This course consists of a survey of the major topics in psychology; analysis of psychological research; intelligence, memory, and thinking; the biological basis of behavior; emotions, perception and sensation, motivation; wellness and stress; personality; heredity and learning; developmental psychology; social psychology, abnormal psychology (including therapy and treatment); and states of consciousness. Some sections of this course are taught in the computer lab; computer literacy skills are recommended.
Course Alignment
General Education Outcomes are the knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and behaviors that students are expected to develop as a result of their overall experiences with any aspect of the college, including courses, programs, and student services, both inside and outside of the classroom. The General Education Outcomes specifically learned in this course are:
- Critical Thinking
IAI: S6 900. AAS: Social and behavioral science elective. IAI: S6 900 Social and behavioral science.
Faculty Contact Information
Course Information
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of psychological research and evidence.
- Demonstrate an understanding of states of consciousness such as attention, sleep and dreaming, hypnosis and drug use.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the leading social factors that influence behavior, esp. how we relate to, influence, and think about people.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of learning and memory, and the major kinds of learning.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how psychological factors influence physical health.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the functions and operations of cognitive processes.
- Demonstrate an understanding of major principles of sensation and perception.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the kinds, causes, prevention, and treatments of psychological disorders and ways of coping with them.
- Demonstrate an understanding of major developmental changes that occur during the main stages of the lifespan.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the contributions of both heredity and learning to human behavior.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the functions and operations of the major parts of the brain and nervous system.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the causes, nature and effects of emotions.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the major principles of motivation.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the main theories of personality.
- Topical Outline
- Research Methods
- Biological Processes and Neuroscience
- Sensation and Perception
- Consciousness
- Learning and Behaviorism
- Memory and Cognition
- Human Development
- Personality Theory
- Social Psychology
- Stress and Health
- Psychological Disorders and Treatments
Grison, S., Chew, S. L., & Glover, E. (2026). Psychology in your life (5th ed.). W. W. Norton & Company
Grading
Online chapter quizzes via CANVAS
Online posts
Group Assignment
The grading breakdown is:
Quizzes – 40%
Assignments - 30%
Group Assignment – 30 %
Grading Scale
A --- (100 – 90%)
B --- (90 – 80%)
C --- (80 – 70%)
D --- (70 - 60%)
F --- less than 60%
This scale is non-negotiable
Liberal Arts & Sciences
Dean, Jennifer Huggins; 815-802-8484; R310; jhuggins@kcc.edu; Division Office- W102; 815-802-8700
General Set up of the class:
1. POSTING REQUIREMENTS: Each week there will be discussion sections. Please respond with an original post/answer.
2. Also in the folder for each week, there may be possible video clips and other reading materials. Please pay close attention to the discussion question as it may require you to watch or read the other materials prior to completion.
3. There are also weekly online quizzes. The quizzes will open at the start of the week and will close at 11:59 on Saturday night. Please be aware and take the quiz prior to the close of the quiz. I will not reopen a quiz once it has closed.
| Date | Chapter Assignment Due |
| August 16 – August 23 | Introductions Online |
| August 24 – August 30 | Chapter 1 –Psychology in your Life Chapter 2 – The Role of Biology |
| August 31 – September 6 | Chapter 3 – Consciousness Chapter 4 – Development |
| September 7 – September 13 | Chapter 5 – Sensation and Perception Chapter 6 – Learning |
| September 14 – September 20 | Chapter 7– Memory Chapter 8 – Thinking and Intelligence |
| September 21 – September 27 | Chapter 9 – Motivation and Emotion Chapters 10 – Sex Gender and Wellbeing |
| September 28 – October 4 | Chapter 12 – Social Psychology Chapters 13 – Self and Personality |
| October 5– October 9 | Chapter 14 – Psychological Disorders Chapter 15 – Psychological Treatments |
College Policies, Resources and Supports
For information related to the Student Code of Conduct Policy, Withdrawal Policy, Email Policy, and Non- Attendance/Non-Participation Policy, please review the college’s Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations webpage, which can be found at catalog.kcc.edu under the Academic Regulations & Conduct Guide.
KCC offers various academic and personal resources for all students. Many services are offered virtually, as well as in person. Please visit Student Resources - Kankakee Community College to access student resources services such as:
- Clubs and organizations
- Counseling and referral services
- Office of disability services
- Student complaint policy
- Transfer services
- Tutoring services, etc.
The materials on this course are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this course. Further information regarding KCC's copyright policy is available at https://kcc.libguides.com/copyright.
|Course syllabus/calendar is subject to change.