BEVILL STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

 PSY 200

General Psychology

 

I.   PSY 200 General Psychology - 3 Semester Hours

II. Course Description

This course is a survey of behavior with emphasis upon psychological processes. This course also includes the biological bases for behavior, thinking, emotion, motivation, and the nature and development of personality.

III. Prerequisite

As required by program

IV. Textbook

Psych, Edition: 7th (Paperback), Rathus, Spencer A. (2022). Cengage Learning.

ISBN:9780357432921

Here is the link to Bevill's online bookstore or you can buy your textbook from another source. Just Google the ISBN or title and author.

Bevill Online Bookstore

Note: While you will need a textbook, you can use the Cengage Unlimited digital version if you want. That option is available in the online bookstore was well.  

V. Course Objectives

Upon satisfactory completion of this course, the student will have a reasonable mastery of the following objectives:

• Apply specialized vocabulary and psychological principles to everyday life.
• Differentiate and evaluate basic scientific methods used in psychology.
• Describe the major theoretical perspectives used in psychology.
• Compare and contrast psychological, physiological, and socio-cultural factors that influence behaviors.
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills.

VI. Course Outline of Topics

• History
• Research Methods
• Biological/Physiological
• Learning and Memory
• Motivation and Emotion
• Cognition
• Psychological Disorders
• Developmental Psychology
• Sensation and Perception
• Personality
• Social Psychology
• Health Psychology

 VII. Evaluation and Assessment

 Grades will be given based upon A = 90 – 100%, B = 80 – 89%, C = 70 – 79%, D = 60 – 69%, and F = below 60%.

 Since we will not be meeting together in a traditional class setting, it is very important to examine all the evaluation system elements for this course! A thorough review and ultimate understanding of the information below could make a difference in your final grade!

 The course grade will be awarded for the demonstration of the understanding of principles and concepts or the successful application and performance of skills and competencies related to course content clearly specified as expected course outcomes in this syllabus and other materials. The student will be evaluated based on his or her performance on written examinations, online assignments, quizzes, and/or other material deemed appropriate by the instructor to evaluate daily performance. Grades of A, B, C, D, F, W, WP, WF, or I will be awarded. To receive a grade of ‘C’ or better, you must obtain an average of at least 70% on all work.

•  A total of two (2) major exams valued at 150 points each will be administered, graded, and weighed equally. These exams will be posted on the course page, taken online, and timed. If you do not complete an exam during the allotted time period, points will be deducted for the questions left unanswered. If you do not complete an exam by the designated due date or do not attempt the assignment at all, you will earn a score of zero (0) for that particular exam. There will be no makeup periods for exams under any circumstances. To prepare for the exams, use the study guides. The Mid-term Exam Study Guide is located in Sections I, II, or III and the Final Exam Study Guide is located in Sections IV, V, or VI beneath a heading entitled “Review.” To do well, it is important to plan ahead and be comprehensive with your answers on the exams.  
• A total of six (6) quizzes valued at 40 points each will be administered, graded, weighed equally. These open book quizzes will be posted on the course page, taken online, and timed. If you do not complete a quiz during the allotted time period, points will be deducted for the questions left unanswered. If you do not complete a quiz by the designated due date or do not attempt the assignment at all, you will earn a score of zero (0) for that particular quiz. There will be no makeup periods for quizzes under any circumstances.
•  A total of six (6) discussion topics/issues valued at 30 points each will be posted on the discussion board for your response within a designated time period throughout the term. They will be posted, graded, and weighed equally. If you do not complete a discussion question by the designated due date or do not attempt the assignment at all, you will earn a score of zero (0) that particular discussion. There will be no makeup periods for the class discussion assignments under any circumstances.
•  At least one (1) “Internet Project” (typically research-related) valued at 80 points will be posted on the course page, completed, and submitted to me for grading within a designated time period at some point during the term. If you do not complete the Internet project by the designated due date or do not attempt the assignment at all, you will earn a score of zero (0) for this assignment. There will be no makeup periods for the Internet project assignment under any circumstances.

Since this is an online class, you can work ahead on all course activities (exams, quizzes, discussions, projects) if you want. So, if you have planned events or other issues where you will not be available to submit work on the deadline dates, you can always complete your work any time before that deadline that works for you.  

The points from the components listed above (i.e., exams, quizzes, discussions, Internet project) will be combined to determine your final grade for the course. You will have a total of 800 possible points after completing all the activities.

I will use the following scale to determine your final grade for the course:

POINTS EARNED	PERCENTAGE	GRADE	EVALUATION
716 to 800 points	90 – 100%	A	Excellent
636 to 715 points	80 – 89%	B	Good
556 to 635 points	70 – 79 %	C	Average
476 to 555 points	60 – 69%	D	Passing
475 points or fewer	< 60%	F	Failure

Note: While I don’t offer individual extra credit for consistency, there are a few items that can add extra points to your total during the term. The Orientation and Syllabus Quizzes, along with three optional assignments available at various times during the term, can all help your overall grade if you choose to complete them. Please check the course page regularly for these items.  

The numerous activities may look like too much when you first read it. However, don't panic – you can be successful! Based on the course schedule, the individual pieces are spread out where you are responsible for only one or two items at a time. If you concentrate on thoughtfully and thoroughly completing each assignment before moving on to the next while always keeping track of deadlines, the class is very manageable. At the end of the term everything will fit together like a perfect puzzle and your final grade should reflect your hard work!

VIII.  Attendance

Class attendance is considered an essential part of the educational process at Bevill State Community College. The College subscribes to the philosophy that a student’s academic success is directly proportional to class attendance. It is the responsibility of the student to attend all classes and perform assignments as prescribed by instructors and appropriate syllabi.

Attendance requirements in Health Science and Career Technical programs may differ from the policy above.

IX. Statement on Discrimination/Harassment

The College and the Alabama State Board of Education are committed to providing both employment and educational environments free of harassment or discrimination related to an individual’s race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, or disability. Such harassment is a violation of State Board of Education policy. Any practice or behavior that constitutes harassment or discrimination will not be tolerated.

X. Americans with Disabilities

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 state that qualified students with disabilities who meet the essential functions and academic requirements are entitled to reasonable accommodations. It is the student’s responsibility to provide appropriate disability documentation to the College.

XI. Electronic Devices Policy

College instructors and staff may limit student use of electronic devices such as cell phones, pagers, cameras, laptop computers, iPads, and IPods where such devices might interfere with the normal activity of the College.  Students may use electronic devices to record class lectures.

XII. Classroom Safety and Security

All students are expected to be familiar with emergency evacuation procedures, emergency medical procedures, and potential classroom hazards. The instructor should review these procedures at the beginning of the semester, either orally or in writing. Please ask for clarification if your instructor fails to adequately review these procedures.

In the event Bevill State Community College should experience the need for all in-person classes to transition to remote instruction due to pandemic or other event warranting the need for such plans, an addendum to this syllabus will be provided to students. This addendum will provide details pertaining to the college, department, and/or program's remote instructional plan to complete the necessary theory, lab, and/or clinical to meet the course objectives necessary for successful course completion in a remote environment. For further information concerning this please contact your course instructor.

XIII. Weekly Schedule