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PSY 180

I. TITLE:  General Psychology

II. CATALOG DESCRIPTION: A basic survey course introducing the student to methods, concepts and terminology of the field of psychology and the relationship to other disciplines.  Emphasis is placed on critical analysis of knowledge in the field as well as its application to practical issues.  Note: This course is a prerequisite to all other courses in psychology.

This course specifically advances several of the characteristics of the MSU graduate.  In particular, Characteristics 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 are directly addressed.  In addition, this course meets the criteria for an elective course in our University Studies Program.  Boldface type is used to highlight text that has direct reference to the characteristics and to the criteria.  Because psychology is a science, students will be presented with information relevant to scientific inquiry (e.g., research methods and statistics.)  Students will learn to apply and critically think about the scientific method and its application to real life concepts and situations.  A great number of the most popular theories in psychology are still open to research and debate.  As a result, students will be taught to think critically about the information presented in class and in the text and to use this information in the development of their perceptions of human behavior.  Students will also be presented with a historical perspective of psychology and the role of society in shaping psychological theory.  Students will learn to apply knowledge to "real world" events and cultural differences to the understanding of normal and abnormal behavior.  Students will be made aware of the ethical issues relevant to psychological research and clinical practice.  Students may gain an awareness of their role in society and how they may improve their own and others’ lives.

III. PURPOSE:  The purpose of this course is to provide a survey of general psychology, an understanding of the methods of behavioral and cognitive science, and an appreciation of the relationship of scientific psychology to other fields.  Specifically, it is the purpose of this course:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of areas of psychology;
• To acquaint students with scientific procedures that are used to explore and explain human and animal behavior;
• To demonstrate the role of  psychology in understanding  human behavior;
• To demonstrate scientific solutions to problems in society;
• To help students recognize the applications of psychology to moral and ethical issues,  competing economic and political theories, and cultural and philosophical traditions;
• To demonstrate the relationship between psychology and other scientific disciplines;
• To encourage students to think critically and analytically about  human behavior;
• To help students  understand the dynamics of cultural diversity;
• To demonstrate the applications of psychology to the world outside the classroom.

• Identify different areas of psychology, and their relationship with other disciplines; (encouraging students to develop interdisciplinary perspectives)
• Understand that psychology is a science that can be applied to everyday practical problems and that its application is useful in other fields of study (Students are introduced to a variety of fundamental concepts and ways of knowing common to many academic and professional disciplines.);
• Understand how psychology is related to society as a whole. (Students should learn how to apply their knowledge to their own lives, the lives of others and new settings in a rapidly changing social environment.);
• Recognize the value of the viewpoints of other cultures. (This will be accomplished by exposing students to both cultural variations and similarities in behavior. Students will be given an international perspective in understanding the role of psychology across many cultures and subcultures.);
• Experience and understand learning as an active process (This will be accomplished by students developing critical thinking skills and learning to synthesize information throughout the course.);
• Learn how to apply and generalize knowledge to their own and others lives. (These processes should foster student centered learning and development.);
• Acquire a critical understanding of the role of psychological, social and cultural factors in the understanding of behavior;
• Understand how to gain knowledge in other fields of endeavor through systematic objective means and be able to evaluate concepts and ideas in a systematic way.

VI. INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
1. Class meetings will consist of a variety of presentation formats (lectures, class discussion, question and answer periods, and group work) designed to encourage students to think critically and analytically about the course material and to synthesize information in terms of thematic and conceptual relationships and applications. Class activities are designed to supplement the text, not duplicate it. Class activities will include involvement in and evaluations of case studies, in class experiments, and/or problem-solving activities.

2. Students are responsible for all assigned material in the textbook as well as material discussed in class. The course involves extensive reading assignments that require the student to comprehend and synthesize material across chapters in the textbook. Students will be examined on information covered in the text and in class. Students are also expected to demonstrate understanding and critical analysis of course information in class discussions, question-answer periods and in written assignments. Written assignments will include portfolios and/or 1-2-page papers on issues in psychology and how they relate to everyday issues.

3. When possible and appropriate, multimedia formats will be included in class presentations. Students will also be made aware of various on-line resources by using the Web Links at the end of each chapter.

4. The major group activity that will synthesize written, oral, reading and computer skills will require the students, in groups, to identify a current or historical occurrence from the last two years that demonstrates a psychological concept or phenomena. They will be required to search the Web for this information, write a synopsis of the findings using computer word processing, and send the final copy to the professor via E-mail. This topic will also be evaluated in an oral presentation. This project will be used to evaluate written, oral, and computer skills, in addition to critical thinking abilities and group work.

VII. FIELD AND CLINICAL EXPERIENCES: Students will be able to voluntarily participate in ongoing research in the fields of psychology.  Students may also choose to attend special events (as indicated by the professor) on campus and submit a written report relating the event to aspects of the course.  These activities will allow students to earn extra credit not to exceed 5% of the total grade.

VIII. RESOURCES:  A variety of library and Internet resources may be used.  These include on-line resources such as PsycLit, the web pages of the American Psychological Association and Web Links provided in the text.

IX. GRADING PROCEDURES: Abilities to apply concepts, use critical analysis for evaluations, synthesize and integrate knowledge will be evaluated throughout the semester.  The course grade (letter grade) will be based on instructors' evaluation of quizzes, exams, and a comprehensive final which will count for 75% and written assignments and group projects which will count for 25% of the final grade.

High academic standards will be maintained throughout the course.  A standard university-level text will be assigned and students will be required to independently read, understand, and analyze its content.  Exams and other evaluation measures will be consistent with university-level expectations and the historic baselines of the course.  Grading will be consistent with the Department’s traditional expectation that average performance in an introductory, freshman class is graded as a C.  Determination of average performance is seen as a process that utilizes multiple measures across instructors, sections, and semesters that is the responsibility of the faculty teaching the course.

X. ATTENDANCE POLICY: Students are expected to attend class and to have read and completed all assigned work prior to coming to class.  Attendance will be monitored.

XI. ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY: All students are required to read and sign the College of Humanistic Studies’ policy statement regarding academic honesty.  This policy will be kept on file in the Psychology department.  Students who engage in academic dishonesty (cheating in any form) will be removed from the class and will receive a failing grade for the course.  Also, students will be subject to additional academic sanctions.

XII. TEXT AND REFERENCES: A college level text (e.g. Weiten, 1997) will be selected for this course. When applicable a study guide will also be recommended. When it is offered students are advised to sign up for Advanced Reading & Study Skills Improvement (Rea 121) which accompanies Psy. 180. Students are also advised of the additional help that can be acquired through tutoring at the Learning Center.

XIII. PREREQUISITES:  None.

Last updated February 8, 2000. Designed and maintained by Kyosung Koo