Instructor: Prof. Michael Vitevitch Office: Fraser Hall 406  Phone: 864-9312 e-mail: mvitevit@ku.edu web page: http://www.people.ku.edu/~mvitevit

 

Office hours: F noon-4pm or by appointment. You may also call or e-mail me with brief questions, or ask brief questions before or after class (and, of course, during 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 the methods of psychology, the brain and the nervous system, learning, memory and cognition, sensation and perception, and emotion and motivation.
 

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 P105 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 (11 participation credits worth). 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 1 to discuss possible topics and receive approval. If you fail to complete the research requirement you will receive an "incomplete" for a grade. However, if you are already earning a grade of D or F you will not receive an "Incomplete."
 

Click here for information about completing the research requirement for this class via participation in approved experiments.

Click here for help in setting up an account on the SONA Experiment Management System.

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 multiplying by 100. Final grades will be based on your grades from your 4 best exams (in-class and/or take-home), short writing assignments, and any in-class exercises we may engage in. NO MAKE-UP exams or assignments will be given. For medically documented circumstances or religious circumstances that result in missing more than one exam, see the instructor immediately.

A    90%-100%

B    80%-89.9%

C    70%-79.9%

D    60%-69.9%

F    below 60%

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.
 

Information about EXTRA CREDIT PAPERS