Intro.

To Psychology (PSYC 101- 002): Syllabus Instructor:

Spring, Semester, 2023 Sterling P. Watson, Psy.D.
Credit Hours: 3 Asst. Director/ Director of Training, Counseling & Psychiatry
Gambrel 153 Thomson Student Health Services
Monday, Wednesday, Friday Phone: 803-777-5223 Cell: 803-638-8316
1:10- 2:00 p.m. Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: Due to the nature of my role on campus, I cannot
maintain regular office hours. However, I am happy to meet
with you through virtual meetings.

Please call, text, or e-mail to schedule a time.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Course Description:  This course is designed to give the student an essential understanding of the psychology of human
behavior. The student will be given exposure to the concepts, terminology, principles, and theories that comprise an
introductory course in psychology. Topics covered are to synthesize the broad range of knowledge about psychology, to
emphasize research methodology, to encourage critical thinking, and to convey a multicultural approach that respects
human diversity and individual differences.

Course Objectives/Learning Outcomes: Psychology 101 is designed to help students achieve five integrated goals that
are important to understanding human behavior.  Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

1. Define the term psychology and demonstrate command of the basic terminology, concepts, and principles of the
discipline. 
2. Gain knowledge of scientific methodology--the variety of ways in which psychological data are gathered and
evaluated. 
3. Identify and compare the major perspectives in psychology:  Recognize how each approach views human
thought and behavior. 
4. Recognize that human behavior is motivated, has multiple causes, and may be adaptive or maladaptive. Gain
insight into one's own personality and personal relationships by thinking critically about psychological theories
and principles. 
5. Discuss the ways that psychological theories are used to assess, predict, or change human behavior and how
psychology is applied to influence and improve the lives of human beings.

Required Texts:

Nevid, J.S. (2022). Essentials of Psychology: Concepts and Applications (6 th Ed.). Cengage Learning Inc:
Boston, MA

Soft-cover Edition: ISBN: 978-0-357-37558-7

Loose-leaf Edition: ISBN: 978-0-357-37565-5
Recommended:

1. Hock, R.R. (2013). Forty Studies that Changed Psychology: Explorations into the History
of Psychological Research (7th Ed.). Pearson Prentice Hall: Upper Saddle River, NJ.

2. Academic Peer Reviewed Journals to be provided via Blackboard.

Supplemental Instruction (SI) is offered for this course and provides you with the opportunity to attend 3 study sessions
per week. SI sessions are facilitated by an undergraduate student who has taken this course and excelled
in the course material. Your SI leader will facilitate a discussion and activities that encourage you to practice, discuss,
and ask questions about the most recent lecture material. All SI sessions are held in the Student Success Center, Thomas
Cooper Library. You can find the days/times for your SI leader’s sessions at
http://www.sa.sc.edu/supplementalinstruction/

Attendance, Tardiness, and Class Participation Policy

You are expected to attend all class meetings however the decision to be present is yours. This is a seminar course in
which attendance and participation will be vital to your learning. I prefer to engage my class versus lecture which means
that I value your participation and engagement. At times we will veer from the course material to discuss the concepts
in a meaningful and applied way that will show up in your exams. For regular attendance of this course I would consider
using university guidelines as a marker for your class engagement and attendance.
https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/faculty_senate/faculty-toolbox/documents/
attendance_policy_approved_for_21_22.pdf

Academic Integrity
Please see in Transitions the section on “Academic Integrity.” Please be fully aware of what encompasses cheating,
plagiarism, lying and/or bribery. Rewording any section of another author’s work without citing him/her, copying and
pasting from the internet, and giving your answers to another student are additional examples of academic dishonesty
that some new students are not aware of, but that are cause for academic disciplinary action. Any student who is
believed to have engaged in any form of academic dishonesty will be dealt with according to the procedures as set forth
in the Carolina Community: USC Student Handbook and Policy Guide. Breaches of academic integrity will, at a
minimum, result in the failure of that assignment and possibly an academic dishonesty hearing. Remember that the first
tenet of the Carolinian Creed is, “I will practice personal and academic integrity.”

ADA Statement
The University of South Carolina provides high-quality services to students with disabilities, and we encourage you to
take advantage of them. Students with disabilities needing academic accommodations should: 1) Register with and
provide documentation to the Office of Student Disability Services in LeConte College Room 112A, and 2) Have a
discussion with the instructor about the type of academic or physical accommodations you need. Please do this as soon
as possible, preferably within the first week of class. *All course materials are available in alternative format upon
request.* https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/student_disability_resource_center/index.php

Success Connect
This course is a part of the Student Success Center (SSC) Success Connect program, a partnership between the SSC and
USC faculty who want to assist you on your path to success. This course has been identified as critical to the success of
undergraduate students and your instructor may communicate with the SSC regarding student progress in the course
throughout the semester. As a result, you should expect to be contacted by Student Success Center staff regarding
resources and opportunities that may help you. These services are free and available to all students enrolled in this
course. Any information shared by your instructor is completely confidential and subject to FERPA regulations.  If you are
contacted regarding a referral, please follow up with both the instructor and the Student Success Center. Of course, you
do not have to wait for a referral to take advantage of this program. At any time you may call 7-1000 to learn more
about available resources for this course or go online to www.sc.edu/success to schedule an appointment with an
Academic Coach.

Common Courtesies
 Cellular phones during class are for emergencies or integrated learning only.
 Respectful communication with your cohorts in class and with the instructor is expected.
 If you need to be on your cell phone during class that does not involve class learning, please dismiss yourself from
class so that you can attend to what is most important to you at that time.
 If you are being disruptive to class, you will be asked to leave.
 Course Assessment
1) Discussion Boards/Blackboard Usage: This class will utilize Blackboard throughout the semester in a variety of ways.
It is imperative that each student read Blackboard on a regular basis. The instructor and SI will post announcements,
discussion topics, resources to support your learning and grades on blackboard. Discussion Boards will be posted for you
to extend your conceptual, application, and actual knowledge of the material discussed in class and what you read in
your text. There will be 5 graded Blackboards Each Discussion is worth 10 points throughout the semester. For a total
of 50 points Each Discussion Boards is assign on Wednesday and due By the Sunday of the week it is assigned.

2) Ind/Group Presentation: Students will present a 30-45minute presentation of a topic they find interesting for the
weeks topic of discussion. For example, if a student is interested in Social learning when we discuss the chapter on
Learning they will sign up for a presentation that is scheduled and designated for that week. Students will have access to
the rubric on BLACKBOARD. A sign-up sheet will be presented in week #2 Presentations are worth 50 points.

3) Exams There will be four major Exams this semester which will comprise 1/3 rd of your grade. Each exam will be timed
the length of our regular class time and given at 1:00 and will end at 2:00 p.m. The final will be timed according to
university guidelines for final exams which is scheduled for 12-07-2022 from 12:30-2:30 p.m.. Each exam will be given
online via Blackboard. Instructions for Exams will be provided one week prior to the exam. There will be no study guides
for exams, but I encourage students to use the learning objectives for preparation. Each exam is worth 100 points for a
total of 400 points.

Grading Policy:

All assignments and your overall letter grade will be earned according to the following schedule.

A 90-100% 450-500 C+ 76-79% 380-399 D 60-65% 300-329

B+ 86-89% 430-449 C 70-75% 350-379 F Below 60% 299-0
B 80-85% 400-429 D+ 66-69% 330-349

Course requirements are weighted using the following formula

Discussion Boards 1-5 (10 points each) (50pts)
Presentation (50pts)
Examination 1 (100pts)
Examination 2 (100pts)
Examination 3 (100pts)
Final Examination (100pts)

Total (500 pts)

Assignments are due by Sunday Midnight during indicated dates. A five-point penalty will result for each hour they
are late. There will be no make-up exams or presentations unless there is verifiable evidence of illness that
significantly renders your ability to function and complete your exam incapable, court appointment, hospitalization,
our as discussed with professor prior to Exam date.
Syllabus Clause and Contract
This syllabus may be revised and adapted throughout the semester to better serve the needs of the class.  The instructor may assign
additional reading and/or assignments as needed.  Additionally, decision to remain in this class upon receipt of this syllabus serves as
a student’s acceptance of this syllabus as a binding contract, meaning they agree with the terms set forth and the expectations of
them as members of the class.
W DAY DATE WHERE CONTENT DUE
1 M 01/09 Class INTRODUCTIONS  
REVIEW SYLLABUS/Blackboard
2 W 01/11 Class CHAPTER 1. THE SCIENCE OF PSYCHOLOGY  

3 F 01/13 Class  

4 M 01/16 NO CLASS Martin Luther King Holiday

T 01/17 Last day to change/drop a course without a grade of "W" being
recorded (Part of Term30)
5 W 01/18 Class Class Activity and discussion Discussion
Board 1 
6 F 01/20 Class  

7 M 01/23 Class CHAPTER 2. BIOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF  

BEHAVIOR
8 W 01/25 Class Class Activity and discussion  

9 F 01/27 Class  

10 M 01/30 Class   CHAPTER 10. PSYCHOLOGY AND HEALTH

11 W 02/01 Class Activity and discussion

12 F 02/03 BlackBoard EXAM 1  

13 M 02/06 Class CHAPTER 3. SENSATION AND PERCEPTION  

14 W 02/08 Class Class Activity and discussion  

15 F 02/10 Class Presentation 

16 M 02/13 Class CHAPTER 4. CONSCIOUSNESS 

 
17 W 02/15 Class Class Activity and discussion  

18 F 02/17 Class Presentation

 
19 M 02/20 Class CHAPTER 5. LEARNING

20 W 02/22 Class Class Activity and discussion Discussion

Board 2    
21 F 02/24 Class   Presentation

22 M 02/27 Class CHAPTER 6. MEMORY   

23 W 03/01 Class
 W DAY DATE WHERE CONTENT DUE
24 F 03/03   EXAM 2  
  BlackBoard
25 M 03/06 Class

26 W 03/08 Class
SPRING BREAK  

27 F 03/10 Class  
28 M 03/13 Class CHAPTER 7. THINKING, LANGUAGE, AND
INTELLIGENCE

29 W 03/15 Class  Discussion

Board 3 
30 F 03/17 Class Class Activity and discussion Presentation
 
31 M 03/20 Class CHAPTER 8. MOTIVATION AND EMOTION
 
32 W 03/22 Class Class Activity and discussion  

33 F 03/24   Presentation 

34 M 03/27 CHAPTER 9. HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Class Activity and discussion
Last day to drop a course or withdraw without a grade of "WF"
being recorded (Part of Term 30)
35 W 03/29   Class Activity and discussion Discussion
Board 4  
36 F 03/31 Blackboard   
EXAM 3

37 M 04/03    
CHAPTER 12. SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 
38 W 04/05    
39 F 04/07   Class Activity and discussion Presentation 

40 M 04/10   CHAPTER 11. PERSONALITY & CHAPTER 14.

METHODS OF THERAPY 
41 W 04/12    Discussion
Board 5
42 F 04/14   Class Activity and discussion Presentation 
 
43 M 04/17   CHAPTER 13. PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS  
44 W 04/19   Class Activity and discussion

45 F 04/21   Presentation 
 
46 M 04/24  
Last Day of Classes
  M 05/01 Blackboard EXAM 4  
Begins
at
 
W DAY DATE WHERE CONTENT DUE
12:30