Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Back to Syllabus Search | Browse by Department
Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Spring Semester 2026

General Psychology (Face-to-Face)

PSY 1010-06

Course: PSY 1010-06
Credits: 3
Term: Spring Semester 2026
Department: PSY
CRN: 13474

Course Description

PSYC 1010

Debut Session

Psyc 1010-06

Tues, Thurs 11:30a - 12:45p

Main Campus GC 106

Office Hours: Weekly, Tuesday, after class, SUU library 206 (it’s on the second floor, I’ve reserved a study room) 1-3p. You can also schedule an appointment. If you do not come to office hours, I assume you understand everything perfectly.


Developer Information

Hello class and welcome to Psyc 1010! My name is Maya Criser, I am a teaching fellow here at SUU. I obtained a bachelor of science degree in psychology from BYU. I am in the Doctorate of Psychology program at SUU. You are welcome and encouraged to message me on canvas with any questions or comments you may have about the course materials or assignments. I prefer email messages because I get a prompt notification. However, if you would like to email me, just please include ‘Psy 1010’ in the subject line. I will respond to all messages and emails within 72 hours. I don’t check my email on the weekends or holidays so please keep that in mind. I also ask that you consult the syllabus, class announcements, and assignment details for questions that have already been answered for you, such as the due dates for assignments, late submission policies, and what to do if you miss an exam. My email address is mayacriser@suu.edu. 


Welcome to PSYC 1010-Introduction to Psychology!

Welcome to your journey into the fascinating world of psychology! Whether this is your very first college course or one of many, I’m excited to explore the science of the mind and behavior with you.
In this course, you’ll gain a better understanding of how people think, feel, and act—insights that you can apply to your personal life, relationships, career, and beyond. You’ll also develop valuable skills like critical thinking, effective communication, and applying psychological principles to real-world situations.
How to succeed in this course:
  • Stay engaged. Come to class prepared by completing the assigned reading before each session.
  • Ask questions. Psychology is full of complex ideas—don’t hesitate to speak up if something isn’t clear.
  • Keep up with Canvas. All assignments, homework quizzes, and important updates will be posted there.
  • Practice time management. Spread out your study sessions rather than cramming before exams—more on that later!
  • Communicate early. If you’re struggling or need extra help, reach out to me as soon as possible.  College is an adjustment, and I’m here to support you. If you’re confused or overwhelmed—about this course or anything related to your learning—please reach out. My availability is listed above.
Remember, this is a learning community. Be open-minded, respectful of others’ perspectives, and willing to actively participate. I look forward to getting to know each of you and helping you get the most out of this experience. Let’s make this a great semester together!

Course Overview

 The Roman philosopher Apuleius, first wrote about the Psyche in the 2nd century AD in his novel Metamorphoses. The term "psyche" comes from the Greek word "psyche," meaning "soul" or "mind." In ancient Greek philosophy, it referred to the essence of a person, including their emotions, thoughts, and consciousness. Over time, the concept of the psyche evolved. In the 19th century, as psychology emerged as a formal scientific discipline, the term was adapted to describe the study of the mind and behavior. Psychologists, influenced by thinkers like Sigmund Freud and William James, began using "psyche" to represent the mental processes and functions that underlie human behavior. Thus, "psyche" became synonymous with the field of psychology, which focuses on understanding the mind, mental processes, and human behavior. Psychology most broadly defined is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. This course provides a broad overview of this field of science. (For a more detailed look at this course please see the course schedule below). This course fulfills the Social and Behavioral Sciences General Education requirement. As such, it is designed not only to teach the information and skills required by the discipline, but also to teach strategies and skills that can be used for life-long learning. Regardless of your major, General Education courses build a foundation of broad knowledge and skills that help you in your further career and life.

For more information about General education: https://catalog.suu.edu/content.php?catoid=22&navoid=3773

Required Texts


Textbooks & Required Materials

To help reduce the economic burden many students face, the textbook is available to you for free online. Visit https://openstax.org/details/books/psychology-2e (Links to an external site.) 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 format 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.) I also have a copy of the book in my office if you would like to use it during office hours. 

Resources

Much of the information you will need for this class is available through Canvas, the electronic learning system accessed through your SUU Portal. On this site, I will post a copy of the course syllabus, some presentations, and learning objectives (study guides) for each chapter.  I will also post other documents that will relate to this course as the semester progresses, so remember to check the site periodically. 


Learning Outcomes


Southern Utah University Essential Student Learning Outcomes

This course addresses the following SUU Essential Student Learning Outcomes.  At the conclusion of this course, students will have developed skills in:
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

Student Learning Outcome | Course Assessment/Evaluation | Exams | Homework Quizzes | Final Project
Knowledge | Understand major concepts, theories, and research in psychology | X | X | X
Intercultural Knowledge and Competence | Identify challenges faced by minority groups and the role culture plays in interpreting research/ clinical findings | X | X | X
Lifelong Learning | Connect psychological principles to personal, social, and academic contexts | 
| X | X
How these assessments support learning outcomes:
  • Exams assess your understanding of foundational knowledge and ability to think critically about course material.
  • Homework Quizzes reinforce key concepts, encourage regular engagement with the textbook, and promote critical thinking and written communication.
The Final Project allows you to creatively demonstrate your understanding of core psychological concepts, apply them to real-world contexts, and communicate your ideas clearly.

Course Requirements


Class Expectations & Homework Quizzes

This is an in-person course. Classes will not be recorded and there will not be a zoom link for you to access. Although you will not be given class credit for attendance, attendance is required. There will be material covered in class that isn’t in your textbook. Additionally, there is information in your textbook that we will not be going over in class. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you attend class and keep up with the readings if you want to do well in this class. All assessments and quizzes will be administered through Canvas. Exams are protected with a passcode which can only be accessed in the testing center, where they must be taken in one sitting (even though there is no time limit for exams). Students will have the opportunity to gain extra credit by completing in-class activities (such as labs, exercises, written assignments etc.)

In-Class Assignments
Throughout the semester, brief, unannounced in-class assignments will be used to encourage regular attendance and engagement with course material. These assignments will occur randomly during class time and cannot be made up under any circumstances, including excused absences. Collectively, they are worth approximately 50 points toward the final course grade. Students are expected to attend class consistently in order to receive credit for these assignments. These will be enjoyable and engaging. 

Homework quizzesThroughout the course, you will be required to complete 12 homework assignments. All homework assignments will be posted to canvas at least one week before the due date. All homework quizzes must be completed on your own. Late assignments will result in a 10% deduction each day for a maximum 50% point deduction. For example, if you turn something in one day late you will receive 10% off your grade for that assignment. If you turn something in 5 days late or 50 days late you would receive a 50% deduction from your grade on that assignment. All late homework is due by December 11th at midnight. Any assignments turned in after this will not be graded.

Classroom Conduct

To make this an enjoyable learning experience for everyone, here are some simple guidelines of classroom conduct I expect from students in the class.  Violation of these may result in
your name being reported to the Vice President of Student Services and you being asked to withdraw from the course (or we’ll make you bring cookies for the entire class).
  1. Be respectful of others’ thoughts, ideas, and opinions
  2. Attend to class discussion and do not engage in “side conversations” either in class or via “texting”
  3. Turn off all electronic devices upon entering the classroom (taking paper notes generally increases learning retention)
  4. Arrive to class on time 
  5. If you must leave early, please take a seat by the door

Student Attendance Notification System (SANS)

If your attendance or academic performance shows deficiencies you will receive a notification
from me through the Student Assessment Notification System (SANS). 


Course Outline


Course Schedule

The schedule below outlines our planned topics and assignments. As the instructor, I reserve the right to adjust the schedule if needed to enhance learning or address unforeseen circumstances. Any changes will be announced in class and posted on Canvas with as much advance notice as possible. Please check Canvas regularly for the most up-to-date schedule, announcements, and assignment details.

The course schedule will run as follows. It is expected that you will come to class on Tuesday having already read the week’s corresponding chapter. Lecture and discussion questions will be pulled from the text (answering questions thoughtfully in class may be an opportunity for extra credit but I am developing this idea). 

Weekly Schedule Overview

Week 1

  • Reading: Entire syllabus

  • Date: Jan 8 (Thu)

  • Topic: Chapter 1 – Introduction to Psychology

  • In Class: Course overview; Think-Pair-Share

  • Due: Commenced Attendance Assignment

Week 2

  • Reading: Chapter 1

  • Dates: Jan 13 (Tue), Jan 15 (Thu)

  • Topic: Chapter 1 (continued) & Chapter 2 – Research Methods

  • In Class: Research design; Think-Pair-Share

  • Due: Quiz 1 (Ch. 1) – Sun, Jan 18

Week 3

  • Reading: Chapter 2

  • Dates: Jan 20 (Tue), Jan 22 (Thu)

  • Topic: Chapter 2 (continued) & Chapter 3 – Biopsychology

  • In Class: Brain systems; neural transmission demo

  • Due: Quiz 2 (Ch. 2) – Sun, Jan 25

Week 4

  • Reading: Chapter 3

  • Dates: Jan 27 (Tue), Jan 29 (Thu)

  • Topic: Chapter 3 (continued) & Chapters 4–5

  • In Class: Visual illusions; stages of sleep

  • Due: Quiz 3 (Ch. 3) – Sun, Feb 1

Week 5

  • Reading: Chapters 4 & 5

  • Date: Feb 3 (Tue)

  • Topic: Chapters 4–5 (continued)

  • In Class: States of consciousness activity

  • Due: Quiz 4 (Ch. 4–5) – Sun, Feb 8

Feb 5 (Thu): Midterm 1 — No Class

  • Covers: Chapters 1–5

  • Exam Window: Mon, Feb 2 – Thu, Feb 5

Week 6

  • Reading: Chapter 6

  • Dates: Feb 10 (Tue), Feb 12 (Thu)

  • Topic: Chapter 6 – Learning

  • In Class: Classical vs. operant conditioning activity

  • Due: Quiz 5 (Ch. 6) – Sun, Feb 15

Week 7

  • Reading: Chapter 7

  • Dates: Feb 17 (Tue), Feb 19 (Thu)

  • Topic: Thinking & Intelligence

  • In Class: Problem-solving and cognitive bias activities

  • Due: Quiz 6 (Ch. 7) – Sun, Feb 22

Week 8

  • Reading: Chapter 8

  • Dates: Feb 24 (Tue), Feb 26 (Thu)

  • Topic: Memory

  • In Class: Recall activity

  • Due: Quiz 7 (Ch. 8) – Sun, Mar 1

Week 9

  • Reading: Chapters 9 & 14

  • Dates: Mar 3 (Tue), Mar 5 (Thu)

  • Topic: Development & Stress

  • In Class: Lifespan chart; stress coping activity

  • Due: Quiz 8 (Ch. 9 & 14) – Sun, Mar 8

Week 10

  • Reading: Chapter 10

  • Date: Mar 10 (Tue)

  • Topic: Motivation & Emotion

  • In Class: Emotion identification activity

  • Due: Quiz 9 (Ch. 10) – Sun, Mar 15

Mar 12 (Thu): Midterm 2 — No Class

  • Covers: Chapters 6–10

Week 11

  • Dates: Mar 16–20

  • Spring Break — No Class

Week 12

  • Reading: Chapters 11 & 15

  • Dates: Mar 24 (Tue), Mar 26 (Thu)

  • Topic: Personality & Psychological Disorders

  • In Class: Personality inventory; Big Five discussion

  • Due: Quiz 10 (Ch. 11) – Sun, Mar 29

Week 13

  • Reading: Chapter 12

  • Dates: Mar 31 (Tue), Apr 2 (Thu)

  • Topic: Psychological Disorders

  • In Class: Diagnostic case study; thesis workshop

  • Due: Quiz 11 (Ch. 12) – Sun, Apr 5

Week 14

  • Reading: Chapter 13

  • Dates: Apr 6 (Tue), Apr 9 (Thu)

  • Topic: Social Psychology

  • In Class: Social conformity activity

  • Due: Quiz 12 (Ch. 13) – Sun, Apr 12

  • Also Due: Project Proposal – Apr 9

Week 15

  • Dates: Apr 13 (Tue), Apr 15 (Thu)

  • Topic: Review & Real-World Applications

  • In Class: Review session and Q&A

  • Due: Final Project – Apr 20

Week 16

  • Final Exam: Per SUU final exam schedule

  • Covers: Chapters 11, 12, & 15



Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Students will have the opportunity to gain extra credit by completing in-class activities (such as labs, exercises, written assignments etc.)

In-Class Assignments
Throughout the semester, brief, unannounced in-class assignments will be used to encourage regular attendance and engagement with course material. These assignments will occur randomly during class time and cannot be made up under any circumstances, including excused absences. Collectively, they are worth approximately 50 points toward the final course grade. Students are expected to attend class consistently in order to receive credit for these assignments. These will be enjoyable and engaging. 

Homework quizzesThroughout the course, you will be required to complete 12 homework assignments. All homework assignments will be posted to canvas at least one week before the due date. All homework quizzes must be completed on your own. Late assignments will result in a 10% deduction each day for a maximum 50% point deduction. For example, if you turn something in one day late you will receive 10% off your grade for that assignment. If you turn something in 5 days late or 50 days late you would receive a 50% deduction from your grade on that assignment. All late homework is due by December 11th at midnight. Any assignments turned in after this will not be graded.

Attendance Policy


Class Expectations & Homework Quizzes

This is an in-person course. Classes will not be recorded and there will not be a zoom link for you to access. Although you will not be given class credit for attendance, attendance is required. There will be material covered in class that isn’t in your textbook. Additionally, there is information in your textbook that we will not be going over in class. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you attend class and keep up with the readings if you want to do well in this class. All assessments and quizzes will be administered through Canvas. Exams are protected with a passcode which can only be accessed in the testing center, where they must be taken in one sitting (even though there is no time limit for exams). Students will have the opportunity to gain extra credit by completing in-class activities (such as labs, exercises, written assignments etc.)


Course Fees

Content for this section will be provided by the instructor.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.