Course Syllabus

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  Course Syllabus

PSYC 100: General Psychology

Buena Vista University
610 West Fourth Street
Storm Lake, Iowa 50588
www.bvu.edu

Course Information

Credit Hours: 3

Academic Year and Term: 2025-2026, Term 1

Course Format: Asynchronous Online

Location: N/A

Instructor Information

Instructor Name: Ashley Heck

E-mail: heck@bvu.edu

Course Overview

Course Description

A broad introduction to the field of psychology with an emphasis on the experimental study of behavior. The course will focus on theories, methods, and phenomena, along with the history of the discipline. General Education – Liberal Arts Core – Social Science Course

 

Prerequisites

N/A

 

General Education Designation Information

General Education – Liberal Arts Core – Social Science Course

Course Objectives

Course Objectives

1. Identify biological contributions to behavior.2. Identify cognitive contributions to behavior.3. Identify developmental contributions to behavior.4. Identify social, personality, and environmental contributions to behavior.5. Identify the contributions of mental health to behavior

 

BVU Objectives

In addition to the above course objectives, the following BVU objective is applicable to this course:

Signature Skills Information

Effective Written Communication

This course focuses on Signature Skill #3: Effective Written Communication. “Effective communication is the development and expression of ideas in written, oral, and other forms. Effective communication involves learning to work in many genres and styles. It can involve working with many different technologies and mixing texts, data, and images. Effective communication abilities develop through iterative experiences across the curriculum.” [A modification of the Written Communication definition provided by the Association of American Colleges and Universities]
As student masters this skill, they are expected to:• Consider audience, purpose, and context• Demonstrate understanding of the subject• Recognize formal and informal “rules” based on the form of communication and the academic field• Develop ideas including the use of high-quality, credible, relevant sources• Use standard language syntax and mechanics• Use citations, when needed, appropriately and correctly, with no plagiarism
In order to practice and measure our success this term, you will complete a “Signature Task,” which is an assignment specifically designed to help you demonstrate your skills in the above areas. That task will be graded and contribute to your overall course grade. It will also be assessed using our institutional rubric. Rubric information will be collected across many courses and used by faculty to improve learning in this area across our curriculum. The Unit 3 Small Application Paper (see writing assignments below) is the “Signature Task” that will be assessed.

Instructional and Technology Information

Course Materials

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020). Psychology (2e). Open Stax.ISBN-13: 978-1-951693-23-7*This is an Open Education Resource (OER), which means it is free to students. Links for each chapter will be placed in the appropriate Canvas module for you to read.

 

Technology Requirements

This course is presented in an asynchronous online format, requiring internet access and the use of a web browser. Canvas works best with supported browsersLinks to an external site.. You can use Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari.

At a minimum, you will need the following:

  • Access to a laptop or desktop computer
  • Broadband Internet access
  • Compatible web browser
  • Audio input, built-in or external computer speakers
  • Recommended: Webcam (external or internal) for synchronous virtual office hours

Read Configuration and System RequirementsLinks to an external site. to ensure that your computer meets the minimum technical requirements for participation in this course.

 

Technology Tools

Respondus Lockdown Browser

This course makes use of Respondus Lockdown Browser, which is a custom browser that locks down the testing environment within a learning management system. It is a secure browser for taking exams in Canvas.

To install Respondus Lockdown BrowserLinks to an external site., students will need to download the institution-specific installer from the provided link. 

Note: Lockdown is not compatible with Chromebooks and will require either a Windows or Mac operating system.

Respondus Monitor

This course makes use of Respondus Monitor, which is a fully automated proctoring solution that enables students to take online exams at any time of the day or night without pre-scheduling. Students use a webcam to record themselves during an exam session. You will be required to use Respondus Lockdown Browser, as well as a webcam, for the quizzes in this course. Click on how to utilize Respondus MonitorLinks to an external site. for more information. 

Course Organization

The course is organized in 8 modules, one for each week of the course, except for the last module (Module 7.5) which will only have half a week (Mon-Wed). Some modules contain two chapters, while other modules contain 1 chapter. There are four units in this course, so two modules/weeks constitutes one unit, with three chapters in each unit. For this course, you will complete low-stakes chapter quizzes, discussion posts each week, a critical thinking assignment in each unit, an application paper in each unit, and an essay exam in each unit. The last unit does not have an application paper to account for only having half a week in the last module. 

Course Assignments and Grade Distributions

 

The following table outlines the major assignments and assessments in the course, along with their point/percentage values. In order to successfully complete this course, the following assignments must be submitted:

 

Activity Responsibilities  Points Possible
Pre & Post Assessment At the beginning of the semester you will take a pre-test to assess your knowledge of concepts covered in General Psychology. This gives us a baseline for where our students are at coming into the course. At the end of the course, you will take the same assessment as a post-test. This data is used to determine the growth of knowledge in students over the course of the semester. You can earn points on these as long as it is evident that you put time and effort into the assessments. 20
Chapter Quizzes

Quizzes for each chapter will be taken on Canvas. Each quiz contains 5 multiple choice questions worth .5 points each. There is no time limit for these quizzes. These quizzes are open book and open note, but not open classmate. Working with a classmate will be considered academic dishonesty and will be reported to BVU administration and result in consequences as described below in the policy. You must complete the quiz the first time by the due date. If you complete it the first time by the due date, you can attempt it as many more times as you would like up until the unit exam that includes that chapter. Your highest score on each chapter quiz will count towards your final grade. 

 30
Discussions
  • All discussions for this course will be "meme discussions" where you create a meme about one of the chapters covered that week. There will be instructions, along with a link to a meme generator, in the instructions of each discussion thread.
  • For each discussion, you are to create and post a meme and respond to a minimum of two (2) of your classmates' postings. Your original posts are die on Wednesdays and your responses are due on Sundays. You can earn up to 8 points for your original post and 3.5 points for each of your two thoughtful responses to classmates (so 7 points total for responses).
  • Responses to classmates on the meme discussions should thoroughly answer the required response questions. Responses should be thorough and thoughtful. (Responses that do not add to the discussion, and/or are not thorough and thoughtful will lose points.
  • When appropriate, use references to support your position, making sure to cite your sources.
  • Late discussions will not earn credit.
 80
Critical Thinking Assignments Critical thinking assignments provide you with an opportunity to reflect on and apply course material. Only your instructor (not classmates) may read and provide feedback for your assignments. Points vary for each assignment - See Assignment attachments in Canvas for grading information. Assignments must be double spaced, 12 point font, 1" margins on all sides with appropriate, college-level vocabulary, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Assignments must be in a Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx) or a PDF (.pdf) or they will automatically earn a 0. To submit your assignments, attach the document in the submission area. Emailed or messaged assignments are not accepted. 74
Application Papers Application papers provide you with an opportunity to select a concept and apply it to your life. You will describe and define a concept in psychology in your own words, describe a situation in detail from your life, and finally describe how the concept applies to that specific situation in your life. There are three application papers each worth 15 points. Specific instructions, potential concepts from each unity, and an example paper are provided in Canvas. Application papers must be double spaced, 12 point font, 1" margins on all sides with appropriate, college-level vocabulary, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Assignments must be in a Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx) or a PDF (.pdf) or they will automatically earn a 0. To submit your assignments, attach the document in the submission area. Emailed or messaged assignments are not accepted. 45
Exams

You will have an exam at the end of every three chapters (so every other week). Exams in this course are essay exams. Exams are designed to asses your understanding of the material and concepts. You will be given 1-3 essay questions per chapter. you will be required to have citations in your essay exam answer. Any source used outside of the textbook will also require you to attach a pdf of the source (journal article, book chapter, etc.). 

 

Exams must be double spaced, 12 point font, 1" margins on all sides with appropriate, college-level vocabulary, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Exams must be in a Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx) or a PDF (.pdf) or they will automatically earn a 0. To submit your assignments, attach the document in the submission area. Emailed or messaged assignments are not accepted.

 120
Total   384

 

 

Discussion Requirements

You will be expected to post to each discussion forum and respond to two fellow classmates unless otherwise noted in the assignment. Discussion posts will be evaluated in terms of both quantity and substance. Please also review the Discussion Grading Rubric.

Task Responsibilities
Initial Post

Your initial post should:

  • Add or contribute something productive to the conversation
  • Include supporting materials for your argument (e.g., quotes, websites, books, articles, videos, etc.)
  • Provide a rationale for why the material you chose adds to the conversation

An appropriate length for an initial post is 2-3 well-supported paragraphs. Quality is more important than quantity; try to make your posts concise.
Peer Response

Your peer response should:

  • Offer something significant to the conversation by either extending or adding to the argument, analysis, or position of your peer's initial post
  • If you agree, include additional supporting material
  • If you disagree, include a rationale for disagreement and supporting material
  • Include a question posed to the original author--this is intended to move the conversation forward.

An appropriate length for a peer response is 1-2 well-supported paragraphs. Quality is more important than quantity; try to make your responses concise.

Grading Scale

Letter Grade Percentage
A 93-100%
A- 90-92%
B+ 87-89%
B 83-86%
B- 80-82%
C+ 77-79%
C 73-76%
C- 70-72%
D+ 67-69%
D 63-66%
D- 60-62%
F 0-59%
 

Course Policies

The following course policies are designed to support your learning.

Course Communication

Course communication between myself, as the instructor, and students will occur via weekly discussion forums, the General Course Q & A, Canvas announcements, and e-mail. I will respond to students' e-mails within 24 hours during the week and on the following business day after a weekend or holiday. Virtual office hours can be arranged by emailing me for availability; we will schedule a meeting via Zoom, telephone, or Microsoft Teams.

Netiquette

Netiquette will be business professional and respectful to your instructor and peers in the course. Students are to create constructive conversations that encourage critical thinking skills while remaining courteous to others. The instructor aims to teach this course in a manner that provides a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for students of all races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, genders, ages, faiths/religions, economic classes, and ability statuses. As such, students will be encouraged and challenged to use appropriate language, communication, and presentation strategies that demonstrate respect. When values, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors vary within the learning community, students will be expected to engage in a reflective process contributing to professional conduct.

Weekly Participation

Weekly participation is required. The success of this class depends on every class member participating fully—your participation is part of your classmates' learning experience. You should log in and participate daily or at least 3-5 days each week.

Late Assignments

No late assignments will be allowed (unless otherwise specified by the instructor in the course), and late assignments will receive zero points. Please contact your instructor in advance if extreme, extenuating circumstances prevent you from turning in an assignment on time. Contact your instructor for his/her late work policy.

Recording

No student may record video, audio, or photographs during class without permission from the instructor. Any recording of the class, the professor, or classmates without the professor's expressed permission will result in the recorder's possible removal from the course and dealt with at the administrative level.

Expectation

Students are expected to: 

    • Actively engage in course learning modules and participate fully in discussions, activities, and assignments through Canvas
    • Read, think critically, and demonstrate an understanding of the readings.
    • Submit assignments online through Canvas by the deadline.
    • Demonstrate academic integrity.

The instructor is expected to: 

    • Be a resource and guide, and actively engage with students via discussion forums, announcements, and individual student contact. 
    • Respond to student communication within 24 hours on a business day or on the following business day following a weekend or holiday.
    • Clearly convey expectations and offer constructive feedback to students.
    • Uphold the value of academic integrity. 

 

Course Schedule

  •  All module training, projects, and quizzes will be due on Sundays by 11:59 PM (CST).
  • For discussion forums, the initial post is due on Wednesdays at 11:59 PM (CST), and the two peer responses are due on Sundays by 11:59 PM (CST).
Module Topic Assignments/Assessments
Starter Module Course Orientation
  • Introductions Discussion
  • Syllabus Quiz

Module 1

(Week 1)

Syllabus

Introduction toPsychology

PsychologicalResearch
  • Discussion 1, Part 1
  • Discussion 1, Part 2
  • Chapter 1 Quiz 
  • Chapter 2 Quiz
  • Chapter 2 CT Assignment

Module 2

(Week 2)

Biopsychology
  • Discussion #2, Part 1
  • Unit 1 Application Paper
  • Discussion #2 , Part 2
  • Chapter 3 Quiz
  • Unit 1 Exam

Module 3

(Week 3)

Learning

Thinking &Intelligence
  • Discussion #3, Part 1
  • Discussion #3, Part 2
  • Chapter 6 Quiz
  • Chapter 6 CT Assignment
  • Chapter 7 Quiz

Module 4

(Week 4)

Memory
  • Discussion #4, Part 1
  • Unit 2 Application Paper
  • Discussion #4, Part 2
  • Chapter 8 Quiz
  • Unit 2 Exam

Module 5

(Week 5)

States ofConsciousness

Personality
  • Discussion #5, Part 1
  • Discussion #5, Part 2
  • Chapter 4 Quiz
  • Chapter 11 Quiz
  • Chapter 11 CT Assignment

Module 6

(Week 6)

LifespanDevelopment
  • Discussion #6, Part 1
  • Unit 3 Application Paper
  • Discussion #6, Part 2
  • Chapter 9 Quiz
  • Unit 3 Exam

Module 7

(Week 7)

Stress, Lifestyle, &Health

Mental Health
  • Discussion #7, Part 1
  • Discussion #7, Part 2
  • Chapter 14 Quiz
  • Chapter 15 Quiz
  • Chapter 15 CT Assignment

Module 7.5 

(Week 7.5)

Social Psychology
  • Discussion #7.5, Part 1
  • Discussion #7.5, Part 2
  • Chapter 12 Quiz
  • Unit Exam

 

University Policies

Incomplete Policy

No grade changes will be issued for this course except in extreme circumstances.

Academic Honesty Policy

Buena Vista University believes that personal integrity and academic honesty are fundamental to scholarship. We strive to create an environment where the dignity of each person is recognized, and an atmosphere of mutual trust exists between instructors and students. Accordingly, honesty in all academic matters is expected from all students. Actions contrary to academic integrity will not be tolerated. Any attempt to cheat, misrepresent someone else’s work as one’s own, receive credit for work one did not do, obtain an unfair advantage over other students, or aid another student to do the above will be considered a breach of academic integrity. The faculty have confidence in the integrity of students and encourage students to exercise good judgment in fulfilling this responsibility. Activities that have the effect or intention of interfering with learning or fair evaluation of a student’s work or performance are considered a breach of academic integrity.

Examples of such activities include, but are not limited to the following:

Cheating

(intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized material, assistance, or study aids in any academic work). For example, using a cheat sheet for a test, looking at another student’s paper during an exam, stealing or buying all or parts of an exam or paper, altering and resubmitting work for a better grade without prior approval to do so, etc.

Plagiarism

(representing another’s ideas, words, expressions, or data in writing or presentation without properly acknowledging the source). For example, misrepresenting another’s work as one’s original work, using someone else’s idea without giving proper credit, failing to cite a reference, or failing to use proper documentation, using works of another gained over the internet and submitted as one’s own work, etc.

Falsification and/or Misrepresentation of Data

(submitting contrived or made-up information in any academic exercise). For example, making up data, citing non-existent sources, etc.

Facilitating Academic Dishonesty

(knowingly helping or attempting to help another violates any provision of the academic honesty policy). For example, working together on a take-home exam or other assignments when the option has not been made available, giving your paper/assignment to another student for his/her use, etc.

Computer Crimes

(damaging or modifying computer programs without permission). For example, software piracy, hacking, constructing viruses, knowingly introducing viruses into the system, copying programs, and/or data belonging to others, etc.

Multiple Submissions

(submitting, without prior approval from the instructors involved, any work submitted to fulfill academic requirements in another class). For example, submitting the same paper for two different classes, etc.

Misrepresentation of Academic Records

(knowingly misrepresenting or tampering with any portion of official records of the university or transcripts). For example, forging a change of grade slip or registration form, tampering with computer records, etc.

Unfair Advantages

(trying to gain an unauthorized advantage over fellow students). For example, gaining or facilitating unauthorized access to exam materials (past or present); interfering with another student’s efforts in an academic exercise; lying about the need for an extension on a paper or assignment; destroying, hiding, removing, or keeping, library materials, etc.

Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) in Coursework

Students enroll at BVU to acquire the knowledge, skills, and habits that support lifelong learning and professional achievement. For every student, the shortest --indeed the only -- route to these goals is engaging authentically in the learning process. Yet, technology makes it possible to submit work that appears to originate in the mind of the student but is, in fact, the output of an artificial intelligence (AI) platform, such as ChatGPT, Grammarly, or similar platforms. AI's potential for problem-solving and increasing productivity are, for sure, important topics that all college students should explore. However, using AI to generate responses to a course assignment where original, student-produced work is expected undermines the goals of a BVU education. Their use in this course must align with the academic integrity and course-specific guidelines. Below are the expectations for the use of AI tools:

Seek Instructor Approval

Good communication with the instructor is the key to both success in the course and compliance with university policy. Understanding the instructor's Gen AI policy and if and when it is allowable prevents the student from committing a violation of academic honesty.

  • Unless indicated by the instructor, use of an AI tool in the assembly or submission of graded work is prohibited.
  • It is the student's responsibility to obtain explicit approval from the instructor before using AI tools for any coursework, including but not limited to discussion posts, assignments, projects, essays, and presentations.
  • Students must know that being allowed use of AI in one graded activity does not mean that AI may be used in the preparation of other graded work.
  • Approved uses of AI tools will be clearly defined by the faculty and documented for transparency. If there is not a policy stated, the use of Gen AI is prohibited.

Appropriate Documentation

  • If AI tools are approved for use by the instructor, students must clearly document:
    • The specific tool used (e.g., ChatGPT, Grammarly).
    • The purpose and scope of its use (e.g., generating ideas, proofreading, coding assistance).
    • Prompt(s) that was used to obtain the information.
    • Any text or content generated by AI that is directly incorporated into their work.
  • Documentation (citation) of all content that is not of the student's own creation is required. You will find proper citation formats for MLA and APA on BVU's library website here: Citing ChatGPT and AI resources - Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher ed and beyond - Research Guides at Buena Vista University

Academic Integrity

  • The unauthorized use of Generative AI tools in the completion of coursework is a violation of BVU’s Academic Honesty Policy and will be treated as such.

By adhering to these guidelines, students can responsibly integrate AI into their learning process while maintaining academic honesty and achieving course objectives.

 

Nondiscrimination Policy

At Buena Vista University (BVU), we strive to create an environment where respect and dignity of each person are recognized as a core value. It is particularly necessary that this respect encompass diversity and differences of opinion. Buena Vista University values a community atmosphere that is free from all forms of discrimination and harassment.

Members of the BVU community, guests, and visitors have a right to be free from discrimination and harassment and to be treated with respect.

Buena Vista University prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion or religious belief, creed, citizenship status, sex, marital status, familial status, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, military service or affiliation, genetic information, age, and any other characteristics protected by law in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarships, and loan programs, athletic programs, and other University programs and activities, and does not tolerate such discrimination or harassment of its faculty, administration, staff, students, guests, or visitors. You can read BVU's Policy Against Harassment and DiscriminationLinks to an external site. and/or BVU's Policy Against Sexual and Gender-Based MisconductLinks to an external site. in detail online.

 

Student Support Services

Online Technical Support

Technical or BVU-related questions, such as Canvas login issues or financial aid questions, will be logged, and you will be notified of the progress in resolving the issue via email to your BVU account. Log in to the BVU Web Help Desk using the same username and password that you do for Canvas.

 

Contact the 2Fix Help Desk for technical help:

Phone: 1-712-749-2FIX (2349) or 1-800-248-4462

Website: http://www.bvu.edu/bv/2fix/

Web Help Desk: https://help.bvu.edu

Library Services

Your library provides free access to scholarly and peer-reviewed online and printed resources. Librarians are skilled in helping you critically evaluate materials, narrow the focus of your research, and find just what you need--within library walls and around the world. Visit the library websiteLinks to an external site. for assistance with your research in this course.

Disability Student Services and Accommodations

Accommodations: Buena Vista University provides reasonable accommodations through an organized process. Students desiring accommodations must follow the University's process. Forms are available on the Disability ServicesLinks to an external site. webpage. You can complete the form and return it with your documentation to Donna Musel at museld@bvu.edu. Please contact Donna Musel, Director of the Center for Academic Excellence (CAE), if you have questions or need assistance with the process.

The CAE's contact information is Information Technology Center 103, 610 W. 4th Street, Buena Vista University, Storm Lake, IA 50588, 712-749-1237 or 1-800-383-2821, ext. 1237, or email CAE@bvu.edu.

Tutoring

Academic Services for online and graduate students: Buena Vista University (BVU) is committed to creating a learning environment that meets the needs of its diverse student body. If you anticipate or experience any barriers to learning in this course, please feel welcome to discuss your concerns with the instructor(s).  Buena Vista University provides academic services through Brainfuse. Students can access this service by finding the icon on the left-hand side of the Canvas page. Students may connect with a live tutor, or they may submit work for feedback through Brainfuse.

Title IX

BVU Title IX information

Resources for reporting Sexual MisconductLinks to an external site.

BVU Mission

We prepare students for lifelong success through transformational academic, professional, and co-curricular programs.

BVU Vision

To be a nationally recognized leader in rural higher education known for its remarkable student learning and outcomes. We will be an institutional destination–ambitious in our efforts to distinctively and boldly inspire students to serve, empower, and transform communities through Education for Service.

Note: The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the syllabus to ensure a positive educational experience.

 

Links to an external site.

 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due