Introduction to Psychology is a one semester course designed to expose and familiarize students with the basic concepts and principles of psychology and psychological investigation. Psychology is a vast field that investigates every aspect of human behavior.

Text: Psychology Twelfth Edition by Myers

This course is designed to acquaint you with many of the basic principles and concepts of psychology. We will be discussing the breadth and scope of psychology so that you will be able to develop a basic overview of the many diverse areas in this academic discipline. The basic areas of knowledge are:

• Know the facts and understand the concepts of the science of psychology.
• Understand the research process and methods used to obtain knowledge in the field of psychology.
• Apply concepts learned in class to real life.
• Find, read, and summarize topic specific material from the psychological literature.

• Communicate effectively using multiple literacies and forms of expression. Students will assimilate information presented in a variety of ways including lecture, discussion, video, internet, and text and will illustrate mastery with the ability to utilize this knowledge to answer applied questions on the material.
• Students will demonstrate analytic, contextual, and holistic thinking. Students will illustrate mastery in identifying different sub-areas of psychology including Neuro, Developmental, Personality, Psychopathology, and Social and will be familiar with major theorists and topics within each sub-area.
• Student will engage in integrative learning. Students will exhibit mastery of the scientific method of research as well as related psychological research concepts.

Essential Learning Outcomes

• 11.0. Knowledge of Human Cultures & the Physical & Natural World: Students demonstrate knowledge of human cultures and the physical and natural world through study in the fine arts, humanities, social and behavioral sciences, life and physical sciences.
• 11.5. Social and Behavioral Sciences: Students will be able to: (1) Demonstrate understanding of relevant social and behavioral science methodologies and how they are used to understand or explain human relations or interactions; (2) Identify general principles of behavioral and social functioning; (3) Connect those questions and issues to the students’ own experiences; and (4) Demonstrate a critically reasoned u

Intellectual and Practical Skills:

• Inquiry and analysis
• Critical and creative thinking
• Information literacy
• Teamwork and problem solving
• Ethical reasoning and action
• Foundations and skills for lifelong learning

Exams

There will be four, non-cumulative, multiple-choice, and on occasion short answer, exams during the semester as well as a comprehensive final. With the exception of the final, each exam will be approximately 50-55 questions and will be worth 95-110 points. Questions will be drawn from both in class lectures and textbook reading. Many exam questions will require application, rather than recall, of course material. There will be no make-up exams for any reason (with the exception of university approved absences).

Reading Quizzes

On days that readings are assigned there will a quiz. The quizzes will consist of 20 questions that will come directly from the textbook. You will have 24 hours from the time class ends to take the quiz. The quiz will be administered via CANVAS. During class we will decide whether or not we will be taking the quiz. Students may use any notes that they have taken (either in class or out-of-class as well as your textbooks. No make-ups will be allowed (with the exception of university approved absences); missed quizzes will be scored as a 0. Overall quiz points will also be calculated into your grade.

Research Participation

Given that the topics we will be covering in psychology often stem directly from research studies, it is important to see how this information is collected first-hand. To meet this objective, this course requires that you participate in research occurring here in our department by signing-up through the online research system called SONA. A total of six credits is required with a minimum of three credits being in-person. Online credit studies are also available, but a maximum of three online credits will count towards the six total. Of course, you can choose to do more in-person and fewer online studies to reach the six total.

Specific details on CANVAS will describe how to sign up for these studies through SONA. If you choose to not participate in the research studies, an alternative assignment will be provided.

Extra Credit

There will be four extra credit assignments. They will be posted in the announcements and those postings will occur after each of the four tests.

Grading Schedule & Points

Course grade will be as follows (total points, divided by 610):

• A = 90.0-100%
• B = 80.0 – 89.9%
• C = 70.0 – 79.9%
• D = 60.0 – 69.9%
• F = 0 – 59%

Make-ups and Extensions

In the event of a University approved absence or a significant medical problem please contact the instructor prior to the due date to discuss making up a missed exam or presentation. Written documentation (e.g. university notice, note from physician) will be required for a makeup. Family vacations, weddings, sleeping in, etc. will not justify missing an assignment or exam. No exceptions will be made to this policy.

Exams and Quizzes

• Exams: There will be no make-up exams for any reason (with the exception of university approved absences).
• Reading Quizzes: No make-ups will be allowed (with the exception of university approved absences); missed quizzes will be scored as a 0. Quizzes will be administered via CANVAS and will be available for 24 hours from the time class ends on days with assigned readings. Students may use any notes and the textbook.

Classroom Behavior

Principles of civility dictate that students do not talk when the instructor, or another student, is talking. Also, please turn off cell-phones and note text messaging is prohibited. Should a cell phone ring the instructor will take all calls. Please show up promptly and stay until class is over (the size of the classroom does not allow subtle entrances and exits). Every faculty member has the right to remove any student from the classroom when a student has compromised the instructor’s ability to teach, and/or other students’ rights to learn. For more information see the University’s Classroom Civility Policy in the student handbook.

Course Platform (CANVAS)

This course will be run primarily using CANVAS. All of the power points and all grade information will be accessible through CANVAS. If you do not have a CANVAS account, please create one—if you are registered for the course, the CANVAS resources will be available to you.

Refer to the Southern Utah University Handbook for attendance and class withdrawal policies.

The Southern Utah University 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, alienation or marginalization, helplessness or hopelessness, or thoughts of suicide, we implore you to seek us out. Our commitment is to listen, and help you find the resources you need.