This course applies psychology to life and lays the foundation for further studies in psychology. Self-discovery; paradigm exploration; life, career, and education planning; professional organizations; research opportunities; graduate school; APA writing format; goal setting; decision-making; life and stress management; learning and memory skills; diversity; and psychology department resources are among the topics addressed. This class is required for Psychology majors. Psychology minors or anyone interested in a career in Psychology are also welcome. Students wishing to major in Psychology should take this course their freshman or sophomore year as it is a prerequisite for later courses.

• Self-discovery
• Life, career, and education planning
• Professional organizations
• Research opportunities
• Graduate school
• APA writing format
• Goal setting
• Decision making
• Life and stress management
• Learning and memory skills
• Diversity
• Psychology department resources

• How to Think Straight About Psychology (11th Edition) by Keith E. Stanovich. ISBN-10: 0-13-447862-2; ISBN-13: 978-0-13-447862-3.
• The Psychology Major: Career Options and Strategies for Success (6th Edition) by R. Eric Landrum & Stephen F. Davis. ISBN-10: 013570510X; ISBN-13: 978-0135705100.
• Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th Edition). A PDF copy will be provided via Canvas; students may optionally purchase a print copy (Amazon link: https://a.co/d/hhArjGL).

Many assignments, announcements, and messages for this course will be provided online; therefore, reliable computer and Internet access is required. If you have concerns about the technical requirements, contact the instructor to discuss workarounds.

SUU Essential Learning Outcomes Addressed

• Knowledge of Human Cultures and the Physical and Natural World
• Communication
• Critical Thinking
• Ethical Reasoning
• Integrative Learning

Assessment Alignment

Assessments and Points

• Quizzes (280 points): Regular reading quizzes, typically 20 points each, totaling 280 points.
• Final Exam (100 points): Cumulative exam scheduled during Final Exam Week (noted as Tuesday 12/9). Format similar to weekly quizzes and may include short-answer or essay questions.
• In-Class Activities (110 points): Periodic reflections, case scenarios, problem-solving, and related activities distributed across class meetings. Point values per activity vary by how many are assigned.
• Memory Identification & Reflection Activity (60 points): Observe and document current memory strategies, try new strategies over several days, and reflect on their effectiveness.
• Observational APA Research Paper (200 points): Develop a hypothesis, conduct an observational study of public behavior, and report findings in APA format, covering design, data collection, and write-up.
• O*NET (60 points): Complete the O*NET Interest Profiler and research careers using the O*NET database.
• Job Ad / Grad School Posting and Resume / CV (60 points): Locate a relevant job or graduate program posting; summarize qualifications and desired skills in a one-page APA-formatted report. Create a resume or CV and reflect on steps to become a more competitive applicant.
• Informational Interview (60 points): Interview a professional in your desired field. Submit a 1–2 page APA-formatted report (45 points) and give a brief class presentation (15 points).
• Your Roadmap to Success (60 points): A 2–4 page APA-formatted essay outlining one or more career goals and the actionable steps and resources to achieve them.
• Psychology Research Symposium Attendance (10 points): Attend the Psychology Research Symposium (Wednesday, December 3rd) and submit a short review of one presentation or poster.

Point Breakdown

Final Letter Grades

All assignments are due on the date indicated on the schedule and in Canvas. Assignments may be completed ahead of schedule but may not be completed after the due date. Deadlines represent the last day you can complete the assignment.

Extra Credit Opportunities

Extra credit is available for utilizing campus support resources:

• Each individual student can earn 10 points of extra credit for each completed session with the Undergraduate Writing Center or the Public Speaking Center, with proof of completion (e.g., confirmation email or a pink slip).
• Undergraduate Writing Center
• Public Speaking Center

Course Communication

Please email the instructor or send a message via Canvas any time you have questions regarding the course. Class announcements will be sent via Canvas and email. Feedback and comments on assignments will be provided in Canvas.

Generative LLM/AI Statement

Use of generative large language model (LLM) systems (e.g., ChatGPT) is permitted for written assignments; however, there are significant pitfalls and shortcomings in relying on such systems. Assignments will be graded rigorously, and work produced with the aid of generative AI has often performed poorly.

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 may make up coursework or complete an equivalent assignment as agreed upon with the instructor.

To arrange excuses for absences that can be anticipated at the beginning of the semester:

• 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 the absence; in some cases, documentation may be required.
• Include any request for make-up work.

To arrange excuses for absences that cannot be anticipated (e.g., legal proceedings or illnesses), submit a request via email stating:

• The date(s) of the absence.
• The reason for the absence; in some cases, documentation may be required.
• Any request for make-up work.

Student Support

The SUU Psychology Department values students irrespective of race, age, gender, sexual orientation, culture, religion, nationality, capabilities, or disabilities. Faculty and staff are committed to the intellectual, physical, and emotional health of the campus community. If you experience depression, anxiety, grief, discrimination, alienation or marginalization, helplessness or hopelessness, or thoughts of suicide, please reach out so we can help connect you with resources.

Statement on Civility in the Classroom

Our university is a community that expects cooperation, professionalism, and civility in all forms of university business, including student–student and student–faculty interactions in and out of the classroom. The classroom should encourage the exchange of ideas and creative thinking, fostering intellectual growth and development. Students who disrupt this mission through rude, sarcastic, threatening, abusive, or obscene language and/or behavior will be subject to appropriate sanctions according to university policy. Faculty members are also expected to maintain the highest standards of professionalism in all interactions.