E-mail: gwhitman@tcc.edu
Office hours will be posted, additional times available by appointment only

Course Goals Study Objectives
  1. To actively study psychology as a scientific discipline.
  2. To acquire new information previously unknown.
  3. To critically examine psychological concepts.
  4. To create new thoughts and approaches to learning.
  1. Read and study entire text
  2. Review current events
  3. Participate in class Q and A
  4. Critical thinking and evaluation
  5. Persist and complete class
  6. Move toward a credential

Responsibilities
Instructor: Present psychology as a unified field of science citing historical precedents, current events and research, and formulating future possibilities.

Students: Attend class to gather all necessary information to achieve a satisfactory grade; study at home and outside class; complete research papers and projects; develop and apply test taking skills; participate in class to strengthen learning.
Class Metaphor: Climbing Mount Everest
Psychology will consist of a variety of learning experiences including lecture, reading, writing, research, and discussion. To succeed in this class, you must possess a desire and willingness to go outside the box -- to think critically and heuristically -- to seek knowledge and learning on your own. I will act as your guide, but you must climb the mountain with me. I have been to the top many times, you have not . . . follow me.

Class Operating Procedures
Read assigned material and complete assigned work on time. Come to class prepared to raise and respond to questions, discuss material, and think critically. Demonstrate active involvement in class. This includes such things as regular attendance, taking notes in class, participation in group work, and answering questions.
This class will maintain an atmosphere of respect, courtesy, and confidentiality. Whether or not you agree with what someone else says or believes, it is important to demonstrate a courteous attitude. I encourage you to engage in critical thinking and discussion, but not at the expense of another's feelings. It is expected that no one will be interrupted, belittled, or attacked on a personal level. Furthermore, please disable all cellular phone or pager audio sounds before entering the class. A ringing phone or beeping pager can be very disruptive. If a call is necessary, please take it outside class.
Confidentiality is critical to providing a safe class atmosphere in which everyone feels comfortable to be open and honest. Due to the nature of Psychology, you and your classmates may share some very personal information with the class. This information must never be repeated outside of class.
You are responsible for all work covered in this class, whether you are here or not. If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to contact another student about class assignments, notes, handouts, changes in schedule, etc. The class syllabus may change at any time due to weather or other extenuating circumstances. Changes will be announced in class.


Record the names and phone numbers of three of your classmates:
(name) (name) (name)
(phone number) (phone number) (phone number)


 

Honor Pledge
The Honor Code is of utmost importance in this class. You must sign the Honor Pledge ("On my honor, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this examination.") on tests. You honor and respect yourself by demonstrating integrity, which is often defined by "what you do when no one is looking." In life there are many times when "no one is looking" and you have opportunities to cheat and steal. The question is, What will you do about it? What kind of person are you?? Think about it. . .
Dishonesty and a lack of integrity will not be tolerated in this class. At the discretion of the instructor and the college, failure to abide by the Honor Code may result in receiving a failing grade, dismissal from the class, or dismissal from the college.
 

A Note about Late Work
Consult me regarding make-up work due to illness or emergency. Remember that you have plenty of notice and enough time during which to finish all assignments. If you do not understand something or need additional help, please ask before the work is due.
Attendance Policy
You are expected to be in your seat when class begins. If you have an emergency and must come in late, go quickly and silently to the seat closest to the door, taking care to not be disruptive to the class. The same applies to leaving early. Always walk along the outside of the classroom, and do not walk in front of me.
If you miss 25% of class meetings, you may be dropped from the class. Always communicate with me concerning absences. Remember, this policy is for your benefit because after too many absences you have not gained enough of the class material to have an understanding of psychology.
Additional Comments
If you foresee any difficulties with your writing, please speak with me as early as possible and I will refer you to campus resources that may be of assistance. The earlier you identify potential problems or difficulties the better. Also, if you have special needs that may affect your performance in class please advise me.
Disabilities Statement
This class is open to all students with or without disabilities. All students will be graded in accordance with academic performance only. If you have special needs, please contact the Disabilities Office, located in the Andrews Building, Norfolk campus.
College Policies
Cell phones/pagers: Set your ringer to "off" or "vibrate".
Children: Children are not to be brought into a classroom; liability laws.
Disruption of instruction by students will be reported to security for resolution.
Syllabus information is for guidance but must remain flexible because of weather or other incidents.
OFFICE HOURS
  Office:  Walker Technology Building (#3)  Number: 3128 (Ground Floor)
 
Hours:Posted at Office
Personal Appointments: Email: gwhitman@tcc.edu - Phone: 757-822-1312

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