Psychology 1Section 1182 Syllabus Fall 2008

Professor: David Sedghi M.A. MFTI
Class Time:  Tuesdays 12:10 to 3:20
Email: davidsedghi@aol.com 
The best way to contact me is via email.  I check my mail consistently throughout the day so if you need to contact me please feel free to email me.  My office hours will be Tuesdays from 8:30-9:00.  Please contact me in advance if you need to schedule a meeting so I can make sure to be available for you during my office hours.  I do have other times available.    

As a result of this course students should be able to:
1	Compare and contrast the different schools of psychology
2	Evaluate the benefits of 5 different research methods used in psychological research
3	List and describe the major components of the nervous system and relate their function to behavior
4	List and define the different memory processes and discuss different memory improvement strategies
5	Compare and Contrast 4 different theories of personality development
6	Describe the different components of both classical conditioning and operant conditioning
7	Describe a variety of psychological disorders
8	List and define a variety of factors that affect behaviors when people are in group settings
9	List and describe different forms of therapy
10	List and describe the key components of the stress response and factors that influence it
11	List and describe the different stages of development
12	List and describe the different states of consciousness

Book Requirements                                                                                             
Exploring Psychology by David G Myers- Worth Publishing 
Note:  If you cannot purchase the textbook, it will be on reserve in the library.  You will need to use your cub card to check it out a few hours a week. 

Grading Policy   
Your grade will be determined by 10 quizzes (10 points each), 1 paper (25 points), 1 Group Assignment (25 points), and a midterm and final exam (50 points each).  In addition at least 2 extra credit assignments are offered.  There will be 250 points possible in the class.  The points required to achieve certain grades are described below.  Your grade will be strictly determined by this scale.
A  	225-250 points
B	200-224 points
C	175-199 points
D	150-174 points
F	0-149 points

Requirements             Points           Weight of Total Points                 Your Scores_____________________
Quizzes      		100pts      		40%	 		1)___2)___3)___4)___5)___6)___
7)___8)___9)___10)___11)___12)___
									*note lowest two scores will be dropped
Paper			25pts	   		10%			__________
Group Project 		25pts      		10%			__________
Midterm		50pts			20%			__________
Final			50pts			20%			__________

Quizzes:  The quizzes will consist of 10 multiple choice questions based on that week’s chapter and lecture.  The quizzes will always be on Thursdays and you will be given 15 minutes to complete it.  In the event that you miss a quiz, there are absolutely no makeups.  We will be taking 12 quizzes during the course.  You will be able to drop the two lowest quiz scores at the end of the semester for a total of 10 quizzes.  Dropping the lowest quiz scores has been designed for emergencies not because you did not study for a particular quiz.  You will need to bring a number 2 pencil and scantron for all quizzes.  You will need 14 all together including quizzes, midterm, and final.  Please come prepared.  I also retain the ability to change the format of quizzes during the semester.  Please do not ask to make up a quiz because NO will be the answer.  Absolutely no exceptions.  

Midterm and Final Exam:  The midterm and final exam will consist of 50 multiple choice questions.  The midterm exam will cover material from the first half of the course and the final will cover the second half of the course.  The midterm exam will be on Tuesday October 21st.  Your final exam is scheduled for the following date:  Tuesday December 16th from 12-2pm.  You will need to bring a number 2 pencil and scantron form 882 ES or LOVAS for both the midterm and final exam.  

Cheating Policy:  I take cheating very seriously!  Any form of cheating or plagiarism will not be tolerated.  If you are found cheating in this class, you will automatically receive an F for your quiz, midterm, final or assignment grade.  This includes cheating during grading of quizzes as well.  If caught cheating on a quiz you will not be allowed to drop that quiz.  If you are seen to have wandering eyes during the quizzes, you will be asked to move to the front of the room to take your quizzes.  Please just don’t do it. 

Attendance Policy
It is very important that you attend all class sessions as the material discussed in class will be part of your quizzes and exams. Consistent attendance is critical to success in this course.  If you miss a class, I would recommend contacting me as soon as possible to find out what you have missed.  No late assignments will be accepted.  In addition it is not my responsibility to drop you from the course should you stop attending.  Please complete necessary paperwork when dropping any course.

The Paper
The paper for this class will be due on Tuesday October 7th.  The paper is to be 5 pages (please note the expectation of a minimum of 5 full pages) in length, typed and double spaced.  The font size should be 10-12 point.  The margins are to be 1 inch all the way around the page.  Do not skip spaces between paragraphs.  I will not accept papers that are not typed.  Again, absolutely no late papers will be accepted.  If an emergency occurs and you simply cannot be there to turn in your paper, I would recommend strongly that you contact me before the due date to see what arrangements we may be able to work out.  Further details about the paper will be provided in class for you at a later date.  

Group Project
The group project in this course will consist of going into the community to gather information about a mental health facility.  Details about this project will be given in class at a later date.  Students will be required to put together a brochure with extensive information about a mental health facility.  The pamphlet will include a summary of the services the agency provides, hours of operation, history of the organization, and other important information.  The group project will due on Tuesday December 9th.

Classroom Behavioral Expectations
The diversity at LA City College provides us with a unique opportunity to experience different ideas, cultures, and values.  At times we may disagree on a particular point; however I hope our discussions will always remain respectful of these differences.  I expect everyone to be respectful of their fellow students and the professor.  Please give your fellow students and myself the respect you would expect.  Be on time, turn off cell phones, and be respectful when others are speaking.  If you are to blatantly break such rules you will be asked to leave the class and further disciplinary action may takes place as applicable by campus regulations.

Course Layout

Week 1     9/2 Introductions & Course Overview   

Week 2     9/9 Chapter 1  Quiz #1

Week 3     9/16 Chapter 2 Quiz #2

Week 4     9/23 Chapter 3 Quiz #3

Week 5     9/30 Chapter 4  Quiz#4 

Week 6     10/7 Chapter 6 Quiz #5-PAPER DUE

Week 7     10/14 Chapter 7 Quiz #6

Week 8     10/21 MIDTERM Chapters (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7)

Week 9     10/28   Chapter 8 Quiz #7

Week 10   11/4   Chapter 11 Quiz #8

Week 11   11/11  Chapter 12 Quiz #9

Week 12   11/18  Movie_ Extra Credit                      _________             

Week 13   11/25 Chapter 13 Quiz #10 Extra Credit Due        

Week 14   12/2  Chapter 14 Quiz# 11- Finish Chapter 14  

Week 15   12/9  Chapter 15 Quiz #12 -PROJECT DUE 

Week 16   12/18  Final Chapters (8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)____12-2pm

** It may be necessary to make slight adjustments to the schedule as we work our way through the semester.  Any modifications will be noted in class.  You are responsible for making sure you are informed about such announcements.

Class Website

I have created a class website to assist you during the course of the semester.  On the website you will find the syllabus, weekly lectures, and access to helpful tools.  It is also a helpful way to contact fellow class mates and to stay in touch with me.  If you are having problems with the website please let me know.

www.geocities.com/davidsedghi/psych1

How To Do Well In This Class

1.  Attendance & Participation
Do not underestimate how much attendance and participation can affect your grade.  Attendance is critical to your success in this class.  However, attendance alone doesn't guarantee anything.  Make an effort to ask questions, answer questions, make comments, pay attention, and interact with myself and your fellow students.  You will have weekly quizzes based on readings and lecture, make the effort to be consistent and on time.

2.  Weekly Readings
You will need to read a chapter a week for this class.  I cannot tell you how important it is for you to read the text.  Quizzes and exams will consist of questions from lectures and the weekly readings.  Staying on top of the reading can make things easier for you as the semester progresses.  Commit some time during your week to read the assigned chapter.  

3.  Quizzes  
Quizzes in this class are designed to be helpful tools to your success.  Preparing for quizzes will help you prepare for the exams.  The quizzes make up a significant part of your grade and greatly affect the success you will have in this course.  When your quizzes are returned to you keep them and review them for the exams.

4.  Notes
I often give the students a copy of my power point lectures.  You will find some information missing from these notes.  These missing pieces of information are highlighted during the lecture and will be emphasized on quizzes and exams.  Again, these notes are intended to be tools for you to use to succeed in this class.

5.  Take Advantage of Your Resources
There are many resources available to students who want to succeed.  If you need help, ask!  I am available to students after class and by email.  Use the campus student services office as a tool.  Make the effort to reach out for help and you will find help is often available.  

6.  Have Fun and Be Interested
Students take courses for many reasons.  Whether you’re planning on being a psych major or a business major, learn to be curious.  The semester can be long and many things can affect your energy in class.  You will learn more and have a better time doing it by being a participating member of the class.  Even if you are not the talking type, make the effort to be interested.  Be a curious learner!  

FALL SEMESTER '08
FALL SEMESTER	Sept 02 - Dec 21	
Priority Registration Begins	Monday, May 5	
Continuing Student Registration	Thursday, May 8	
New Student Registration Begins	Monday, June 2	
 	 	
Monday - Friday Classes Begin	Tuesday, Sept 2	
Saturday Classes Begin	Saturday, Sept 6	
Final Exams Week	Dec 15 - 20	
 	 	
LAST DAY TO:	 	
Add Classes	Saturday, Sept 13	
Drop Classes with a Refund	Monday, Sept15	
Drop Classes without a Fee	Monday, Sept15	
Drop Classes without a W	Friday, Sept 26	
 (May be done via STEP/WEB thru Sunday, Sept 28)	
Apply for Credit/No Credit Grades	Friday, Sept 26	
Drop Classes with a W	Friday, Nov 21	
 (May be done via STEP/WEB thru Sunday, Nov 23)	
Apply for June 2009 Graduation	Sept 22 - Nov 26	
 	 	
DAYS COLLEGE IS CLOSED:	 	
Labor Day	Monday, Sept 1	
Veterans' Day	Monday, Nov 10	
Thanksgiving Holiday	Nov 27 - 28