Course Syllabus
What is this course about?
Course description:
PSY 1305 is a course focused on the theoretical and experimental investigations of mind and behavior.
Psychology is an interesting and fun subject that touches every aspect of our lives. In this course, you’ll learn how the wonders of the human mind and the complexities of human behavior are studied scientifically.
We will survey the vast array of topics studied by psychologists ranging from brain development to the behavior of social groups, all while introducing you to the field’s central principles and discoveries.
Specifically, we will discuss the research methodologies and ethics used in psychological science, biopsychology (neuroscience), perception, states of consciousness (sleep, dreams, and altered states such as during drug use), evolutionary theory, learning and memory, language development, emotion, stress and health (individual and global), social processes, and psychological disorders and therapy.
At the end of this course, you’ll have an appreciation what psychological science can contribute to your happiness, your success, and your understanding of other people.
Student learning outcomes (SLO): After completing this course you should be able to
- Describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology
- Apply psychological principles to personal and social issues.
- Use scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena
- Demonstrate information literacy in psychology
- Apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice.
Reading: The required materials for this class are:
1. Myers, D. G., & Dewall, C. N. (2018). Psychology (12th Ed.). New York: Worth Publishers with Launchpad access.
- This edition of the textbook is substantially different from previous editions used in this course. Therefore students are required to use this edition, and should not rely on other editions of this text. You can find various ways of purchasing the book and study materials here:
https://www.macmillanlearning.com/college/us/product/Psychology/p/131905062X
2. The Launchpad access code is required for this online course. This link gives instructions for how to activate Launchpad (which also grants you access to the ebook):
A free trial is available if your book/access code doesn't make it to you in time!
3. Reliable internet access for access to course materials and assignments, and access to a computer with a functioning webcam (for exams)
You should read the assigned material for the day before you view the screencasts (see schedule below). This will facilitate understanding of material and note taking. It will also enable you to ask questions about the chapter in the Discussion Boards. Copies of screencast outlines will be available on Canvas. Screencasts may cover the readings or may introduce new material complementing the text. You are responsible for all assigned reading, whether or not it is covered in class.
Contact Your Professor
Dr. Sara Dolan
Email: sara_dolan@baylor.edu
Virtual drop-in hours: Monday and Tuesday 11 am -12 pm (CT) and by appointment
Dr. Dolan's Zoom link: Zoom
Meeting ID: 796 099 6911
Passcode: 190836
Dr. Karenna Malavanti
Email: karenna_malavanti@baylor.edu
Student drop-in hours: Tuesday/Thursday 1 - 2 pm, and by appointment (please email), starting April 12th.
Dr. Malavanti's Zoom link
Meeting ID: 884 7627 2363
Passcode: malavanti
Dr. JoAnn Tsang
Email: JoAnn_Tsang@Baylor.edu
Virtual drop-in hours: MW 1:30-2:30 (please email first)
Dr. Tsang's zoom link: https://baylor.zoom.us/j/99872500867?pwd=cHd1K3ZqbGExZXdIL1QzS0dzVTRCUT09
Meeting ID: 998 7250 0867
Passcode: Tsang
Academic Integrity
All work in this course must be your own.
Academic integrity is central to the mission of this institution. If you and your peers cheat your way through college, the degree at the end has no meaning. If you and others in the Baylor University community assist others in cheating, or don’t report students who are known to be cheating, it minimizes the value of the degree that you and other Baylor students worked so hard for. Anyone who engages in academic dishonesty will receive, at minimum, a grade of zero for that assignment. All incidents of academic dishonesty will be reported to Baylor's Honor Council.
Everyone is always welcome to stop by our office hours for a fuller explanation of anything pertaining to this course. This includes any clarifications needed regarding academic dishonesty.
Students are usually reluctant to report cheating incidents. However, I encourage you to tell me if you spot a cheater. I will not identify you unless you give me permission. Students can hide cheating from instructors, but not from other students.
When you submit an assignment, you are stating that while you may have talked with other students about the assignment, the writing is yours.
How to Succeed
Read the textbook. The number one thing you and your peers can do to help yourselves succeed in this course is read the textbook, not just look up answers. Seriously. Your textbook is your first source of information, and I’m here to help you with the hard parts.
Look at the chapter headings first. This will give you a sense of what what you'll be reading about. Knowing where you're going will help you get there.
Read in 2 to 3 page chunks. After reading a couple pages, take a break from reading, and reflect on what you've read. Say out loud what you just learned from those couple of pages. If you don't say it out loud, you'll fool yourself into thinking that you remember more than you do.
Take a reading break every 20 to 25 minutes. This will give your brain a chance to process what you've read.
Read actively. Don't copy words from the textbook. Write your notes in your own words. Think about what you are writing. The greatest predictor of what you'll remember from what you read is what you are thinking about as you read. It takes effort to read a textbook; it's very different than reading a novel.
Do the assignments. I know this sounds like a no-brainer, but a surprising number of students choose not to turn in assignments.
Turn the assignments in on time. As a rule, assignments are not accepted late.
Ask us. Have a question? Check out the 'FAQ: Frequently asked questions' Discussion Board. You may also visit us during our student drop-in hours (also known as office hours). "Office hours" are times faculty set aside specifically to meet with students. We can talk about psychology/neurosciences, what classes to take next semester, career options, or any Baylor-specific or college-in-general issues.
If those designated office hours don't mesh with your schedule, please schedule an appointment via email.
With email we aim for a 48-hour turn around (usually sooner) in responding during school days. On weekends, please allow a response on Monday.
Course Summary:
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