Download psy 201 - York Technical College

COURSE INFORMATION
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PSY 201
GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY
3.0
0.0
3.0
Distance Learning Attendance/VA Statement
Textbook Information
Student Code and Grievance Procedure
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course includes the following topics and concepts in the science of behavior: scientific
method, biological bases for behavior, perception, motivation, learning memory, development,
personality, abnormal behavior, therapeutic techniques, and social psychology.
COURSE COMPETENCIES
Module 1: The Science of Psychology, Physiology, and Consciousness
• Describe the major fields of psychology including developmental, physiological,
experimental, personality, clinical and counseling, social, and industrial/organization
psychology.
• Describe the history of psychology and various theoretical approaches to the study of
behavior.
• Understand the research methods the psychologists use to study behavior.
• Describe possible careers in psychology.
• Describe the structure of the neuron. Trace the path of a neural impulse, and explain how
neural messages are transmitted.
• Describe the divisions and structures of the brain, and explain the role of each.
• Understand the divisions of the nervous system.
• Summarize the concerns of behavioral genetics.
• Describe the structure of chromosomes and the role they play in inherited traits.
• Identify several approaches to studying heritability of a trait.
• Differentiate between sensation and perception.
• Describe the structure of the eye, and explain the function of various component parts.
• Describe two theories of color vision. Investigate color blindness.
• Identify the characteristics of sound. Describe the structure of the ear, and explain the
functions of the various component parts.
• Define and describe consciousness and altered states of consciousness.
• Describe the stages of sleep and dreaming.
• Define the sleep disorders of insomnia, narcolepsy, and apnea.
• Discuss various drugs of abuse.
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Module 2: Learning, Memory, and Intelligence
• Understand classical conditioning and associated concepts.
• Describe the principles and application of operant conditioning.
• Describe social learning theory and its implications.
• Understand the Information Processing Model of Memory.
• Discuss explanations for forgetting and techniques for improving memory.
• Describe the different types of long term memory.
• Discuss the concept and definition of intelligence.
• Trace the development of intelligence tests from Binet through Wechsler.
• Define reliability and validity.
• List the criteria used to identify mental retardation and the four levels of mental
retardation.
• List and describe the various causes of mental retardation.
Module 3: Personality, Stress, and Psychopathology
• Define personality.
• Summarize the interaction of the id, ego, and superego. Identify Freud's five stages of
psychosexual development.
• Understand sociocultural theories of personality development.
• Understand the five basic traits that best describe differences in personality.
• Illustrate the differences between objective and projective personality tests.
• Define adjustment and stress. Identify sources of stress and various coping strategies.
• Describe common defense mechanisms.
• Identify sources of extreme stress and describe posttraumatic stress disorder.
• Know the symptoms, causes, and treatment of various Mood disorders, Anxiety
disorders, Dissociative disorders, Personality disorders, Schizophrenic disorders, and
Childhood/Eating Disorders.
• Discuss the concepts and misconceptions associated with the insanity defense.
• Outline the available biological and therapeutic treatments for mental illness.
Module 4: Development, Motivation, and Social Psychology
• Understand the major theories of human physical, cognitive, and psychological
development across the lifespan.
• Identify Erik Erikson's eight stages of development.
• Understand the four stages of Piaget's theory of cognitive development.
• Understand the process of dying and grief.
• Explain three aspects of attribution and explain attribution errors.
• Explain the dynamics of interpersonal attraction.
• Discuss the dynamics of attitude change and the process of persuasion.
• Explain the theory of cognitive dissonance.
• Explain how conformity, compliance, and obedience exert social influence.
• Understand the basic human emotions and their expression.
• Discuss gender and cultural differences in emotional expression.
• Understand basic human motives and motivation.
• Identify Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.
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MINIMUM STANDARDS
A minimum of 60 percent accuracy on evaluation instruments (see evaluative procedures) will
be required to receive credit for this course. A minimum of 70 percent accuracy on evaluative
measures will be required before this course will attain transferability.
GRADING
Course competencies may be measured in a variety of ways including, objective tests, essay
questions, quizzes, writing assignments, or projects. All PSY 201 students are required to
complete at least one written component during this course. This component(s) may be included
within an individual module(s) or may account for 20% of the final grade. There will be no
comprehensive final exam for this course.
Please consult your instructor’s syllabus addendum for course specific evaluative procedures
and requirements.
Module 1
Module 2
Module 3
Module 4
Writing Component(s)
and/or Project(s)
20%
20%
20%
20%
20%
GRADING PROCEDURES
GRADE
A
B
C
D
F
SCORE
90 - 100
80 - 89
70 - 79
60 - 69
Below 60
EXPECTATIONS
• Complete and submit all assignments by specified deadlines.
• Follow instructions and uphold standards established by the instructor.
• Be respectful of other people’s rights and opinions.
• Demonstrate the knowledge of proper spelling, grammar, and composition when
completing assignments and evaluation instruments.
• Demonstrate mastery of course competencies.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Students are responsible for attending meetings in the course until they have completed all
course requirements. Students are responsible for all material covered and for all assignments
made in all classes. Students who are absent from a course more than 10 percent of the total
contact hours assigned may be withdrawn in accordance with the York Technical College
attendance policy.
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WITHDRAWAL FROM A COURSE
A student may withdraw from a course after the add/drop period until midterm with a grade of
“W.” Withdrawals after midterm will result in either a grade of “W” or “WF” depending upon the
student’s academic performance and attendance in the course at the time of withdrawal.
.
STUDENT CONDUCT - ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Students are expected to conform to all standards of conduct as specified in the York Technical
College Catalog and Handbook. In addition, any student caught cheating or involved in any
other academic dishonesty will be given a grade of zero and may be subject to further
disciplinary action.
ENTRY LEVEL SKILLS
None
PREREQUISITES
ENG 100 or equivalent
CO-REQUISITES
None
Disabilities Statement: Any student who feels s/he may need an accommodation based on
the impact of a disability should contact the Special Resources Offices (SR) at 803-327-8007 in
the 300 area of Student Services. The SRO coordinates reasonable accommodations for
students with documented disabilities.
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