PSYC-101:

General Psychology
Course Syllabus
Fall 2015

Instructor: Edgar Sierra, M.A.

Telephone: 619-354-0380
Email:
sierra@sdccd.edu
Mailbox:
A-8 (City College Capus)
Course Website: https: www.sdccdonline.net
Course Title: General Psychology (PSYC-101) CRN: 04573
Course time: Wednesday 12:30am-3:15am
Room: Studio 632
Office Hours: By appointment

Course Description:
This course is an introduction to the many aspects of the field of psychology. This course
will focus on the scientific study of human behavior and the brain. The areas of
concentration include: Research methods, neuroscience, stress, sensation and perception,
learning, memory, intelligence, development, personality, psychological disorders,
psychotherapy, and careers in the field of psychology.

Student learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to:
Understand the major scientific methods of studying behavior
Know the history of psychology and its major contributors
Demonstrate knowledge of the biological basis of behavior
Critically analyze the concept of personality and how psychologist measures it.
Understand individual differences and how cultural and ethnic variables intervene
with measurement.
Identify the strengths and weaknesses of different forms of treatment methods for
changing behavior.
Identify ethical issues related to the field of psychology
Understanding the various psychological-related careers available in modern
society.

Require Text:
Huffman, Karen. (2012). Psychology in Action 10th edition. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons,
Inc. ISBN: 9781118019085

Additional Resource:
In the front of your textbook there is a code for entering a website address provided by the
author. The website offers supplemental information, resources, and helpful tips for
preparing for exams, including electronic flashcards and practice test questions. It is highly
recommended that you use the additional resources in the website as a study aid for the
charters.

Class Website (Blackboard):
You may download the lecture slides for each class at the instructors (Class) website:
www.sdccdonline.net Type your Username: 7-digit college student ID (CSID) number.

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PSYC-101: General Psychology

Course Syllabus
Fall 2015

Type your password: mmddyyy (birthday with no hyphens, slashes, or spaces) or use your
current password if you are a returning blackboard user at the SDCCD. After logging in, you
will see youre my SDCCD portal page. Look on your My Courses list and click on the name
of this course. It is recommended that you bring a copy of the lecture slides to each class to
assist you in your efficiently of note taking.

Examinations and Grading:
Your grade will be determined by attendance and participation in class (12% = 120 points),
a Term Paper (20% = 200 points), a midterm exam (25% = 250 points), a final exam (25%
= 250 points) and weekly quizzes (18% = 180 points). Turn in your quiz at the beginning of
the class on the assigned dates. Turning in the quiz late will result in a decrease in points.
There will not be any extra credit assignments. You are responsible for keeping
informed concerning the dates and times of exams and homework due dates.
A = 100-90% (900-1000 points)
B = 89-80% (800-899 points)
C = 79-70% (700-799 points)
D = 69-60% (600-699 points)
F 59% ( 599 points)

Attendance:
Regular class attendance and participation is required and is 12% of your grade in the
class. Students who do not attend the first two classes will be dropped from the class. You
may be dropped from the course due to poor attendance (missing 12% of classes), so
please be sure to explain your absences to the instructor. Official polices of attendance can
be found in the City College Student Handbook. Make-up exams will only be given as a
result of extreme circumstances with proper documentation. It is San Diego City College
policy that children are not allowed in the classroom, please plan accordingly.

Academy Honesty:
You are expected to be honest and ethical at all times in your pursuit of academic goals at
San Diego City College. Cheating and plagiarism (taking credit for the work of others) is
unacceptable. Students who are found in violation of district Procedure 3100.3 Honest
Academic Conduct, will receive a score of zero on the assignment in question, will be
required to attend a meeting with the instructor and department chair person, and may be
referred to the Dean of Student Affairs for disciplinary action in accordance to Procedure
3100.2. Student Disciplinary Procedures.

Class Etiquette:
Active discussion about the course topics will be a significant part of your experience in
this course. You questions, comments, ideas and insights about the course material covered
are welcomed and encouraged. As such please respect the beliefs, values, cultures, and
rights of others by paying attention to those who are speaking in class and do not engage
on side-conversations.


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PSYC-101: General Psychology

Course Syllabus
Fall 2015

Phones, tables and other electronic devices

Be sure to use your electronic devices appropriately. Be mindful of the people around you.
Turn your mobile phones off or put them on silent mode during all classes. Out of respect
for others, do not pick up calls or send text messages from your phone while you are in the
classroom.

Conflict Resolution:
If you have an unresolved conflict in the class, first consult with the instructor to resolve
the matter. If the resolution is not reached, you may contact the Department Co-Chair, Dr
Wendy Wiehl. If the matter is not resolved, you may contact the Dean of Behavior Science,
Lori Erreca.

Student with Disabilities:
The Disabled Student Services office on campus, in accordance with the American
Disabilities Act, assist students with disabilities by proving support needed to be
academically successful. If you have specific accommodation needs, please see the
instructor the first week of class to ensure arrangements have been made.

Important Dates: It is your responsibility to add, drop, or withdraw from the course as
needed before the deadlines listed bellow:
09/09/15 First day of Class
11/04/15 Midterm Exam
11/11/15 Veterans Day Holiday No Class
11/25/15 Thanksgiving Holiday Week No Class
12/16/15 Term Paper Due
12/23/15 Winter Holidays No Class
12/30/15 Winder Holidays No Class
01/27/16 Final Exam
01/27/16 Last day of Class

Cinema and Psychology Presentation (Term Paper)
The goal of the assignment is to utilize the knowledge you have learned in this course and
develop an evaluation of the main character of a film. You will choose one of the films from
the list provided (Posted on blackboard). You will watch the film, and develop a narrative
for each topic provided in term-paper handout. You will incorporate key topics such as:
Memory, language and intelligence, life span, gender, personality, psychological disorders
and social psychology.
The assignment is worth 250 points and will be graded according to how organized,
engaging, informative, and creative your narrative will be.
(See handout posted on blackboard for more details)





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PSYC-101: General Psychology

Course Syllabus
Fall 2015
Course Outline: (The instructor reserves the right to change the schedule bellow with prior notice)

Week

Date:

Topic

Readings

9/9/15

Introduction to Psychology and its Research

Chapter 1

9/16/15

Neuroscience and Biological Foundations

Chapter 2

9/23/15

Stress and health Psychology

Chapter 3

9/30/15

Sensation and Perception

Chapter 4

10/7/15

States of Consciousness

Chapter 5

10/14/15

Learning

Chapter 6

10/21/15

Memory

Chapter 7

10/28/15

Thinking, Language, and Intelligence

Chapter 8

11/4/15

Life Span Development Part: I

Chapter 9

10

11/11/15

Veterans Day

Holiday

11

11/18/15

Life Span Development Part: II

Chapter 10

11/25/15

Thanksgiving

Holiday

12

12/2/15

Gender and Human Sexuality

Chapter 11

13

12/9/15

Motivation and Emotion

Chapter 12

14

12/16/15

Personality

12/23/15

Winter Holidays

12/30/15

Winter Holidays

15

1/6/16

Psychological Disorders

16

1/13/16

Therapy

17

1/20/16

Social Psychology

18

1/27/16

Final Exam

Assignments
Syllabus
Quiz #1

Quiz #2

Quiz #3

Quiz #4

Quiz #5

Quiz #6

Quiz #7

Quiz #8
Midterm Exam
Quiz #9
No Class


Quiz #10
No Class


Quiz #11

Quiz #12
Term Paper Due
Chapter 13
Quiz #13
No Class
Holiday

No Class
Holiday


Chapter 14
Quiz #14

Chapter 15
Quiz #15

Chapter 16
Quiz #16
Final Exam

Final Exam

PSYC-101 Fall 2015 4



Grading Breakdown:

PSYC-101: General Psychology

Course Syllabus
Fall 2015

Assignment:

Max Score

Quiz: Ch2
Quiz: Ch3
Quiz: Ch4
Quiz: Ch5
Quiz: Ch6
Quiz: Ch7
Quiz: Ch8
Quiz: Ch9
Quiz: Ch10
Quiz: Ch11
Quiz: Ch12
Quiz: Ch13
Quiz: Ch14
Quiz: Ch15
Quiz: Ch16
Attendance/Participation
Term Paper
Midterm Exam
Final Exam
Total:

12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
120
200
250
250
1000

Your Score

PSYC-101 Fall 2015 5