Good news: your textbook for this class is available for free online!

Visit OpenStax Psychology to access your book. Then choose your preferred format under “Get the book.”

If you prefer, you can also get a print version at a very low cost (campus bookstore or from OpenStax on Amazon.com). You can use whichever formats you want. Web view is recommended–the responsive design works seamlessly on any device. If you buy on Amazon, make sure you use the link on your book page on openstax.org so you get the official OpenStax print version. (Simple printouts sold by third parties on Amazon are not verifiable and not as high quality.)

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Knowledge of Human Cultures and the Physical and Natural World

• Explain and differentiate between the basic subfields of psychology
• Identify, describe, and apply the research methods used to collect information in psychology
• Practice using psychological terminology
• Identify, describe, and explain key ideas and studies in psychology

Intercultural Knowledge and Competence

• Identify how psychological findings may differ depending upon one’s cultural background and environment
• Identify challenges faced by ethnic and cultural minority groups
• Identify assumptions often held by non-minority group members

Lifelong Learning

• Connect theoretical findings with applied situations in life
• Identify subfields of psychology that are of interest to you personally
• Assess how information covered in the scope of this course has altered your beliefs on human psychology and behavior

Course-Specific Objectives and Assessments

This course is designed to increase your knowledge of how social and behavioral scientists discover, describe, and explain the behaviors and interactions among individuals, groups, institutions, events and ideas. Such knowledge will better equip you to understand yourself, others, and the roles you play in addressing the issues facing humanity. By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the major facts and theories from experimental, cognitive, biological, developmental, social, and applied psychology (e.g., know the difference between operant and classical conditioning). Achievement of this outcome will be assessed through in-class performance, exams, and quizzes.
• Apply this knowledge to events and situations in their everyday life (e.g., Does my roommate really have OCD? How can I use operant conditioning to train my cat?). Achievement of this outcome will be assessed through in-class performance, homework assignments, and exams.
• Be able to critically analyze and critique alternative explanations for claims about social issues and human behavior (e.g., Does this media claim that ice cream sales are associated with a rise in violent crime make sense to you?). Achievement of this outcome will be assessed through in-class activities, homework assignments, and exams.
• Understand that psychology is a science and that psychologists utilize the scientific method to obtain information and knowledge about behavior and thought. Achievement of this outcome will be assessed through exposure to primary research either as a participant or by reading and summarizing empirical articles, quizzes, exams, and in-class activities/discussions.

Course Requirements and Final-Grade Calculation

• Learn how and why research with humans is conducted
• Learn how the results are used to help understand human behavior
• See the variety of problems that can be studied with scientific methods

Late Work and Makeup Policy

All assignments, quizzes, and exams are due by 11:59pm on the date indicated on the schedule. All assignments and quizzes may be completed ahead of schedule but may NOT be completed after the due date. This means that you may complete all coursework as far in advance as you wish; however, the deadlines are in place to prevent students from waiting until the last minute to complete work. The deadlines are the LAST DAY you can complete the assignment.

Missing Exam Policy

Exams will be available on Canvas from 7:00 am–11:59 pm on the scheduled exam days (see course schedule). Makeup exams will ONLY be allowed in cases of documented excuses (e.g., medical emergency). Please email me before the exam deadline (11:59 pm on the date of the scheduled exam) if an emergency should arise.

Missing Quiz Policy

Quizzes are to be taken by the specified time/day; therefore, missed quizzes cannot be made up for non-university excused absences. If you encounter any issues using Canvas, you should contact Technical Support.

Missing Assignment Policy

Assignments are to be submitted by the specified time/day; therefore, missed assignments cannot be made up for non-university excused absences. For most students, it takes multiple drafts and revisions to earn a high grade, so students are recommended to begin these assignments early and not wait until the last day.

Attendance Policy

When you miss class, you miss important information. If you are absent, you are responsible for learning material covered in class. If you have an excused absence, you will be permitted to make up coursework or complete an equivalent assignment agreed upon with me.

Arranging Excused Absences for Anticipated Absences

• Submit a request via email stating the dates of the anticipated absence no later than the end of the second week of the course (Friday 9/5)
• Explain the reason for absence – in some cases, documentation may be required
• Include any request for make-up work

Arranging Excused Absences for Unanticipated Absences

• Submit a request via email stating the date(s) of the absence
• Explain the reason for absence – in some cases, documentation may be required
• Include any request for make-up work

Instructor Information

Instructor: Joshua Kurtis Brown, Ph.D.
Classroom: SC 114
Class Time: MWF 12:00–12:50
Office: GC 310 A
Office Hours: W 9:00–12:00 PM; F 10:00–12:00; and by appointment
Email Address: joshuabrown10@suu.edu
Course Website: [Canvas course site]

Technical Requirements

Course Communication

You may email me at joshuabrown10@suu.edu any time you have questions regarding the course. I will also send class announcements via Canvas and email. Finally, I will make comments on your assignments, quizzes, and exams via Canvas.

Academic Integrity

You are expected to practice the highest possible standards of academic integrity. Any deviation from this expectation will result in a minimum academic penalty of you failing the assignment and additional disciplinary measures. This includes improper citation of sources, using another student's work, and any other form of academic misrepresentation. Violations will result in a 0 on the exam/paper and referral to the Dean of Students.

Generative LLM/AI Statement

I will not penalize you if you choose to utilize a generative large language model (LLM) system (e.g., ChatGPT) to help you complete your written assignments – though I warn you about the pitfalls and shortcomings associated with utilizing such systems. I will grade your assignments rigorously.

Student Support

The SUU Psychology Department values our students irrespective of race, age, gender, sexual orientation, culture, religion, nationality, capabilities, or disabilities. Our faculty and staff are committed to the intellectual, physical, and emotional health of all members of the campus community. Should anyone experience problems or issues with depression, anxiety, grief, discrimination, or thoughts of suicide, we implore you to seek us out. Our commitment is to listen and help you find the resources you need.

Statement on Civility in the Classroom

Our university is a community of faculty, students, and staff that enjoys an expectation of cooperation, professionalism, and civility. Students who disrupt this mission through rude, sarcastic, threatening, abusive, or obscene behavior will be subject to sanctions according to university policy.

Changes to the Syllabus

The content of this course and syllabus is subject to change at the need and discretion of the instructor. Students will be notified in class and by email of any changes and receive revised copies of the syllabus.