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Introduction to Psychology (PSYC 101 - section 002)

Tuesday and Thursday – 9:30 to 10:45 AM, 1164 Temple
Class Blackboard website: http://blackboard.vcu.edu

Dr. Natalie Dautovich (pronounced “Dot-toe-vich” – you can call me “Dr. D”)
• Room 203 Williams House (800 West Franklin Street), Phone: 804-828-4304 (email is the best way to reach me)
• Office hours: Tuesday 12:30pm-1:30pm or email for an appointment
• Mailbox: Department of Psychology main office (806 West Franklin)
• Dr. Dautovich will create and deliver course content, prepare exam materials, grade written assignments, meet with you
to review exams and writing assignment and answer questions about the course and career options.

Teaching Assistant: Nabila Farhin Jahan

• Thurston House (808 W. Franklin St.) computer lab on the 1st floor
• Office hours: Please email for an appointment.
• Nabila will answer course-related questions, monitor the online labs, assist with Turning Clicker Technologies, answer
questions about the SONA requirement, and met with you individually regarding course questions, to review exams, and
writing assignments.

Supplemental Instructor: Anjali Om

• Anjali will provide three 50-minute review sessions per week, and hold additional review sessions before exams. These
sessions are optional but can help you in understanding the course material.
• More information about the supplemental instruction will be provided on Blackboard and via email.

Contact Information – Who do I contact and how?

• Contact our Teaching Assistant Nabila for questions related to the course at jahannf@mymail.vcu.edu. If you have an
emergency, career related, or private question, you can ask Nabila to forward your email to Dr. Dautovich or you can
contact Dr. Dautovich directly.
• Contact our Supplemental Instructor Anjali Om at oma2@mymail.vcu.edu for questions related to the supplemental
instruction tutoring and review sessions.
• Contact LaunchPad technical support for questions about the online labs
o email, and chat is available M-Thr: 8am - 3am; Fri: 8am - Midnight; Sat: Noon - 8pm, Sun: Noon - 3am (Eastern
Time Zone)
o Phone: 1-800-936-8699
o Email and chat: https://community.macmillan.com/community/digital-product-support
• ****We will do everything we can to respond to an email within 24 hours during the week and within 48 hours
over the weekend. There are over 300 students in the class so will we work diligently to respond efficiently given
the large class size.

Required Course Materials

• Textbook: Myers D. G. & Dewall, N.C. (2015). Psychology in Modules (11e edition). New York: Worth.
o There are three textbook options: the eBook, loose-leaf, and hardcover. With each of these options you will have access to
the online LaunchPad labs.
• Online Labs: Access to the online LaunchPad labs (you will get access to the labs by purchasing any version of the new textbook or
signing up online).
• Clickers: Turning Technology “clickers” will be required for class participation activities. You’ll need to bring a registered, working
(keep 2 AAA batteries handy) clicker to each class.

Course Description and Learning Objectives

• Psychology is an empirical science. This means that psychological scientists use the scientific method to understand how
people think, feel, and act. Psychology uses science to study a topic of great interest to human beings – ourselves! This
introductory psychology course will provide a broad overview of basic concepts, issues, and research in the field of
psychology. We will explore a wide-range of topics including, but not limited to, sleep and dreams, emotions,
psychological disorders and treatments, brain functions, learning, and group dynamics. As we explore these different
areas, you will find that there are both basic characteristics shared by all humans and some aspects of experiences that
are shaped by social institutions and culture. Also, although this course will introduce you to the scientific method, it does
not focus on methodology or on professional skills.

• The learning outcomes of this course are to:

o explain the scientific method and use it to evaluate scientific information
o discriminate between reliable and unreliable information using critical thinking
o apply course concepts to your daily life
o understand the multiple influences on our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors including heredity, the immediate
environment, and culture
o understand that our experience of the world is subjective

Religious Holidays, Drop/Add, Withdraw Days, and Snow Days

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• January 22 is the last day for add/drop and late registration. January 26 is the deadline to provide advance written
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notification to instructors of intent to observe religious holidays. March 23 is the last day to withdraw from a course with
a grade of “W”. We will have class unless the University has officially been cancelled due to weather. If class is
cancelled on a day when an exam is scheduled, the exam will occur during the next class day.

Format of the Course

• You can potentially earn a maximum of 1000 points. Assignment Points Percent
Exam 1 220 22%
You only need 900 points to earn an A in the course.
Exam 2 220 22%
• Grade distribution based on percentage:
Exam 3 220 22%
o A: 900-1000 B: 800-899 C: 700-799 Writing Assignment #1 20 2%
D: 600-699 F :0-599 Writing Assignment #2 30 3%
• Due to the breadth of the information that we will cover Research Participation 50 5%
in this course, the majority of the class time will be Online Labs (top 10 scores) 200 20%
spent in the traditional lecture format. However, in-class Class Activities & Attendance 40 4%
activities, videos, and brief discussions will be used in Total 1000 100%
addition to the traditional lecture. When appropriate,
you are encouraged to participate during class by asking questions or making comments related to the class material.
Additionally, outside of class you will complete written assignments, participate in research studies, and complete the
online LaunchPad labs.
• Note: other than in extreme situations that can be documented (e.g., medical emergency), there will be no
opportunity to make-up missed components of the course.

• 66% of Grade - Examinations and Makeup Exam Policy

o There will be 3 scheduled exams. The exams will be non-cumulative.
o Make-up exams will not be given except in the case of extreme circumstances (e.g., medical or family
emergencies) and documentation will be required as an excuse for missing an exam. You must notify the
instructor by personal contact (email, telephone call, or voice message) within 24 hours of the original exam
(preferably before the exam) in order to qualify for a make-up exam.
o The exams will consist of multiple-choice questions. Exams will cover material presented in class (including
lectures, videos, and activities) and in the textbook. There will be a heavier emphasis on material presented
both in the class and in the textbook, but there will be questions on material just covered in class and just
covered in the textbook.

• 20% of Grade – Online Labs

o All introductory psychology courses complete the LaunchPad online program (website specific for this class -
http://www.macmillanhighered.com/launchpad/myers11einmodules/7383040
o The online labs are designed to help you learn about various areas of psychology in greater depth and to help
you develop critical thinking skills.
o You will complete 12 virtual labs on LaunchPad. The two lowest lab grades will be dropped so that the top 10
grades will count towards your total lab grade.
o You will have one opportunity to complete each quiz, except for the first quiz. You’ll have three tries for the first
quiz and your highest score will be your grade for the lab.
o The labs are due by 2pm on Tuesdays except for two days when they are due on Thursday (see class schedule
below).
o Additional details about how to register for the labs will be posted on Blackboard. You must register using your
VCU email address and also correctly enter your V-number in order to get your grades.
o Each lab consists of 4 to 7 activities. They take between 60 to 80 minutes to complete. After completing the lab
activities for the week, you will take a multiple-choice quiz on the material. This is called the LAB QUIZ, and it is
the only thing you are graded on. You have 30 minutes to complete all the questions, and will automatically
receive a score once you are finished.
o Do not complete labs with other students or share information. This constitutes a violation of the honor code.

• 5% of Grade - Writing Assignments

o You will complete 2 brief writing assignments in this course. More details will be provided on Blackboard.
Papers will be turned in using Blackboard. Writing assignments that are turned in late will receive a 15% penalty
for each day they are late.

• 5% of Grade - Research Participation through Sona

o The Psychology Department requires that all PSYC 101 students satisfy a research requirement by participating
in psychological research studies during the semester. The purpose of this requirement is to learn about
different methods used by psychological researchers and to help advance knowledge of various psychological
processes. It also allows psychologists to conduct high quality research and learn more about human behavior;
this enhances VCU’s reputation internationally. Faculty members and graduate students in the department
conduct these studies.
o You must complete 7 credits of research participation or the equivalent alternative assignments. One credit
equals 1 hour of participation. Each student needs to complete 7 hours worth of experiments.
o At least 2.5 of the 7 credits must involve in-person studies. The remainder can be online studies.
o The SONA site (https://vcu.sona-systems.com) will open for participation after the add/drop deadline.
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o You can reduce the requirement to only 6 hours (but still get 70 points towards your total grade), if you have
ZERO no-shows. It’s very important that you attend every session you sign up for and that you sign up early. If
you must cancel a session, you have to give several hours notice.
o If you have 2 no-shows, you will have to complete an alternative assignment instead of the studies.
o If you are not yet 18, you cannot participate in the experiments but an alternative assignment will be provided.
This option is also available for those who do not wish to participate in the experiments. For the alternative
assignment, you will read a psychology article and answer questions. You may complete up to seven of these
reports. Any combination of experiments and alternative assignments that adds up to 7 credits (or 6 if you have
zero no-shows) is acceptable.

• Additional class points - Class Activities and Attendance

o Attendance will not be taken in the form of a daily roll. That said, coming to class regularly will help you in
multiple ways. Some of the classes may involve a class activity. These activities can be a source for exam
questions and therefore it would benefit you to be present in class for these. These activities do not appear on
the class schedule and will not be announced ahead of time. Finally, by coming to class I get a chance to know
who you are! This can help you, for example, if you want letters of recommendation, to join my lab, etc. Lastly,
there will be some extra credit opportunities made available throughout the semester.

• Assigned Readings
o You will benefit from reviewing the assigned readings from the textbook during each section of the course.

Additional Course Policies (Please go to this link for a full description of all course policies including policies not
mentioned here http://provost.vcu.edu/academic-affairs/operations/syllabus-statements/):

• Professional Behavior
As an instructor, my commitment to you is to create an environment that enables your learning. I will strive to be well
prepared, treat you with respect, and promote a positive learning atmosphere. In return, I ask that you help our class to
be a positive learning environment by engaging in professional behavior.
o In class, please refrain from unnecessary talking outside of class discussions. In addition, please turn off all cell
phones and all laptop or iPad alarms prior to class. The Student Code of Conduct also prohibits the possession
of or carrying of any weapon. Do not read outside reading materials during class, arrive on-time, stay to the end
of class (unless you let me know that you need to arrive late/leave early) and do not pack up early. Please
address the instructor and the teaching assistant respectfully. When emailing, please begin the message
respectfully with “Dear_______” or “Hello ______” and reply to emails you receive. Treat your fellow colleagues
(yes, you are now at Virginia Commonwealth University and your fellow students are your colleagues!) with
respect (listen to their questions and comments and agree or disagree respectfully).
Virginia Commonwealth University is committed to providing an inclusive environment that is free from harassment or
discrimination based on race, genetic information, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender
expression, age, ability, or veteran status. The University prohibits any verbal or physical conduct that threatens or
endangers the health or safety of any individual or group, including physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, stalking,
intimidation, harassment, sexual misconduct, coercion, and/or other communication or conduct that creates a hostile
living or learning environment.

• Managing stress
Students may experience situations or challenges that can interfere with learning and interpersonal functioning including
stress, anxiety, depression, alcohol and/or other drug use, concern for a friend or family member, loss, sleep difficulties,
feeling hopeless or relationship problems. There are numerous campus resources available to students including
University Counseling Services (804-828-6200 MPC Campus, 804-828-3964 MCV Campus), University Student Health
Services (MPC 804 828-8828, MCV Campus 804 828-9220) and the Wellness Resource Center (804-828-9355). 24 hour
emergency mental health support is available by calling 828-1234 and asking to speak to the on-call therapist or utilizing
the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-784-2433).

• Technology
o Email is considered an official method for communication at VCU because it delivers information in a
convenient, timely, cost-effective, and environmentally aware manner.
o Students are expected to check their official VCU email on a frequent and consistent basis in order to remain
informed of university-related communications. The university recommends checking email daily.
o Students are responsible for the consequences of not reading, in a timely fashion, university-related
communications sent to their official VCU student email account.

• Mandatory responsibility of faculty members to report incidents of sexual misconduct

It is important for students to know that all faculty members are mandated reporters of any incidents of sexual
misconduct/violence (e.g., sexual assault, sexual exploitation and partner or relationship violence). This means that
faculty cannot keep information about sexual misconduct/violence confidential if you share that information with them and
they must report this information immediately to the university's Title IX Coordinator. In addition, department chairs,
deans, and other unit administrators are required to report incidents of sex or gender-based discrimination to the
university's Title IX Coordinator. Once a report is made, you will receive important information on your reporting options,
on campus and off campus resources and remedial measures such as no-contact directives, residence modifications,
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and academic modifications. If you would prefer to speak with someone confidentially for support and to discuss your
options for reporting, contact:
• VCU's Wellness Resource Center 804.828.9355 | myoptions@vcu.edu | thewell.vcu.edu
• Greater Richmond Regional Hotline (Community program) 804.612.6126 | 24-hour hotline
• VCU’s Counseling Services 804-828-6200
For more information on how to help, please click here. The Policy on Sexual Misconduct/Violence and Sex/Gender
Discrimination, can be found in the VCU policy library. For more information about the University's Title IX process,
please visit equity.vcu.edu.

• Students with disabilities

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, require that
VCU provide "academic adjustments" or "reasonable accommodations" to any student who has a physical or mental
impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. To receive accommodations, students must register with the
Office of Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity on the Monroe Park Campus (828-2253) or the Division for
Academic Success on the MCV campus (828-9782). Please also visit the Student Accessibility and Educational
Opportunity website and/or the Division for Academic Success website for additional information.
Once students have completed the registration process, they should schedule a meeting with their instructor (s)
and provide their instructor (s) with an official accommodation letter. Accommodation letters will outline the
required classroom accommodations. Additionally, if coursework requires the student to work in a lab
environment, the student should advise the instructor or a department chairperson of any concerns that the
student may have regarding safety issues related to a disability. Students should follow this procedure for all
courses in the academic semester.

• Honor System: upholding academic integrity

The VCU Honor System policy describes the responsibilities of students, faculty and administration in upholding
academic integrity, while at the same time respecting the rights of individuals to the due process offered by administrative
hearings and appeals. According to this policy, "Members of the academic community are required to conduct
themselves in accordance with the highest standards of academic honesty, ethics and integrity at all times." In addition,
“To support a commitment to the Honor System, all members of the VCU community are required to:
• Adhere to the Honor System policy and its procedures;
• Report any suspicion or knowledge of possible violations of the Honor System;
• Answer truthfully when called upon to do so regarding Honor System matters;
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality regarding related to Honor System matters."
More information can be found at in the VCU policy library.
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Class Schedule
I reserve the right to make changes as necessary but will notify you of changes as far in advance as possible.
Textbook
Date Day Topic Readings* Due
16-Jan Tuesday Welcome and Course Introduction 1
18-Jan Thursday Introduction to Psychology 2
Must Have Clicker for Class Starting at
23-Jan Tuesday
Research Methods 3, 4 this Date
25-Jan Thursday Research Methods 3, 4
30-Jan Tuesday Biology of the Mind 5, 6, 7, 11
1-Feb Thursday Biology of the Mind 5, 6, 7, 11
6-Feb Tuesday Consciousness 8, 9, 10
8-Feb Thursday Consciousness 8, 9, 10
13-Feb Tuesday Sensation and Perception 18, 19, 20
15-Feb Thursday Memory 24, 25, 26
20-Feb Tuesday Exam 1
22-Feb Thursday Learning 21, 22, 23
27-Feb Tuesday Learning 21, 22, 23
1-Mar Thursday Thinking, Language, and Intelligence 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 Writing Assignment # 1 Due 11:59pm
6 & 8- Tuesday and
Mar Thursday No Classes Due to Spring Break
13-Mar Tuesday Motivation 33, 34, 35, 36
15-Mar Thursday Emotion, Stress, and Health 37, 38, 39, 40, 41
20-Mar Tuesday Emotion, Stress, and Health 37, 38, 39, 40, 41
22-Mar Thursday Development Across the Lifespan 13, 14, 15, 16, 17
27-Mar Tuesday Development Across the Lifespan 13, 14, 15, 16, 17
29-Mar Thursday Exam 2
3-Apr Tuesday Social Psychology 42, 43, 44, 45
5-Apr Thursday Social Psychology 42, 43, 44, 45
10-Apr Tuesday Personality 46, 47, 48 Writing Assignment #2 Due 11:59pm
12-Apr Thursday Psychological Disorders 49, 50, 51, 52, 53
17-Apr Tuesday Psychological Disorders 49, 50, 51, 52, 53
19-Apr Thursday Therapy 54, 55, 56
24-Apr Tuesday Therapy 54, 55, 56
26-Apr Thursday Review
1-May Tuesday Exam 3
7 Research Credits or Alternative
4-May Friday Assignments Must be Completed (6 if
you have zero no-shows)
*Textbook readings correspond to the content covered that day. The readings aren’t mandatory for class but it will help your learning
during class if you have read the text before class. These numbers correspond to the chapters in the text, not e-book, version of the
book.

Online LaunchPad Labs Due Dates

Lab Title Due Date

1. Descriptive and Correlational Statistics 1/30/18 at 2pm

2. Brain Structures and Functions 2/6/18 at 2pm
3. Why We Sleep 2/13/18 at 2pm
4. Improving Your Memory 2/22/18 at 2pm ***Note, this is a Thursday
5. Learning Through Consequences 2/27/18 at 2pm
6. What is Intelligence 3/13/18 at 2pm
7. Sex, Gender, and Us 3/20/18 at 2pm
8. Changes in Thinking Across the Lifespan 4/3/18 at 2pm
9. So, You are One of Them 4/10/18 at 2pm
10. What Makes Me, Me? 4/17/18 at 2pm
11. Examining Anxiety 4/24/18 at 2pm
12. Emotions and Their Expression 5/3/18 at 2pm ***Note, this is a Thursday
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