Course Syllabus

Fall 2025 | PSY-1010-VR01 - Introduction to Psychology

In Person Class

Standard courses meet in person at CCV centers, typically once each week for the duration of the semester.

Faculty

Craig Knapp
View Faculty Credentials
View Faculty Statement
Hiring Coordinator for this course: Philip Crossman

General Education Requirements

VSCS Social Sciences

Note

Many degree programs have specific general education recommendations. In order to avoid taking unnecessary classes, please consult with additional resources like your program evaluation, your academic program catalog year page, and your academic advisor.

Courses may only be used to meet one General Education Requirement.

Course Description

This course is a survey of the basic issues, concepts, theories, and methods of psychology. Students explore the scientific approach to understanding human behavior through a study of sensory processes, perception, emotion, motivation, intelligence, learning, and personality formation.

Essential Objectives

1. Discuss the development of psychology as a social science, including practices that create, maintain, or dismantle social inequalities.
2. Analyze how current research in neuroscience influences our understanding of the biological and environmental foundations of behavior.
3. Explore how environmental stimuli are sensed and perceived.
4. Describe the nature of consciousness and its relationship to psychological well-being.
5. Experiment with learning and memory formation and evaluate how intelligence is measured.
6. Understand key milestones in language, cognitive, and socio-moral development.
7. Compare theories of motivation and emotion.
8. Identify psychodynamic, behavioral, social, cognitive, and humanistic theories of personality and discuss the approach each takes to understanding human behavior.
9. Discuss how individuals and groups are influenced in social settings over time.
10. Evaluate how socio-cultural norms and values shape psychological diagnosis and treatment and discuss the importance of cultural competence in the field of psychology.
11. Demonstrate proficiency in understanding the scientific method and in interpreting and evaluating statistical and other quantitative data as applied to human behavior in an ethical manner.
12. Explore the scope and diversity of career opportunities in the field of psychology and related professions through assignments such as informational interviews, job shadows, or other career exploration activities.

Required Technology

More information on general computer and internet recommendations is available on the CCV computer recommendations Support page.

Please see CCV's Digital Equity Statement (pg. 45) to learn more about CCV's commitment to supporting all students access the technology they need to successfully finish their courses.

Required Textbooks and Resources

This course uses one or more textbooks/books/simulations, along with free Open Educational Resources (OER) and/or library materials.

Fall 2025 textbook/book details will be available on 2025-05-19. On that date a link will be available below that will take you to eCampus, CCV's bookstore. The information provided there will be specific to this class. Please see this page for more information regarding the purchase of textbooks/books.

PSY-1010-VR01 Link to Textbooks for this course in eCampus.

For Open Educational Resources (OER) and/or library materials details, see the Canvas Site for this class.

The last day to use a Financial Aid Advance to purchase textbooks/books is the 3rd Tuesday of the semester. See your financial aid counselor at your academic center if you have any questions.

Artificial Intelligence(AI) Policy Statement

CCV recognizes that artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI tools are widely available and becoming embedded in many online writing and creative applications.

Integrated: This course's generative AI policy acknowledges the use of AI is an essential skill in today's world. By using genAI for specific purposes, students become equipped with relevant skills and tools necessary to thrive in a technology-driven society. Emphasizing the mastery of generative AI should empower you to harness its potential, enhancing your problem-solving abilities and preparing you for future challenges and opportunities. Be aware, however, that any time generative AI is used at any point in the assignment without attribution it may be considered a violation of CCV's Academic Integrity Policy.

Methods

Each week, time in class will be allotted for discussion of assigned readings, other assignments, presentations, and other topics that arise. Chapter reading assignments are in the main text (Rathus, 2022, 7th ed.) unless otherwise noted. Teaching methods used in this course will include:

• lectures by the instructor and guest speakers (as scheduled);

• weekly required readings from the text and recommended supplemental sources;

• assessment of course knowledge based on written tests completed by students;

• group discussions;

• multimedia presentations and resources;

• written and oral reports of a field study project conducted by students related to the profession of psychology;

• a personal assessment of learning in which students reflect on their learning derived from the course and ways in which they envision using that information in their future personal and professional endeavors.

Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation methods and percentage of the final grade for this course are as follows:

1. Quizzes and Tests (60%)

2. Completion of a Field Study Project Related to the Field of Human Services (20%)

3. Final Assessment of Learning (10%)

4. Attendance and Active Participation in Class (10%)

Grading Criteria

CCV Letter Grades as outlined in the Evaluation System Policy are assigned according to the following chart:

	High	Low
A+	100	98
A	Less than 98	93
A-	Less than 93	90
B+	Less than 90	88
B	Less than 88	83
B-	Less than 83	80
C+	Less than 80	78
C	Less than 78	73
C-	Less than 73	70
D+	Less than 70	68
D	Less than 68	63
D-	Less than 63	60
F	Less than 60
P	100	60
NP	Less than 60	0

Weekly Schedule

Completion of student contact forms.
Review of course syllabus, goals, field project and
assessment of learning.Discussion of library resources
and characteristics of effective psychologists and
professionals within the human services field.

Discussion of course content, readings, and requirements.
Online and media materials may be used.
Completion of contact forms and Ch.1 Table 1.3 in class
(characteristics of effective professionals within the helping profesions).

Discussion of readings and student perspectives.  
Online and media materials may be used.
Guest speakers may present (as scheduled).

9/18/2025 Biology and Psychology

Discussion of course content with in-class exercises. Online and media material may be used. Guest speakers as scheduled.
Field Study Proposal Due
Test #1 (Ch 1-3)

Discussion of course content with in-class exercises. 
Online and media material may be used.
Guest speakers as scheduled

Discussion of course content within-class exercises. 
Online and media material may be used. 
Guest speakers as scheduled
Test #2 (Ch 4-5)

Discussion of course content within-class exercises.
Online and media material may be used. 
Guest speakers as scheduled
Mid-semester course evaluation

Discussion of course content within-class exercises. 
Online and media material may be used. 
Guest speakers as scheduled
Test #3 (Ch. 6-7)

Discussion of course content within-class exercises. 
Online and media material may be used. 
Guest speakers as scheduled
NOTE: Field Study Report Due on 11/13/2025

Discussion of course content within-class exercises. 
Online and media material may be used. 
Guest speakers as scheduled
Test #4 (Ch 8-9)

Discussion of course content within-class exercises. 
Online and media material may be used. 
Guest speakers as scheduled
Field Study Report Due

Discussion of course content within-class exercises. 
Online and media material may be used. 
Guest speakers as scheduled
Test #5 (Ch 10-11)
NOTE: AOL is due on 12/4/2025 at the beginning of class

Discussion of course content within-class exercises. 
Online and media material may be used. 
Guest speakers as scheduled
Test #6 (Optional)
Oral Field Study Reports (as scheduled)
Assessment of Learning (AOL) due at beginning of class

Discussion of course content within-class exercises. 
Online and media material may be used. 
Oral Reports of Field Study (as scheduled)
Discussion of Course and Future plans

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance and participation in classes are essential for success in and are completion requirements for courses at CCV. A student's failure to meet attendance requirements as specified in course descriptions will normally result in a non-satisfactory grade.

• In general, missing more than 20% of a course due to absences, lateness or early departures may jeopardize a student's ability to earn a satisfactory final grade.
• Attending an on-ground or synchronous course means a student appeared in the live classroom for at least a meaningful portion of a given class meeting. Attending an online course means a student posted a discussion forum response, completed a quiz or attempted some other academically required activity. Simply viewing a course item or module does not count as attendance.
• Meeting the minimum attendance requirement for a course does not mean a student has satisfied the academic requirements for participation, which require students to go above and beyond simply attending a portion of the class. Faculty members will individually determine what constitutes participation in each course they teach and explain in their course descriptions how participation factors into a student's final grade.

Participation Expectations

Full participation requires active and thoughtful engagement in class each week. The following habits and skills are important. You'll have the opportunity to self-assess and receive instructor feedback on each of these areas throughout the course, at the mid-point and at the end of the semester.

1. Attendance is expected and will be recorded. Attendance and active participation in the course are factored into the final grade for the course. Attend class regularly, on-time, and for the full session.
2. Complete all of the week's reading and assignments before the start of class
3. Listen to others attentively and with an open mind
4. Positively contribute to class discussions and activities
5. Ask questions and seek help when you need it
6. Challenge yourself to do your best work

Rathus is an accomplished author. However, students are encouraged to consult supplemental sources regarding material described in the text, with an emphasis on primary sources when available. Additional Resources cited in the text and sources available through the library can assist in developing a greater context and depth of knowledge regarding the process of human growth and development across the lifespan and the relevance of the course to your own personal life. I will be happy to assist with this process.

All of the faculty at the College are committed to helping students develop effective written and oral communication skills. I encourage you to prepare outlines and drafts of papers, and to have them reviewed by an independent “editor,” prior to preparing the final draft of your papers. I am also willing to help in this regard if drafts are provided to me in a timely manner.

Given the nature of this course, personal issues and public cases are sometimes raised in the course of class discussion. As a condition of taking this class, course participants are expected to treat these issues with sensitivity, to treat as confidential all information regarding cases discussed, and to respect the privacy and confidentiality of information which may be divulged by any other member of the course. Public disclosure of any personal information by a student is not a requirement of this course.

Missing & Late Work Policy

• Assignments are due by the deadline noted on the syllabus, even when you need to be absent. In case of necessity and with advance notice, assignmentscan be emailed to me at cwk00067@ccv.edu.
• You are responsible for getting notes, materials and assignments for any class which you may miss. Please reach out and ask questions if anything is unclear.
• Plan to complete any assignment for the next class meeting on time. Being absent is not an excuse for not completing any work assigned on the date of the class that you missed. Due dates are detailed in the syllabus.
• Late work will be accepted only in the case of an extenuating circumstance. Please communicate as early as you can with me about the need to miss class and/or assignments.

Experiential Learning Expectations

Hours: 15 or more

Students will complete a field study of their own choosing (discussed with and approved by the instructor) in order to obtain knowledge and perspective about different aspects of the profession of Psychology and particularly their own area of interest within the field.

Students should plan to conduct some independent inquiry and research regarding the history and nature of the field of psychology and their selected primary area(s) of inquiry, as well as benefits, issues, concerns, controversies and ethical issues (if any) regarding the current status of the profession and the application of psychological science and techniques provided by federal, state, community, and advocacy organizations as well as individual or group providers.

Further, opportunities will be provided for students to visit one or more organizations or agencies and to interview staff and/or administrators in those programs to discuss the use of psychological providers and/or procedures within their programs.. Guest speakers may present in class and students are encouraged to use those opportunities to make appointments for visiting and interviewing them in their respective organizations. Students are encouraged to suggest speakers for the class if they have contacts that would benefit the class.

Students are also encouraged to develop and/or update a resume and to bring it with them when visiting agencies and programs. I am happy to review and make recommendations for your resume if you provide me with a copy and are available to discuss it.

Once completed, students will present the results of their study in a final written report and in class with due regard for the privacy of individuals interviewed.

The field of psychology is vast with many opportunities for internships and employment. This course and this field study can be an enjoyable and enriching opportunity for interested students to begin a rewarding career in the profession. Further information regarding this project will be discussed in class.

Accessibility Services for Students with Disabilities:

1. Provide disability documentation to the Accessibility Coordinator at your academic center. https://ccv.edu/discover-resources/students-with-disabilities/
2. Request an appointment to meet with accessibility coordinator to discuss your request and create an accommodation plan.
3. Once created, students will share the accommodation plan with faculty. Please note, faculty cannot make disability accommodations outside of this process.

Academic Integrity

Apply Now for this semester.