INSTRUCTOR: Karen Huffman
PHONE: 744-1150 extension 2334 (Palomar College) 471-6014 (home)
EMAIL: khuffman@palomar.edu

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS
Psychology in Action (6th ed.) Active Learning (Modular) Edition by Huffman AND Student Study Guide to Accompany Psychology in Action, 6th ed. By Huffman and Hosey

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Dear Students:

This course is designed to provide you with a survey of the field of psychology. We will explore many topics and theories in psychology, and you will be challenged to think critically and actively learn. I believe students learn best when they are actively involved in their own learning. Accordingly, I will work with you to create a class environment in which everyone feels comfortable to raise questions, challenge comments made by me and other students, and contribute to class discussions.

I urge you to email or call me at home or at the college if you experience any difficulties during the class, either academic or personal. I have supplied my email address, home phone and college numbers and want you to feel free to contact me. Additionally, I will be available for individual meetings about an hour before each class (in BES-7 of the Behavioral Sciences Building) and other times by arrangement.

Sincerely,

Karen Huffman

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

• Reading: You are required to read the assigned chapters in the textbook
• Video Tape Viewing: You are required to view twenty-six half-hour television programs. The television programs will be broadcast several times each week beginning June 24.
• Video Tape Evaluation: You will be required to fill out a one to two page evaluation for twenty-five of the 26 lessons. These evaluations are worth four points each and are due at the beginning of the final class meeting: July 29, at 6:00pm.
• Exams: There will be five unit exams and one comprehensive final given during the semester, each lasting about one hour.

SEMINARS
Monday 6 - 9:20pm, BES-1

GRADING SYSTEM

1. There will be FIVE unit exams. Each exam will consist of 50 multiple-choice and short answer/essay questions. (NOTE: You will need to bring a Scantron answer sheet with you for each exam. These forms maybe obtained from the bookstore, or by mail if coming in to the bookstore is inconvenient.)

2. You may drop a missing or low unit exam OR the comprehensive final exam. You may also arrange to take the multiple-choice/short answer exam earlier than the scheduled time with no penalty. However, if you miss an exam, you can count that as your dropped exam or take an all essay make-up unit exam at the final class meeting or the multiple-choice/short answer comprehensive final exam. These are the only provisions for make-up exams. I recognize that emergencies and problems do arise throughout the semester, and this is why I allow you to drop one exam, take an essay exam or the comprehensive final. Please do not ask for other arrangements.

3. During any exam, if you are confused about the wording of a question, feel free to come to the front of the class and quietly ask questions.

4. Videotape evaluations. You are required to view and evaluate 25 out of the 26 video programs. Each evaluation is worth four points. The entire set of videotape evaluations are on or before the final class meeting.

5. Extra credit. It will be possible to earn a total of ten bonus points by undertaking one or more extra credit projects. This option will be discussed during our first class meeting.

Your final semester grade depends upon the total accumulated number of points. You are not graded on a curve or in comparison to your fellow classmates. I encourage you to exchange phone numbers with other students, to study and compare notes, and to form study groups outside of class.

Best five exam scores 100 x 5 = 500
Twenty-Six Video Evaluations 25 x 4 = 100
Optional Extra Credit 10
Maximum Possible Points 610

FINAL SEMESTER GRADE:
A = 540-610 (90% of 600)
B = 480-539 (80% of 600)
C = 420-479 (70% of 600)
D = 360-419 (60% of 600)
F = Below 360

INTRODUCTORY PSYCHOLOGY - EXTRA CREDIT PROJECTS

You can earn up to 10 points extra credit for special participation in class and/or written projects related to the field of psychology. I have a strong preference for oral group presentations and in class projects. You may also do individual projects.

Suggestions for group oral presentations
(Note: you must present BOTH sides of any issue)

1. Has science discredited ESP?
2. Should there be limits on the cloning of humans?
3. Is the state of hypnosis a valuable asset to police investigations?
4. Can intelligence be increased?
5. Is pornography harmful?
6. Do attitudes affect cancer?
7. Do diagnostic labels hinder the effective treatment of persons with psychological disorders?
8. Should the principles of conditioning be limited in the modification of undesirable behavior?
9. Should electroshock therapy be discontinued?
10. Does viewing aggressive sports increase violence?

Suggestions for guest speakers or panels

1. Arrange and introduce a visit from a local therapist.
2. Arrange and introduce a visit from a hypnotist.
3. Participate on a class panel of grief, drugs, therapy, etc.

Miscellaneous ideas worth a few points

1. Videotape a psychology oriented program (e.g., Nova, 20/20, 60 min., etc.) and writing a brief (2-3 page) paper explaining how this program relates to psychology.
2. Analyze current articles from newspapers and magazines and their relationship to the video programs.

SAMPLE
(Xerox this form or use your own paper and follow this format)

Your Name: ______________________________________________

VIDEO EVALUATION

Name of video program: __________________________________________

This form should be completed immediately after viewing each televised program. Each form is worth four points toward your overall semester grade and should be turned in at each class meeting.

NOTE: These evaluation forms will be collected at the beginning of each class meeting.

I. Fact Section

List below 4 specific facts that you felt were important from this video program. Be as complete as you can in a couple of sentences or so.

1. _____________________________________________________________

2. _____________________________________________________________

3. _____________________________________________________________

4. _____________________________________________________________

II. Critical Thinking Section (Approximately 1-2 paragraphs)

Evaluate the program and/or assigned reading by applying it to your personal life, politics, religion, etc. You may also critically evaluate the program by completing the stem sentences "I was surprised that…," "I was please that…", "I was disappointed that…," and/or "I would like to know more about…".

PSYCHOLOGY 100 - BROADCAST SCHEDULE (ETV)
(Adelphia Cable CH67, Cox Cable-North County CH16)

PSYCHOLOGY 100 - BROADCAST SCHEDULE (ITV)
(Cox Cable-San Diego CH16, Julian Cable CH4, Time Warner Cable CH16)

PSYCHOLOGY 100 - PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

CLASS HANDOUTS - VIDEO EVALUATION FORM (PDF)