Introductory Psychology (Psy 100)

      Syllabus- Summer 2008

Instructor information

Dr. David E. Hogan

Office location: BEP 365

Office hours: 1:30-2:00 Monday through Thursday and by appointment

Phone: (859) 572-5117

E-mail: Hogan@nku.edu

Required text

Meyers, David. (2007). Exploring Psychology. (7th ed.). Worth Publishers, Inc. ISBN 0-7167-7141-8.

Recommended text (optional)

A tutorial/study guide for each chapter of the main text can be found at the publisherÕs website: http://www.worthpublishers.com/meyers/. Go to the study guide now and browse around. Students should use the website as needed.

Home page: http://www.nku.edu/~hogan

Course description

This course surveys the major areas of the science and profession of psychology. The topics include research methods, psychobiology, learning, intelligence, perception, development, motivation, personality, abnormal behavior, social psychology and other topics as time permits.

Grading policy

Your course grade will be based on the percentage of course points earned over the term. Course points are based on exam and quiz performance, a writing assignment, and extra credit projects. Failure to take all of the exams and to turn in all of the writing assignments may result in a failing grade in the course.

Exams

In all probability, there will be five examinations administered during the five-week term. Each exam will consist of approximately 40-50 multiple choice questions drawn from textbook readings and supplementary lecture material. The total number of course points  associated with all exams will be approximately 200-250 points. There will also be  quizzes consisting of short answer identify and describe items, fill-in-the-blank or multiple choice items. The quiz dates are not indicated on the syllabus, but IÕll announce them in plenty of time for you to be prepared.

Writing assignment

You will also have to submit a written report on two  magazine articles during the term. Each report is valued at 10 points; the whole assignment is valued at 20 course points.  One reports is due roughly at mid term and the other is due on the last class day (see schedule of lecture topics below). Each report will be graded on how clearly you express your ideas, how closely the assignment conforms to style, length, due date requirements, and your apparent level of understanding of the articles. Details concerning the format of the assignment and the reading list are provided on a separate handout on Blackboard.

Extra credit

There may be opportunities for you to earn extra credit points by participating in psychological research projects, or by doing other activities that I offer during the term. The failure to participate in extra credit projects will not count against you, but I strongly urge you to participate in them because they involve a meaningful learning experience and because the more course points you accumulate, the better your final letter grade is likely to be.

Grade scale

Letter grades will be based on the following percentages:

90-100%   A   

80-89        B

70-79        C

60-69        D

  < 59        F

Attendance policy

Attendance at every class meeting is strongly urged; frequent, unexcused absences may result in you being dropped from the class. Inform the instructor through e-mail or telephone if you will miss class.

Students with special needs

Students requiring special accommodations for note-taking or testing should see the instructor at the beginning of the course or any time the need arises.

Lecture topics

Perspectives and Research Methods

Ch. 1 Probable day of Exam 1:

                                                                                                June 6

The Nervous System & Behavior

Ch. 2; Ch 3 (74-76) Probable day of Exam 2:                          June 13

 

Learning and Perception

Ch. 7 & Ch. 5 

Reports  on first article due                                                      June 20

Probable day of Exam 3:                                                         June 20 

 

Consciousness and Memory

Ch. 6 (p. 186-203); Ch. 8

Probable Day of Exam 4                                                          June 27

 

Intelligence, Mental Disorders, and

Social Psychology

Ch. 9 (pp. 310-384), Ch. 13 & Ch. 15

Probable day of Exam 5:                                                         July 3 (Friday)

Report on 2cnd article due (resubmit the first article along with the last article)