College of Education

Valdosta State University

Department of Psychology and Counseling

Course Syllabus

PSYC 2500/Fundamentals of Psychology

 

Required text: Wood, S., Wood, E. G. & Boyd, D. (2005). The World of Psychologv (5^th ed.). NY: Pearson Publishing.

 

Instructor:      William G. (Bill) Huitt, Ph.D., Professor #8 Psychology Building

Phone: 333-5613 Office Hours: TBA

e-mail: whuitt AT valdosta DOT edu

URL: http://www.edpsycinteractive.org
Study Guide: http://wps.ablongman.com/ab_wood_worldofpsy_5

 

Course Description: This course serves as an introduction to the concepts and methods that comprise the science of psychology. The aim of the course is to familiarize the student with psychological terms and theories.

 

General Course Objective: To become acquainted with a variety of psychological terms and theories, as well as to learn methods of scientific inquiry and to explore novel ways of perceiving one’s own behavior and that of the world as a whole.

 

Objectives:

 

Students will be able to name and describe:

1.       various methods of scientific inquiry.

2.       basic research methods, terminology, and principles.

3.       the following theoretical approaches in psychology: psychoanalytic, learning/behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, and social cognitive.

4.       the interplay of biological and psychological factors, which affect emotional, cognitive, personality, and social development.

5.       the mechanisms of learning, intelligence, memory, and thinking.

6.       emotion and motivation.

7.       social and cultural interaction and diversity in human behavior.

8.       ways to apply psychological findings to everyday life, including the workplace.

 

Course Format: Class meetings will consist of lectures, group discussions, media presentations, etc. Class discussion occurs regularly and participation is expected. Lectures will cover material from the text as well as outside resources. Previewing the chapters assigned “prior” to class is critical. Tests will contain material covered in the text and class.

 

Attendance Policy: VSU policy requires class attendance and class attendance will be important in doing well in this class. Daily attendance is required. Changes to class calendar may be announced during class. Students missing more than 10% of the course will have a reduction of one letter grade; students missing more that 20% of the course are subject to receiving a failing grade (as per VSU policy).

 

Students with Disabilities: Valdosta State University, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, will make arrangements for students who require special assistance due to a disability. To receive classroom accommodations or modifications because of a documented disability must contact the Access Office for Students with Disabilities located in room 1115 Nevins Hall. The phone numbers are 245-2498 (voice) and 219-1348 (tty). Please notify me if you require assistance in contacting the Access Office for Students with Disabilities.

 

Grading Criteria: Quizzes-There will be 13 quizzes with 20 to 25 items on each quiz. The cumulative final exam will be 75 to 100 items and will replace the lowest three quiz grades. Any quiz missed will automatically be included as one of the replaced quizzes.

 

Grades will be calculated based upon the average of quizzes and the final exam using the normal criteria of A = 90-100; B = 80-89; C = 70-79; D = 60-69; F = 59 or below.

 

This schedule is tentative. The instructor reserves the right to change the schedule as necessary!