PSYCHOLOGY COURSE POLICY SHEET SPRING SEMESTER 2006

Mrs. Clark Office Location: May 21 Classroom Location: Olson 203 E-mail: [email protected]

The Course: Psychology

Few areas of human activity generate so much interest, curiosity, and mystery as psychological and behavioral dysfunction. This course will balance the “normal” dimensions of human behavior and mental processes with those elements that are considered “abnormal.” We will unravel the mechanisms behind psychological disorders, while at the same time threading in the essential concepts found in a general psychology course. Throughout the semester, we will maintain a focus on ethical, practical and legal issues, as well as explore future directions in the field and society’s response to maladaptive behavior. Students will learn to “think like a psychologist” and will gain both a broad perspective of the human condition and a specific understanding of the complexities of the mind and body.

Some Enduring Issues and Questions That We Will Ponder: *Are we masters of our fate or victims of circumstances? *Are we products of innate, inborn tendencies, or reflections of experiences and upbringing? That is, is human behavior shaped more by heredity or by environment? *Are the characteristics we develop in childhood permanent, or do we change in predictable (and unpredictable) ways over the course of our lives? *What accounts for similarities and differences among people? *How are mind and body connected? What is the relationship between the thoughts and feelings we experience, and the biological processes that occur in our bodies? *Do people have some choice in shaping their personality? *Do hidden, unconscious forces control people’s behavior? *What is “abnormal?”

Unit I: Introduction and Overview How is Psychology relevant to our daily lives? States of Consciousness What is “Abnormal?” How was mental illness viewed and treated in the past?

Unit II: Six Theories of Behavior and Personality

Unit III: Psychological Disorders The Law and Mental Health

Unit IV: Controversial Studies in Psychology (Obedience)

Final Projects: To be chosen later in the semester Final Grades: 80% Quizzes, Tests, Papers & Group Projects, Weblog Responses 20% Final Project

Reading Assignments & Note Taking: Readings will be assigned accordingly. Assessments will be based on the readings, class discussions, lectures and demonstrations. You are expected to take notes every day during class and maintain a binder for notes, handouts and outlines.

Absences: If you are absent on the day of a quiz or on the day a paper is due, you need to make arrangements to take the make up test or turn in your paper on the day of your return. You are always responsible for getting missed notes from fellow classmates.

Participation: Participation in discussions and in-class activities is a vital part of the learning process and will contribute a great deal to your level of enjoyment in the class.

Late Policy: Assignments handed in after their due date will be subject to the departmental policy on late work (10% each late day).

Courtesy: Please limit side conversations during class. Please get drinks and use the restroom before class begins. Please be on time. If you are going to be absent on the day of an assessment or activity, please let your teacher know.

Grading Scale:

93 – 100 A 90 – 92 A- 87 – 89 B+ 83 – 86 B 80 – 82 B – 77 – 79 C+ 73 – 76 C 70 – 72 C – 67 – 69 D+ 64 – 66 D 61 – 63 D- 60 or below F

Enjoy the Class!