Fall 2008

PSY 301 • Intro to Psychology

Course Description

The purpose of this class is to explore the many ways in which psychology illuminates our understanding of thinking and behavior and to examine critically theories and explanations of psychological phenomena.

Topics will include: the brain and its hemispheres, stress and lie detection, sleep, dreaming, and consciousness, cognitive and moral development, Freud and personality, schizophrenia and depression, and social psychology across cultures.

Grading Policy

The five tests. Your final grade in the course is based on your performance on the five exams -- and your turning in your writing assignments. There is no final exam in the course. The computation of your final grade is based on the following: Lowest of your five tests = 0% Other 4 exams @22.5% each = 90% Writing assignments. Five writing assignments are due over the course of the semester. You will be graded simply on whether or not you turn them in. Each writing assignment is worth 2%, all 5 count for 10%. There is no extra credit for this course.

Tests are non-cumulative. The format of the test will be multiple-choice questions. You will be tested on the content of the textbook and lectures (including demonstrations and videos). Everyone is expected to take tests at the regularly scheduled time. The best 4 out of 5 exam grades will be used to determine the course grade. You can drop any of the exams for any reason BUT YOU MUST PASS THE LAST EXAM. If you do not pass the final exam, your score on that exam will count as one of your 4 grades. If you do pass the final exam, then the best 4 grades will used (irrespective of your score on the final exam).

Texts

Myers, D. G. EXPLORING PSYCHOLOGY (7th ed.)