Introductory Psychology 110 – Fall 2010
Steve Misovich, Ph.D.  Office: Hillyer 110	Textbook:  Psychology, 5th edition Hockenbury & Hockenbury	Disclaimer:  All syllabus content and dates are subject to revision during the semester.
Office Hours: MF 1:30-3:30, TR 1:00 – 3:00 Or by appointment	Phone: (860) 768-4721	Email: misovich@hartford.edu Web: http://uhaweb.hartford.edu/misovich/

Date	Topic and Objectives
August 31	Introduction & Review of Syllabus
Sept 2	Chapter 1: Ancient History of Psychology Students will learn ancient and current areas of interest in psychology, and will learn to define psychology as it is practiced today. Readings: pp. 1-3
Sept 7 - 9	Chapter 1: Psychology as a Science Students will learn how the goals of psychology have developed over the history of the field. Readings: pp. 4 -15
Sept 14-16	Chapter 1: Research Methods in Psychology Students will learn different approaches to collecting data, with emphasis on procedures associated with laboratory investigations Readings: pp. 16-38
Sept 21-23	Chapter 2: Neuroscience and Behavior Students will increase their understanding of the biological bases of thought, emotions, and behavior, with emphasis on elementary nervous system functions, including those of major brain areas. Readings: 45-57 (nerve cell communication)
Sept 28-30	Chapter 2: Neuroscience and Behavior (Continued) Readings: 58-82 (brain structure and function)
Oct 5-7	Conclusions and review from Chapters 1 & 2, Exam 1 on Chapters 1 & 2
Oct 12-14	Chapter 3: Sensation Students will learn the processes by which the human sensory organs (e.g., eyes, ears) collect information from the environment. Readings: pp. 89 – 115
Oct 19-21	Chapter 3: Perception Students will learn how the information gathered is organized into meaningful experiences. Readings: pp. 116 – 132
Oct 26-28	Chapter 4: Consciousness and its Variations Students will increase their understanding of theory and research on states of consciousness, including sleep and dreaming, and altered states of consciousness. Readings: pp. 139-167
Nov 2-4	Conclusions and review from Chapters 3 & 4, Exam 2 on Chapters 3 & 4
Nov 9-11	Chapter 5: Learning Students will increase their understanding of the learning processes associated with classical and operant conditioning, and will learn how conditioning has been applied to the solution of human problems. Readings: pp. 195-212
Nov 16-18	Chapter 5: Learning, Continued Readings: pp. 212-237
Nov 23	Chapter 6: Memory Students will learn factors influencing the memory processes of encoding, storage, and retrieval. Students will learn strategies for improving memory. Readings: 245 – 267
Nov 25	Thanksgiving Recess
Nov 30 – Dec 2	Conclusions and review from Chapters 5 and 6, Exam 3 on Chapters 5 & 6
Dec 7-9	Chapter 8: Motivation and Emotion Students will learn the biological and social factors that contribute to motivation and emotion Readings: 333-352
Final Exam Week	Final Exam on Chapter 8, plus items from previous chapters; Specific date to be announced by University

Overall Course Objectives:

PSB110 is the first course in a two course introductory survey of psychology. The primary objective of PSB110 is to provide students with an overview of major areas of investigation in the psychological fields of Biopsychology, Sensation and Perception, States of Consciousness, Learning, Memory, and Motivation. PSB110 also presents a basic look at methods of scientific research as they are adapted to psychological issues.

Course Policies:

• Exams will consist of a mixture of multiple choice, short answer, and short essay questions.
• Key terms lists and other study materials will be provided on the class web pages.
• Exam grades will be based on the number of points earned on the three exams and final exam.
• The overall grade for the course will consist of one's exam grades (85% of the overall grade), plus credit for class participation, projects, and quizzes (15% of the overall grade).
• Extra credit may be earned through participation in classroom review sessions and other activities such as projects and reports that will be made available during the semester.
• Improvement in performance across the semester will also be considered in grading.
• Failure to take a scheduled exam or quiz will result in a grade of 0 unless you present a legitimate excuse before the date of the exam.
• Regular class attendance and participation are necessary for a successful learning experience. Hillyer College policy states that three missed classes must result in an Attendance Warning being distributed to one's advisor, student file, and home address. College policy states that four missed classes should result in a student being dropped from the class.
• To avoid disturbing the class, all wireless equipment (cell phones, etc) should be turned off and put away before class starts.
• Academic honesty is valued in this class, and all rules related to academic honesty will be followed. For a discussion of academic honesty issues, please read the student handbook or Source.