Introductory Psychology
Psy 1890G
Spring 2008

Teaching Philosophy

"The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled" --Plutarch

Course Materials

Required textbook: Psychology: Concepts and Applications, Second Edition (2007), by Jeffrey A. Nevid

The textbook web site contains learning objectives, chapter outlines, tutorials, and practice tests.

Catalog Description

An integrated overview of the basic methods and principles of psychology including natural and social science contributions to the understanding of behavior and cognitive processes.

Course Objectives

• Complete several writing assignments analyzing, synthesizing, and applying principles and concepts covered in course readings and class lectures.
• Compare and contrast theories and methods in psychology and their applications to relevant daily experiences.
• Compare and contrast the value and limitations of the scientific approach for understanding psychological phenomena.
• Recognize and analyze ethical issues in psychological research.
• Understand the impact of psychological processes on society, including the implications of such issues as intelligence testing, prejudice and discrimination, and attitude formation and change.
• Recognize individual differences and similarities among people.
• Enjoy learning about psychology.

Requirements and Grading

Quizzes

• Questions on the quizzes are multiple choice, with usually one short answer.  They are based on material covered in lecture and in the textbook.  Quizzes will be administered online through WebCT. They will be available for up to 1 week after we complete the associated chapter in class. Questions on each quiz are randomly selected from a pool of questions.  Thus, you may end up with 2 questions that appear very similar on your quiz and you will probably not have the same quiz as another student.  Don't worry, across all quizzes the average difficulty for everyone in the class will be very similar.  The questions are primarily concept based, meaning that you must understand the concept rather than just memorizing definitions.
• You may NOT use any notes, textbooks, or colleagues to assist you on the quizzes. This is based on the honor system and I expect you to uphold it.
• The quizzes are timed (30 minutes). This is more time per question than what would normally be allowed in class so you shouldn't feel too rushed.  The timer begins once you open the quiz.
• Make-up exams will be given only for University-approved absences. 
• The final exam is comprehensive, but open book.

Research Paper

• See complete instructions.
• Grading rubric
• Tips on how to avoid plagiarism
• How to submit your paper to Turnitin.com for plagiarism detection (Macromedia Flash tutorial)
• Due Dates
  • Initial draft: April 2
  • 1st revision: April 9
  • 2nd revision (Final draft): April 16

Academic misconduct

Cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of academic misconduct will not be tolerated.  Academic misconduct will result in failure of the course, and appropriate disciplinary action, according to university guidelines.

Reading Schedule, Important Dates

Please read the chapters in the textbook before class in order to enhance understanding of demonstrations, examples, and group discussions.   Please note this schedule is subject to change. 

If you have a documented disability and wish to receive academic accomodations, please contact the coordinator of the Office of Disability Services (581-6583) as soon as possible.

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Comments: jrstowell@eiu.edu