Course Syllabus

BIS 170B - Introduction to Psychology – Autumn Quarter 2021

Tuesday/Thursday 1:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m., UW1-202

Instructor:          Mary V. McGuire, Ph.D., J.D.
Email:                 mcguire@uw.edu
Office Hours:     Thursday 10:45 a.m. to noon (in office UW1-241), and 
                            by appointment (Zoom, phone, or in office)

Class Description

This is a survey introduction to the field of psychology, the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes, and the application of that knowledge in the service of human welfare.  Students will be introduced to the main sub-disciplines of psychology and the primary approaches to understanding human behavior, as well as to the constructive tensions within and between those approaches.  Central topics include research methods, human development, biological factors, human diversity and similarities, social and personality theories, learning and motivation, and psychological disorders.  Students will develop skills and analytical frameworks associated with “psychological mindedness,” and the evaluation of sources and statements on human behavior and mental processes.  That is, students will become better critical observers, thinkers, and questioners in relation to human behavior in a variety of contexts.

This is an in-person class and it will meet as scheduled in the UWB classroom on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:15 p.m.  We will follow all UW COVID-19 guidelines, including wearing masks at all times in class consistent with the university’s mask mandate.  If it should be necessary to change the way we meet for class (masked, in person), I will post a Canvas announcement explaining the change.

Required Text and Materials

Online MindTap materials (from Cengage publishing) and Bernstein, D. A. (2019).  Essentials of Psychology (7th ed.).  Boston, MA:  Cengage Learning.

If purchased together, the cost is about $95.00 (online MindTap materials from Cengage and the online version of the text). If you purchase a copy of the book from another source, be sure it includes access to MindTap.  You need MindTap for homework and exams.

Student Learning Goals

By the end of the course, students should make substantial progress toward developing the following abilities and knowledge:

  • Understanding and applying central psychological terms and concepts in writing, discussion, and analysis of experience;
  • Recognizing the differences and points of overlap among the perspectives of the different sub-disciplines of psychology, as well as the major theoretical approaches to understanding human behavior;
  • Formulating questions and strategies for answering them in a critical, systematic, and empirically-grounded manner;
  • Locating and critically evaluating sources of information regarding human behavior; and
  • Identifying and applying principles and research in psychology to better understand themselves and their world.

Recommended Preparation

There are no prerequisites or required background for this course other than an eagerness to learn about the varied concepts, approaches, and sub-disciplines of psychology.

Class Assignments and Grading

Grades for Introduction to Psychology (BIS 170B) will be based on (1) three assignments (one individual and two group projects), (2) online “Quiz Yourself” homework on the readings, (3) four exams, and (4) class participation.

Assignments (75 points total).  The three assignments are as follows:

  1. Research proposal. (Individual assignment – 25 points – Due in Canvas October 21)  Write a psychology research proposal to conduct a descriptive research project:  a survey, observation, or case study.  The research project can investigate any topic covered in the class readings this quarter.  The proposal should be no more than two pages long (12-point font, double-spaced) and include the following:
  • The purpose of the research. Describe the problem, question, and/or hypothesis to be explored in the research.
  • Psychological theory and/or research area involved. Discuss the theory/research area and cite the part(s) of the text that relate to your proposed research.
  • Research methods (descriptive research methods – survey, observation, or case study). Clearly describe how the study will be conducted, including what you propose to do, where you will do it, and who will participate in the research.

Group Projects - Working with your group, select one of your group members’ research proposals to guide your group research project.  Carefully conduct the research (survey, observation, or case study) that your group member proposed (collect your data), summarize your results, and prepare a group presentation and paper:

  1. Research project presentation. (Group assignment – 25 points – Due in Canvas December 2)  As a group, describe your research project (research problem, question, and/or hypothesis; methods; results; and how the results relate to a psychological theory/research area).  Each group’s presentation should be 10-12 minutes long and include PowerPoint slides.  All group members should participate in the presentation in class.
  2. Research project paper. (Group assignment – 25 points – Due in Canvas December 7)  Working with your group, write a paper that states the research problem, question, and/or hypothesis; describes the research methods; presents research results; and discusses how the results relate to at least one psychological theory or research area discussed in the text or in class.  Cite your sources.  Attach your results (survey responses, observation notes, or case study notes) and a copy of the original research proposal.  The paper should be no more than four pages long in 12-point font, double-spaced, not counting the attached notes/data and proposal.

Note:  Late papers will be accepted only under extenuating circumstances (e.g., family emergency, medically-excused absence).

Further information about and any changes to the assignments will be discussed in class.

MindTap Quiz Yourself (75 points total).  Complete the “Quiz Yourself” homework online in MindTap at Cengage Learning for every reading assignment by 1:15 p.m. on the day the readings are due.  You access the online MindTap homework in Canvas. 

Note:  MindTap quiz homework counts for up to 75 points of your total class grade; for example, a total of 100% on all MindTap quiz homework equates to 75 points in class, and 50% on all MindTap quiz homework equates to 37.5 points in class.

Exams (200 points total).  There will be four exams (50 points per exam) with 50 multiple-choice questions on each exam.  The exams will be based primarily on assigned readings and administered through MindTap.  Each exam is non-cumulative; this means you are only responsible for the material covered prior to each exam and after the previous exam.  The Class Schedule (Table 2, below) lists the chapters covered on each exam.

Class Participation (50 points total).  Your class participation grade will be based on your participation in and contribution to class and to your group.  Participation is vital for a successful class experience.  To participate fully, join class sessions on time and be prepared.  This means you should complete all readings and assignments before class on the day they are listed in the syllabus.  Participation includes, but is not limited to, (1) providing an informed response to discussion questions, (2) answering questions posed by the instructor and by your classmates, (3) raising your own questions that convey a thoughtful synthesis of the course material, (4) actively participating in class exercises, and (5) constructively working with your group.

Arriving late or leaving early is disruptive; if you must do so, please be as quiet and unobtrusive as possible.  If you miss class, you will not be able to make up class participation activities, and you are responsible for the material covered in class.  Slides from class will be posted in Canvas, and you can get notes from a classmate and handouts from the instructor.

Grading Criteria

There are 400 total points possible for the course, with the assignments, exams, and participation described above.  Actual final grades will be assigned based on the following scale:

Grading Scale

“A”

“B”

“C”

“D”

“E”

393-400=4.0

356-359=3.4

316-319=2.4

275-279=1.4

<249

386-392=3.9

352-355=3.3

312-315=2.3

271-274=1.3

 

379-385=3.8

348-351=3.2

308-311=2.2

267-270=1.2

 

372-378=3.7

345-347=3.1

304-307=2.1

264-266=1.1

 

365-371=3.6

341-344=3.0

300-303=2.0

260-263=1.0

 

360-364=3.5

337-340=2.9

296-299=1.9

256-259=0.9

 

 

333-336=2.8

292-295=1.8

252-255=0.8

 

 

329-332=2.7

287-291=1.7

249-251=0.7

 

 

324-328=2.6

283-286=1.6

 

 

 

320-323=2.5

280-282=1.5

 

 

Additional information about UWB grading policies and procedures is available from the Registrar and the UW Student Guide.

 

Class Schedule

Schedule of Assignments

Date

Topics (Note: MindTap Online Quiz for Each Reading is Due Before Class)

Sep 30

Introduction and Overview

Oct 5

Chapter 1 Introduction to the Science of Psychology (1-40)

7

Chapter 2 Biological Aspects of Psychology (41-75)

12

Chapter 3 Sensation and Perception (77-94 Preview through Synesthesia, 106-126 Perception to end)

14

Exam 1 (Chapters 1, 2, and 3)

19

Chapter 4 Consciousness (127-146 Preview through Meditation, Health, and Stress)

21

Chapter 5 Learning (161-197)

Research Proposals Due (individual assignment)

26

Chapter 7 Thought (237-261 Preview through Group Processes in Problem Solving and Decision Making)

28

Exam 2 (Chapters 4, 5, and 7)

Nov 2

Chapter 8 Motivation and Emotion (287-294 Preview through Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation, 309-331 Achievement Motivation to end)

4

Chapter 9 Human Development (333-383)

9

Chapter 10 Health, Stress, and Coping Part 1 (385-414)

11

Holiday - Veterans Day

16

Exam 3 (Chapters 8, 9, and 10)

18

Chapter 11 Personality (415-446)

23

Chapter 12 Psychological Disorders (447-493)

25

Holiday - Thanksgiving

30

Chapter 14 Social Psychology (533-579)

Dec 2

Research Project Presentations (group assignment, 10-12 minutes each)

7

Research Project Presentations - continued
Research Project Papers (group assignment)

9

Exam 4 (Chapters 11, 12, and 14)

Minor changes may be made to the syllabus and class schedule during the quarter.  Any changes to the syllabus will be discussed in class.  You are responsible for all materials, updates, and announcements covered during class sessions.

Please check your UW email account regularly (or set up your UW email account to forward email to your other address) so that you receive email messages and announcements about the class.

Canvas

The class Canvas site can be found at http://canvas.uw.edu.

Academic Integrity

The UWB philosophy and guidelines concerning academic integrity are described in the Student Guide to Academic Integrity.  The library also has useful resources about academic integrity.  All students are expected to follow these guidelines and adhere to the highest standards of honesty and academic integrity.  Make sure you know how to properly cite any ideas or words you have taken from outside sources.  Work of any kind (including written, video, audio, performance, artistic, etc.) produced outside of this course may not be submitted for credit without first discussing it with your instructor.  In most circumstances, work produced for one course may not be submitted for another course.  You are responsible for knowing what constitutes a violation of the University of Washington Student Code, regardless of your intent.

Mask Mandate

The University of Washington is committed to making our university community a safe and healthy place for all students, staff, and faculty. To this end, we are all required to wear a mask at all times during class regardless of vaccination status, consistent with the university’s mask mandate. Single-use masks are available near hand-sanitizing stations in buildings across the UW Bothell campus if you forget to bring your own approved face covering. Eating and drinking are not allowed in class.

Please be aware that you will be asked to leave the class and a report may be filed with UW Bothell’s Office of Student Conduct if you are not in compliance with this mandate.

Access and Accommodations

Your experience in this class is important to me. It is the policy and practice of the University of Washington to create inclusive and accessible learning environments consistent with federal and state law. If you have already established accommodations with Disability Resources for Students (DRS), please  activate your accommodations via myDRS so we can discuss how they will be implemented in this course.

If you have not yet established services through DRS, but have a temporary health condition or permanent disability that requires accommodations (conditions include, but not limited to, mental health, attention-related, learning, vision, hearing, physical or health impacts), you are welcome to contact DRS at 425.352.5307 (Voice and Relay) or rosal@uw.edu. If you experience barriers based on disability, please seek a meeting with Disability Resources for Students (DRS) to discuss and address them. You may complete the New Student Application in this link https://www.uwb.edu/studentaffairs/drs, and DRS will contact you. You may find more information on the Disability Resources for Students website.

Religious Accommodation

Washington state law requires that UW develop a policy for accommodation of student absences or significant hardship due to reasons of faith or conscience, or for organized religious activities. The UW’s policy, including more information about how to request an accommodation, is available at Religious Accommodations Policy (https://registrar.washington.edu/staffandfaculty/religious-accommodations-policy/). Accommodations must be requested within the first two weeks of this course using the Religious Accommodations Request form (https://registrar.washington.edu/students/religious-accommodations-request/).

Veterans

Welcome, and thank you for your service. We at UW Bothell understand that the transition into civilian life can be challenging for our veteran students, and we have many resources, including our Vet Corp Navigator through the WDVA and our Student Veterans Association (SVA), for anyone who may want to reach out for guidance or assistance. Please contact Veteran Services at 425.352.5307 or rosal@uw.edu. For those of you needing more urgent support, please call The Suicide Prevention Hotline (1-800-273-8255) or connect with the UWB CARE Team.

Technology in the Classroom

Since technology is profoundly linked to education, there will be many times that you employ different tools in the gathering and expression of knowledge. However, education is more than technology.  Please put all device (laptops, phones, watches, etc.) on Do Not Disturb, in Silent Mode (vibrate only) – or turn them off.  The instructor will let you know when to make use of them.  If you must use your computer to take notes (and not to check text messages, email, social media, or the Internet) during class, then please discuss this with the instructor.

Respect for Diversity

Diverse backgrounds, embodiments, and experiences are essential to the critical thinking endeavor at the heart of university education.  At UW Bothell, students are expected to (1) respect individual differences, which may include, but are not limited to, age, cultural background, disability, ethnicity, family status, gender presentation, immigration status, national origin, race, religion and political beliefs, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and veteran status; (2) engage respectfully in discussion of diverse worldviews and ideologies embedded in course readings, presentations, and artifacts, including those course materials that are at odds with personal beliefs and values.  Students seeking support around these issues can find more information and resources at Diversity and from the UWB Diversity Center.

Guidelines for Class Etiquette

  • Make a personal commitment to understanding and supporting all members of this class.
  • Assume the best of others.
  • Acknowledge the impact of sexism, racism, ethnocentrism, classism, ageism, heterosexism, and ableism in the lives of individuals.
  • Value the diversity of our class members (including the experiences, abilities, and knowledge each person brings).
  • Participate actively in discussions.
  • Encourage others to develop and share their ideas.
  • Ask clarifying questions, when appropriate (to probe and shed new light, NOT to minimize or devalue comments).
  • Disagree with ideas, but do not make personal attacks.
  • Be open to be challenged or confronted based on your ideas or prejudices.
  • NEVER make derogatory comments toward another person in the class.
  • DO NOT make sexist, racist, homophobic, or victim-blaming comments AT ALL.

Navigate

UW Bothell utilizes the Navigate Student Success Management system to allow faculty to share with your advisors confidential feedback related to your assignments, academic progress, and participation. Navigate communications remain confidential between your advisors and me and will provide advisors up-to-date information if needed.

Inclement Weather

Please check the UWB campus website to learn if the campus is closed due to weather.  Information on suspension of operations is also available by calling the Campus Information Hotline at 425-352-3333 and through the media.  You may sign up with an alert system (http://www.washington.edu/safety/alert/ ) that will contact you via email or text message if classes are canceled.  Class activities will be rescheduled as needed. 

Student Support Services

IT Helpdesk:   http://www.bothell.washington.edu/it/get-help  425-352-3456

Campus Library:  http://library.uwb.edu  425-352-5340

Writing and Communication Center (WaCC):  https://www.uwb.edu/wacc  425-352-5253, UW2-124)

Quantitative Skills Center (QSC):  http://www.uwb.edu/qsc  425-352-3170, UW2-030

Career Services:  http://www.uwb.edu/careers  425-352-3706

Counseling Center: http://www.uwb.edu/studentaffairs/counseling  425-352-3183, UW2-080

Violence Prevention and Advocacy https://www.uwb.edu/sexualassault  425-352-3851

CARE Team:  https://www.uwb.edu/studentaffairs/care-team  425-352-SAFE (7233)

Diversity Center:  https://www.uwb.edu/diversity/diversity-center  425-352-5030, UW1-173

Health and Wellness Resource Center (HaWRC):  https://www.uwb.edu/arc/hawrc, The ARC

DACA and undocumented student resources:  https://www.uwb.edu/studentaffairs/daca-resources

Husky Pantry:  https://www.uwb.edu/studentaffairs/resources/husky-pantry, Husky Village, Diversity Center

Parenting Student Resources: https://www.uwb.edu/titleix/students-who-are-parents

Gender Neutral Bathrooms: https://library.uwb.edu/amenities/restrooms

Reflection Room: https://www.uwb.edu/sea/studentspace, UW1-007