SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
DIVISION
Psychology 1: INTRODUCTION TO
PSYCHOLOGY
Video: "Psychology: The Human
Experience"
TELEWEBCOURSE SYLLABUS
| Instructor: | Robert W. Ferguson, Ph.D. | Ticket # |
| Phone/email: | 582-4816 / bferguson@saddleback.edu | Semester: |
| (If you leave a message, please speak slowly and spell your last name) | No. of Programs: 13 |
|
No. of Lessons:
26 |
||
| Office Location: | BGS 312 | Office Hours:
by appointment |
NOTE: This course contains an Internet component.
Instructions to access Saddleback's Internet portal, Blackboard,
is located at URL: http://www.saddleback.edu/itc/user/blackboardfaq.html
COURSE
DESCRIPTION
The basic psychological
concepts underlying human and animal behavior in such areas as learning,
motivation, perception, growth and development, personality and social behavior
are presented.
COURSE
OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this
course, the student will be able to:
1. Discover and use library materials
relating to the field of psychology.
2. Discuss the history of psychology,
including appraisals of important contributors.
3. Define and correctly use research
findings, concepts and basic terminology.
4. Compare and contrast the major
psychological approaches.
5. Describe and give examples of problems
in the field.
6. Explain principles involved in
experimentation, observation and reporting.
7. Describe and give examples of how
psychology gathers and evaluates evidence about relationships between variables
using nonsexist language according to A.P.A. guidelines.
STUDENT
RESOURCES
Textbooks:
Psychology, 3rd ed., by Don Hockenbury, Worth Publishers,
2003.
ISBN: 0-7167-5129-1
Telecourse Student Guide to Accompany Psychology: The Human Experience,
Worth Publishers, 2003. ISBN: 0-7167-5524-6
The Saddleback College Bookstore telephone number
is 582-4715 or reach them online at www.saddleback.bkstr.com.
The textbook has been placed on reserve at Saddleback College Library (See
“LIBRARY RESOURCES” section below for further information.)
STUDENT/INSTRUCTOR
CONTACT (INSTRUCTIONAL ENRICHMENT HOURS)
Contact me by email or telephone at the number above
when you need course information or assistance. If you leave a message,
please speak slowly and spell your last name. For assistance which does NOT
pertain to course content, you may call the DISTANCE EDUCATION OFFICE
(582-4515) for assistance. If you encounter technical
problems, please call the BROADCAST OFFICE at
582-4502.
INTRODUCTION TO
PSYCHOLOGY
PSYC 1
LIBRARY
RESOURCES
Video tapes for this course may be viewed at the
SADDLEBACK COLLEGE LIBRARY and are available at the AUDIO-VISUAL DESK
(582-4874) located on the second floor. Due to budgetary
constraints, we do not have tapes available for checkout and there are no
facilities for duplicating.
The textbooks are on reserve at the CIRCULATION
DESK (582-4526) and may be used in the library for up to one
hour. Due to budgetary constraints, we do not have copies available for
checkout.
Saddleback |
|
| Monday thru Thursday | 8 am to 9 pm |
| Friday | 8 am to 4 pm |
| Saturday | 11 am to 5 pm |
Library hours
are subject to change; therefore, please call 582-4314 to verify hours.
VIDEO COURSE TAPE RENTAL
RMI Media Productions, Inc.telephone: 800-745-5480
(not affiliated with
BROADCAST
INFORMATION
“Psychology: The Human
Experience” (PSYC 1) broadcasts on COX CABLE CHANNEL
39
The attached BROADCAST CALENDAR shows the specific
dates and times for each lesson. Refer to the COURSE OUTLINE in this
packet for the topic of the lesson.
PLEASE PLAN TO VIEW/VIDEOTAPE
EACH LESSON THE FIRST BROADCAST OF EACH LESSON. This way, if
technical difficulties occur, you will still have ample opportunity to
watch/videotape one of the subsequent broadcasts. If you videotape a
lesson, remember to check your tape as soon as possible to be sure it has
recorded properly.
IF YOU EXPERIENCE TECHNICAL
DIFFICULTIES:
Report the problem immediately to the BROADCAST
OFFICE at 582-4502; leave a message on the machine if it is
after office hours. Generally, if there is an equipment problem and a
program is not aired, it will be shown at its normally scheduled time on Friday,
Saturday and Sunday of the same week. Refer to the attached
BROADCAST CALENDAR for subsequent broadcast times. Lessons may be viewed
at the Saddleback College Library if desired.
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS
1. Follow the COURSE OUTLINE on
page 5 for the Hockenbury TEXT READING assignments (to be
completed prior to viewing the video lessons).
2. Watch the VIDEO LESSONS.
(See BROADCAST CALENDAR for specific broadcast times and
dates.)
3. Type a TERM
PAPER. (Due at Final Exam). The paper must be at least four
(4) pages in length and it must contain a bibliography. The topic can be
on anything discussed in the videos.
EXAM INFORMATION
Mid-term Exam Make-up Policy:
If you miss the midterm examination, the only way you can make it
up is by taking it with the final examination! If you fail to take the
midterm, and do not leave a telephone message with your instructor, within
three days following the midterm examination saying you will be making it up
with the final exam, you may be dropped from the
class.
| Day/Date | Time | Location | |
| MIDTERM EXAM: | |||
| Day/Date | Time | Location | |
| FINAL EXAM: | |||
Please bring the following items to the
exams:
• Scantron Test Form
• Two #2 pencils with erasers
• Provide a stamped, self-addressed postcard if you would like
your final grade mailed to you.
NOTE: Scantron forms are available in the Saddleback
College Bookstore. Be certain to purchase these items prior to exam
day since the book store is not open immediately prior to the scheduled
exams.
GRADING SCALE AND PERTINENT
INFORMATION
Midterm
Examination
=
40%
Final Examination =
40%
Term Paper* =
20%
*The term paper should be 3-4 pages, typed, on any
topic discussed in the class.
Possible Points = 120
A
= 108 -
120
B
= 96 -
107
C
= 84 -
95
D
= 72 -
83
F = 71 or
below
* * * IMPORTANT GRADE INFORMATION * *
*
The Family Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 restricts
the release of certain student information such as grades. Therefore,
please DO NOT CALL FOR GRADE INFORMATION.
IF YOU DECIDE TO DROP THIS COURSE . .
.
YOU MUST GO TO THE OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS &
RECORDS in the
IF YOU DROP on or BEFORE , no notation will
appear on your records.
IF YOU DROP after 2/15 but on or BEFORE , you
will receive a “W” on your academic
record/transcript.
IF YOU FAIL TO OFFICIALLY DROP and do not complete the course, YOU WILL RECEIVE
AN “F” ON YOUR PERMANENT RECORD.
Lesson
No.
Title
LESSON
OUTLINE
1
Why Study Human
Behavior
2 Research Models in
Psychology
3 The Nervous
System
4 The Neuron and Neural
Transmission
5 Sensation and
Perception
6
Consciousness
7 Learning: Classical and
Operant Conditioning
8 Learning:
Observational and Cognitive Approaches
9
Memory
10 Language and
Cognition
11
Intelligence
12
Motivation
13
Emotion
14 Infant and Child
Development
Midterm
15 Adolescent and Adult
Development
16 Gender and
Sexuality
17 Personality
Theories
18 Personality
Traits
19 Social
Cognition
20
Attitudes
21 Group
Influence
22
Stress, Health, and Coping
23 Understanding Psychological
Disorders, Part One
24 Understanding Psychological
Disorders, Part Two
25
Therapies
26 Making Psychology Part of
Your
Life
Final Exam
MIDTERM REVIEW
Chapters 1-8: Hockenbury
Text
Videos 1-14
LESSON 1: Why Study
Psychology?
What exactly is psychology?
Why do people study psychology?
When did psychology begin? Who founded
it?
What do psychologists do?
In
what ways can the study of psychology personally benefit
me?
LESSON 2: Research Methods in
Psychology
Why do psychologists conduct psychological
research?
What is the scientific method?
How is a psychological experiment
performed?
What are the two basic categories of research
methods?
How accurate is psychological
research?
How does science prove cause and
effect?
LESSON 3: The Nervous System
What is the primary function of the nervous
system?
What parts of the body make up the nervous
system?
How does our brain control what we feel, think, and
do?
What are the methods researchers use to study the
brain?
What would happen if it were necessary to remove half
of a person's brain?
LESSON 4: The Neuron and Neural
Transmission
What are neurons?
What are the basic components of neurons, and what
are their functions?
How does the brain control what we think, feel, and
do?
How is information transmitted within and between
neurons?
What happens if brain communication becomes
disrupted?
How do drugs affect how the brain
functions?
LESSON 5: Sensation and
Perception
How do we take physical energy, like light or sound
waves, and change it into something we can experience?
When we see a color, does everyone see the same
color?
What happens if we are overloaded with sensory
information?
Can our emotions and expectations affect our senses
and our perceptions?
How do education, culture, and life experiences
affect how we perceive the world around us?
How can virtual reality help us learn more about
human perception?
LESSON 6: Consciousness
What is the nature of human
consciousness?
What causes us to dream and what do people usually
dream about?
Is
it true that each of us has a biological clock inside us that regulates our
consciousness?
Can anyone be hypnotized? What does it feel like to
be hypnotized?
Does mediation have proven psychological and
physiological benefits?
What are psychoactive drugs and how do they alter
consciousness?
LESSON 7: Learning: Classical and Operant
Conditioning
How do human beings learn?
What is the major difference between classical
conditioning and operant conditioning?
What was Ivan Pavlov's famous
experiment?
Are emotions learned or are we born with our emotions
intact?
What was B. F. Skinner's major contribution to
psychology?
Should punishment be used to control
behavior?
Is
there a limit on how much a human being can learn?
LESSON 8: Learning: Observational and Cognitive
Approaches
Is
all learning intentional or do we also learn
unintentionally?
How does observation contribute to the learning
process?
What is the role of practice in the learning of a
skill?
How does insight and understanding affect
behavior?
How important are role models in teaching children
new behaviors?
What is behavior modification and how do
psychologists use it to help people develop new behaviors?
LESSON 9: Memory
How do psychologists define
memory?
Is
there more than one type of memory?
How accurate are memories?
What are the most common reasons why people forget
information?
Does everyone's ability to remember information fade
as they age?
What is the best method to improve
memory?
LESSON 10: Language and
Cognition
How do people acquire language?
What is the nature of thought?
Do
animals use language?
How does language affect thinking and
perception?
Is
it possible to increase one's ability to solve problems?
Do
all humans share the same capacity for language and
thought?
Why do some beliefs persist, even when faced with
contradictory evidence?
LESSON 11: Intelligence
What is intelligence?
Is
there more than one form of intelligence?
What is the best method to measure
intelligence?
How do emotions and personality affect
intelligence?
Is
a person's intelligence a good predictor of how successful they will
become?
What has the greatest effect on intelligence --
heredity or the environment?
LESSON 12: Motivation
Why do people do what they do?
What is self-efficacy and how does it affect
motivation?
What role does personal desire play in human
motivation?
Why do so many people have
problems with self-destructive behaviors, like smoking, overeating and excessive
drinking or the use of drugs?
Do people vary in their
needs for excitement and arousal?
Why do some people achieve so much in life while
others achieve so little?
LESSON 13: Emotions
What exactly are emotions?
Are we born with emotions or do we learn to be
emotional?
Do
men and women differ in how they feel emotions?
Why do some people develop emotional
problems?
How can I become a happier
person?
LESSON 14: Infant and Child
Development
What is a developmental
psychologist?
How are hereditary traits
transmitted?
Are infants born with different abilities, or are all
infants born with basically the same abilities?
How do children acquire language and learn to
think?
How does a child's emotional attachment affect his or
her development?
Is
human development continuous, or does it occur in stages?
How different is a child's understanding of the world
from that of an adult?
FINAL REVIEW
Chapters 9-15: Hockenbury
Text
Videos Lessons 15-26
LESSON 15: Adolescent and Adult
Development
Why is the stage of adolescence so difficult for so
many people?
How does adult thinking differ from adolescence
thinking?
What are the two key themes that dominate adult
development?
How do we develop moral
reasoning?
What is the best strategy for dealing with
aging?
Is
prejudice against elderly people commonplace?
LESSON 16: Gender and
Sexuality
What is the difference between gender and
sex?
How are gender roles and gender identity
acquired?
When does sexual behavior in humans first
appear?
What causes individual differences in sex
drive?
How do we develop our sexual
orientation?
What are the most common sexual
problems?
LESSON 17: Personality
Theories
What is personality and how is it
developed?
Are personalities inherited or the result of how we
were raised?
Why do some people develop personalities that make it
difficult for them to cope with life?
Do
psychologists still believe in the ideas of Sigmund Freud?
What is the difference between humanism and social
cognition?
Can we change our personality?
LESSON 18: Personality Traits and
Assessment
What are personality traits?
How does our heredity influence
personality?
What are the five broad dimensions of
personality?
How do psychologists test or measure
personality?
What can a personality test reveal about a person's
life?
Do
we have only one self-concept, or do we have many different
self-concepts?
LESSON 19: Social Cognition
What is social psychology?
In
what ways do other people affect how we think, feel, and
behave?
What mental processes do we use to form perceptions
of other people?
Is it true that most people believe that attractive
people are more intelligent and more capable than less attractive
people?
Why do people often blame
the victim when something bad happens?
What role does the media play in influencing how
people view themselves and others?
LESSON 20: Attitudes
How do people acquire their
attitudes?
What is the best way to change an
attitude?
Do
attitudes control behavior or does behavior control
attitude?
What is the difference between prejudice,
discrimination, and racism?
What is the best method to get groups of people to
avoid fighting and to cooperate with one another?
On
a personal level, how can a person overcome a prejudice?
LESSON 21: Group Influence
Why is it difficult for most people to disobey an
authority figure?
What is the "feel good, do good"
effect?
Why do people tend to behave differently when they
are part of a group?
What social conditions cause people to ignore someone
in distress?
What is the most important factor in determining
human behavior?
What is the best way to avoid being manipulated by
professional persuaders?
LESSON 22: Stress, Health, and
Coping
What is health psychology?
How is stress related to health and
illness?
How does stress affect how we think and
behave?
What are the most effective ways to cope with
stress?
Are women or men more likely to suffer the negative
effects of stress?
LESSON 23: Understanding Psychological
Disorders, Part One
How prevalent are psychological
disorders?
What causes people to develop psychological or mental
disorders?
Is
a person with a psychological disorder mentally ill?
What is the difference between normal anxiety and
pathological anxiety?
What are the most common phobias, and what is a
social phobia?
What is an obsessive-compulsive
disorder?
LESSON 24: Understanding Psychological
Disorders, Part Two
What is the difference between normal behavior and
"abnormal" behavior?
What is schizophrenia?
What are the most common symptoms of
schizophrenia?
What is bipolar disorder?
What causes people to become
depressed?
How likely is it that a person will experience major
depression sometime during his or her lifespan?
LESSON 25: Therapies
What is psychotherapy?
How effective is therapy? Is there scientific proof
that therapy is effective?
What is the most common reason people go to see a
psychotherapist?
Is
it true that electric shock treatment is still used to treat mental
disorders?
How do psychoactive medications help people with
psychological problems?
LESSON 26: Making Psychology Part of Your
Life
How can the study of psychology improve my
life?
How can I learn more about the field of
psychology?
In
what ways can I apply what I learned to my everyday life?
Can what I believe really change my
life?