Course Syllabus

Independent Study in Idaho

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PSYC 1101: Introduction to Psychology

Sponsoring Institution: University of Idaho

3 Credits

Instructor Information

Course Instructor: Steve Meier, PhD, ICPS

Your course instructor is Dr. Steven E. Meier, an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Idaho. Dr. Meier received his Ph.D. in Psychology from Washington State University. His specialty of training was in experimental psychology with specialties in Learning (Applied Behavior Analysis), Addictive Behavior (Primarily Alcoholism), and Physiological Systems.

Course Description

Introduction to Psychology topics: Including sensation and perception, learning and thinking, motivation, personality and adjustment, social processes, psychological testing; emphasis on fundamental principles.

This course will provide you with a broad overview of Psychology. However, the course is more than a survey course; it is an examination of how psychological knowledge is acquired. The materials and assignments are designed to demonstrate that Psychology is also a method of inquiry, not just a body of facts. 

You need to note that there are many Psychology concepts you will need to know. Consequently, it is necessary to study hard while taking the class. 

U-Idaho students: may be used as core credit in J-3-d. 

Prerequisite: There are no formal prerequisites for this course. 

Course Learning Objectives

The primary objective for this class is to provide an overview of fields of study in Psychology, how psychologists examine multitudes of research problems, and general psychological concepts. This course is not designed to help you understand or solve some particular psychological problem. For that, you should see a Clinical Psychologist, Psychiatrist other helping professional.

Another objective is to introduce to students that psychologists are involved in a variety of different professional disciplines beyond helping people with problems. These include business, engineering, medicine, optometry, among others. Further, many psychologists are pioneers in helping other academic disciplines understand why people behave the way they do. 

Required Course Materials

Psychology: The Science of Mind and Behavior

Passer, Michael, Smith, R. Psychology: The Science of Mind and Behavior. 5th Edition. Hardcover. McGraw-Hill. 2010. ISBN ISBN-10: 0073532126. ISBN-13: 978-0073532127. 

You will be required to have a computer with Internet Access, and the Microsoft 2010 Office package or higher. You will also need to have a high-speed internet connection to observe media presentations.

Course Rules and Requirements

Before you begin your Psyc 1101 coursework, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the online environment. The menu to the left directs you to important course information, resources, and materials.

While the assignments are open book, open note, open web, the exams are closed book and are difficult. Be prepared to spend at least 1.5 hours a night on the material or 15-20 hours of studying (not reading or doing assignments) per exam.  If you study hard you will do well, if not, your performance on the exam will be poor. A word to the wise should be sufficient. With the exception of the paper (Lesson 12), the assignments and exams will be multiple choice.  

Lessons

Each chapter provides an overview of a different topic psychologists may examine. Make sure you understand the major theorists, the theoretical models they proposed, and the impact the theory had on Psychology.  Also, make sure you understand the different concepts within the chapter. Use the study questions in the text to help you. 

For each lesson, PowerPoint presentations are provided to help you understand the topic area.  Although there will be overlap with the book material and additional information is provided within the presentations, exam test bank questions will be from the book and not directly from the PowerPoint presentations.

Assignment Guidelines

  • Students may submit up to 3 assignments at once and up to 6 assignments in one week.
  • Wait for grades and feedback on assignments prior to submitting subsequent assignments.
  • Keep a copy of every assignment submitted. Write your name and V Number on every submission.
  • Students will submit assignments and receive grades via Canvas.
  • You will typically receive graded assignments within two weeks after the date of the receipt by the instructor.

Term Paper - Research Exposure

You will learn how psychological research is conducted by participating in a research experience.  In fact, the Psychology faculty believe this experience is a sufficiently valuable experience that participation is required for this course. You will participate by reading a paper or article on a specific Psychology topic from the American Psychologist journal or Psychology Today.  More detail is provided in Lesson 12.

Exam Guidelines

  • Wait for grades and feedback on assignments prior to taking exams.
  • Exams are closed book and closed notes.
  • Graded exams will not be returned to you.

Study Hints

  • Complete all reading assignments.
  • Keep a copy of every assignment submitted.
  • Set a schedule allowing for course completion one month prior to your personal deadline.
  • Web pages and URL links are constantly changing. Contact your instructor if you find a broken link.

Email Standards

Place questions or comments for the instructor in the body of the email.
In the email's subject line include:

  • Your name, V number, course subject and number, and assignment number(s).
  • Example: Joe Vandal, V01234567, BUS L321, Assignments 1, 2

Grade Information

Grading will be based on the following criteria.

  • All eleven chapter quizzes have 25 questions worth 1 point each. 
  • The Term Paper is worth 100 points.
  • All exams are worth 100 points each.
  • Total points possible for the course is 775.
Points Possible
Assignment Number of Assignments Points Possible
Lesson Quiz (25 questions x 1 point each) 11 275
Term Paper 1 100
Exams (100 points each) 4 400
Total points possible 775
Grade Scale
Letter Grade Numbers Percentage
A 697-775 > 90%
B 620-696 > 80%
C 542-619 > 70%
D 465-541 > 60%
F <465 < 60%

The final course grade is issued after all lessons and exams have been graded.

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Course Policies

U OF I LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

U of I Moscow is located on the homelands of the Nimiipuu (Nez Perce), Palus (Palouse) and Schitsu’umsh (Coeur d’Alene) tribes. We extend gratitude to the indigenous people that call this place home, since time immemorial. U of I recognizes that it is our academic responsibility to build relationships with the indigenous people to ensure integrity of tribal voices.

CHEATING or PLAGIARISM

  • If you cheat or plagiarize someone else's material in this class and I catch you, you will receive an “F” grade in this course. DON'T EVEN THINK OF CHEATING IN THIS CLASS.
  • See the Student Code of Conduct for more information.

Remember: You’re paying to learn, not just get grades.

LEARNING CIVILITY

In any environment in which people gather to learn, it is essential that all members feel as free and safe as possible in their participation. To this end, it is expected that everyone in this course will be treated with mutual respect and civility, with an understanding that all of us (students, instructors, professors, guests, and teaching assistants) will be respectful and civil to one another in discussion, in action, in teaching, and in learning.

Should you feel our classroom interactions do not reflect an environment of civility and respect, you are encouraged to meet with your instructor during office hours to discuss your concern.  Additional resources for expression of concern or requesting support include the Dean of Students office and staff (208-885--6757), the UofI Counseling & Testing Center’s confidential services (208-885-6716), the UofI Office of Equity and Diversity (208-885-2468), or the Office of Civil Rights and Investigations (208-885-4285).

DISABILITY ACCESS AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

University of Idaho is committed to ensuring an accessible learning environment where course or instructional content are usable by all students and faculty. If you believe that you require disability-related academic adjustments for this class (including pregnancy-related disabilities), please contact Center for Disability Access and Resources (CDAR) to discuss eligibility. A current accommodation letter from CDAR is required before any modifications, above and beyond what is otherwise available for all other students in this class will be provided. Please be advised that disability-related academic adjustments are not retroactive. CDAR is located at the Bruce Pitman Building, Suite 127. Phone is 208-885-6307 and e-mail is cdar@uidaho.edu.  For a complete listing of services and current business hours visit CDAR's website.

HEALTHY VANDALS POLICY

Please visit the University of Idaho COVID-19 webpage often for the most up-to-date information about the UofI's response to Covid-19.

VANDAL FOOD PANTRY

The Vandal Food Pantry is a free resource stocked weekly with food, grocery bags, and various hygiene items. Its eight locations across campus are accessible during building hours and open to all. Please take what you need.

GREEN DOT SAFETY PROGRAM

What's Your Green Dot? It's up to all of us to make a safer campus. Vandal Green Dot is a program that helps students learn about the power of the bystander, how to recognize potentially risky situations, and realistic ways to intervene. Together we can bring down the number of people being hurt by interpersonal violence on our campus. No one has to do everything, but everyone has to do something! Learn more and get involved by visiting UI's Green Dot Safety Program or emailing greendot@uidaho.edu.

FIREARMS

The University of Idaho bans firearms from its property with only limited exceptions. One exception applies to persons who hold a valid Idaho enhanced concealed carry license, provided those firearms remain concealed at all times. If an enhanced concealed carry license holder's firearm is displayed, other than in necessary self-defense, it is a violation of University policy. Please contact local law enforcement (call 911) to report firearms on University property. University of Idaho leadership remains committed to maintaining a safe work, living and learning environment on campus. We will not tolerate any threatening use of firearms or any other weapons. While authorized license holders may have familiarity and be at ease carrying a loaded firearm, we ask that they be aware that many people are not familiar with handguns and are uncomfortable in their presence.

OTHER HELP AND RESOURCES

STUDENT RESOURCES

The University of Idaho provides student support to ensure a successful learning experience.

LIBRARY HELP

The UofI Library website has many databases that will help you find relevant and reliable books, articles, images, and more. Don't hesitate to contact a librarian for research assistance.

TECHNOLOGY HELP

The UofI Student Technology Center provides many technology related services to students.

WRITING SUPPORT

The UofI Writing Center provides one-on-one assistance to student writers and other members of the campus community.

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