OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY

 

COURSE SYLLABUS

Fall, 2024

 

 

 

 

Course Prefix and Number:       PSYC 1113-61663

Course Title:                            Introduction to Psychology

Credit Hours:                            03

Class Schedule:                       Monday & Wednesday 2:30-3:45 PM

Lecture Classroom:                Nancy Randolph Davis Building (NRD) 316

 

Instructor:                               Jeong Woo (John) Kim

Instructor Email:                    john.kim12@okstate.edu

Instructor Office:                    Psychology Building 002

Instructor Office Hours:         by appointment

 

Teaching Assistant (TA): Rebecca McGrew

TA Email:                                Rebecca.McGrew@okstate.edu

TA Office Hours:                     by appointment

 

If you have any questions, please start by contacting your TA. They will then forward the question to me if additional assistance is required.

 

Course Description:

The course surveys the principles, theories, vocabulary, and applications of the science of psychology.  The course is required of all psychology majors. The course also fulfills the university’s general education requirement for the social sciences. 

 

As a general education course, you will learn:

1. how to define and explain basic psychological concepts;
2. how to draw logical and objective conclusions about behavior and mental processes from empirical evidence;
3. to understand how the study of psychology has evolved over time;
4. about the relationship between historic and contemporary issues and understand contemporary issues with sensitivity to a rapidly changing, diverse, and complex world;
5. how psychology applies to the practice of the discipline and to other disciplines, to society, and to your own lives;
6. to identify real-world problems related to psychology and to be able to evaluate solutions;
7. to evaluate scientific research as it is presented in the popular media and become intelligent consumers of information;
8. to examine how psychological science can be used to counter unsubstantiated statements, opinions, or beliefs;
9. how to interpret research findings related to psychological concepts and learn about tools of statistics and biological sciences to analyze complex problems related to psychology;
10. how to communicate original thoughts about psychology in written assignments;
11. to develop an increased understanding of historical and ongoing oppression of minority group members, and learn how approaching issues of stereotyping, prejudice, and minority experience from a psychological perspective improves our understanding of human behavior.

 

You will also develop the following skills that will aid you in your future courses and careers:

1. to think critically about information, and consider implications for policies or actions.
2. to work independently, to set goals and achieve them.
3. to complete work of high quality and on time.
4. to juggle multiple tasks and deadlines.
5. to navigate and utilize technology in a variety of ways.
6. to communicate your ideas in writing.
7. to accept responsibility for your own actions and attitudes.
8. to apply psychological principles to personal growth and other aspects of daily life.

 

 

Required Textbooks:

We will be using the Open Access text, Psychology 2e, which is embedded in the online platform called Connect. We will be using the 2020 edition of this text.

 

We will also be using the ancillary reader, Psychology Then and Now. This reader is also embedded in the Connect platform.

 

Attention:  Please do not purchase your course materials prior to class. 

This course is part of the Inclusive Access program designed to reduce the cost of course materials for students.  You will be able to access the Connect platform automatically through Canvas on the first day of class.  If you wish to have a PDF copy of the Open Access Psychology text, you can find it at https://openstax.org/details/books/psychology. Go to this site and in the left-hand column under Get the Book, click on “Download a PDF.”

 

We will be extensively using Connect, the website for the Psychology textbook and the Psychology Then and Now reader. An electronic version of each book is integrated into Connect. SmartBook is the publisher’s name for the electronic textbook within Connect. Part of SmartBook is LearnSmart, which is an adaptive quizzing system. LearnSmart asks multiple choice questions and adjusts those questions based on your responses so that it can focus on areas that you may need to master. You will be using LearnSmart for every chapter that we will be covering in the course. The Psychology Then and Now reader contains 12 units with two chapters per unit; you will be assigned eight units. Each unit has one or more short essay questions for you to answer to help develop your critical thinking skills.

 

Other Requirements:

Canvas is a vital component of the course. The course syllabus, lecture slides, and other course information will be available on Canvas (https://my.okstate.edu/). Important information and messages will be posted on Canvas, so be sure to access it regularly and often. Canvas announcements and messages will be used to distribute information regarding class cancellations so please have your notifications turned on. At least one written assignment will be submitted to the dropbox on Canvas as well. Copies of course handouts and important course information will be posted daily. It is YOUR responsibility to read all material posted for this course.

 

Course Requirements (1000 points possible)

1. SmartBook/LearnSmart quizzes (180 points [18%]): You will read 12 of the 16 chapters in the text, and complete a series of LearnSmart quiz questions for each chapter. These are designed to help you master the material. You will receive 15 points for each completed chapter’s LearnSmart quiz. Late submissions will receive zero (0) points.

 

2. Then & Now Critical Thinking Exercises (200 points [20%]: You will be assigned 8 units and complete the critical thinking exercises associated with those assigned units. Each unit’s exercises are worth a maximum of 25 points. Because PSYC 1113 is a designated “S” (Social & Behavioral Sciences) course, writing assignments are mandatory. Therefore, you must submit ̶ ̶ on time  ̶ ̶  all of the exercises for at least 6 of the units. Students who fail to submit 6 complete assignments will receive an Incomplete grade (that is, an “I”) for the course. Each submission must demonstrate a substantial and sincere effort by the student (as judged by the instructor) to address the topic at hand. Responses that do not meet these criteria will not be regarded as valid submissions. Your written responses will be scored on response accuracy, as well as spelling, grammar, syntax, flow, and APA style. If you submit the critical thinking exercises for only 6 units, you will receive grades of 0 (zero) for the two you do not submit.

 

3. Tests (390 points [39% of total points]) - Three tests worth 130 points each

Every 4 weeks we will have a 130-point test; 3 such tests will be given. The final exam will consist of 3 "re-run" tests. You may take any or all of them. Whichever yields the higher score – the original test or the re-run – will count as your grade for that test. There will be no make-up tests given, only the re-runs. To take a re-run, you must (a) have taken that test in the first place, or (b) have a valid, written excuse for having missed it. Travel plans that conflict with tests do NOT constitute a valid excuse. Except in emergencies, you must contact your instructor prior to the test in order for an excuse to be considered as valid; you can provide the written excuse later. The tests for this course will be held during the regularly scheduled class time in your regular classroom. The final exam for the course is scheduled according to the course meeting time. 

 

***These tests will be online through Canvas and will need to be taken in-person during the class time. They will consist of a combination of any of the following types of questions: true/false, multiple choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank, and short answer. The class will be given the password for the exam. Students will be given the class time to take the exam. ****

 

TEST           Covers                                             When?

        Test 1         [1, 2, 3, 6]                                       [Sep. 16^th]

Test 2            [7, 8, 15,16]                                    [Oct. 21^th]

Test 3            [12, 11, 10, 14]                               [Nov. 20^th]

        Final exam                                                      [re-takes of Tests 1,2,&3]          [TBA]

 

 

4. Quizzes/Participation (110 points [11%]):

There will be quizzes throughout the semester on material presented during the lectures. Quizzes will be timed to coincide with when we finish a chapter in class – not every chapter will have a quiz. Note: these quizzes are different from the LearnSmart Quizzes mentioned above. Generally, if you pay attention during class, you will do very well on these quizzes. You may use your notes when taking these quizzes; however, we will go over the material for each quiz during class – so taking the quiz immediately after class is recommended. Each will be worth 10 points. Sometimes there will not be quizzes; instead, participation or attendance will be used for these points.

 

Any plagiarism, cheating on tests, working together on Critical Thinking Exercises, or other violations of the University’s Academic Integrity policy are explicitly forbidden (see https://adminfinance.okstate.edu/site-files/documents/policies/academic-integrity-policy.pdf . Every academic integrity violation will be reported to the University.  If you are uncertain about what counts as plagiarism, please visit the Writing Center (http://osuwritingcenter.okstate.edu/). Writing specialists can advise you about how to avoid plagiarism.  If you have other questions regarding academic integrity, consult your instructor. Oklahoma State University takes academic integrity violations very seriously and punishments are severe.

 

5. Research Component (120 points total [12%]): 6 required credits worth 20 points each)

The field of psychology is research intensive. All students in this course will learn about how research in psychology is conducted and interpreted. There are three options for fulfilling the research experience component of the course.  See the information sheet entitled RESEARCH EXPERIENCES HANDOUT. 

Important Deadlines (See the Handout for Details)

• Friday, September 6^th at 5:00 p.m. is the deadline for participants to have completed the Prescreener for 1 unit of credit
• Friday, December 6^th at 5:00 p.m. is the deadline for participants to participate in studies

 

6. Extra Credit (maximum of 50 points):

Throughout the semester, I will post several extra credit assignments/activities. These could be anything from attending campus events to reading journal articles and/or writing assignments. Notice of the extra credit opportunities will be posted in Announcements on Canvas and brought up during lecture. I will provide students with extra credit opportunities in class as well. Students can earn up to 20 points of extra credit for attendance (2 points per day for 10 randomly selected days).

 

 

 

 

Course Grading (The total number of points that are possible is 1000).

In order to receive the grade on the left (see below), one must earn the number of points shown on the right.

            

             Grade                                                         Required Points

A                                                            at least  900 points

B                                                            at least  800 points                   

C                                                            at least  700 points

D                                                            at least  600 points 

 

Missed Work and Make-Up Tests

You will be allowed to make up missed work of any type that is graded only if you are ill, have a personal or family emergency, or have a scheduled OSU-sanctioned event. You must provide verification (e.g., a physician’s note) in order to be permitted to make up this work. Note that some work – e.g., short in-class quizzes – cannot be made up. It is your responsibility to take each test during its designated time and at the designated location. If you miss a test for a documented personal or family emergency, you may take the re-run on final exam day. If you miss a test with no documentation of a personal or family emergency, then a score of zero (0) will be entered as the test score and you may not take the re-run.

• If you miss a test, you will be eligible to take the re-run only for the following three circumstances:

1) a signed document from a physician that indicates that you were hospitalized or seriously ill the day of the test;

2) a family emergency such as the documented death of a member of your immediate family (documentation would involve memorial pamphlet from funeral); and

3) documentation that you are participating in a university-sponsored activity.

• If you know in advance that you will miss a test, in order to qualify for a make-up test for any reason, you must notify your instructor before the test; an email would suffice.
• Other reasons for missing a test will be considered on a case by case basis, but you must make these arrangements with your instructor prior to the absence except for emergencies.

 

Classroom Conduct

Most students find it easy to conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful and courteous to both fellow classmates and the instructor. Respectful and courteous behavior is necessary for the classroom to be a place where learning can occur. It is expected that you will arrive to class on time and stay until your instructor dismisses you. It is expected that you will turn off cell phones during class unless they are being used. It is expected that you will take notes during lecture and answer questions posed by the instructor. It is also expected that you will ask questions when you are unclear about information that has been presented.

 

Engaging in ANY behavior that is distracting to other students and/or the instructor or that is disruptive in any way may result in your being referred to the Student Conduct Office (326 Student Union 744-5470). Such behaviors include unnecessary excessive talking to classmates during lecture, sleeping, reading newspapers or non-course materials, or other acts that are discourteous or disruptive. Any behavior that involves sexual and/or racial/ethnic harassment of the instructor, teaching assistants or fellow students will also result in you being referred to the Student Conduct Office. See the following for more information about the University’s views on inappropriate classroom conduct.  https://ssc.okstate.edu/site-files/documents/student-conduct/code21-22.pdf  

 

At times this semester we will be discussing historical or hypothetical events, concepts, and issues that may be disturbing, even traumatizing, to some students. If you ever feel the need to step outside during one of these discussions, either for a short time or for the rest of the class session, you may always do so without academic penalty. (You will, however, be responsible for any material you miss. If you do leave the room for a significant time, please plan to get notes from another student or see me individually.)

 

If you ever wish to discuss your personal reactions to this material, either with the class or with me afterwards, I welcome such discussion as an appropriate part of our coursework. Any issues or problems you have with this course should always be taken up first and foremost with the instructor. If and only if these issues or problems cannot be resolved with me should you contact my supervisor, Dr. Angie Andrade, at angie.andrade@okstate.edu.

 

Requests for Special Accommodations

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, each student with a disability is responsible for notifying the University of his or her disability and to request accommodations. If you think that you have a qualified disability and need special accommodations, you should notify the instructor and request verification of eligibility for accommodations from the Office of Student Disability Services, 315 Student Union. Please advise the instructor of such disability as soon as possible, and contact Student Disability Services, to ensure timely implementation of appropriate accommodations. The instructor of this class will respond when he/she receives official notice of a disability, but he/she does not provide retroactive accommodations.  Students requesting to take tests in the University’s Testing Center should contact the instructor in person at least 3 days before the date of the test. See the Student Disability Services website for more information at http://sds.okstate.edu/ .

 

Academic Integrity:

The University policy on Academic Integrity states the following:

Behaviors that violate the fundamental values of academic integrity may include but are not limited to:

 

1. Unauthorized collaboration
2. Plagiarism
3. Multiple submissions
4. Cheating on examinations
5. Fabricating information
6. Helping another person cheat
7. Unauthorized advance access to examinations
8. Altering or destroying the work of others
9. Altering academic records

 

 

Oklahoma State University is committed to the maintenance of the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct of its members. This level of ethical behavior and integrity will be maintained in this course. Participating in a behavior that violates academic integrity will result in disciplinary action as described above.  Violations may subject you to disciplinary action including the following: receiving a failing grade on an assignment, examination or course, receiving a notation of a violation of academic integrity on your transcript, and being suspended from the University.  You have the right to appeal the charge.  For an overview of the policy, go to http://academicintegrity.okstate.edu/ or contact the Office of Academic Affairs, 101 Whitehurst, 405-744-5627.

 

It is your responsibility to know the rules, including what constitutes plagiarism! If you are uncertain about what counts as plagiarism, please contact your instructor and/or visit the Writing Center     http://osuwritingcenter.okstate.edu/

 

Information for Honors Students:

This course cannot be contracted for honors credit through the Honors College.  There are honors “add-on” courses, which “combine enrollment in a general university course with enrollment in a special honors component (typically one credit hour).” Go to the following website and scroll down till you find PSYC 1113 to see this semester’s offerings https://honors.okstate.edu/honors-credits/add_ons_fall_2022_draft_3.pdf. Please contact your honors advisor for more information.

 

Information for ESL students:

In this course, you cannot use dictionaries to take tests. Learning core vocabulary in psychology is a fundamental part of the curriculum. 

 

Copyright Notice:

The lectures and course materials, including power point presentations, exams, outlines, and similar materials, are protected by copyright. You may take notes and make copies of course materials for your own use. You may not yourself or allow others to reproduce or distribute lecture notes and course materials publicly whether or not a fee is charged without the written consent of the instructor.

 

University Holidays & class recesses include Monday, September 5 (Labor Day) and November 21-25 (Fall Break/Thanksgiving). See the academic calendar at

https://registrar.okstate.edu/academic_calendar/academic-calendar-fall-2022.html

 

 

Counseling & Other Resources

             Without a doubt, college life is stressful.  Fortunately, there is no need to feel alone.  There are many resources on the Oklahoma State Campus.  If you need advice about a personal situation or if you feel overly stressed, remember there is help!

 

On Campus

Psychological Services Center, 118 N. Murray Hall, (405) 744-5975

http://psychology.okstate.edu/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=89&Itemid=45

 

University Counseling Services

316 Student Union (405), 744-5472, https://ucs.okstate.edu

 

OSU University Health Services, 1202 W. Farm Rd., (405) 744-7665

 https://uhs.okstate.edu

 

OSU Reboot Center: Your OSU Stress Management Center,

320W Student Union, 405-744-6434

• Totally FREE services to help students develop stress management skills
• Individual consultation about managing stress and improving performance
• Presentations on stress management, performance enhancement and Reboot Center services

 

OSU Student Disability Services, 315 Student Union, (405) 744-7116

 

 

Off Campus

 

Edwin Fair Community Mental Health Center

712 Devon St
Stillwater, OK 74074

(405) 372-6100

https://www.edwinfair.com/

 

Stillwater Interfaith Counseling

306 W 7th Ave
Stillwater, OK 74074

(405) 624-5840

 

Wings of Hope

3800 N. Washington St.
Stillwater, OK 74075

(405) 624-3020

 

Rape Crisis Hotline

Stillwater, OK 74074

(405) 624-3020

 

 

 

 

Crisis Phone-Lines

Reach-Out is the state's 24-hour toll free information and referral hotline provided by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS). A resource for all Oklahomans, Reach-Out is there for individuals in a crisis and for those who simply want information. All calls are free and confidential. Callers to Reach-Out can get assistance in finding treatment or prevention facilities in their geographic area or can ask that the Department's Prevention Resource Center send free printed or video materials on mental health, substance abuse, or domestic violence.  Reach-Out: 800-522-9054  http://www.ok.gov/odmhsas//  

 

             National Suicide Hotline:

             1-800-SUICIDE

1-800-784-2433

 

Food resources for students

As a student, you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning. Mental health concerns, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, difficulty concentrating, and/or a lack of motivation, can lead to diminished academic performance and/or feelings of distress. A lack of access to basic needs including food, housing, or hygiene products, can negatively affect your ability to do well in this course. Whatever your need, the OSU community wants to provide resources to support your needs. The Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs (studentaffairs.okstate.edu), Student Support and Conduct (ssc.okstate.edu), and the Basic Needs Resource Center (basicneeds.okstate.edu) are all available to you.  You can also access mental health  and overall wellness resources to help navigate college life. If you’re struggling with any of these, you can also reach out to me and I will do my best to connect you with available resources.