Office hours: MW 11:30-1:00pm or by appointment. You may also call or e-mail me with brief questions, or ask brief questions before or after class.
 

Course Description: This course is an introduction to psychology as a science with a strong emphasis on the cognitive (mind), biological (brain), and behavioral aspects of psychology. Some of the topics we will cover include research methods used in psychology, the brain and the nervous system, learning, memory and cognition, sensation and perception, emotion and motivation, and interaction among individuals.
 
 

Textbook: Psychology: The Adaptive Mind, 4th Edition by Nairne. It was published in 2006 by Wadsworth-Thomson Learning. If you are unable to purchase the course textbook you may use an older edition of Nairne, or any other introductory textbook. Note, however, that you will be responsible for the material as presented in the textbook selected for the course.
 

Experiments: Part of the requirement for PSYC 104 is to obtain experience with the scientific method as applied in psychology. To fulfill this requirement you may participate in various experiments conducted by approved researchers. Alternatively, you may write a short paper. If you choose to write a paper rather than participate in experiments, you must see me by March 31 to discuss possible topics and receive approval. If you fail to complete the experimental requirement you will receive an "incomplete" for a grade in this course.  YOU NEED ELEVEN (11) RESEARCH CREDITS.

Consult the experimental participation sheet for more information, also see:

Grading: Final grades will be based on the percentages listed below. Calculate the percentage by dividing the number of points you earn by the total number of possible points, and multiply by 100. Final grades will be based on your grades from your 4 best exams and any in-class exercises we may engage in. NO MAKE-UP exams or assignments will be given. For medically documented circumstances that result in missing more than one exam, see the instructorimmediately.
 
 

To obtain the best grade you can, follow the suggestions provided at: http://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/getArticle.cfm?id=2074
 

Academic Misconduct: Students are expected to observe all University guidelines pertaining to academic misconduct. As stated in the University Senate Rules and Regulations (2.6.1):
 

 "Academic misconduct by a student shall include, but not be limited to, disruption of classes; threatening an instructor or fellow student in an academic setting; giving or receiving of unauthorized aid on examinations or in the preparation of notebooks, themes, reports or other assignments; knowingly misrepresenting the source of any academic work; unauthorized changing of grades; unauthorized use of University approvals or forging of signatures; falsification of research results; plagiarizing of another's work; violation of regulations or ethical codes for the treatment of human and animal subjects; or otherwise acting dishonestly in research."

Changes: Every attempt will be made to follow the policies and procedures outlined here, however, changes may be necessary. Any changes or additions to these policies and procedures will be announced in class and posted on the class web page. Notes for the course are available on the course web site.
 
 
 

Information about EXTRA CREDIT PAPERS.