Course Syllabus

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PSYC-100: Introduction to Psychology

Instructor Name and Communication Options

Instructor Name: Dr Pamela G Nash, PsyD

Preferred Email Method: Canvas Inbox

Secondary Email Method: pnash@champlain.edu

Phone(s): (802) 598-3636--texting is fine too as long as you let me know who you are.

 

Course Description

A survey of the science of psychology, including an overview of human behavior in various areas such as learning, memory, intelligence, development, psychological disorders, treatment and social psychology.

 

Student Centered Learning Outcomes

Through the use of class discussions and topic specific papers students will:

Learn how to apply the elements of classical conditioning and operant conditioning.

Learn the different ways people use memory.

Learn distinct kinds of thinking and intelligence.

Learn the important developmental milestones throughout life.

Learn about psychiatric disorders in America today.

Learn about approaches to therapy.

Learn how individuals and groups are influenced in social settings.

 

Textbook / Technology Requirements

There is no textbook to purchase for this class.

Students will be watching videos (such as Ted Talks and HBO Documentary Films) and listening to audio stories (such as This American Life, Radio Lab, Diane Rehm and On Point).

 

Topic Outline

  • Learning
  • Memory
  • Thinking, Language and Intelligence
  • Development Across the Lifespan
  • Psychological Disorders
  • Therapy
  • Social Psychology

 

Methods of Assessment

Your final grade will be determined based on:

Graded Elements Percentage of Grade
 Assignments      75%
 Class Discussions      25%
Total   100%
 
Extra Credit: Course Evaluations      1%

 

 

Discussions

Weekly discussions are an integral part of learning at Champlain College and represent a significant portion of a student's overall grade. In order to be successful, students should:

  1. Post a thorough, well-crafted initial response that fully addresses and develops all aspects of the prompt by the due date. This is known as your "Original Post" and should include the reference at the bottom so that other students can see what you used should they want to learn more. This can be copied and pasted from the syllabus.
  2. Engage substantively throughout the discussion period by responding to others with questions or comments that demonstrate interest, build upon the ideas of others, and encourage elaboration. You must respond a minimum of two times to other student's comments or posts, along with doing your original post, and these responses MUST be more than three sentences to count.
  3. Apply and integrate concepts from this course as well as from quality resources including journals, websites, readings from another class, relevant work or life experience, etc.  If you are going to use outside sources in your paper, please clear them with me first.
  4. Demonstrate attention to style, structure, grammar, etiquette, and proper citation of references to maintain academic integrity.
  5. Again, you must have a bare minimum of three posts--your Original Post and two follow ups. The follow ups must be of AT LEAST three substantial sentences so that they contribute to and foster the discussion.

Discussion grades are determined using the rubric below. The descriptions show what exemplary work looks like for each aspect of an overall discussion.

Discussion Rubric
Criteria Description Max Points
Application Briefly summarizes the materials used in original post. Reference/link must be put at the bottom of the post. Explicitly and thoroughly explains, applies, and integrates a) concepts from this or other courses, b) outside resources or research, c) life experiences, and/or d) processes used to solve problems 30 pts
Critical Thinking Clearly articulates a desire to a) reflect, b) explore possibility, c) recognize ambiguity, d) question assumptions, and/or e) search for logical relationships among ideas. Selects, analyzes, and synthesizes relevant information to demonstrate original thinking. 30 pts
Collaboration

Fosters collaborative learning while a) problem-solving, b) respectfully challenging others, and/or c) expanding thinking through responses and reflection with other learners throughout the week. Builds on classmate and instructor contributions to deepen the conversation.

These follow up posts MUST be in excess of three substantial sentences--meaning "Loved your post," or "I completely agree with you," do not count as substantial sentences. They must add to the conversation.

 30 pts
Presentation Demonstrates attention to APA style and structure, adheres to rules of grammar and etiquette and properly cites references to literature and course materials MLA will not be accepted. 10 pts
Total Points: 100

 

Student Resources & Policies

Academic Honesty Policy

Champlain College students are expected to be familiar with and adhere to the College’s policy for Academic Honesty. Academic honesty entails creating original assignments, using your own words, and when using the words and ideas of others, documenting those sources using the method specified in this course. Please consult with your instructor if you are in doubt. Violations of the policy could result in a grade of F on the assignment or in the course as well as dismissal from the College.

 

Grading Policies

CCO Grading Policy

Grading Scale

 

Student Resources
Accessibility and Accommodations Champ Support
Bookstore Library Resources
Canvas Support Online Tutoring (Smarthinking)
Career Services Student Accounts

 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due