PELLISSIPPI STATE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE
MASTER SYLLABUS
GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY
PSY 1010
Class Hours: 3.0   Credit Hours: 3.0  
Laboratory Hours: 0.0   Date Revised: Spring 00  
       
Catalog Course Description:    
  An introduction to theoretical perspectives, psychological terminology, and major theories and theorists.
Entry Level Standards:    
  Students must be able to read and write on the college level, to think critically and to communicate effectively orally and in writing. 
Prerequisites:    
   None
Textbook(s) and Other Reference Materials Basic to the Course:  
  Required:
Huffman, K., Vernoy, M., & Vernoy, J (2000). Psychology in Action (5th ed.) New York:  John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Recommended:
Wallace,B. (2000).  Studying Psychology in Action: Study Guide to Accompany Psychology in Action.  (5th ed.)  New York:  John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 
I. Week/Unit/Topic Basis:    
  Week  Topic
  1 Course Introduction; Introducing Psychology
  2 Introducing Psychology; Social Psychology
  3 Social Psychology; Exam #1
  4 Biological Bases of Behavior
  5 Biological Bases of Behavior; Sensation and Perception
  6 Consciousness
  7 Exam #2; Learning
  8 Learning; Memory
  9 Memory; Exam #3
  10 Thinking and Intelligence; Health Psychology
  11 Health psychology; Personality
  12 Personality; Exam #4
  13 Psychological Disord
  14 Psychological Disorders; Therapy
  15 Therapy; Exam #5
  16 Final Exam Period
II. Course Objectives*:    
  A. Define psychology from several theoretical perspectives.  I.5,  III.2
  B. Recognize and recall significant psychological terminology. I.5
  C. Identify major psychological theories and theorists.  1.5, III.2
  D. Describe, analyze, compare, and contrast the major psychological theories and therapeutic approaches. I.5, III.2
  E. Apply course content to personal life.  I.5
*Roman numerals after course objectives reference goals of the university parallel program.
III. Instructional Processes*:     
Students will:      
  1. Use teamwork to accomplish in class group activities utilizing knowledge of course concepts. Problem Solving and Decision Making Outcome, Active Learning Strategy
  2. Complete a project (oral presentation, media report, application paper, or vision volunteer), demonstrating their ability to apply course content . Communication Outcome, Cultural Diversity and Social Adaptation Outcome, Information Literacy Outcome, Active Learning Strategy, Transitional Strategy
  3. Use the World Wide Web and Pellissippi State library resources to access information for media reports, application papers, and oral presentations.   Information Literacy Outcome, Technological Literacy Outcome
  4. Access available course software for study and review of concepts.  Technological Literacy Outcome
  5. Communicate via email with instructor and classmates.   Communication Outcome, Technological Literacy Outcome
  6. Respond orally or in writing to information given by guest speakers from the community. Communication Outcome, Active Learning Strategy
*Strategies and outcomes listed after instructional processes reference Pellissippi State's goals for strengthening general education knowledge and skills, connecting coursework to experiences beyond the classroom, and encouraging students to take active and responsible roles in the educational process.
IV. Expectations for Student Performance*: 
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Identify examples of research method terminology.  A
2. Recognize founders and goals of perspectives of psychology.  A
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the components of an attitude and factors in attitude development.  D
4. Identify the structure of a neuron, the process of neuron transmission, parts of the brain, and techniques for measuring brain structure and function.  B
5. Demonstrate knowledge of factors in the process of perception.  B
6. Identify elements of the sleep process and theories of dreams.  A, B, C 
7. Compare and contrast components of classical and operant conditioning.  A, B, C, D
8. Identify major contributors in the field of intelligence testing.  A, C
9. Demonstrate an understanding of causes and effects of stress and healthy coping strategies.  B, D
10. Compare and contrast theories of personality development.  A, B, C, D
11. Identify characteristics of psychological disorders.  B
12. Demonstrate an understanding of different approaches in therapy.  A, B, C, D
*Letters after performance expectations reference the course objectives listed above.
V. Evaluation:
A. Testing Procedures: 83% of grade
Five 100-point, 50 item, multiple choice exam are schedules for the semester.  The exams will include material from all lectures, video presentations, and assigned readings.  Test items will require recall, recognition, analysis, synthesis, and application of content.  Exam dates are in the Schedule of Instruction.  No make-up exams will be given.  The lowest of the five unit exams will be dropped at the end of the semester. A required, 100 point, 100 item, multiple choice, comprehensive final exam covering all reading material from the semester will be given during exam week.
B. Laboratory Expectations:
 N/A
C. Field Work: 17% of grade
One project worth 100 points will be required during the semester.   Students may choose from an application paper, media report, oral presentation, or vision volunteer project.  For these assignments, the student should consider the types of projects that are consistent with his/her talents and interests.
D. Other Evaluation Methods:
 N/A
E. Grading Scale:
 Final Grade         Cumulative Points          Percentage
        A                          540-600+                      90%-100%
        B+                        510-539                         85%-89%
        B                          480-509                         80%-84%
        C+                        450-479                         75%-79%
        C                          420-449                         70%-78%
        D                          360-419                         60%-69%
        F                          Below 360                     Below 60%
VI. Policies:
A. Attendance Policy:
Pellissippi State Technical Community College expects students to attend all scheduled instructional activities.  As a minimum, students in all courses must be present for at least 75 percent of their scheduled class and laboratory meetings in order to receive credit for the course. 
B. Academic Dishonesty:
Each student is expected to do his/her own work.  Cheating in any form (giving or receiving help on an exam, plagiarizing papers, etc.)  will not be tolerated.  The minimum penalty is a grade of "F" in the course.  Cheating may also result in disciplinary sanctions from the college.
C. Other Policies:
Submission of Assignments:  Projects must be turned in by the due date in order to be available for full credit.