INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY 1113





INSTRUCTOR: John Phelan
Room C-7-D
(580) 477-7752
E-mail  john.phelan@wosc.edu

TITLE:

UNDERSTANDING PSYCHOLOGY,  Introduction to Psychology, 7th edition, Rod Plotnik, Thomson publishers
 

COURSE:

INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY-PSY 1113 - Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental process.

ATTENDANCE:

Attendance is mandatory and important.  You will not succeed with excessive absences.  If you cannot attend class for any reason, contact the instructor as soon as possible.  You are responsible for class notes and deadlines for material due.  Six absences will be considered Excessive and will be reported to the Office of the Academic Vice President and the Office of Financial Affairs. It is the responsibility of the student to properly
withdraw from class for whatever reason. I will not give any administrative withdrawals. After the date for final
withdrawals, a grade of "F" will be given, unless withdrawal is with the permission of the Academic Vice
President.

ASSESSMENT:
An important part of Western’s “commitment to excellence” is the systematic collection and examination of assessment data both to document and to improve student learning. Students will be asked to participate in assessment activities as part of their course work. The results of assessment benefit students by identifying how competently they perform course objectives as well as benefiting the college by confirming Western’s performance as an institution of higher education.

ATTITUDE:  A positive attitude works wonders.  Respect your classmates.  If you must leave class for any reason, have the courtesy to tell the instructor ahead of time.  This will help alleviate distractions.  Personal conversations are not acceptable.  Save it for outside the classroom. Remember the value of ACADEMIA.

GRADING SCALE:
               90-100     A
               80-89       B
               70-79       C
               60-69       D
               0 - 59       F

GRADES:  Grading will be done in three parts:

 A:  TESTS -Up to five tests will be given at instructor's discretion.  Each class will test on different days.  The instructor will inform the students when the testing windows begin.  If you are going to be absent the day of a test, arrangements can and will be made for the test to be given ahead of time or a time suitable between the instructor and student.  Ample notice will be given before a test to allow for study time.  "NO" make-up will be allowed.   Practice tests will be given to enhance student skills.  All exams given online will have a One Day Window  (midnight to midnight).  Tests will be timed.  If you have a computer failure during the three day window, I will be happy to discuss options and reset if needed. DO NOT wait for the last minute to take the tests. Scantrons may be needed on tests.  500 points

 B.  DAILY ASSIGNMENTS - Pop quizzes will be given at various times.  These tests will vary from multiple choice to short answer.  There will be "NO" make-up of daily assignments allowed.  Amounts will vary.   10 points to 50 points each.

C. REPORT or SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT:

                                           OPTION  1
– FOUR  paraphrased research papers from Internet, periodicals, books, or journals.  Use APA style, and form.  Turn in a copy of each cite used. Please do not use the same research areas for each paper.  Vary the research.The report needs to be
in a folder or binder. Due December 6, 2004 (MWF), (MW) classes, December 7, 2004 (TTH) classes, and, December 8, 2004 (W) classes.   I will not return the papers.  Keep a copy for yourself.  Late papers will NOT be accepted. 100 points maximum.
                                          OPTION 2
Academic Service Learning .  Minimum 2 hours "two" days a week.   Academic Service Learning is giving something back to
the community and the college course through experiential learning.  The student will create a journal/portfolio  throughout the
semester to reflect the selected service learning project, including an analysis document explaing what the project was about
and how the project pertained to the course.   Documentation materials will be provided by the instructor.  Academic Service
Learning can be done in the schools.  Mentoring, or classroom help through  literacy, language, and reading are a few
examples.  The instructor will approve all Academic Service Learning projects.   Students who choose Academic
 Service Learning will not be allowed to change options after starting.  Commitment is crucial.  100 points maximum.

D.  CLASS PARTICIPATION:
Students will be evaluated each class period.  If you do not attend class, you cannot be evaluated.

Please do not hesitate to call or come by my office.  I am interested in your success.
 

Text Reference