400-001-06 Introduction to Psychology

Fall 2008  T 6:00-8:45pm SAB 102

GRADES

 

Professor  Adam Butler
Office  Baker 435
Hours   T,R 1-2; T 5-6; or by appointment
Phone  319.273.7293
Fax  319.273.6188
Email

 adam.butler@uni.edu

Web  http://www.uni.edu/butlera

Textbook Options (pick one)

Weiten, W. (2008). Psychology: Themes and variations (7th ed. briefer version). Belmont, CA: Thomson-Wadsworth.

Weiten, W. (2005). Psychology: Themes and variations (6th ed. briefer version). Belmont, CA: Thomson-Wadsworth

Weiten, W. (2008). Psychology: Themes and variations (7th ed. briefer version E-Book). Belmont, CA: Thomson-Wadsworth.

http://www.ichapters.com/tl1/en/US/storefront/ichapters?cmd=catProductDetail&ISBN=9780495100584&cid=APL1

Materials

Fifty 4 x 6" Index Cards

Copies of lecture slides may be purchased at CopyWorks on the corner of 23rd and College. Lectures will be paced under the assumption that you have a copy of the slides.

Objectives

This course is a survey of the main topics comprising the field of psychology. The primary objective is for you to gain an understanding of the concepts, theories, and methods used by psychologists working in a variety of areas. You will demonstrate that you have met that objective by completing several examinations and by actively communicating your knowledge in class and on WebCT.

Performance Assessment

Exams:  There will be four examinations of your knowledge of general psychology. The exams will consist of multiple choice questions and must be completed in 60 minutes. A review sheet explaining the content and format of each exam is available on the course webpage. The final exam is not cumulative. I may refuse to give make-up tests or may give make-up tests consisting entirely of essay questions. Each exam is worth 50 points.

Cards:  Frequently in class, you will be asked to write responses to questions on a 4 x 6 index card. Periodically, and without prior notice, those cards will be collected as evidence of your participation in class. It is principally important that you put forth a sincere effort to perform the activity and engage in the learning process; it is less important that you get the "right" answer, if indeed there is one. This in-class dimension of your performance is worth up to 20 points. Check out the FAQ for more information.

Out of Class Experiences:  You need to earn 4 out-of-class credits to avoid an “Incomplete” grade for the course. Generally, these credits are earned through research participation, though other options are available. Check out the FAQ for more information.

Extra Credit:  Up to 10 extra-credit points may be available by volunteering for additional research studies in psychology (see out-of-class experiences below), writing article reviews, or doing anything else approved by me. Check out the FAQ for more information.

Grading

Final grades will be determined by calculating the percentage of earned points and assigning a letter grade using the "10% cut-off rule" (i.e., 90% for A, 80% for B, etc.). Pluses and minuses will be given for scores in the upper and lower 2.5% of each grade level (i.e., 87.5 for B+; 82.5 for B; 80 for B-). Scores will be posted on the course webpage as they are available.

Policies

Academic Ethics. Students must observe the Academics Ethics Policies detailed in the UNI Programs and Courses Guide. Students suspected of cheating or plagiarism will receive a score of zero on the submitted work. Flagrant violators may receive an F for the course.

Accommodations for Special Needs. Students with a disability should contact the UNI Office of Disability Services. Accommodations for tests should be made with the Professor one week in advance of each testing date. Students whose primary language is not English or who need assistance should consult with me one week in advance of each testing date.

Schedule (Note: Click here for schedule if using Weiten (2005) 6th edition.)

Week

Reading

Topic

Notes

8.26 pp. 16-27 Defining Psychology  
9.2 Ch. 2 Research Methods  
9.9 pp. 63-82; 156-161 The Brain  
9.16   Review, Exam 1, and Overview  
9.23

pp. 84-89;

Ch. 6

Genetics and Learning  
9.30 pp. 97-118 Perception  
10.7 Ch. 7 Memory Depth Cue x-credit drawing due 10.7
10.14   Review, Exam 2, and Overview  
10.21

pp. 230-231;

243-265;

314-319

Decision Making; Intelligence; Cognitive Development  
10.28 pp. 279-286; 293-299; 478-480 Emotion; Sex  
11.4 pp. 340-341; 351-352; 485-491 Personality; Social Influence  
11.11   Review, Exam 3, and Overview  
11.18 pp. 403-410; 414-427; 435-438; 444-463 Psychopathology and Treatment course evaluations
11.25   Thanksgiving Break  
12.2 Ch. 12 Health PSPM site closes 12.5
12.9   Industrial-Organizational  
12.16   Review, Exam 4 Exam at 5:00pm