INSTRUCTOR: Michael E. Oakes, Ph.D.
OFFICE HOURS: 11:15 am-12:15 pm: T, Th: AMH 218 (or by appointment)
PHONE: 941-7895 (during the day)
WEB ADDRESS: http://academic.scranton.edu/faculty/oakesm2/
E-MAIL: oakesm2@scranton.edu
TEXT:
Bernstein et al. (2003). Psychology (6th edition). New York:
Houghton Mifflin Company.
DESCRIPTION:
An intensive introduction to the academic discipline of psychology,
this course will present fundamental principles and concepts that are prerequisite
for later courses (e.g.: nature of psychological inquiry, physiological
basis of behavior, learning theory) with strict emphasis on the theory
and research that support the principles.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
QUIZZES: Seven quizzes will be given, each
worth 10 points. These will include multiple choice, questions.
The lowest quiz score will be discarded. Thus, there are 60 points
possible for all quizzes combined. THERE WILL BE NO MAKE UP QUIZZES.
Also, I will deduct one quiz point if you show up late for a quiz.
Further, if you are more than 4-5 minutes late you will not be allowed
to take the quiz.
EXAMS: Three exams will be given, each exam will be worth 100 points. These may include multiple choice, true/false, fill in the blank, and essay questions. THERE WILL BE NO MAKE UP EXAMS. If a student is absent, he/she will receive a zero for that exam, unless a sufficiently compelling reason for the absence is presented (i.e., a doctor's note or a copy of a police report for an accident). In such a case, the missing exam score will be prorated (i.e., the exam scores for the tests that were completed will be averaged and this average will serve as the score for the missing exam). Exams are not comprehensive. NOTE: anyone caught cheating on a test or quiz will receive a score of zero for that test or quiz, and further actions may be taken.
ATTENDANCE: Attendance will be taken periodically throughout the semester. Those who miss class should contact other students in the class and request to copy their notes. After three recorded absences, your course grade will be lowered by one letter grade (e.g., from a B to a B-). ALSO, STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR FINDING OUT ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE SYLLABUS THAT ARE MADE DURING CLASS.
LATE FOR CLASS: I will deduct one course point for each time that you come to class late.
RESEARCH REQUIREMENT: The psychology department requires each student to fulfill a research requirement. If you do not fulfill this requirement by Tuesday, December 7, 2004 your course grade will be lowered one letter grade (e.g., from a B to a B-). I will give you instructions regarding how to meet this requirement in class.
GRADES: There will be a total of 370 points that can be earned (plus an additional 10 points in extra credit). Grading will go by a strict 90%, 80%, 70%, 60% scale. The total points needed for an A, B, C, D are listed below.
A = 93% & above B+= 87% - 89%
C+= 77% - 79% D+= 67% - 69%
A-= 90% - 92% B =
83% - 86% C = 73% - 76%
D = 60% - 66%
B-= 80% - 82% C-= 70% - 72%
EXTRA CREDIT:
A few additional test questions covering chapters not discussed in
class will be included on the 2nd and 3rd exams. A student may earn
up to 10 extra-credit points in the course by answering these questions.
LECTURE OUTLINES:
I will provide an outline of lecture materials on my faculty home page.
I am hoping that this will assist you in following the lectures.
Thus, I would suggest that you have a copy of the outline available during
class. I would not suggest that you use the outlines as your sole
method for studying for tests and quizzes. Information pertaining
to many (if not most) exam and quiz questions will not be found on the
outlines. You must come to class and read your book carefully.
I will give you a study guide before each of the three exams; this will
hopefully help you prepare for the tests.