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PSY/201 Foundations of Psychology Course Start Date: 11/14/2011 Course 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.
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Facilitator Information
Spencer H Davis freyosol@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 yourselfI 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 Associates 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.
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 weekadding 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.
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+ 90-94 87-89 84-86 80-83 77-79 74-76 70-73 67-69 64-66 60-63 <59 A AB+ B BC+ C CD+ D DF
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.
Identify the structure and functions of the brain. Describe sensation and perception. Recognize behaviors associated with states of consciousness.
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.
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 instructors 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).
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 Bio Participation and Discussion Questions Assignment: Testing a Theory Location Chat Room Forum Main Forum Assignments link Due Day 2 (Tuesday) Ongoing (4 days per week) 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 1213), 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).
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
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 1819) 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).
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 Participation and Discussion Questions Assignment: Memory Presentation Location Main Forum Assignments link Due Ongoing (4 days per week) 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 2224) 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).
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 Participation and Discussion Questions Assignment: Midterm Exam Location Main Forum Assignments link Due Ongoing (4 days per week) 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 2526) 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).
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 Participation and Discussion Questions Assignment: Piaget Worksheet Location Main Forum Assignments link Due Ongoing (4 days per week) 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 2728 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).
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
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 3032) 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).
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 Participation and Discussion Questions Assignment: Testing Intelligence Location Main Forum Assignments link Due Ongoing (4 days per week) 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 3334) & Ch. 11 (Modules 3637) 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).
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
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 3334) & Ch. 11 (Modules 3637) 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).
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 Participation and Discussion Questions Assignment: Final Exam Location Main Forum Assignments link Due Ongoing (4 days per week) Day 7 (Sunday)