Intro to General Psychology
Course Prefix & Number:		Psyc2301	Section Number:	977	Semester/Year:	Fall/2021
Semester Credit Hours:		3	Lecture Hours:	3	Lab Hours:	0
Course Description (NCTC Catalog): General Psychology is a survey of the major psychological topics, theories and approaches to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.
Course Prerequisite(s): None
Required Course Materials: King, Laura A. The Science of Psychology. 5th edition. McGraw Hill.  Connect Access ISBN: 9781264565115. https://connect.mheducation.com/class/s-stoutmeyer-fall-2021 FAQ: Do students need to buy the textbook? Per the department, students are expected to secure the textbook. Having said that, today there are several formats from which to choose (ebook, rental, etc.). Students are welcome to shop around for the cheapest version. If a student wishes to rent/buy an older version of the textbook, I wouldn't go back more than one edition since this course includes recent social statistics. I do not use publisher access codes, so that's not a requirement for this course. I provide all Power Points and supplemental materials, and I personally create all exams based on chapters we'll cover.

 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of Instructor:	Stacie Stoutmeyer
Campus/Office Location:	Room 311, Corinth Campus
Telephone Number:	940-498-6467 (Email is my preferred method of contact as I'll be traveling to the Corinth, Flower Mound, and Bowie campuses this semester.)
E-mail Address:	sstoutmeyer@nctc.edu (Canvas email preferred.)

 

OFFICE HOURS

My teaching schedule for Fall 2021 is split among the Corinth, Flower Mound, and Bowie campuses. Feel free to email me in Canvas any time you have a question. I'm also happy to schedule a WebEx office session with any student.

Monday/Wednesday: 9:30-10:30AM & 12:00-1:00PM (Corinth Campus, RM 311)

Tuesday/Thursday: 9:30AM-10:30AM (Flower Mound Campus, Faculty Office)

Thursday: 5:00-6:00PM (Bowie Campus)

Sunday: 7:00-8:00PM (Online)

 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (From Academic Course Guide Manual/Workforce Education Course Manual/NCTC Catalog)

At the successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
	Identify various research methods and their characteristics used in the scientific study of psychology.
	Describe the historical influences and early schools of thought that shaped the field of psychology.
	Describe some of the prominent perspectives and approaches used in the study of psychology.
	Use terminology unique to the study of psychology.
	Describe accepted approaches and standards in psychological assessment and evaluation.
	Identify factors in physiological and psychological process involved in human behavior.

 

GRADING CRITERIA

# of Graded Course Elements	Graded Course Elements	Percentage or Point Values
3 (out of 4)	Exams (100 points each)	300 points total
1	Assignment: Skepticism & & Motivated Reasoning	50 points
1	Assignment: Conspiracy Theories (w/ “Fighting Misinformation with Psychological Science” segment from APA Convention 8/2021)	50 points
1	Assignment: PSYC 2301 Assessment (Required by Dept)	50 points

 

COURSE SUBJECT OUTLINE (Major Assignments, Due Dates, and Grading Criteria)

Grades are based on 3 (out of 4) exams (300 points total), one assignment on the media and mental health (50 points), one assignment on conspiracy theories (50 points), and one learning outcomes/objectives assessment (50 points). Total = 450 points.

Point Scale: A = 450-403;  B= 402-358;  C = 357-313;  D = 312-268;  F = 267-0

 

CONTACTING THE INSTRUCTOR – Please use CANVAS email.

Canvas email is my preferred method of contact because it clearly identifies students/sections. Click the Inbox tab in Canvas then choose this class and instructor. I check email at random times during weekdays; however, emails sent after 5PM will typically be answered the following day. I do not check email on Saturdays. On Sundays, I check email at random times. Please allow 24 hours for return emails. If you email me outside of Canvas, please identify yourself using your full name and class section (e.g. 340, 400, etc.). 

 

EXAMS (300 points total; 67% of grade)

All students are required to take three (out of four) exams. I give four exams, but students are only required to take three. This allows a bit of leeway in case a student misses or scores low on one exam. Exams 1, 2, and 3 cover their associated modules. The Final Exam/Exam 4 is a comprehensive final covering all chapters. Most students aim to do well on Exams 1, 2, and 3 and not worry about the final/fourth exam.

Students Who Miss an Exam:

The only students REQUIRED to take the comprehensive final (Exam 4/Final Exam) are those who MISSED a previous exam and must replace that zero. If a student misses two exams, the final can only replace one zero; the other zero will still count in the gradebook. All students who take Exams 1, 2, and 3 are exempt from the final regardless of their overall letter grade heading into finals week. For example, if a student has taken Exams 1, 2, and 3 (i.e. has not missed any previous exam) and has an overall C average heading into finals week, that student is still exempt from taking the final. The exemption is not reserved solely for As.

Students Who Did Not Miss a Previous Exam But Want to Try for a Higher Score:

Students who did not miss any previous exams (#1, 2, 3) but who'd like to try and replace a lower exam score are welcome to take the final and possibly replace their lowest test score. If the student scores lower on the final than the exam that student hoped to replace, the final exam just gets dropped (i.e. the final cannot hurt their grade).

Taking Online Exams:

All exams will be given online in Canvas.

Exams are TIMED. Students are given ONE ATTEMPT and 70 minutes to answer 45-55 questions.  I do not re-open exams for students who run out of time while taking exams. Doing so would be unfair to other students.

Once you begin an exam, you CANNOT save it and come back later. If you sign out of an exam, that counts as your one attempt, Canvas will score all unanswered questions as incorrect, and that will be your grade. Once you begin the exam, you must complete it in one sitting.

Exams 1, 2, and 3 are open for four days in Canvas, giving students plenty of time to find a block which works around their other obligations. Exam 4/Final Exam is only open for ONE day, however, on its assigned date.

Exams are listed in the "Quizzes" tab when they are ready to open. I also put a direct link to the exam on the home page when the exam is set to open. Do not wait until the hour before an exam closes to start the exam as you may run out of time. 

Studying for Exams:

I'll emphasize what will be on the exams in my lectures. In addition, be sure to read everything provided in the modules. Pay close attention to any concept mentioned in multiple places (i.e. in lecture, the textbook, AND the Power Point) as that's a good indicator the concept has been deemed very important. I will provide a review sheet prior to each exam.

 

 

COMPUTER ISSUES - I require documentation.

It is well known that some students fabricate stories of computer issues. As such, students who experience a legitimate computer issue need to provide the following before make ups will be considered:

1) First, immediately take a snapshot IMAGE or a VIDEO of the ERROR MESSAGE so you have something to show me and our IT department. If you do not have a smart phone, you can take a snapshot image by hitting the "PrtSc" (Print Screen) key on a your PC. If you have a Mac, Google the process now so you are ready should something happen in the future. If you take a VIDEO of the issue, that video must show the exact time, date, and issue--all three--or it will not be considered.  Without VISUAL proof of an issue, I do not consider options.

2) After taking an image or video, you may then email me. Include that image or video in the email and a detailed description of what occurred. That EMAIL must be sent IMMEDIATELY upon experiencing the issue. For example, if you experience an issue at 8PM, the email needs to be in my Canvas email no later than 8:15PM.

3) Some issues may require the assistance of the NCTC eCampus HelpDesk. You may send them a request TICKET for assistance. Click on the word "Help" in the upper right hand corner of Canvas, near "LogOut," and follow the instructions. The phone number is (940) 668-3335, and the direct website to submit a request for technical assistance is https://ecampushelpdesk.nctc.edu/hc/en-us/requests/new. You then need to give me the TICKET NUMBER, usually at the top of the email.

 

ASSIGNMENTS (150 points total, 33% of grade)

All three assignments are required this semester.

1) Worth 50 points – The first assignment will relate skepticism and motivated reasoning. Chapter 1 states, “Scientists are characterized by skepticism…Being ‘skeptical’ can mean questioning what ‘everybody knows’…Psychology has advances as a field because psychologists do not always agree with one another… (p.5).” Additional information and discussion around this topic will form the basis for the first assignment. This assignment will be due IN CLASS (and at the START of class) on Thursday, September 2nd.

2) Worth 50 points – The second assignment will relate to conspiracy theories given that's a hot topic right now in society. Additional information and discussion around this topic will be pulled from “Fighting Misinformation with Psychological Science,” a segment from the recent virtual APA Convention 8/2021. This assignment will coincide with the chapter on cognitive biases. The exact due date will be determined once we get closer to Chapter 8.

3) Worth 50 points – The third assignment assesses learning outcomes and is required by the psychology department. It will be given in the form on an online quiz consisting of ten multiple-choice questions and one short essay component (300 words). It's a timed assessment (60 minutes) given in Canvas. Due towards the end of the semester. This assignment is due in Canvas, Sunday, November 14th.

 

MAKE-UP POLICY - I require documentation.

Due dates are listed under the "Tentative Due Dates" section below. Students are encouraged to put those dates in a planner, a cell phone calendar, or whatever location they access regularly. 

Make-ups are only offered to students who experience a formally DOCUMENTED medical emergency or military service requirement. 

Medical Emergencies: Students who experience a medical emergency (e.g. ER visit, unexpected surgery, etc.) which interferes with an assignment should contact me within a week so we can determine how to proceed. Original documentation from the medical provider is required; however, that documentation does NOT need to disclose any private info about your actual diagnosis. For example, students often send me an image of their medical bracelet as that shows they received care at a facility on a certain date but does not disclose their diagnosis. Or, students send me an image of the top of their discharge instructions sheet which shows their name, date of service, and location, but info on diagnosis can remain concealed.

COVID-19: If you or a dependent tests positive for COVID-19 during the semester and it impacts your schoolwork, email me immediately and we'll go from there. Do NOT show up to class. Do NOT wait until the end of the semester to let me know as I will not backtrack weeks worth of work. Instead, email me as soon as you receive the positive diagnosis, and we'll go from there. In your email, attach an image of the positive documentation. I cannot make special considerations without documentation as we are aware of student fabrications in this area. NCTC also requires students who are positive to notify the college. Please review NCTC's COVID-19 policy via the PDF and website provided below.

Funerals: Unfortunately, some students fabricate stories of a death in the family. As such, documentation is required if you miss an assignment/exam and seek a make-up for this reason. As above, students should contact me within a week so we can determine exactly how to proceed. Students typically provide an image of the pamphlet from a memorial service alongside their textbook. A general link to an online obituary does not count unless the student is identified within the obit. Death is a serious matter and to protect students who sadly do experience such an event, I do not tolerate fabrications in this area. Fabricating a family sickness/death for personal gain is a form of scholastic dishonesty.

Military Service: The military service stipulation for late work is only offered to the military personnel himself/herself/themself since that student's access to a computer may be temporarily disrupted. It does not extend to significant others who, albeit a stressful time, still have home/school access to computers. Students who need to meet a military service requirement during the semester should contact me in advance of leaving for service so we can determine how to proceed with schoolwork. If a student is unexpectedly called into service--as some of my students were for the pandemic or recent hurricanes--please notify me via email as soon as the word comes down so I can anticipate any necessary adjustments. Usually, there is not a problem making adjustments, so don't worry. Feel free to email me any questions on this matter.

 

GRADES

Grades are always posted in Canvas. If you have a question about your grade, check Canvas first and then you are welcome to contact me via email in Canvas.

 

EXTRA CREDIT - I do not offer additional extra credit opportunities for individual students.

Leeway is already built into this course by way of the "3 out of 4" exam policy and any extra credit I include on exams. I do not grant additional opportunities to individual students as that's not fair to others. Students who email me seeking more points/opportunities will simply be directed back to this section.

  

TENTATIVE LECTURE SCHEDULE

MODULE ONE

Chapter 1: What is Psychology?

Assignment #1: Skepticism & Motivated Reasoning (due IN CLASS at the start of class Thurs, Sept. 2^nd)

Chapter 2: Psychology's Scientific Method

Chapter 3: Biological Foundations of Behavior

Chapter 4: Sensation and Perception (Pages 102-113 and 130-37)

Chapter 5: States of Consciousness (Pages 142-144 and 160-162)

EXAM 1 - Opens Friday, Sept. 24th & closes at 11:59PM Monday, Sept. 27th (Online)

 

MODULE TWO

Chapter 6: Learning

Chapter 7: Memory (Only pages 214-220, 227, 230-245)

Chapter 8: Thinking, Intelligence, Language (Only pages 250-252, 256-260, 275-276, 282-283)

Assignment: Conspiracy Theories (Date TBD)

Chapter 12: Personality

EXAM 2  - Opens Friday, Oct. 22nd & closes at 11:59PM Monday, Oct. 25th (Online)

 

MODULE THREE

Chapter 15: Psychological Disorders

Assignment #3: PSYC 2301 Assessment (Due in Canvas before 11:59PM Sunday, Nov. 14th)

Special lecture on resilience and post-traumatic growth

Chapter 13: Social Psychology (if time permits)

EXAM 3 - Opens Friday, Dec. 1st & closes Monday, Dec. 6th (Online)

 

Final Exam/Exam 4 -- Given ONLINE BUT ONLY FOR ONE DAY, Thursday, December 9th. The only students required to take the cumulative final exam are those who need to make-up a previously missed exam. See aforementioned exam policy.

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Regular and punctual attendance is expected of all students in all classes for which they have registered.  All absences are considered to be unauthorized unless the student is absent due to illness or emergencies as determined by the instructor.  It is the student responsibility to provide documentation as to the emergency for approval and judgement by the faculty member.  Approved college sponsored activities are the only absences for which a student should not be held liable and only when provided by a college official ahead of the absence.  Valid reasons for absence, however, do not relieve the student of the responsibility for making up required work.  Students will not be allowed to make up an examination missed due to absence unless they have reasons acceptable to the instructor.  A student who is compelled to be absent when a test is given should petition the instructor, in advance if possible, for permission to postpone the exam.  Student will be dropped from a class by the Registrar upon recommendation of the instructor who feels the student has been justifiably absent or tardy a sufficient number of times to preclude meeting the course’s objectives.    Persistent, unjustified absences from classes or laboratories will be considered sufficient cause for College officials to drop a student from the rolls of the College. From Board Policy FC (LOCAL)

Additional Instructor-specific Absence Policy:

DAILY ATTENDANCE

Attendance is the key to passing this course. I take attendance each class as required by NCTC; however, students do not receive a separate grade for attendance in this class.

ENTERING LATE/LEAVING EARLY

Entering late and/or leaving early is very disruptive to the flow of lecture. After the third late entry or early exit, the student will lose all extra credit opportunities for the next exam. If you have to leave early one day for another obligation, simply be courteous and let me know in advance at the start of class. In that case, it's usually not a problem. However, this should not be a frequent occurrence.

Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is Monday, November 1st

 

CANVAS, NOTIFICATIONS, and DUE DATES - Set Canvas notifications.

Use Canvas to download lecture materials, read class announcements, track due dates and grades, and email the instructor. Set NCTC emails and Canvas notifications to be forwarded to the email account you check most frequently. Click on your profile icon to add info/change settings, and you'll see the word "Notifications." Students also need to check class announcements regularly. Students can also click on the "Announcements" tab to review announcements.

BEHAVIOR

Outside of cheating, I have never had a behavioral issue in a classroom. Having said that, students are expected to remain civil in all forms of communications throughout the semester, including in the classroom and online. Specific action taken during and following a disruptive incident will depend on the nature of the incident, but it is possible to be reported for behavioral issues.

*Cheating or Plagiarizing: Cheating or plagiarizing on any exam or assignment will result in an automatic zero for that exam/assignment. Students may also be reported to the school.

*Cell Phone Policy: I do not have an issue with students briefly checking phones a couple of times in a class period. However, please make these checks very brief (e.g. less than a couple of minutes in length; not surfing the internet, gaming, etc.) as this can be disruptive to the flow of lecture and to others.

 

NCTC's COVID-19 POLICY, Fall 2021

Syllabi statement regarding potential Conversion of Onsite Classes to Online/Remote Format: North Central Texas College students should be aware that in the event of a college closure due to COVID-19 or other health related crisis, onsite classes will be converted to an online/remote format. Students should plan ahead to ensure they have access to the computer equipment (either PC, MAC, or tablet), webcam, and internet connectivity to continue their classes in an online/remote format. Please read all your official North Central Texas College student emails as the transition from onsite to online/remote might require a reorganization in your personal situation. Students will be granted a 72-hour transition and grace period. Online classes will continue as scheduled without disruption. Contact your Instructor as the situation arises. These policies and procedures were updated on July 27, 2021 and are subject to change as conditions change.

Syllabi Statement Regarding Face Coverings: Per the North Central Texas College guidance on face coverings on campus, in the instructional setting, faculty and students are not required to wear face coverings, such as masks or face shields. In May, Texas Governor Gregg Abbott released an Executive Order prohibiting Government entities from mandating the use of masks. As a political subdivision of the State of Texas, NCTC will follow the Governor’s Executive Order for Government entities and effective immediately NCTC is no longer mandating the use of masks while on campus. This order does not mean that you cannot choose to wear a mask, rather it is no longer allowed to be mandated. These policies and procedures were updated on May 19, 2021 and are subject to change.

Return to Standard Attendance Protocol for Face-to-Face Meetings: In spring 2020, we faced an unprecedented situation in which all of us had to be flexible and make prudent decisions in the best interest of our families, our campus, and our community. In light of this, North Central Texas College is temporarily establishing the requirement that faculty keep records of student attendance for face-to-face course meetings as well as a documented seating chart. In addition, students who are sick or need to quarantine should not attend classes. Students will not be required to provide formal documentation from a health care provider and will not be penalized for COVID-19 related absences when proper notification to campus health officials is made in accordance with the guidelines stated below.

Faculty will:

• Notify students about important course information and delivery changes through Canvas and campus email.

Students should:

• Provide notification to campus officials if they have tested positive for COVID-19 or have to quarantine so we can confirm reported absence with instructors, monitor, and assist the campus community.
• Notify instructors in advance of the absence.
• Connect with that class through Webex if the class session is being transmitted in a hybrid fashion.
• Keep up with and/or make up missed classwork or assignments.
• Submit assignments digitally through Canvas or other means as announced by your instructor.
• Work with their instructors to reschedule exams, labs, and other critical academic activities described in the course syllabus.
• Check Canvas and campus email daily to receive important announcements pertaining to the course.

During the fall 2021 semester, faculty with face-to-face meetings will establish assigned seating/work stations to facilitate roll-taking, and, if necessary, contact tracing. Additionally, we ask all members of the College community to be attentive to their health, and safeguard others, by following the CDC’s guideline to “stay home when you are sick.” You should stay home if you have symptoms. More information on what to do if you are sick is available at the CDC’s website.

Additional NCTC information is available at http://www.nctc.edu/coronavirus/index.html

 

DISABILITY SERVICES (Office for Students with Disabilities)

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides support services for students with disabilities, students enrolled in technical areas of study, and students who are classified as special populations (i.e. single parents).

Support services for students with disabilities might include appropriate and reasonable accommodations, or they may be in the form of personal counseling, academic counseling, career counseling, etc.  Furthermore, OSD Counselors work with students to encourage self-advocacy and promote empowerment. The Counselors also provides resource information, disability-related information, and adaptive technology for students who qualify.

For support, please contact the counselors at (940) 498-6207 or (940) 668-4321.  Alternatively, students may stop by Room 170 in Corinth or Room 110 in Gainesville.

 

CORE CURRICULUM FOUNDATIONAL COMPONENT AREA (For classes in the Core)_______  

o         Communication

o         Mathematics             

o         Life and Physical Science

o         Language, Philosophy & Culture

o         Creative Arts

o         Government/Political Science

X         Social and Behavioral Sciences

o         Component Area Option

o         American History

 

REQUIRED CORE OBJECTIVES (For classes in the Core)

X          Critical Thinking

X          Communication

X          Empirical and Quantitative

o          Teamwork

o          Personal Responsibility

X          Social Responsibility

 

COURSE TYPE

o          Academic General Education Course (from ACGM but not in NCTC Core)

X          Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course

o          WECM Course

 

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the student handbook and published online.

 

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, academic falsification, intellectual property dishonesty, academic dishonesty facilitation and collusion.  Faculty members may document and bring charges against a student who is engaged in or is suspected to be engaged in academic dishonesty.  See Student Handbook, “Student Rights & Responsibilities: Student Conduct ([FLB(LOCAL)]”. 

Instructor-specific Academic Dishonesty Policy: Plagiarism, cheating, and/or collusion of any type will result in a zero for that assignment, exam, or project. Also, a few students have fabricated stories about not being able to access Canvas and wanted make-up work for missed assignments. Be aware that Canvas allows instructors to track student log-in's, work, etc. Fabricating stories of any kind for personal gain is also a form of scholastic dishonesty. Any form of scholastic dishonesty will result in a zero and may be reported to administrators at NCTC.

 

QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, or COMPLAINTS

Name of Chair/Coordinator:	Donna Smith
Office Location:	Corinth Campus, Room 208
Telephone Number:	940-498-6266
E-mail Address:	dhooper@nctc.edu
Name of Instructional Dean:	Sara Flusche
Office Location:	Gainesville Campus, Room 1312
Telephone Number:	940-668-3321
E-mail Address:	sflusche@nctc.edu