Psychology 1Section 1190 Syllabus Summer 2008

Professor: David Sedghi M.A. MFTI
Class Time:  Monday through Thursday 8:00-10:25am
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 before class during the week.  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.    

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	Describe the different components of both classical conditioning and operant conditioning
6	Describe a variety of psychological disorders
7	List and define a variety of factors that affect behaviors when people are in group settings
8	List and describe different forms of therapy
9	List and describe the key components of the stress response and factors that influence it
10	List and describe the different stages of development

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 8 quizzes (10 points each), 1 paper (20 points), a midterm and a final exam (50 points each).  In addition at least 1 extra credit assignment will be offered.  There will be 200 points possible in the class.  The points required to achieve certain grades are described below.  The points required to achieve certain grades are described below.  Your grade will be strictly determined by this scale.
A  	180-200 points
B	160-179points
C	140-149 points
D	120-139 points
F	0-119 points

Requirements             Points           Weight of Total Points                 Your Scores_____________________
Quizzes      		80pts      		40%	 		1)___2)___3)___4)___5)___6)___
7)___8)___
Paper			20pts	   		10%			__________
Midterm		50pts			25%			__________
Final			50pts			25%			__________

What To Expect

Quizzes:  The quizzes will consist of 10 multiple choice questions based on current chapters and lectures.  The quizzes will be brief and you will be given 15 minutes to complete it.  In the event that you miss a quiz, you will have only one makeup opportunity.  We will be taking 8 quizzes during the course.  You will need to bring a number 2 pencil and scantron for all quizzes.  You will need 10 scantrons all together including quizzes, midterm, and final.  Please come prepared.  Please do not ask to make up a second 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 July 1st.  Your final exam is scheduled for the following date:  Thursday July 17th.  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.  If caught cheating on a quiz you will not be allowed to makeup 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 or a classmate as soon as possible to find out what you have missed.  No late assignments will be accepted.  No exceptions!

The Paper
The paper for this class will be due on July 8th.  The paper is to be 5 full 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 extra 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.  

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.  In addition it is your responsibility to officially drop from my course should you decide not to finish the class.  In the event you decide to drop the course you must take care of the administrative responsibilities with Admissions.  If you simply stop attending I will give you the score you accumulated during the course.

Course Layout

Week 1     6/16 Introductions & Course Overview         6/17_Chapter 1__________________        

                  6/18 Quiz #1 Chapter 2                                6/19__Chapter 2______________________

Week 2     6/23 Quiz #2 Chapter 3________                 6/24 Chapter  4_ _______________

                 6/25 Quiz#3 Chapter 4_____________        6/26   Chapter 7 

Week 3     6/30 Quiz #4 Chapter 7                                 7/1 Midterm_Chapters (1,2,3,4,7)_________________

_______    7/2 Chapter 8                                                 7/3 Chapter 8_____________________

Week 4     7/7/__Quiz #5 Chapter 11___________  __ 7/8 Chapter 11 _Paper Due__________

_______   7/9   Quiz #6 Chapter 13                               7/10 Chapter   13 ____________

Week 5   7/14  Quiz #7 Chapter 14                     ______ 7/15_ Chapter 14 ____________ 

______   7/16 Quiz #8 Chapter 15 _________________7/17 Final_Chapters(8,11,13,14,15)__________

** 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, 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 quite a few quizzes based on readings and lecture, make the effort to be consistent and on time.

2.  Weekly Readings
You will need to read several chapters 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 chapters.  

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.  

4.  Notes
You will find a copy of my power point lectures on the class website.  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 during office hours and by email.  I take pride in helping my students all that I possibly can.  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!  

LACC Dates To Know:  
SUMMER SESSIONS '08
Session #1 (5 Weeks)	June 16 – July 19 	
Session #2 (8 Weeks)	June 16 – August 9 	
Session #3 (5 Weeks)	July 21 – August 23 	
REGISTRATION		
Application for Admission Available	Year Round	
Class Schedule Available Online	Thursday, April 10	
Priority Registration Begins	Monday, April 14	
Registration for Continuing Students	Thursday, April 17 	
Registration forNew Students	Monday, May 12	
FINAL EXAMS	Last Class Meeting	
		
SESSION # 1 	June 16 – July 19 	
LAST DAY TO:		
Apply In-Person	1st Week of Class	
Add Classes	Wednesday, June 18	
Drop classes with a refund & no fee	Thursday, June 19	
Drop classes without a “W”	Thursday, June 26	
Drop classes with a “W” 	Friday, July 11	
File for Credit/No Credit Grades	Thursday, June 26	
		
SESSION # 2 	June 16 – August 9	
LAST DAY TO:		
Apply In-Person	1st Week of Class	
Add Classes	Monday, June 23	
Drop classes with a refund & no fee	Friday, June 20* 	
*May be done via STEP or Web through Saturday, June 21	
Drop classes without a “W”	Wednesday, July 2 	
Drop classes with a “W”	Friday, July 25**	
**May be done via STEP or Web through Sunday, July 27	
File for Credit/No Credit Grades	Wednesday, July 2	
		
SESSION # 3 	July 21 – August 23 	
LAST DAY TO:		
Apply In-Person	1st Week of Class	
Add Classes	Wednesday, July 23	
Drop classes with a refund & no fee	Thursday, July 24	
Drop classes without a “W”	Thursday, July 31	
Drop classes with a “W”	Friday, August 15	
File for Credit/No Credit Grades	Thursday, July 31	

BOOKSTORE BUY BACK DATES: 
TBD 
COLLEGE IS CLOSED:
Independence Day Wed, July 4