Class Syllabus

SECTION I: THE CLASS AND THE INSTRUCTOR

Course Section and Title: Psychology 101 Introduction to Psychology

Instructor Name: H. Lynn Bradman

METHODS OF CONTACTING INSTRUCTOR:

In the Omaha Calling Area: 493-2732

Metro office telephone number: 402-457-2240

Voice mail: 457-2240

Email will be used to direct questions, concerns, and personal communication with your instructors.

Response Time: Your instructor will respond within 48 hours to questions posed by students. 

Metro office location: Fort Omaha Campus, Building 16, Room 308

Metro office hours at EVC: Tuesday and Thursday 11:00-12:00 at EVC commons or learning center after class

SECTION II: THE COURSE

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

A broad overview of the general field and fundamental principles of psychology is provided in this course. Designed to be a transferable course, main topics include: physiological psychology, learning theory, memory, growth and development, personality theory, social psychology, abnormal behavior, and psychotherapy.

COURSE PREREQUISITES:

Reading assessment: college level skills strongly recommended.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of this course, a student will be able to:

• Differentiate between historical and contemporary theories of psychology, and evaluate the efficacy of various research methods
• Examine the form and function of the human nervous system, and demonstrate understanding of the basic structure and function of the human brain.
• Examine the processes of perception and sensation, and compare states of human consciousness.
• Assess the psychosocial processes which may impact a person’s development and functioning
• Identify and analyze processes of social interaction and influence.
• Demonstrate understanding of the capabilities and the limitations of intelligence and personality tests.
• Inventory basic principles of learning and memory, and evaluate contemporary theories in these areas.
• Distinguish among at least three major theoretical models of mental disorders and evaluate etiology, symptomology, and therapeutic intervention pertaining to these disorders.

REQUIRED/SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS:

Title:        Psychology

Author:    Rod Plotnik

Publisher: Worth

SECTION III, PART A: INSTRUCTOR RESPONSIBILITIES

METHODS OF INSTRUCTION:

Courses are equivalent college courses and meet the same criteria for academic rigor and qualified faculty. Students complete the course by reading the text, completing online assignments and communicating with instructors via phone, mail, optional conference visits or e-mail.

METHODS OF ASSESSING STUDENT PROGRESS:

• Homework and assignments should be completed as needed to complete each assigned section.
• Your grade will be based on campus classroom  activities and active participation with other students when required
• Completion of course assignments and papers.

SELECTED TESTING/ASSESSMENT METHODS:

Final grades will be determined based upon participation and decorum, completing reaction reports and concept reports, and completion of a five page a term paper. There will be additional instructions for these assignments in each module and instructions for the term paper in class. There are no formal tests for this course, however, writing assignments, learning activities, and regular communications with your instructor and other students all count toward your final grade (see section below).

FINAL COURSE GRADE:

In this course you get to select the grade you want to earn. Here’s how it works…by contract

You select the grade you wish to earn.

Tell or Email your choice to your instructor during the first week of class

Additional Instructions:

• Obtain a three ring notebook
• Print out and keep your reaction and concept papers in two sections
• Make a third section for research materials that you find for your paper
• Put a copy of this syllabus in your notebook

LATE ASSIGNMENTS:

FINAL COURSE GRADE:

See previous section

Attendance Policy

You may be absent a total of 4 clock hours during the term.  Let me know you will be out of class and make arrangements with another student to get copies of their notes.

MAINTENANCE OF STUDENT RECORDS:

The instructor will keep a record of exam grades, quiz, and assignment grades for one year.

SECTION III, PART B: STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

• Read and study the textbook, use supplements as desired. Read and study the text material for each section. Take notes for yourself as you go outlining important ideas and examples.
• Keep in touch with your instructor and your classmates you are encouraged to be touch with the instructor by telephone and Internet as deemed necessary. Your instructor is available for several hours on campus during the week. You may drop in or call in during that time. See Section I of this syllabus.
• Complete other assignments and embedded evaluations as specified by your instructor.

STUDENT WITHDRAWAL:

ACADEMIC HONESTY STATEMENT:

• The College imposes specific disciplinary actions in response to incidents of academic misconduct [cheating, plagiarism, etc.]. These actions may include admonition, failing grade, failure of course, disciplinary probation, suspension and dismissal. A copy of the current disciplinary procedure is available in each campus Student Services Center and from the Associate Dean's office.
• You are expected to practice and adhere to the United States Copyright Laws. Further information can be found at http://www.mccneb.edu/library/Copyright/copyright.htm . You are encouraged to review this information before using any information for course assignments or activities.

INFORMATION SOURCES:

Information about the college can be accessed through the College Web Site http://www.mccneb.edu

TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES:

As you pursue your educational objectives, you will be interacting with computer information technology at Metropolitan Community College. Use of the technology is a privilege and carries with it a responsibility to respect the rights and privacy of others, the integrity of facilities and to follow Student Conduct Guidelines and College Policies.

PROGRAM AREA SUPERVISOR IDENTIFICATION:

For questions or problems which the instructor is not able to resolve please contact the office of the Dean of Business and Social Science, Jane Franklin, Elk Horn Valley Campus, 402-289-1307