PSY 101, Introduction to General Psychology, 3 credits
Course Prerequisites: None

Peter A. Keller, PhD
Professor and Chairperson
Department of Psychology

Fall 2003 Semester
Section 05: Tu-Th 9:30 am10:45 am
Section 06: Tu-Th 11:00 am-12:15 pm
Classes meet for 75 minutes

Phone 570-662-4772
Email pkeller@mnsfld.edu
Office Location: 407 South Hall
Hours: Tu 1:30-3:30; Wed 1:30-2:30 Th 2:00-4:00

Attendance Policy: Your attendance and participation during class are an important part of the learning process. If you miss no more than one class, you will receive 10 bonus points. Students who attend regularly and participate may benefit in the case of borderline grades. Students who miss 8 or more class sessions will automatically receive a grade of F, regardless of test grades. You must be present for and attempt all examinations unless you have an officially approved absence.

Web Center for the Course: http://www.mnsfld.edu/~pkeller/

Visit the online information for Psy 101 often to check for updates and changes. Check the Ask for Help discussion forum in CourseCompass. Take the pre and post chapter quizzes to aid your studying.

Course Description: Introduction to General Psychology is designed to familiarize students with the application of scientific psychology to human life. Emphasis in on "normal" behavior and its antecedents. The course includes the study of broad categories of human behavior through various psychological models.

Class Cancellations: As most students reside on campus and your professor has rarely missed class in 29 years of teaching, classes will be cancelled only under the most unusual of circumstances. If you still wonder about a cancellation, please call my office phone number where any special notices will be included in the message before 8 am on scheduled class days. In case of illness, messages will be posted on the campus announcement network.

Required Text: Kosslyn, S.M., & Rosenberg, R. S. (2003). Fundamentals of Psychology: The Brain, The Person, and the World. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

Course Outcomes: If you complete this course successfully, you should be able to:

• Define psychology and describe it as a science.
• Describe the major theories of psychology, and identify the individuals associated with the theories.
• Apply the theories and principles of psychology to develop a better understanding of events and experiences in your daily life.
• Think critically about the various psychological, biological, social, and environmental factors that influence thinking and behavior.
• Enter more advanced courses in psychology.

Examinations and Expectations: Your success in this course will be based on six examinations, each worth 60 points. You must take all six examinations. In determining your final grade, the lowest exam score will be dropped. If you need to miss an examination for any reason, you can take one makeup during the final examination period. Likewise, you may retake any one regular examination during this time if you wish to improve your grade.

Final Course Grade: Your final grade will be computed on the basis of your five best exams. The maximum total available is 300 points. The chart on the following page illustrates the number of points required for a particular grade. I reserve the right to add points to exam scores or to offer extra credit assignments if, in my judgment, it is appropriate to do so and all students have the same opportunity.

Academic Integrity: All students are expected to be responsible for their own work. There is no shortcut to success in this course. Psychology students and faculty have endorsed an Honor Code that will be discussed in class and that you may review on the department's website. Any form of cheating or misrepresentation of attendance will significantly affect your final grade in this course.