Introduction to
Psychology
PS 101 ONLINE
Instructor:
Lisa Holzwarth,
MS
215-508-6709 (w/voicemail) lholzwarth@manor.edu
Required
Text: Understanding Psychology,
8th Edition – Charles G. Morris &
Albert A. Maisto
Course
Philosophy: This course is an introduction to the
basic principles and major theoretical approaches to the study of
psychology. It will attempt to
explain human behavior and mental processes as they relate to ourselves and our
environment. Through independent
reading/writing, and additional projects, this course will encourage curiosity
and stimulate critical thinking.
Course
Description: Introduction to Psychology will present
the best of contemporary psychology by introducing to the student a few of the
major contributors to psychological thinking, by touching on historical
background, and by helping the student to better understand the variety of
approaches to the study of human behavior and functioning. This course will help the student to
better understand why we think, feel, and act as we do.
This is an online class – there are no
on-site sessions for the class. However, the instructor will be available by
appointment for additional assistance.
After reviewing the syllabus, if you feel
that you do not have the time or computer skills to succeed in the class, please
drop it immediately and consider taking the classroom
version.
Course
Objectives: The students completing this course will
be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the
major psychological approaches to the
study of human
behavior and mental processes through reading, writing,
and
speaking.
2. Demonstrate a knowledge of how
psychological data is gathered and
evaluated.
3. Analyze some traditional psychological
perspectives in light of new theory
and
knowledge.
4. Identify the influences that determine
their own actions from ethical,
spiritual, genetic,
cultural, and environmental perspectives.
5. Develop the ability to actively think,
question, problem solve, and
ultimately to apply
learned knowledge to daily life.
Requirements:
o
article
and video summaries (1 each @ 50 points = 100 points)
o
monthly
review study questions (4 @ 50 points = 200 points)
o
midterm
and final exams – 100 points each
TOTAL = 500 points
Grading: The grading scale will be as
follows:
450 - 500 = A
300 – 349 = D
400 - 449 = B
below 300 = F
350 - 399 = C
Class Attendance
and Participation: This is an online class. All assignments will be available on the
website. There may be additions or
changes to the website, so please check it weekly. There will also be regular emails
regarding due dates and any other information which may pertain to the
class. You are strongly encouraged
to pace yourself and work on the assignments weekly. Please contact the instructor if you
have any problems or questions.
Please understand how to use your computer
and email files. You must have
internet access and all files must be in Word format. The file must be converted if it is not
in Word, in order to be sent as an email and reviewed. For assistance, contact the help desk@
Manor.
Other:
1. You must use the Manor e-mail for
this course. Contact the instructor
immediately if
you have difficulty sending or receiving assignments.
2. Plagiarism – This is a serious
offense. Anyone caught plagiarizing
their work
may undergo
disciplinary action by the college.
(Please consult the Manor
College catalog for
further information).
3. All papers will be expected to be
e-mailed to me by the due date.
Late
papers will not be
accepted. Please notify the
instructor ahead of time if
you have a problem and
other arrangements will be considered.
4. All papers will be expected to be
according to APA format – American
Psychological
Association Publication Manual – this is available on reserve at
the college library
for your use. It is unnecessary to
purchase one, unless
you plan on majoring
in psychology – then you may wish to consider it.
Outcomes:
1. To demonstrate effective communication
skills:
a)
outcome measure - students will communicate in writing knowledge
of course material in
written assignments and exams
outcome
standard – 80% will complete all written assignments and will
receive
a grade of C or better in all exams
2. To demonstrate effective reading and
critical thinking skills
b) outcome measure - students will complete two written papers –
one
summarizing an article, and one video review
outcome standard – 80% will complete both papers and will
receive a grade of C or better on both
3. To demonstrate how psychological data is
gathered and to problem-solve
c) outcome measure - students will complete analysis
projects
with
written assignments
outcome standard – 80% will complete the assignment and will
receive a grade of C or better
Assignments
Week of January 14
– Introduction, Review of Syllabus, Chapters 1 & 2
Week of January 21
– Chapter 3, Assignment #1 due
Week of January 28
– Chapter 4
Week of February 4
– Chapter 5, Assignment #2 due
Week of February 11
– Chapter 6
Week of February 18
– Chapter 7, Article Summary due
Week of February 25
– MIDTERM EXAM
Week of March 3 –
No classes this week – SPRING BREAK – no assignments
Week of March 10 –
Chapter 8
Week of March 17–
Chapter 9, Assignment #3 due
No classes 3/20 – 3/24 – continue to read, but no
assignments
Week of March 24 –
Chapter 10
Week of March 31 –
Chapter 11, Video Summary due
Week of April 7 –
Chapter 12
Week of April 14 –
Chapter 13, Assignment #4 due
Week of April 21 –
Chapter 14,
Week of April 28 –
FINAL EXAM
This schedule is
subject to change at any time. You
will be notified in advance of any changes. Additional information/instructions will
be e-mailed to you on a weekly basis.