meditation Worksheet located in your Course Materials forum. Submit your completed Meditation Worksheet as a Microsoft® Word attachment to the

Assignments link by Week Two of Day 7.

Weekly Reminders

Discussion Questions

Discussion question responses will count towards the class participation requirement.

Participation

All week: Participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages on 4 out of 7 days during the week, with a total of eight substantive messages per week. At least three of the discussion questions must be answered each week. These three discussion question answers will count towards the eight substantive postings needed for the week.

Only posts in the Main classroom forum will count towards your class participation score.

Summary of Week 2 Deliverables

Assignment Location Due

Participation and Discussion Questions Main Forum Ongoing (4 days per week)

Assignment: Meditation Worksheet Assignments link Day 7 (Sunday)

Week Three

Learning and Memory

Compare classical and operant conditioning. Summarize cognitive approaches to learning. Explain the three-system approach to memory.

Course Assignments

1. Readings & Tutorial

Read Ch. 5 & 6 (Modules 18–19) of Psychology and Your Life. Watch the Learning with Change and Experience and Memory – Interactive Tutorial located

at the following link: http://media.pearsoncmg.com/pcp/pcp_94123_psych_axia/lesson_04/select.htm

2. Week Three DQs: Post a 150- to 300-word response to 3 of the 5 Week Three DQs in the Main forum.

3. Participate with at least two substantive comments in the Main forum at least 4 of 7 days (including initial responses to 3 of the 5 discussion questions).

4. Assignment: Memory Presentation

Resources: Appendix B Create a five-slide PowerPoint® presentation answering the following questions:

o How is information stored into your long-term memory? o How does information stored in your long-term memory affect your critical thinking skills?

Include a positive or negative example of when your memory has affected your ability to learn.

Add some basic supporting information in the notes section at the bottom of each slide. Submit your PowerPoint® presentation as an attachment to the Assignments link by Week

Three Day 7.

Weekly Reminders

Discussion Questions

Discussion question responses will count towards the class participation requirement.

Participation

All week: Participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages on 4 out of 7 days during the week, with a total of eight substantive messages per week. At least three of the discussion questions must be answered each week. These three discussion question answers will count towards the eight substantive postings needed for the week.

Only posts in the Main classroom forum will count towards your class participation score.

Summary of Week 3 Deliverables

Assignment Location Due

Participation and Discussion Questions Main Forum Ongoing (4 days per week)

Assignment: Memory Presentation Assignments link Day 7 (Sunday)

Week Four

Motivation and Emotion

Compare different approaches to motivation. Summarize the varieties of human needs. Classify the range of emotions.

Course Assignments

1. Readings & Tutorial

Read Ch. 7 (Modules 22–24) of Psychology and Your Life. Watch the Motivation and Emotion – Interactive Tutorial located at the following link:

http://media.pearsoncmg.com/pcp/pcp_94123_psych_axia/lesson_07/select.htm

2. Week Four DQs: Post a 150- to 300-word response to 3 of the 5 Week Four DQs in the Main forum.

3. Participate with at least two substantive comments in the Main forum at least 4 of 7 days (including initial responses to 3 of the 5 discussion questions).

4. Assignment: Midterm Exam

Complete the Midterm Exam located under Assessments on your student website. You may complete the exam only once.

Please submit a copy of the summary results page to your Instructor through the Assignments section of the classroom. To take a screen shot of your summary results please complete the following steps:

o Press the <Print Screen> or <Prt Scr> key in the upper-right hand corner of your keyboard.

o Open a new document in Microsoft Word, then press <Ctrl-V> to paste the screen shot into your document.

o Save the document to your desktop, then click on the Assignments tab and find your assignment under the current week. Once found, select the Assignment Title to bring up the Details page.

o To submit the document to your instructor, simply click the Browse button and select the word document you saved to your desktop. Document status will show Submitted to faculty as confirmation that your submission was successful.

o Note . Your instructor will receive a separate copy of your quiz results for verification, but you are still responsible for submitting a screen shot to the Assignments section in order to receive credit.

o If you experience technical difficulty with the exam, please call Technical Support.o Technical Support can be reached at 1-866-334-7332 and is available 24 hours a day, 7

days a week

Post the exam summary results page as a Microsoft® Word attachment in the Assignments link by Week Four Day 7.

Weekly Reminders

Discussion Questions

Discussion question responses will count towards the class participation requirement.

Participation

All week: Participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages on 4 out of 7 days during the week, with a total of eight substantive messages per week. At least three of the discussion questions must be answered each week. These three discussion question answers will count towards the eight substantive postings needed for the week.

Only posts in the Main classroom forum will count towards your class participation score.

Summary of Week 4 Deliverables

Assignment Location Due

Participation and Discussion Questions Main Forum Ongoing (4 days per week)

Assignment: Midterm Exam Assignments link Day 7 (Sunday)

Week Five

Lifespan Development: Infancy and Childhood

Contrast the influence of nature vs. nurture. Outline the milestones of physical, social, and cognitive development during childhood.

Course Assignments

1. Readings

Read Ch. 8 (Modules 25–26) of Psychology and Your Life.

2. Week Five DQs: Post a 150- to 300-word response to 3 of the 5 Week Five DQs in the Main forum.

3. Participate with at least two substantive comments in the Main forum at least 4 of 7 days (including responses to 3 of the 5 discussion questions).

4. Assignment: Piaget Worksheet

Resources: Appendix C Complete the Piaget Worksheet located in your Course Materials forum. Post the Piaget Worksheet to the Assignments link by Week Five Day 7.

Weekly Reminders

Discussion Questions

Discussion question responses will count towards the class participation requirement.

Participation

All week: Participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages on 4 out of 7 days during the week, with a total of eight substantive messages per week. At least three of the discussion questions must be answered each week. These three discussion question answers will count towards the eight substantive postings needed for the week.

Only posts in the Main classroom forum will count towards your class participation score.

Summary of Week 5 Deliverables

Assignment Location Due

Participation and Discussion Questions Main Forum Ongoing (4 days per week)

Assignment: Piaget Worksheet Assignments link Day 7 (Sunday)

Week Six

Lifespan Development: Adulthood

Summarize the major transitions that characterize adolescence. Explain social development in adulthood. Identify the cognitive changes that occur in late adulthood.

Course Assignments

1. Readings & Simulation

Read Ch. 8 Modules 27–28 of Psychology and Your Life. Watch the Aging and Changes in Physical Appearance simulation located at the following

link: http://media.pearsoncmg.com/pcp/pcp_94178_psych_axia/sim06/sim06.html

2. Week Six DQs: Post a 150- to 300-word response to 3 of the 5 Week Six DQs in the Main forum.

3. Participate with at least two substantive comments in the Main forum at least 4 of 7 days (including initial responses 3 of the 5 discussion questions).

4. Assignment: Social Development Research

Find a credible article in the University Library related to issues of social development in adulthood.

Write a summary of the article using at least 300 words in which you do the following:

Explain why you chose this topic and article. If you had to write a research paper on this topic, would you use the article you

selected? Explain why or why not.

Submit a copy of your article selection, along with your summary as a Microsoft® Word attachment to the Assignments link by Week Six Day 7.

Weekly Reminders

Discussion Questions

Discussion question responses will count towards the class participation requirement.

Participation

All week: Participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages on 4 out of 7 days during the week, with a total of eight substantive messages per week. At least three of the discussion questions must be answered each week. These three discussion question answers will count towards the eight substantive postings needed for the week.

Only posts in the Main classroom forum will count towards your class participation score.

Summary of Week 6 Deliverables

Assignment Location Due

Participation and Discussion Questions Main Forum Ongoing (4 days per week)

Assignment: Social Development Research Assignments link Day 7 (Sunday)

Week Seven

Personality and Intelligence

Compare approaches to personality. Explain behavioral assessments. Summarize the theories of intelligence.

Course Assignments

1. Readings & Assessment

Read Ch. 9 (Modules 30–32) of Psychology and Your Life. Review the Online Personality Assessment located at the following link:

http://www.advisorteam.com/temperament_sorter/register.asp

2. Week Seven DQs: Post a 150- to 300-word response to 3 of the 5 Week Seven DQs in the Main forum.

3. Participate with at least two substantive comments in the Main forum at least 4 of 7 days (including initial responses to 3 of the 5 discussion questions).

4. Assignment: Testing Intelligence

Resources: IQ Test Labs website at http://www.intelligencetest.com/ Complete the free web-based intelligence test and review the results. Answer the following questions in paragraph form:

o Did you feel the results were accurate?o Was the test biased in any way? o How do you feel about these types of scores being used to compare you with another

person? Please explain.

Submit your paragraphs as a Microsoft® Word attachment to the Assignments link by Week Seven Day 7.

Weekly Reminders

Discussion Questions

Discussion question responses will count towards the class participation requirement.

Participation

All week: Participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages on 4 out of 7 days during the week, with a total of eight substantive messages per week. At least three of the discussion questions must be answered each week. These three discussion question answers will count towards the eight substantive postings needed for the week.

Only posts in the Main classroom forum will count towards your class participation score.

Summary of Week 7 Deliverables

Assignment Location Due

Participation and Discussion Questions Main Forum Ongoing (4 days per week)

Assignment: Testing Intelligence Assignments link Day 7 (Sunday)

Week Eight

Psychological Disorders

Describe perspectives on normal vs. abnormal behavior. Identify the major classifications of psychological disorders. Explain treatment approaches for psychological disorders.

Course Assignments

1. Readings & Tutorial

Read Ch. 10 (Modules 33–34) & Ch. 11 (Modules 36–37) of Psychology and Your Life. Watch the Mental Disorders: Causes, Nature, and Treatment – Interactive Tutorial located at

the following link: http://media.pearsoncmg.com/pcp/pcp_94123_psych_axia/lesson_11/select.htm

2. Week Eight DQs: Post a 150- to 300-word response to 3 of the 5 Week Eight DQs in the Main forum.

3. Participate with at least two substantive comments in the Main forum at least 4 of 7 days (including initial responses to 3 of the 5 discussion questions).

4. Assignment: Psychotherapy Matrix

Resources: Appendix D Complete the Psychotherapy Matrix located in your Course Materials forum. Post the Psychotherapy Matrix as a Microsoft® Word attachment in the Assignments Link by

Week Eight Day 7.

Weekly Reminders

Discussion Questions

Discussion question responses will count towards the class participation requirement.

Participation

All week: Participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages on 4 out of 7 days during the week, with a total of eight substantive messages per week. At least three of the discussion questions must be answered each week. These three discussion question answers will count towards the eight substantive postings needed for the week.

Only posts in the Main classroom forum will count towards your class participation score.

Summary of Week 8 Deliverables

Assignment Location Due

Participation and Discussion Questions Main Forum Ongoing (4 days per week)

Assignment: Psychotherapy Matrix Assignments link Day 7 (Sunday)

Week Nine

Psychological Health and Wellness

Explain social cognition. Determine ways to reduce discrimination. Compare the concepts of like and love. Describe how people cope with stress.

Course Assignments

1. Readings & Tutorial

Read Ch. 10 (Modules 33–34) & Ch. 11 (Modules 36–37) of Psychology and Your Life. Watch the Prejudice and Discrimination tutorial located at the following link:

http://media.pearsoncmg.com/pcp/pcp_94178_psych_axia/livepsych/interface/index.htm?atitle=Prejudice&id1=28_1

2. Week Nine DQs: Post a 150- to 300-word response to 3 of the 5 Week Nine DQs in the Main forum.

3. Participate with at least two substantive comments in the Main forum at least 4 of 7 days (including initial responses to 3 of the 5 discussion questions).

4. Assignment: Final Exam

Complete the Final Exam located under Assessments on your student website. You may complete the exam only once.

Please submit a copy of the summary results page to your Instructor through the Assignments section of the classroom. To take a screen shot of your summary results please complete the following steps:

o Press the <Print Screen> or <Prt Scr> key in the upper-right hand corner of your keyboard.

o Open a new document in Microsoft Word, then press <Ctrl-V> to paste the screen shot into your document.

o Save the document to your desktop, then click on the Assignments tab and find your assignment under the current week. Once found, select the Assignment Title to bring up the Details page.

o To submit the document to your instructor, simply click the Browse button and select the word document you saved to your desktop. Document status will show Submitted to faculty as confirmation that your submission was successful.

o Note . Your instructor will receive a separate copy of your quiz results for verification, but you are still responsible for submitting a screen shot to the Assignments section in order to receive credit.

o If you experience technical difficulty with the exam, please call Technical Support.o Technical Support can be reached at 1-866-334-7332 and is available 24 hours a day, 7

days a week Post the exam summary results page as a Microsoft® Word attachment in the Assignments

link by Week Nine Day 7.

Weekly Reminders

Discussion Questions

Discussion question responses will count towards the class participation requirement.

Participation

All week: Participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages on 4 out of 7 days during the week, with a total of eight substantive messages per week. At least three of the discussion questions must be answered each week. These three discussion question answers will count towards the eight substantive postings needed for the week.

Only posts in the Main classroom forum will count towards your class participation score.

Summary of Week 9 Deliverables

Assignment Location Due

Participation and Discussion Questions Main Forum Ongoing (4 days per week)

Assignment: Final Exam Assignments link Day 7 (Sunday)