Fall 2002
Classroom: CP 151
Class Time: M & W 7:50 PM to 9:05 PM
INSTRUCTOR: R. Beneckson
Office: DM 285
Phone: 305-348-2764
Email: rb4@bigfoot.com
Office Hours: M&W 2:30 - 5:00 PM, T&Th 3:30 5:00 PM
This course is an introductory study of the discipline of psychology. As such, it covers a great deal of material and intends to provide the student with a significant overview of what psychologists do and what aspects of human behavior they study. The range of material is highly varied, from the mysteries and idiosyncrasies of human personality, the way humans function in social environments, how the brain works, memory, learning, child and adult development, psychotherapy and the study of psychopathology, the study of healthy adaptation and optimal functioning, biological bases of behavior, and the methods of research and the history of the field itself. Each sub-field of psychology is a lifetime of study in itself, so it is not intended that the student know everything there is to know about every aspect of the discipline. It is intended that the student leave this course with a very clear idea of what the field of psychology offers and more than a surface knowledge of the overall discipline.
Required Textbook: Kassin, Saul, Psychology, third edition. Prentice Hall, 2001.
Optional: Hock, Roger R., Forty Studies That Changed Psychology, fourth edition, Prentice Hall, 2002.
Basic Requirements:
This course will be taught through study of the textbook, lecture, video programs, discussion, dialogue, and demonstrations. Class participation will be highly emphasized. There will be 3 exams, with multiple-choice questions. There also may be pop quizzes during the semester.
What is required of the student is an open mind and the desire to learn. In addition to the basic material, the emphasis on this course is learning how to enjoy the process of learning itself, thinking critically, and seeing how research and academic material may be applied in such a way that the quality of one’s life improves.
Research Component: In order to expose students to scientific research in different areas of psychology, students are required to participate in psychological studies being conducted in the Department of Psychology. You must participate in 5 experiments or alternate assignments. Each 1-hour experiment or experiment review is worth a maximum of 10 points. Experiments will sometimes be announced or conducted in class, and there are always announcements posted on the bulletin board on the 2nd floor of DM. I will receive a list at the end of the semester indicating which experiments each student has participated in, and you will need to keep track of your credit hours as well. This list also indicates "no-shows," (*Please note: failure to show up (or arriving over 10 minutes late) for a scheduled appointment will cost you points). It is advisable to begin participating in experiments early in the semester and not to wait until the end to fulfill this course requirement.
If for some
reason you are unable or do not wish to participate in psychological research,
this component can be fulfilled by a scientific critique exercise -- the
details will be discussed in class.
Grading: Your final grade in the course is based on the total of the 3 exams + the number of research points you accumulate. In addition, 5 points will be awarded for 80% attendance, 7 points for 90% attendance and 10 points for 100% attendance. Your final letter grade is based on the following distribution:
A = 310+ B-= 275-279 D+= 240-244
A-= 305-309 C+= 270-274 D = 220-239
B+= 300-304 C = 250-269 D-= 215-219
B = 280-299 C-= 245-249 F = 0-214
Course Policies: Please be aware of the following course policies as they can have an effect on your grade in the course.
Exam policy: Do not arrive late or fail to show up for an exam. If you arrive 15 minutes after the exam has started you will not be allowed to take it. In the event of medical emergency, you must provide an official notice from your physician, if accepted, alternative arrangements will be made. See the instructor for permission to make up an exam.
Academic dishonesty: Instances of cheating will be not be tolerated and will be dealt with in accordance with policies established by Florida International University. Please refer to the Student Handbook.
Classroom conduct: Arriving late, leaving early, or otherwise being disruptive during lectures will not be tolerated. If you know in advance that you will arrive late/leave early, notify the instructor prior to class. Please turn off cell phones and beepers during class.
Related concerns: If at anytime during the semester you are concerned about your progress, please feel free to speak to me about it. My office hours are Monday thru Thursday 2:30 - 5:00 PM.
Course Outline: Below are the scheduled lecture topics and corresponding textbook chapters. Please make every effort to read the chapter prior to lecture. Lectures will also present material not found in the textbook. This schedule is subject to change based on the progress of the class. Therefore, it is essential that you come to class regularly to keep abreast of any changes.
COURSE SCHEDULE
Introducing Psychology and It's Methods 1
Personality 15
Social Influences 13
Exam One
Learning 5
Memory 6