PSY113-Syllabus-LWT
PSY113-Syllabus-LWT
Department of Psychology
PSY113 Introduction to Psychology
Spring 2025
General Information
Required Text
Gross, J. J., Schmader, T., Hard, B. M., & Anderson, A. K. (2023). Interactive Psychology:
People in Perspective (2nd Ed.). W.W. Norton & Company; New York, NY, USA.
ISBN: 978-1-324-04501-4
The textbook for this course utilizes the university’s ‘inclusive access’ program. You
should be able to access the digital textbook and Inquisitive system required for this
course through Bright Space. Please only access inquisitive assignments through Bright
Space (or grades will not sync).
If you are having Tech issues, please use this link for support:
https://support.wwnorton.com/request.
Course Description
This course is an introduction to the vast scientific study of the human mind, emotions
and behaviors- the field of psychology. In this course, you will learn about the scientific
method and how we use it to understand human thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
You will learn about the many areas of focus in the psychology, including developmental
psychology (how we change across time from conception to death), cognitive
psychology (how we think, learn and remember), social psychology (how we interact,
relate, or influence others), and clinical psychology (mental health, its origins and
treatments) to name just a few. This course can help you understand yourself and
others! (Lecture and recitation, 3).
For students completing a B.S. or B.A. in Psychology, you will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a research-oriented knowledge base in Psychology including a working
knowledge of key content domains.
2. Apply intermediate-level critical thinking skills in the discipline of Psychology.
3. Discuss psychology-related issues in diversity.
4. Discuss psychology-related issues in ethics and global/civic concerns.
5. Demonstrate evidence-based knowledge in Developmental Psychology.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of key Psychology content domains.
Course Policies
1. Attendance and participation: I invite and encourage you to attend class and
recitation regularly. Coming to class allows you to interact with classmates, build
community, ask questions, hear others’ perspectives, and engage in meaningful,
planned, or spontaneous, discussions and activities. Attendance also plays a crucial role
in learning and course success. I take attendance regularly, as do your recitation
instructors.
If you are not feeling well, please do not come to class (see the “University Policies”
section of this syllabus for more details on Viral Illnesses protocols in particular).
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You do not need to communicate your absence(s) to me, unless you believe you qualify
for an excused absence (such as an extended documented illness, military duty, jury
duty, athletic event, or other sanctioned event) based on the course and university
illness policies.
Communicating your absence does not automatically provide extensions for any missed
assignments. You must communicate with me to discuss missed assignments. You must
complete missed assignments (that I approve for submission/extension) within 72 hours
of the original missed due date.
2. Class format: This class is primarily lecture based, but I encourage you to participate in
class discussions, sharing your thoughts, questions, and critiques. I will ask that you form
small groups within the class, and each week your group will meet for a few minutes to
touch base, create community, and share questions or thoughts about course content.
Please exchange information during the semester so that you have a support group you
can count on for information. The groups remain the same throughout the semester.
This class has 2 components: lecture and recitation. You will meet in your lecture
‘section’ twice each week, and in your smaller ‘recitation’ once each week. Recorded
attendance in sections and recitations, both count toward your attendance grade in the
main course (section).
Chapter reading and Inquizitive assignments are due each week, before we discuss the
course content in class. This approach supports learning and memory, according to
research in the area. Chapter quizzes are due each week, after we have discussed
course content in sections and recitations.
When participating in class discussions, keep in mind some basic rules:
3. Communications: Be sure to check your student email account daily during the
semester and set up your Brightspace account so that you receive email notifications of
any course announcements.
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When you e-mail me, please include the course number AND section that you are in
with me in the subject line of your email.
It is my policy to check my email daily, and to respond to email within 48 hours during
the week, excluding weekends and holidays. I do not read or answer email over
weekends or holidays.
4. Exams: There is a midterm exam and final exam in this course. The midterm exam will
be in class and will be a true/false, multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer
type exam. You must take it in class, unless you have an accommodation previously
documented and shared with me. In that case, you must arrange to take the exam in
the testing center. Your appointment to take the exam must be on the same day
scheduled for the class. PLAN AHEAD, make your appointment NOW, so you can get
the date needed.
The final exam will likely be online, on the final exam date scheduled on the course
calendar. The same rules apply as those noted above for the midterm (regarding the
due date and accommodations). The final exam will be cumulative.
5. Academic Integrity: Do your own work. Do not use AI or someone else’s work to pass
as your own. Do not load assignments onto other sites or drives, like Chegg, Course
Hero, or the Greek Life hard drive. Just do the work. Your future self will thank you for
the effort and the long-term gains of knowledge and skill.
Any work you submit that is determined to be other than your own thoughts, ideas, or
original writings for this course is a breach of the university policy for academic
integrity and will be treated as such. This also includes the absence of citations
according to APA guidelines. See the university student manual for information
regarding academic integrity.
6. Class Audio Recording: If you would like to record audio for lectures, you must first
obtain my permission. Any audio recording of the class is intended solely for your
educational use and must not be edited, shared, displayed, or disseminated in any
form. Class lectures are the academic property of the lecturer/professor and should
not be shared with other students or posted on social media or any other platform.
Video recording of lectures by students is PROHIBITED.
a. However, please note that while student recordings of lectures are
prohibited, the instructor will record the class. These videos may
include both video and audio of you. These recordings may be reused
for reference in this class and other psychology classes. If you wish to
be excluded from these recordings, please contact me before class so
that we can accommodate your request.
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Course Activities
1. Inquizitive (30 pts.): Inquizitive is an online adaptive and gamified learning system that
helps you master key concepts and theories in the chapter readings. We will discuss this
system in class the first week of the semester. The first assignment in Inquizitive is a
‘how-to’ walk-through designed to assist your understanding of the learning platform. In
this system, you can answer the ‘minimum’ number of questions/points or continue to
answer questions to improve your score. This system rewards effort, and aids learning
and memory.
Chapter readings and Inquizitive assignments are due each week. The reading and
Inquizitive assignments are due the weekend before we discuss the content in class.
Extensions are not allowed except for documented excused absences. Due dates are the
day assignments are due, not the suggested day you complete the assignment. Plan
your time wisely so you do not miss assignments due to unexpected events.
2. Chapter quizzes (25 pts.): Chapter quizzes (in Brightspace) are due each week after we
have discussed content in class. They are typically due by Sunday night (except for
holidays or breaks). There are no extensions allowed except for documented excused
absences.
3. Class attendance (6 pts.): Come to class. I track attendance for every class session.
You may miss up to 3 class sessions without point deductions. Point deductions are
equivalent to the % of attendance missed for the semester.
5. Exams (30 pts.): There is a midterm exam and final exam in this course. The midterm
exam will be in class and will be a true/false, multiple choice, fill in the blank, and
short answer type exam. You must take it in class, unless you have an accommodation
previously documented and shared with me. In that case, you must arrange to take
the exam in the testing center. Your appointment to take the exam must be on the
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same day scheduled for the class. PLAN AHEAD, make your appointment NOW, so you
can get the date needed.
The final exam will likely be online, on the final exam date scheduled on the course
calendar. The same rules apply as those noted above for the midterm (regarding the
due date and accommodations). The final exam will be cumulative.
Grading
1. Calculating your final course grade: You may calculate your final course grade by
totaling the items noted above in the activities section, with a total possible point
value of 100. See the descriptions of each of these items above and their
corresponding point values. See the point values below, and the percentages used to
determine your final course letter grade.
2. Points by category
a. Inquizitve 30
b. Chapter Quizzes 25
c. Class attendance 6
d. Recitation attendance & participation 4
e. SONA participation 5
f. Exams (2) 30
3. Grading Scale
Letter Percentage
A 93-100%
A- 90-92%
B+ 87-89%
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B 83-86%
B- 80-82%
C+ 77-79%
C 73-76%
C- 70-72%
D+ 67-69%
D 60-66%
F 0-60%
5. Teaching Philosophy: I am here to guide you through material for which I have a level
of expertise. I recognize people learn differently, and I do my best to address those
differences in my teaching style through assignments and activities and by being open
to conversations with students about course content, career options, or life. I am here
to guide you, to mentor you, and to help you learn some interesting things that will
hopefully be meaningful for your life, personally and professionally. I strive to make
my classroom a safe environment founded on principles of inclusivity, diversity, and
accessibility. I am learning along the way, too. I always work at becoming a better
educator. Life is a journey for all of us!
6. Syllabus change: Please note that both the course schedule and syllabus contents are
subject to change throughout the semester. Please attend to any changes
communicated via email, in-class announcements or the Learning management system
announcements.
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University Policies
3. Religious holidays and university sanctioned events: If you are planning on missing
class because of a religious holiday that traditionally precludes secular activity, you will
not be penalized for missing class. However, you are responsible for informing me in
advance that you will be missing class, and you will be responsible for making up any
missed work within 24 hours of the missed class. A complete list of religious holidays
can be found at: interfaith calendar. If you are planning to be absent from classes for
university-sanctioned events, you must discuss this with me at least one week in
advance of the sanctioned event(s).
4. Military Service: Per federal law, students may not be penalized for absences due to
United States Armed Forces and/or National Guard duty assignments. See the
University Manual Section 8.51.12 for further details.
5. Rhody Outpost Basic Needs Pantry: Food insecurity affects up to 30% of college
students. That means you might not have enough food to get through a day or week,
you don’t have money to purchase groceries or personal products, or you are
primarily eating foods that don’t provide a lot of nutrition because they’re all you can
afford. This can all impact your academic success.
Rhody Outpost provides URI students who are food insecure with emergency food
services and resources. The Outpost is housed at the Dining Services Warehouse at 10
Tootell Road, between Flagg Road and West Alumni Avenue. They are open every
Friday from 3-5:30. Any student in need is welcome to visit the Outpost after filling
out a brief request form. If you have questions about food or housing insecurity,
contact Barbara Sweeney, Coordinator of Food Security Outreach, at
[email protected], or 401-874-5633. They want to help all students succeed
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and make URI a place with #NoRamHungry.
6. Mental Health and Wellness: We understand that college comes with challenges
and stress associated with your courses, job/family responsibilities and personal life.
URI offers students a range of services to support your mental health and wellbeing,
including the URI Counseling Center, TELUS Health Student Support App, the Wellness
Resource Center, and Well-being Coaching.
a. Mental Health and Wellness:
i. We understand that college comes with challenges and stress associated
with your courses, job/family responsibilities and personal life. URI offers
students a range of services to support your mental health and wellbeing,
including the URI Counseling Center, TELUS Health Student Support App,
the Wellness Resource Center, and Well-being Coaching.
ii. The URI Counseling Center :If you are in crisis: Call us at 401.874.2288 to
be connected with a counselor. note: after hours calls are answered by
counselors from MySSP.
iii. Suicide Hotline :If you are in crisis: Call us at 401.273.8255 OR 988 to be
connected with a counselor.
7. Anti-Bias Statement: We respect the rights and dignity of each individual and group.
We reject prejudice and intolerance, and we work to understand differences. We
believe that equity and inclusion are critical components for campus community
members to thrive. If you are a target or a witness of a bias incident, you are
encouraged to submit a report to the URI Bias Response Team at www.uri.edu/brt.
There you will also find people and resources to help.
8. Disability, Access, and Inclusion Services for Students Statement: Your access in
this course is important. Please send me your Disability, Access, and Inclusion (DIA)
accommodation letter early in the semester so that we have adequate time to discuss
and arrange your approved academic accommodations. If you have not yet established
services through DAI, please contact them to engage in a confidential conversation
about the process for requesting reasonable accommodations in the classroom. DAI
can be reached by calling: 401-874-2098, visiting their website at
web.uri.edu/disability, or emailing: [email protected]. We are available to meet with
students enrolled in Kingston as well as Providence courses.
9. Center for Career and Experiential Education: The Center for Career and
Experiential Education (CCEE) supports undergraduate students with career
preparation through one-on-one advising, 24-7 online resources, career education
courses, and career events that prepare you for life after graduation and connect you
with employers and community partners. Your Career Education Specialist (CES) is
available to meet with you all year long, as early as your first-year, both in-person and
virtually, to assist with exploring your career options, resume and cover letter writing,
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interview preparation, job and internship search, and more. We use Handshake to
connect you to on and off campus jobs and internships and RhodyServes to connect
you with volunteer opportunities in RI. Our team on the first floor of Roosevelt Hall can
help you learn how to use Handshake effectively to find amazing opportunities. For
more information or to meet with a CES, go to uri.edu/career.
10. Academic Enhancement Center: The Academic Enhancement Center (AEC) offers
face-to-face and online services to undergraduate students seeking academic support.
Services are based out of Roosevelt Hall, the Carothers Library room LL004, and online.
• Peer tutoring is available for STEM & BUS-related courses through the Drop-In
Center and small-group tutoring.
• The Writing Center peer consultants offer feedback focused on supporting
undergraduate writers at any stage of a writing assignment.
• The UCS 160 and 161 courses and one-to-one Academic Skills Consultations
offer strategies for improving studying and test-taking skills.
a. STEM & BUS Tutoring helps undergraduate students navigate a variety of 100 and
200 level STEM & BUS courses through free peer tutoring in-person and online.
Students can select occasional or weekly tutoring sessions through the TracCloud
system or visit the Drop-In Center, located in the Carothers Library lower-level
room LL004. The TracCloud application is available URI Microsoft 365 single sign-on
and more detailed information and instructions can be found
at uri.edu/aec/tutoring.
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consultations are available through 1) 25- or 50-minute in-person appointments,
2) synchronous online appointments, and 3) asynchronous written
feedback. Students can view availability and book online through URI Microsoft
365 single sign-on via the WCOnline (Undergrad) app. For more information,
visit uri.edu/aec/writing.
11. Other policies: See the student handbook for details on the many university policies
regarding student conduct and rights. You may find a copy of the student handbook
HERE.
If you would like to discuss personal issues with someone who is not required
to report sexual assault, on-campus mental health counselors in Student
Counseling, medical staff in Student Health Services, Violence Prevention and
Advocacy Staff, or other off-campus resources such as Domestic Violence
Research Center of South County (61 Main St., Wakefield, RI, 401-782-3990)
and South County Hospital (100 Kenyon Ave., Wakefield, RI, 401-782-8010) are
available. The Office of Student Counseling will maintain strict confidentiality
for all subject matters except for imminent danger to self or others. In those
cases, Student Counseling may break confidentiality to the extent needed to
keep everyone safe.
b. Academic Integrity: You are expected to be honest in all academic work. Your
name on any written work, quiz or exam shall be regarded as assurance that
the work is the result of your own independent thought and study. Work
should be stated in your own words, properly attributed to its source. You have
an obligation to know how to quote, paraphrase, summarize, cite, and
reference the work of others with integrity. The following are examples of
academic dishonesty:
i. Using material, directly or paraphrasing, from published sources (print
or electronic) without appropriate citation
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ii. Claiming disproportionate credit for work not done independently
iii. Unauthorized possession or access to exams
iv. Unauthorized communication during exams
v. Unauthorized use of another’s work or preparing work for another
student
vi. Taking an exam for another student
vii. Altering or attempting to alter grades
viii. The use of notes or electronic devices to gain an unauthorized
advantage during exams
ix. Fabricating or falsifying facts, data or references
x. Facilitating or aiding another’s academic dishonesty
xi. Submitting the same paper for more than one course without prior
approval from the instructors.
Please review the contents of the syllabus before the first day of the semester. By
continuing in the course after receiving the syllabus, you agree to the expectations herein.
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Course Schedule
01/29 (W) Campus safety, Study Skills, Stress Inquizitive ‘How to” & CH. 1 due by 11pm, 2/2/25
02/12 (W) Chapter 2: Research Methods Inquizitive Ch. 3 & Ch. 2 Quiz due by 11pm, 2/16/25
02/24 (M) Chapter 3: Brain, Mind, & Behavior Inquizitive Ch. 5 & Ch. 3 Quiz due by 11pm, 2/25/25
03/19 (W) Chapter 7: Memory Inquizitive Ch. 8 & Ch. 7 Quiz due by 11pm, 3/23/25
04/02 (W) Chapter 9: Motivation & Emotion Inquizitive Ch. 11 & Ch. 9 Quiz due 11pm, 4/6/25
04/09 (W) Chapter 11: Development Inquizitive Ch.12 & Ch.11 Quiz due 11pm, 4/13/25
04/16 (W) Chapter 12: Personality Inquizitive Ch. 13 & Ch. 12 Quiz due by 11pm, 4/20/25
04/23 (W) Chapter 14: Therapies Inquizitive Ch. 15 & Ch. 13 Quiz due by 11pm, 4/27/25
Recitation: Review for final exam
04/28 (M) Chapter 15: Social Psychology
04/30 (W) Chapter 15: Social Psychology Ch. 15 Quiz due by 11pm, 04/30/25
05/07 (W) FINAL EXAM: 6:30-8:30pm Final Exam 6:30-8:30pm
*Course schedule is tentative. Changes in the course schedule will be announced in class
or by email or on the course Brightspace page. Students are responsible for checking their
email and the Brightspace course for information.