Introductory Psychology (PSYC 1101) Syllabus Study Guide

Introductory Psychology (PSYC 1101) Syllabus Study Guide

Course Overview

This course introduces students to the major fields of contemporary psychology, emphasizing fundamental principles and scientific approaches. It covers a broad range of topics foundational to understanding human behavior and mental processes.

• Course Name/Number: Introductory Psychology PSYC1101 – 10701

• Format: Traditional Face-to-Face

• Academic Semester: Spring 2026

• Class Time: Monday, Wednesday, 2:00 – 3:15 P.M.

• Credit Hours: 3

• Prerequisite: None

• Textbook: OpenStax Psychology 2e (Online eBook)

Major Topics and Competencies

The course covers the following core areas of psychology, each representing a major chapter or unit:

• Foundations and Research Methods: Introduction to psychology as a science, research design, and methodology.

• Biological Foundations of Behavior: Organization and operation of the nervous system.

• Sensation and Perception: How sensory information is processed and interpreted.

• States of Consciousness: Sleep, dreams, and altered states.

• Learning: Principles of classical and operant conditioning.

• Memory: Encoding, storage, and retrieval of information.

• Cognition and Mental Abilities: Thinking, intelligence, and problem-solving.

• Motivation and Emotion: Drives, needs, and emotional processes.

• Lifespan Development: Physical, cognitive, and social development across the lifespan.

• Personality: Theories and assessment of personality.

• Psychological Disorders and Treatment: Classification, symptoms, and interventions.

• Stress and Health Psychology: Effects of stress and coping mechanisms.

• Social Psychology: Group behavior, attitudes, and social influence.

Course Requirements

Students must have access to a personal computer and reliable internet. Assignments and tests are submitted via Blackboard, accessed through Okta. Required software includes Adobe Reader, Microsoft Word, and PowerPoint.

• Homework: Discussion boards, review questions, modular assignments (40% of grade)

• Modular Tests: Assessments covering course modules (40% of grade)

• Final Exam: Comprehensive assessment (20% of grade)

Grading Scale

Grade	Percentage
A	90-100
B	80-89
C	70-79
D	60-69
F	0-59

Attendance and Make-Up Policy

Regular attendance and participation are required. Make-up exams and assignments are allowed at the instructor’s discretion, typically within one week of the missed due date. Absences must be communicated promptly.

• Make-Up Exams: Only one missed test may be made up within seven days.

• Late Homework: May be submitted for partial credit while the module is open.

Drop/Withdrawal Policy

Students are responsible for properly withdrawing from courses. Early drops (first three days) do not affect academic records or financial aid. Withdrawals after the deadline result in a grade of “F.”

Work Ethics Grading Policy

Students are evaluated on ten work ethic traits: appearance, attendance, attitude, character, communication, cooperation, organizational skill, productivity, respect, and teamwork. Grades range from 0 (unacceptable) to 3 (exceeds expectations).

Rating	Description
3	Exceeds Expectations
2	Meets Expectations
1	Needs Improvement
0	Unacceptable

Academic Honesty Policy

Academic dishonesty, including cheating and plagiarism, is strictly prohibited. Students must submit original work. Violations result in disciplinary action, including possible course failure.

Services for Students with Disabilities

Accommodations are available for students with documented disabilities. Contact the Dean for Student Engagement or Special Populations Coordinator for assistance.

Graduate Warranty

The Technical College System of Georgia guarantees graduates’ skills for two years. Deficient graduates may retake coursework at no cost if employed in their field.

Policy/Procedure Changes

Policies are subject to change. Students must check Blackboard and the college website for updates.

Grade Appeal/Grievances

Students may appeal grades or file grievances by first contacting the instructor and then following the formal appeal process if necessary.

Statement of Equal Opportunity

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, religion, disability, age, political affiliation, or other protected categories. Equal opportunity is promoted through affirmative practices and compliance with federal and state mandates.

Campus Equity and Compliance Team

Contact information for Title IX, ADA, and other compliance coordinators is provided for reporting violations or seeking assistance.

Student Evaluation of Courses

Students are expected to complete anonymous course evaluations at the end of the term to support program improvement.

Additional info:

• This syllabus outlines the structure and expectations for a college-level introductory psychology course, aligning with standard chapter topics in psychology.

• For detailed content on each psychology topic, refer to the OpenStax Psychology 2e textbook as specified.