Syllabus

Contents

  Course Information

Semester: Spring 2026 Instructor: Alexander Rand
Time: Mon/Wed.  3:40-4:55 pm Email: [email protected]
Room: James 2207 Phone: 917-880-9576
Office Hours: By appointment Office: James Hall 5303

Psychology Dept:

James Hall/ 5315

Recommended Textbook: 

This course adopts OER Learning Resources; students may use the OpenStax Psychology 2e text for readings and reference (free online): https://openstax.org/details/books/psychology-2e

Course Description:

An introduction to the major facts, principles, methods, and theories of psychology. Topics include the (a) history of psychology and research methods (b) understanding learning and behavior, (c) sensory and perceptual processes, (d) how we learn (e) psychological development, motivation and emotion, (f) biological, social, and personality determinants of behavior, (g) and clinical and abnormal psychology. The course will utilize multimedia lectures, class activities, and discussions.  

Course Goals and Learning Objectives:

The primary goal of this course is for students to gain an understanding of the major areas of study in the field of psychology. For each of these topic areas, students should develop a general understanding of:

(1) How psychologists have approached and organized relevant issues 

(2) The techniques used to investigate principles and details that underline the topic

(3) Our current understanding of each area of study. 

(4) A further goal is to provide sufficient foundational knowledge of the areas of psychology to allow students to succeed in more advanced courses that are specific to each area of study.  

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Exams:

There will be 2 exams 

Exam 1 will be the midterm and Exam 2 will be the final (non-cumulative) during class time. 

Each exam will consist of 25 multiple-choice questions, drawn from material presented in the textbook chapters, readings, role plays, case studies, and class lectures. Each exam will count towards 30% of the final grade. Absences on exam dates are not permitted. Failure to attend an exam will result in a failing grade for that exam, unless official documentation is submitted. Grade curving is at the sole discretion of the instructor and based on class performance. 

Attendance and Participation:

This course is very interactive.  Attendance and Participation will count towards 40% of the final grade. You can earn full points by attending the lectures and participating in class discussions, activities, role plays, quizzes, and small group work. The participation is a subjective grade. I realize that people have different levels of comfort with public speaking; however, I expect everyone to stretch themselves and attempt to share their thoughts, comments and questions in a respectful and appropriate manner. Those of you who tend to dominate class discussions may have to stretch yourselves in the other direction.  For those of you uncomfortable with public speaking, feel free to email me your thoughts, questions, and comments after each lecture in order to gain participation points.

Research Requirement:

Students are required to complete 3 hours of in person or online research as indicated in the attached form. Students who fail to complete the research assignment will automatically receive an incomplete grade.

ATTENDANCE:

Attendance is mandatory. You are expected to attend all classes.  You will find that missing a lecture will seriously hinder your performance on exams and that your knowledge of course material will be deficient. If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to obtain all information, notes, and announcements from one of your classmates. More than 3 absences will result in a 2-point reduction per absence, in your overall grade.  For absences to be excused, it must be accompanied by a valid explanation with official documentation to support the explanation (i.e. doctor’s note). Persistent lateness will count as absences (more than 6). If you are unable to attend class due to religious observance, please notify me ahead of time.  

Grading

Grade Distribution

Percentage Range Grade
97–100 A+
93–96 A
90–92 A-
86–89 B+
83–85 B
80–82 B-
76–79 C+
73–75 C
70–72 C-
65–69 D+
60–64 D
<60 F

Evaluation and Grading

(Note): I reserve the right to make changes to this evaluation format)

Policy on Contesting Grades:

If you believe that an assignment or exam was graded incorrectly or unfairly, you may bring it to my attention by scheduling an appointment to meet with me. If you supply a convincing explanation with documentation, I will consider changing your grade.

Withdrew Unofficial:  

(WU) A grade of “WU” will be assigned to students who attended a minimum of one class, completely stopped attending at any time before final exam week, and did not take the final exam, and did not officially withdraw. If the student has attended at least one class or if there is documented evidence of the student’s participation in a course, and he/she has cased attending the course, at the end of the term, the unofficial withdrawal grade reported must be a “WU”. When a student does not officially withdraw from a course and fails to complete the course requirements, the instructor assigns the “WU” grade on the final grade roster. 

Failure (F): 

A grade of “F” is a failure grade given to a student who completed the course and failed based on their cumulative average. 

Course Policies

In-class Etiquette:

You have the responsibility to refrain from engaging in behaviors that interfere with the teaching and learning environment of this class. This includes disrupting the class by coming late or leaving early, talking amongst each other (no side conversations), texting, and not turning off your cell phone or other electronic devices. Cell phones are extremely disruptive so please turn off your cell phones before the beginning of class. It is expected that you will respect the views and opinions of your classmates, even in instances when you do not agree with what is said.  I expect that all personal information disclosed by classmates will be kept confidential. If you have a question or comment, it is expected that you raise your hand and wait to be called on by the instructor.  RECORDING OF COURSE MATERIAL IS PROHIBITED without prior consent from the instructor.

Email Etiquette:

You are encouraged to send me emails with questions, concerns, comments, or notification of absences.  However, as with any communication I am kindly requesting that you use a standard greeting (Hi, Hello, Good morning, Dear etc.) at the beginning of your message and please indicate your first and last name at the end of your message, so that I am not left guessing who “[email protected]” is. 

Instructor Expectations:

I will make myself available after class for questions. 

Student Expectations:

Students are required to ensure that their contact information (e-mail and phone number) is up to date on both CUNYfirst and BC WebCentral. Students should also sign up for the CUNY Alerts notification system.

University Policies

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:

The faculty and administration of Brooklyn College support an environment free from cheating and plagiarism. Each student is responsible for being aware of what constitutes cheating and plagiarism and for avoiding both. The complete text of the CUNY Academic Integrity Policy and the Brooklyn College procedure for policy implementation can be found at www.brooklyn.cuny.edu/bc/policies. If a faculty member suspects a violation of academic integrity and, upon investigation, confirms that violation, or if the student admits the violation, the faculty member MUST report the violation.  

ACADEMIC DISABILITIES: 

In order to receive disability-related academic accommodations students must first be registered with the Center for Student Disability Services. Students who have a documented disability or suspect they may have a disability are invited to set up an appointment with the Director of the Center for Student Disability Services, Ms. Valerie Stewart-Lovell at (719) 951-5538. If you have already registered with the Center for Student Disability Services, please provide your professor with the course accommodation form and discuss your specific accommodation with him/her.

University Resources

The Learning Center

Address: 1300 Boylan Hall. Phone: 719-951-5821.

The Learning Center offers students free tutoring, help with writing, supplemental instruction and technological support for courses across the curriculum. Email the Learning Center for more information: [email protected]. 

Personal Counseling:

Address: 0203 James Hall; Phone: 719.951.5363

Personal counseling is available to Brooklyn College undergraduate and graduate students. A staff of psychologists, counselors and social workers are available to assist students with personal issues or problems they may experience during your academic years. Emergency consultations and referrals to outside services are also provided. Workshops are offered on stress management, time management, test anxiety, etc. Email Personal Counseling for more information: [email protected] 

Academic Calendar

The CUNY Academic Calendar: https://www.brooklyn.cuny.edu/web/about/administration/enrollment/registrar/bulletins/fall22/calendar.php

Class Schedule

Week 1: Introduction to Psychology / Reading: OpenStax Ch. 1 
Week 2: Foundations & Research Methods / Reading: OpenStax Ch. 1–2 
Week 3: Genetics, Evolution & Biopsychology / Reading: OpenStax Ch. 3 
Week 4: Learning Processes / Reading: OpenStax Ch. 6 
Week 5: Motivation & Emotion / Reading: OpenStax Ch. 10 
Week 6: MIDTERM EXAM 
Week 7: Memory, Thinking & Intelligence / Reading: OpenStax Ch. 8 & Ch. 7 
Week 8: Lifespan Development (Body, Thought & Language) / Reading: OpenStax Ch. 9 
Week 9: Social Development / Reading: OpenStax Ch. 9 
Week 10: Social Perception & Attitudes / Reading: OpenStax Ch. 12 
Week 11: Social Influence on Behavior / Reading: OpenStax Ch. 12 
Week 12: Personality / Reading: OpenStax Ch. 11 
Week 13: Psychological Disorders / Reading: OpenStax Ch. 15 
Week 14: FINAL EXAM (1–3 pm)

PSYCH 1000 INTRODUCTORY PSYCHOLOGY RESEARCH REQUIREMENT & SONA SYSTEM

INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS

The Psychology Department asks all students taking Psychology 1000 to participate in ongoing psychological research. The rationale behind the research participation requirement is twofold. First, the participant pool provides educational experience for students through (1) first-hand exposure to techniques and procedures of psychological research as a supplement to reading and classroom lectures, (2) facilitating an understanding of the function of research and the role of the researcher in psychology, and (3) the opportunity to learn about your reactions in specific situations. Second, the participant pool facilitates research for department students and faculty.

In order for students to receive a grade in PSYC 1000, they must participate in on-campus research or complete an alternative assignment. The requirement for the course is 3 hours of research participation. A study lasting ½ hour or less earns ½ hour of credit. A study lasting ½ to 1 hour earns 1-hour credit. A study lasting 1 to 1½ hours earns 1½ hours credit, and so forth. Students may accumulate the total of 3 hours credit in any combination. 

IMPORTANT NOTES: 

  • The hours earned through research via SONA do not add additional credits to the course, PSYC 1000 is a 3 credit course. 
  • If a student does not complete the research requirement, a temporary grade of Incomplete (INC) should be assigned. 
  • There is an alternative assignment option available to students who are under 18 years of age or who are unable to participate or choose not to participate in research. 

QUESTIONS?

For more information about the research requirement, SONA system, and alternative assignment contact: 

Prof. Curtis Hardin, Chair of the Psychology Subject Pool Committee

Department of Psychology 

Email: [email protected]

Office: 5113c James Hall 

STUDENT BILL OF RIGHTS

  1. You may refuse to participate in any particular study.
  2. You may withdraw from study while in progress with no penalty.
  3. You may request that the data obtained from your participation be destroyed and not used in any way. There is no penalty or loss of credit if your data are destroyed.
  4. It is the responsibility of the researcher to make the study an educational experience for you by providing information pertaining to the purpose and design of the study immediately after the data have been collected and analyzed.
  5. You have the option of arranging with your instructor to write a critique of a psychological journal article describing a study in lieu of participating in an experiment.
    • A paper is equal to 1 hour of research participation credit. Journal articles should be approved with the instructor in advance, and papers should be turned in to the instructor no later than the last regular class meeting.
  6. If you feel that your rights have been violated or wish to make any complaints, you may contact Professor Curtis Hardin.

PROCEDURES FOR MEETING THE RESEARCH PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENT 

SONA SYSTEM: 

Students must register via the SONA system to sign up for research projects. Please note that students must indicate their class (Instructor Semester and Section) in the Course(s) field to record their participation correctly. 

Signing up for the SONA system:

  • Go to http://brooklyncollege.sona-systems.com and create your personal participation account by clicking the link “New Participant? Request an account here.” 
  • Complete your name, enter an email address that you check regularly, and select the course in which you are enrolled. Your account information will be emailed to you immediately.
  • Note: Participation credit can be obtained only if you have a working account. Email Professor Curtis D. Hardin ([email protected]) for account questions.

Selecting research studies: 

Each study—including the type of research and specific days and hours participants are needed — is posted on the SONA System. Once you have an account, enter the system and click “Studies” to see a list of available studies and how to sign up for participation. The system keeps track of your credit and allows you to monitor your participation record.

Important notes: 

  • Be sure to note the time, location, and contact information of the researcher for the study you sign up for so that you will not miss your appointment and are able to contact them if you are running late.
  • You must arrive promptly at the assigned room for your study. If you are late, you may lose the chance to participate at that time.
  • You need to complete 3 research credits

ALTERNATIVE ASSIGNMENT 

Students may obtain the required 3 research credits by writing a critical review of 3 scholarly (peer reviewed) psychological journal articles in lieu of participating in an experiment. Each critical review is worth 1 research credit. 

***The requirement of the critical review is at the discretion of the instructor. For example, the critical review can include:

  • A concise summary of the main points discussed in the article. 
  • A brief description of any supporting data or evidence; Students reaction to the article. 
  • Each paper must be at least 2 pages in length (not including the header, title, or citations), be double spaced, with 1-inch margins and in 12-point Times New Roman font. You must attach the article to your paper. 

IMPORTANT: This is a requirement for the course – while it is not graded, failure to complete the research requirement/alternative assignment will result in an “Incomplete” (INC) grade (only if the student is passing the class) for Psychology 1000.