Note to prospective students: Please be aware that the Cuesta College Bookstore is overcharging for the textbook! Check online sources such as Amazon or just Google search: Exploring Psychology 10th or 11th or 12th edition by Myers & DeWall, and you will find copies to rent or buy for under $40. No reason to pay more!
Welcome! Late-start Introductory Psychology PSYC 201#31928
Instructor: Brent LaMon, Ph.D.
This course will introduce you to some of the most important things you will ever learn about yourself and how you experience everything in life as you know it, as well as some of the things you may not be aware of that also affect your mind and behavior. I hope these subjects will make this your favorite class as you gain a deeper appreciation of life, the operation of the mind, and how your thoughts, emotions, and behavior create your life experience.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: INTRODUCTORY PSYCHOLOGY
The goal of this fully online course is for you to learn a lot about psychology and for this information to help you experience a richer and more meaningful life. You will gain a deeper understanding of your own thoughts, feelings and actions, as well as those of the people (and animals) around you. With this knowledge, you can become a more effective person with a greater ability to understand and change your own and other’s behavior. In short, you will be learning about the various influences that shape your life experience and what makes people the way they are. In addition, you will be learning about the important concepts, theories, discoveries, research methods, controversies, applications, vocabulary, values, and people that create the dynamic field of modern psychology.
Instructor Contact information
Email Address: blamon@cuesta.edu
Phone Number: (805) 592-9681, messages only
The best and fastest way to contact me is email. I will generally respond to your emails within 24 hours during weekdays. During busy times of the semester, the response time may increase. On weekends, I may be able to get back to you but I cannot guarantee an immediate response.
On-line Course Environment:
This online course will be using the Web-based Learning Management System Canvas as the method to share information. Canvas provides the organization and access to content for the course including PowerPoint lecture presentations, videos, media files, data files, tools to receive or send course materials, and a grade book. Using the communication tools, you can communicate using e-mail or access Zoom office hours, and you can share materials and ideas with other course participants via the discussion forums and groups.
Class opens / Accessing Canvas:
Prior to the day classes start, you will receive an email to your my.Cuesta.edu address providing you with a reminder that class will be starting and log-in procedures for Canvas, the learning management system (LMS) used to deliver course content. You can access Canvas by logging into MyCuesta, then clicking on the Resources Tab, then clicking on Canvas in the Online Learning Channel, or by typing the Canvas address (https://cuesta.instructure.com/) into your browser address bar. Do not bookmark / favorite the Canvas site after your login, or you will get an error message next time you try to log in. You must access the Canvas log in directly.
If you are not familiar with logging into Canvas, please refer to the Canvas Quick Reference Guide.Links to an external site. Once logged into Canvas you will be directed on where to get started. Be sure to read all the directions on the course home page. If you are having difficulty logging into Canvas and need assistance please email Canvas technical support at this email address: support@instructure.com or Cuesta College support at support@cuesta.edu
Course Sample Syllabus (may be modified prior to start of class)
INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY - PSYC 201
Distance Education CRN#31928 Late-start 3/18 - 5/17 Spring Semester 2024
Dr. Brent LaMon
Cuesta College San Luis Obispo Campus Office
Social Sciences Bldg. Rm. 6201
(805) 592-9681 phone messages only
e-mail: blamon@cuesta.edu; please include your name and the class on e-mail subject line
Online Zoom Office hours: Tuesday & Thursday 11am-12:00pm; please request Zoom link by email
TEXT: Any edition shown below can be used for the course
Exploring Psychology (12th ed.). D.G. Myers & C.N. DeWall, Worth Publishing, 2022. ISBN: 978-1-319-13211-8
Exploring Psychology (11th ed.). D.G. Myers & C.N. DeWall, Worth Publishing, 2019. ISBN: 978-1-319-10419-1
Exploring Psychology (10th ed.). D.G. Myers & C.N. DeWall, Worth Publishing, 2016. ISBN: 978-1-4641-5407-2
The editions of Exploring Psychology have the same chapter numbers and similar content and any can be used for the course. Used or rental texts are available at lower cost from internet sites!
Canvas Course Homepage: The homepage will have Announcements, links to Grades, Learning Modules and Files that provide folders for PowerPoint lectures, Assignments, and Study Guides.
TEXT READING ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT SCHEDULE
UNIT 1 Topics Reading Assignments
Week 1 Perspectives & Fields, Syllabus Text preface Life mgn’t, Ch1
Research Methods of Psychology
Spring Break
Week 2 Neuroscience & Brain Ch 2 p35-65(10th)p37-68(11th & 12th) Quiz #1–open Apr 3-4 After Q1 Genetics, Nature-Nurture Interaction Ch 2 p66-77(10th)p69-78(11&12th); Ch 5
Week 3 Sex & Gender: Evolution & Development Ch 5
Developmental Psychology Ch 4
Week 4 Consciousness: Levels & States Ch 3 Unit 1 Exam–open Apr. 17-18 After Unit Exam Personality Theories & Assessment Ch 13 and Ch 9 p336-7(10thed) p329-330(11th ed) p314-315(12thed)
Week 5 Social Psychology Ch 12
Motivation Ch 10 p365-386(10thed )p347-367(11thed)p328-347(12thed) Quiz #2–open Apr. 26-27
Week 6 Emotions & Happiness Ch10p386-403,Ch11p431-439(10th ed); p367-382,p407-414(11th- ed); p347-362,p385-391(12thed)
Sensation & Perception Ch 6 Unit 2 Exam–open May 3-4
Week 7 Learning, Memory & Cognition Ch 7, 8 & 9 Quiz #3–open Apr. 10-11
Week 8 Stress & Health Psychology Ch 11 p405-431(10thed)p383-406(11thed)p363-385(12thed) Psychiatric Disorder/Therapy Ch 14 & 15 Final Unit 3 Exam-open May 16-17
STUDENT CONDUCT
The student conduct and academic honesty policies described in the Cuesta College Catalog apply for all classes, assignments, and exams.
ASSESSMENT
There will be three quizzes and three Unit Exams. Dates may be changed as necessary. Each quiz and Unit Exam will cover the sequence of reading assignments listed. Quizzes will cover the first reading assignments of the Unit. All reading assignments for the Unit including those from the prior quiz will be covered on the Unit Exams. No books, notes, or electronic devices may be used while taking Quizzes or Exams.
TESTING POLICY
The lowest quiz score will be dropped from the calculation of the final grade and there will be no make-up for missed quizzes. If a unit exam cannot be taken as scheduled, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor as soon as possible and provide a written verification of incapacity so that an alternative make-up exam date may be scheduled during the week following the missed Unit Exam.
GRADING and COURSE PARTICIPATION POLICY
Grades will be determined on a cumulative points system in which grade points from all quizzes, exams and other assignments are combined and a final course grade is determined by the percentage of the total points possible obtained by each student. Grade cutoffs will be 90% and above = A, 80-89.9% = B, 70-79.9% = C, and so forth; although grade cutoffs may be lowered at the discretion of the instructor. All grade information will be provided in the Canvas Gradebook only; grade reports will not be provided via e-mail. Any student who wishes to withdraw from the course must file a request with the Records Office to officially withdraw from the course. Students who do not login or participate in scheduled Canvas class activities for a week or more may be dropped for non-participation. The approximate distribution of grade points for the class is shown below:
2 highest of 3 quizzes @ 20 pts. each = 40
3 unit exams @ 50 pts. each = 150
miscellaneous assignments = 70
approximate Total Points = 260 pts
COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES
My goal is for you to learn a lot about psychology and for this information to help you experience a richer and more meaningful life. You will gain a deeper understanding of your own thoughts, feelings and actions, as well as those of the people (and animals) around you. With this knowledge, you can become a more effective person with a greater ability to understand and change your own and others’ behavior. In short, you will be learning about the various influences that shape your life experience and what makes people the way they are. In addition, you will be learning about the important concepts, theories, discoveries, research methods, controversies, applications, vocabulary, values, and people that create the dynamic field of modern psychology.
Student Learning Outcomes for Introduction to Psychology (Psych 201)
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
- Describe the basic concepts, theoretical perspectives and definitions of vocabulary necessary for the understanding of psychology.
- Compare and contrast the different research methods utilized by psychologists in the analysis of behavior.
- Apply the basic theoretical perspectives to the scientific analysis of their own and other’s behavior and personality, as well as for understanding psychological disorders and treatment methods.
- Analyze the role of cognitive, physiological, hereditary, social, multicultural, and emotional factors in determining the complexity and diversity of human behavior.
DISABLED STUDENTS AND THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
If you have a physical, mental or learning disability, or any other life circumstance that poses a challenge for your educational success, please let me know so we can attempt to make necessary accommodations. Also, please contact DSPS (Disabled Student Programs & Services) Links to an external site.Links to an external site. at 805-546-3148 as soon as possible, so that you can receive appropriate accommodations in a timely manner. I have also provided additional important information about help resources and student support services in the Course Orientation Module, which provides links to many of the Cuesta services that you may wish to use to support your educational success.
Diversity and Inclusion Statement
It is my sincere hope that everyone in this course feels welcome and appreciated, that students with diverse backgrounds and perspectives will have their learning needs addressed in ways that maximize individual learning success, and that the diversity of experience that students bring to this class be viewed as a resource, a strength, and a benefit. In this class we will explore many challenging and controversial issues and learn concepts that may challenge different worldviews and perspectives. Our discussions may not always be easy. There may be times when we will need patience, courage, and imagination together with an open mind in order to engage our course content, our classmates, and our own ideas and experiences. But always we will need respect for others as we pursue this shared learning experience. This class is intended to be an inclusive space, and by taking part, we will strive to increase our capacity for sensitive discourse as we deepen our understandings of multiple perspectives from others’ backgrounds, lived experiences, or positions.
Please notify me (via e-mail or in office hours) if your name on the roster or implied gender do not match your chosen name or gender identity so that you can be addressed according to your preferred names and pronouns. Additionally, please let me know if there is anything in this class (said or done by anyone) that made you feel uncomfortable, because I am still learning about your diverse perspectives and identities and always welcome student concerns that can improve your experience in the course (anonymous feedback is always an option).
How Should I Study for This Course?
Start by making a schedule for when you will study as soon as the class begins and study course material in multiple short sessions (about 30 minutes and then take a short break). Find ways to sustain your attention for the entire study period. Some good methods are 1) to take notes (write comments in your own words) on the key terms and concepts while you are reading the text, 2) look for the overlap between the PowerPoint lectures and the textbook (this content is most likely to show up on the test), 3) focus on important terms (often shown in Bold) and think of good examples to help you remember the terms, and 4) test yourself as you read because you will learn more by challenging yourself to retrieve concepts as you study as opposed to just reading the book or your notes. Perhaps most important, once you have familiarized yourself with the material, REVIEW it with a study buddy or study group. You will remember and understand far more if you talk about the concepts or Study Guide questions with other people, rather than trying to learn it by studying alone. The mind is programmed to retain social communication, use this to your advantage by talking with others (even your dog or other pet) about what you are learning!
Course Assignments and Activities
The course will provide different opportunities for students to show their understanding and to apply psychological principles through participation in class activities and assignments. Individual and group assignments that receive grade points will be used to enhance understanding of course concepts; assignments missed or submitted after the close dates for assignments cannot be made-up. Assignments with due dates will be listed on the Pages in Canvas Content Modules, and in Weekly Canvas Announcements.
DSPS Accommodations
This course is designed using an accessible Learning Management System, and course materials have been created with ADA compliance in mind. If you have a disability and might need accommodations in this class such as extended time on exams or other resources, please contact DSPS (Disabled Student Programs & Services) Links to an external site.Links to an external site. at 805-546-3148 and the instructor as soon as possible, so that you can receive appropriate accommodations in a timely manner.
Civility
It is important to respect your classmates' comments even if you disagree with their opinions; you may challenge the idea but not the person. Furthermore, in discussions please express your opinions with sensitivity for others’ differences in ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, etc.
Email Correspondence
All email correspondence should be presented in a professional format that includes a subject line with your name & class, and use correct capitalization, punctuation and sentence structure. Sloppy, unedited, and informal emails will not be read or responded to. In addition, do not use email to ask about your grades or ask questions about the Study Guides. I CANNOT release information about grades via email, but would be glad to discuss grades or assist you with anything related to course content and your educational success at my online office hours.
Technical Support
Cuesta students are encouraged to direct all technical support inquiries to support@my.cuesta.edu. If you are having issues with Canvas, you should contact the Canvas Support Hotline at (877) 921-7680, or click on the help button on the Canvas Navigation to report a problem. If you are having difficulty viewing the course or logging in, it may be because you are using a cell phone or an unsupported browser or you are not using the correct url: https://cuesta.instructure.com/ . Your learning environment is best accessed from a desktop or laptop computer, using the Chrome browser software. Please review the browser requirements and minimum computer specifications Links to an external site.Links to an external site. for Canvas applications.
Add / Drop Policy: In addition to the course policies described in the syllabus, please review the Cuesta policy for course adds, drops and withdrawals: Add Policy Links to an external site.Links to an external site. Drop Policy Links to an external site.Links to an external site.
College & Course Policies
Academic Honesty Policy: In addition to my course policies described in the syllabus, please note all students attending San Luis Obispo County Community College District who participate in any district activity or represent Cuesta College in any off-campus activity, assume an obligation to conduct themselves in an acceptable manner compatible with the Student Code of conduct. Please review the Cuesta College Student Code of conduct and other college policies listed on the Student Affairs page of the Cuesta College web site.
Online Learning:
If you have never taken an online class or this is your first experience with Canvas, please be patient as you begin online learning. Online classes are not inherently easier, although they may be much more convenient for many students. You should expect to spend as much time, if not more on this course as you would on a course that meets in the classroom. Since there is no lecture component, much of this time will be self-directed and there will be a substantial amount of reading, viewing, studying, and writing required. This course is completely online using Canvas; all coursework (discussions, assignments, quizzes, exams) is submitted online. There are no face-to-face meetings. Please be prepared to spend 8 -10 hours per week minimum on coursework for this transfer-level college class. Regular and effective Instructor contact will be met through a variety of weekly instructor-initiated methods that may include: announcements to students on the Canvas course homepage; feedback and comments on student assignments and discussion forums; email, and virtual Zoom office hours. Many class activities will require students to stay current in text book and other assigned readings, Canvas PowerPoint presentations, discussion forum participation and other class activities that require timely responses. Students should plan to log-in to class a minimum of several times each week for the duration of the course to stay current with course requirements and due dates.
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