Q: What is a typical class like?
A: Each class will begin with an outline that you can use to structure your notes. I begin by describing what my main learning goals are and why I think the day's material is important. You can then expect at least 30 minutes of lecture, punctuated by demonstrations, videos and class activities to illustrate the main points. The demonstrations are for you. Their purpose is to emphasize important techniques, methods, or concepts. Often the demonstrations present information in a manner that cannot be gained by lecture or reading. Although the lectures are designed to supplement the reading material, they are by no means a substitute for or an alternative to the readings. If you want to do well in this class, please complete the assigned readings before the lecture (see assignment calendar on page 2).
Q: How am I graded in this course?
A: Grades are assigned based on the number of points accumulated during the semester. The maximum number of points for each examination is 120. Your grade is based on the number of points accumulated during the semester. The maximum number of points that can be earned this semester is1000 POINTS. You will be kept informed of your grade status (see below). If you miss more than one exam, you should consider dropping this course.
Q: What are the examinations like?
A: Please be forewarned that my exams are hard but fair. There are three things about my exams that you should keep in mind: 1) All exams are multiple choice in format and include equal percentages of practical/ factual, conceptual and applied questions. I prefer to test at the conceptual or applied level of understanding instead of rote memorization of facts, 2) My exams expect you to understand the information over and above what a person might know who has not taken this course, and 3) My exams are unforgiving to those who are unprepared (in other words, they are hard to bluff your way through). On each of the 5 examinations, there are 60 multiple choice questions (1 point each). The test items will be taken primarily from the reading assignments, but you can expect some test questions from lectures, films, or any class demonstration. The maxi-mum number of points for each examination is 120. If you miss more than one exam, you may want to drop the course. If you feel that the answer you chose for a test question is better than the answer keyed as correct, please submit your case in writing to me within a week after the exam. You may review your original exams throughout the semester during my office hours or by appointment. The final examination is 100 multiple choice questions covering the core concepts we have learned during the semester (a review sheet will be distributed to help focus your review before the exam).
Q: Can I turn in written assignments late & still earn credit?
A: No. However, if you know you are going to miss class, please turn in the pre-lecture organizer before it is due to earn credit. The pre-lecture organizers are due at the beginning of class (see course calendar page 2). You must be in class to submit your work. In other words, you can't have someone else turn in your work for you.
Q: What happens if I have an emergency and I miss an important class?
A: As a student in this course, you are responsible for attending class, learning the material, and taking exams at scheduled times. If you must miss an exam due to an emergency, it is your responsibility to contact me as soon as possible. Please send me an email before the emergency and include proper documentation of the event afterward. Missed exams are to be taken within one week of the originally scheduled examination. Examinations missed for inadequate reasons will be counted as zero points. You are responsible for all material presented in lectures and reading assignments. The final examination cannot be taken late (please don't miss it).
Q: Is attendance required?
A: Yes, attendance is of critical importance in an introductory course. I stress this requirement because absences affect the class as well as the per-son who misses the class. I expect commitment from students, and a minimal evidence of commitment is attendance.
However, I do realize that absence due to illness, injury, personal problems etc., may occur. Four absences are allowed without providing a reason to the professor. For all absences beyond four, a valid reason (in writing) should be provided to the professor and you must meet with me to determine if you should drop this course. You are considered "late" if you enter the class after the roll has been called and leaving before the end of class will earn 1/3 of an absence. Three "late for class marks" equals one absence. Role will be taken and you will be informed via email using the following codes- "A" = Absent, "L" Late, "U" = Unprepared for class, "L/E" = Left before end of class. Q: Is there extra credit work?
A: No. Studying the text, class attendance, the pre-lecture organizers and the examinations are assumed sufficient work for this class and grades will be assigned solely based on examinations and activities that occur during class.
Q: How will I find out about my course grade?
A: I will email a grade summary sheet to your Nichols College email account. A grade summary sheet will be sent to your account after every examination. These sheets are an important way of keeping track of your progress so please make sure that you have a working Nichols account.
Q: What about plagiarism? A.K.A. Academic Integrity?
A: Plagiarism or other forms of academic dishonesty will result in full disciplinary action for all persons involved as outlined in your Student Hand-book. A copy of the plagiarized work will be kept on file with the Vice President of Academic Affairs until after you graduate.
Q: How do I get additional help?
A: I can be reached during my office hours, voice mail or by appointment or e-mail. I realize that everyone progress at their own pace. With this in mind, if you need additional help, please ask for it as soon as you feel you need it. Additionally, if you want me to meet outside of class with your study or collaborative learning groups, I will be glad to meet with you.
Q: What if I need special accommodations?
A: If you have a documented disability that requires special testing accom-modations or other classroom modifications you need to notify the in-structor by the end of the third class. If you believe that you need to make me aware of individual accommodations that need to be made, please make an appointment to discuss this with me during office hours.
Q: Why is General Psychology taken before other psychology courses?
A: Passing this course is a prerequisite to more advanced courses in the Psychology Department, which, in general, develop in greater breadth and depth topics you will discuss in this basic course. During the last class we will discuss advanced course offerings, psychology as a major and careers in this field.