DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY AND COUNSELING
FALL SEMESTER
PSYC 2500
FUNDAMENTALS OF PSYCHOLOGY
3 CREDIT HOURS
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK
Wood, Wood, & Boyd. The world of psychology (5th ed.). Allyn and Bacon.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
A general survey course designed to introduce the student to the fundamental
methods and content of contemporary psychology. PSYC 2500 is required of all
psychology majors.
DEPARTMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES
1. Use the scientific method as a primary basis for engaging in critical
thinking and evaluating multiple sources of information
1d. Articulate controversial and ethical issues related to psychological
intervention and research
2. Identify appropriate psychosocial and biological principles that influence
behavior and cognition, given a particular context or situation
2a. Use appropriately the technical language of the science of psychology in
oral and written communication
2b.Articulate the developmental changes resulting from both hereditary and
environmental factors that shape individual differences.
2c.Compare and contrast differing theoretical perspectives within and among the
differing disciplines of psychology
3. Examine, evaluate, and pursue career and educational opportunities available
with an undergraduate psychology degree.
3b. Have knowledge of psychological concepts, principles, and theories and be
able to communicate and present them clearly and effectively, both in oral and
written form.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The student will:
1. Be familiar with the science of psychology, its terms and its
concepts.
2. Be able to distinguish between different areas of psychology.
3. Understand basic neuroanatomy and physiology as it relates to
psychology.
4. Be familiar with the theories of learning, memory, and
cognition.
5. Know basic developmental issues.
6. Be familiar with various psychological disorders and basic
models of therapeutic intervention.
7. Understand how course material relates to everyday life.
COURSE ACTIVITIES AND ASSIGNMENTS
MWF 5 MC Exams - Each exam will be worth 80 points
MAKE-UP POLICY: If for some reason you must miss a test, you must notify me as
soon as possible (either by telephone, stopping by, or e-mail). You must take
it on the date and time that we decide (i.e. no making up the make-up, no
changing your mind, etc.) and it should be made up within 1 week after missing
the first exam. You cannot make up the test during class time and you cannot have
more than one make-up exam. All make-up exams will be in essay format.
16 Homework – On my website and off of WebCT, there will be
assignments for each chapter (there are 2 for Chapter 1). You are to do 1 of
the activities per chapter (there will be 4 or 5 to choose from). Each
assignment will be worth 5points. All questions are to be answered completely
(and accurately) and should be either written neatly or typed. All assignments
are linked off of
COURSE EVALUATION
5 exams @ 80 points each MWF = 400
16 homework assignments @ 5 points each = 80
A 480-432 B 431-384 C 383-336 D 335-288 F <288
ATTENDANCE
While I do not have a strict attendance policy, it is expected that you will
attend class regularly. If for some reason you miss a class, it is your
responsibility to find out any information that was discussed in class. When in
class, I ask that you be courteous to myself and to others. Refrain from
constant chit-chat and note-passing. If you come in late or plan on leaving
early, sit near the door so as not to disturb others. Please make sure your
cell phones are off (DO NOT ANSWER A CELL PHONE IN CLASS) and beepers on
vibrate. In addition, I can see when you are doing other work besides mine
– I don’t want to see it. It is especially annoying when people who
are doing other things then ask questions that obviously indicate they were not
paying attention. My other pet peeve is when people walk into class late and
want to turn something in or pick something up after I start class. Again,
don’t do that, please. If you are caught cheating or handing in an
assignment that is the same as someone elses, you will fail this course.
One final note – if you are having difficulty, do not
wait until the end of the semester to come talk to be and plead for me to give
you a B when your grade is an F or to give you extra credit. Please talk to me
as soon as possible if you are having personal difficulties or are having a
problem with course material. Midterm is Mar. 4. I do not give an incomplete
unless for some reason you cannot take the final test. If you need to complete
more work than that, you will have to withdraw from this course.
SPECIAL NEEDS STATEMENT
VSU, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities act will make
accommodations for students who require special assistance because of a
disability. If you require some assistance, do not hesitate to make me aware of
your situation. Students requesting classroom accommodations or modifications
because of a documented disability must contact the Access Office for Students
with Disabilities located in room 1115 Nevins Hall. The phone numbers are
245-2498 (voice) and 219-1348 (tty).
INSTRUCTOR
Dr. Deb Briihl
Rm 18 Phone 333-5994 or –5930
dbriihl@valdosta.edu
Office Hours: 8:30-9:30, 1-3 MWF, 2-3 TTh or by appointment
http://chiron.valdosta.edu/dbriihl
TO USE THE ON-LINE MATERIALS
There are materials on-line to help you study. The one that does not require a
password is located at http://wps.ablongman.com/ab_wood_worldofpsy_5
(if you go from this link, just look down the sideto internet resources and
click on companion website). This website doesn't work very well with Netscape.
It has MC questions, flashcards, etc. It isn’t very detailed, but can
help. The other is located at http://www.mypsychlab.com/
. This is the password that came with your books. It contains an on-line study
guide and an on-line textbook with interactive links. To log in, use the code
given to you and briihl55589. Look under Psych E-book (Grade Aid is where the
on-line study guide is located). Other materials will be found at the Vista
Website (use your Blazenet password to log in).
I will be offering Extra Credit this fall in the following ways.
1. First of all, I am doing an experiment looking at what things you actually
use in the book and on the website in order to help you study for the test. A form is attached to this. This form is due the day
of the test (1/2 credit will be given if you turn it in by the next class
period). You will receive 5 extra points per test for doing this (MWF). Just
type in your responses and send it back or turn it in during class. You
probably haven't do everything listed on that sheet - that's fine, I just want
to see what people use to study, so if you didn't use the materials, just write
in didn't use. If there are any questions, feel free to ask me. This is for
each test.
2. When I hand back the test, you will get the chance to make up some of the
points that you have missed. You are to determine what was the right answer
(give the letter response) and why that answer is wrong and the other is incorrect
(saying I got it wrong because I guessed is NOT an acceptable answer). You will
get back 1/2 point for each question that you missed and you then got right.
You have one week after I hand back the test to do this (see calender). You
must turn in your scantron sheet and responses by that time. Late responses
will not be accepted. This is for each test.
Mon Weds Fri Class
Feb. 2 Exam 1
Feb. 23 Exam 2
Mar. 16 Exam 3
Apr 13 Exam 4
May 6 (Fri) Exam 5 (8-10)
Homework due Jan. 30 (chapters 1,2,4), Feb. 21 (3,5,6), Mar. 14 (7,8,13) Apr.
11 (9,10,12), and May 2 (15,16,17). EC for the STUDY QUESTIONS due on day of
exam (1/2 credit if handed in class period after exam). EC on redoing the EXAM
questions due 1 week after the exam is handed back.
If you need more help with material (besides the ones listed under each
chapter), try the website with Psychology
A ConnecText.
Topic Chapter
What is Psychology (and what it isn’t)?
Introduction, History, and Critical Thinking Link to Exercises
Terms for Test on Chapter 1 and Appendix
Psychology and Research Ch. 1 and Appendix
Link to Exercises
See above for terms
Biopsychology Ch. 2
The Brain and Neurons Link to Exercises
Terms for Test on Chapter 2
Dreams and Hypnosis Ch. 4
Not the section on drugs Link to Exercises
Terms for Test on Chapter 4
Sensation and Perception Ch. 3
Link to Exercises
Terms for Test on Chapter 3
Learning
Classical, Operant, and Social Link to Exercises
Terms for Test on Chapter 5
Memory Ch. 6
Link to Exercises
Terms for Test on Chapter 6
Cognition and Language Ch. 7
Links to Exercises
Terms for Test on Chapter 7
Intelligence Ch. 8
Links to Exercises
Terms for test on Chapter 8
Health Psych
Links to Exercises
Terms for Test on Chapter 13
Development 1 Ch. 9
Links to Exercises
Terms for test on Chapter 9
Development 2 Ch.10
Links to Exercises
Terms for test on Chapter 10
Human Sexuality Ch. 12
Links to Exercises
Terms for Test on Chapter 12
<>Abnormal Psych
Links to Exercises
Terms for Test on Chapter 15<>
Therapies
Links to Exercises
Terms for Test on Chapter 16
Social Psychology Ch 17
Links to Exercises
Terms for Test on Chapter 17