Introduction to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Topics include biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning, memory, cognition, development, personality, psychological disorders, therapy, and social psychology.

Your textbook for this class is available for free online. Supplemental articles will be provided through links on Canvas and will be free of cost.

• Psychology (2nd ed.) ISBN-13: 978-1-951693-23-7

Social and Behavioral Sciences Learning Outcomes

1. You should be able to describe key psychological concepts across multiple theoretical perspectives within the field of psychology.
2. By the end of this course, you should be able to explain how psychology as a field connects with and complements other disciplines.
3. You will be asked to recognize cultural and individual differences that underlie the complexities of your own, and others’, behavioral and mental processes.
4. You will be asked to apply psychological concepts to develop yourself and improve society in a professional and constructive manner.
5. You will use scientific reasoning and critical thinking to interpret psychological phenomena and identify credible sources of psychological research.
6. By the end of this course, you should be able to describe the various types of research methods used by psychologists, with particular consideration of various research designs, limitations, and ethical principles
7. Digital Literacy: Students strategically and responsibly employ appropriate technologies to explore, create, collaborate, and organize in a digital context.
8. Information Literacy: Students identify, locate, evaluate, attribute and share information effectively and ethically.
9. Integrative learning: Students make connections among ideas and experiences and can synthesize and transfer their learning to new, complex situations within and beyond the campus.

Grading Breakdown

Grading: This is the performance standards that I will use for the course.

A = 94-100% C = 73-76% A- = 90-93% C- = 70-72% B+ = 87-89% D+ = 67-69% B = 83-86% D = 63-66% B- = 80-82% D- = 60-62% C+ = 77-79% F = below 60%

• Exams (Midterm & Final): 200 points
• Quizzes: 60 points
• Media Analysis: 50 points
• Community Psychology Project Proposal: 10 points
• Community Psychology Project: 100 points
• Activities: 30 points
• Reflection Paper: 30 points
• Attendance/Participation: 65 points
• Video Discussion Assignments: 40 points
• Total points available: 585

Assignments

Exams (100 points each):

Two examinations will be administered in this course: a midterm exam and a final exam. The midterm exam will assess students on all course material presented prior to the scheduled midterm date. The final exam will assess students only on material presented after the midterm exam and will not be cumulative. Each exam will consist exclusively of multiple-choice questions and will be worth 100 points.Exams are closed-book and closed-note. Students may not use notes, textbooks, electronic devices, or other reference materials during testing unless formally approved through university accommodation services.

Additional details regarding exam format, testing location, permitted materials, and time limits will be provided in class prior to each exam.

Quizzes (5 points each):

Brief quizzes will be administered weekly outside of class to help students monitor their understanding of course material. Quizzes are open-note and are designed as a knowledge check and learning activity. Each quiz will open on Friday and will be due by Sunday. Quizzes will be graded based on students’ responses and will contribute points toward their overall course grade.

In-class activities (10 points each):

In-class activities are a central component of the course’s instructional approach and will occur regularly throughout the semester. These activities are designed to reinforce lecture material, promote active learning, and encourage application of psychological concepts.Activities will be graded based on completion rather than accuracy. Students who are present and actively engage in the assigned tasks during class will receive full credit. Students who receive academic accommodations through the Disability Resource Center (DRC) are encouraged to contact the instructor as early as possible to discuss how approved accommodations will be applied to this assignment.

All activities will align with and support the topics being covered during that week of instruction.

Community Psychology Project Selection and Approval (10 points):

Before completing the Community Psychology Project, students are required to submit a project proposal via Canvas. The proposal should briefly describe the student’s project concept, objectives, and proposed format. This assignment is not intended to be extensive; it serves to provide guidance and feedback before beginning the full project.

The proposal is due one month prior to the Community Psychology Project due date.

Community Psychology Project (100 points):

Create a poster, brochure, video, or presentation that explains a psychological concept in a way that can be shared with the community. Your project should demonstrate a clear and thorough understanding of the topic while presenting accurate, up-to-date information supported by current research. Aim to make your content engaging, visually appealing, and easy for a general audience to understand. Consider what would capture your interest if you encountered this information in a public setting, and design your project to inform, inspire, and spark curiosity about psychology.

Reflection Paper (30 points):

Students will write a two-page reflection paper focused on a psychological concept covered in this course. The purpose of this assignment is to encourage students to personally connect course material to real-life experiences. Papers should briefly explain the basic principles of the selected psychological concept and then focus on personal reflection and application.

Each paper must include:

• A clear explanation of the psychological concept in your own words (brief overview; not an in-depth research review)
• Three specific examples of how this concept has appeared in your own life or in the lives of people you know
• Thoughtful reflection demonstrating understanding and personal insight

This is not a research paper. Outside sources, formal citations, and extensive literature reviews are not required.

Formatting requirements:

• Approximately two full pages
• Double-spaced
• 12-point standard font (e.g., Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri)
• 1-inch margins

Media Analysis (50 points):

Students are required to watch the documentary A Critical State of Mind, which is available on Canvas. After viewing the film, students will write a 2–3 page analytical reflection. The purpose of this assignment is to encourage critical thinking and application of psychological concepts presented in the course.

Papers should include:

• Your thoughtful reactions and perspectives on the documentary
• An explanation of how the film enhanced your understanding of psychological concepts
• A brief discussion of key psychological concepts addressed in the film and how they were illustrated

This assignment emphasizes reflection and application rather than formal research.

Formatting requirements:

• 2–3 full pages
• Double-spaced
• 12-point standard font (e.g., Times New Roman)
• 1-inch margins

Alternative Option:

Students interested in analyzing a different documentary may contact the instructor to request approval. Alternative selections must be approved prior to submission.

Video Discussion Assignments (20 points each)

This assignment uses a documentary or other course-related video as a starting point for thoughtful online discussion. After viewing the assigned film, you will reflect on its content, connect what you observed to psychological concepts from the course, and consider broader social, systemic, and mental health issues. The goal is to move beyond simply summarizing the video and instead engage in critical thinking, reflection, and meaningful dialogue with your classmates.

Initial Discussion Post

Write an initial post of approximately 250–400 words responding to the assigned video. Your post should:

• Share your reaction: Discuss what stood out to you emotionally or intellectually and identify moments, ideas, or perspectives that were particularly impactful, surprising, or thought-provoking.
• Connect to psychological concepts: Identify at least one or two relevant concepts from the course and explain how they were illustrated, challenged, or explored in the video.
• Reflect on broader issues: Consider what the video reveals about psychological, social, cultural, or systemic issues. Discuss questions, concerns, or insights the video raised for you.

Peer Responses

Respond to at least two classmates' posts, with each response approximately 100–150 words. Your responses should thoughtfully engage with your classmates' ideas rather than simply agreeing or disagreeing. Build on their analysis by adding a new insight, offering another perspective or interpretation, connecting their ideas to a related course concept, or asking a meaningful question.

Guidelines for Success

• Be respectful and considerate when discussing sensitive or complex topics.
• Focus on analysis and reflection rather than simply summarizing the video.
• Use specific examples from the video to support your ideas.
• Clearly demonstrate your understanding of relevant psychological concepts.
• Engage thoughtfully and constructively with your classmates.

Major Topics & Weekly Outline

Late Work

Assignments must be submitted by the posted due dates. Late submissions will not be accepted unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor.

Requests for extensions must be communicated 48 hours in advance of the deadline and are granted at the instructor’s discretion.

Extra Credit

No extra credit opportunities will be offered in this course. All students will be evaluated based on the assignments, quizzes, exams, and other coursework outlined in the syllabus. Students are encouraged to stay engaged with course material and complete all assignments by the stated deadlines to maximize their opportunity to earn points.

Communication Etiquette

• Include a clear subject line or message topic.
• Be polite and concise.
• Include your full name and the course number when sending messages.
• Allow at least 24 hours for a response before sending a follow-up.

Attendance and Participation

Regular attendance is expected and essential for success in this course. Because much of the learning occurs through in-class instruction, discussion, and applied activities, students are responsible for attending class and actively engaging in course experiences.

Participation may include involvement in in-class activities, group discussions, collaborative exercises, and occasional online engagement assignments.

Students are responsible for obtaining missed material and completing any work assigned during an absence. Additional attendance policies and participation expectations will be discussed in class.

Commenced Attendance Survey

Please take the Commenced Attendance Survey by September 9, 2026 to establish attendance in class.

This brief survey will be utilized to establish your attendance in this course per regulations from the U.S. Department of Education. Not completing this survey could impact your financial aid and/or scholarships.

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