Introduction to General Psychology
welcome
My name is Dr. Oscar V. Torres, your professor for General Psychology (PSYC 101) at San Diego Mesa College.
I am excited to have you join me this fall semester. Introduction to Psychology is always an interesting topic and an evolving discipline. I look forward to exploring the science, trends, and practical applications with you in the weeks ahead. I hope the information below will help get us off to a great start.
My email is otorres002@sdccd.edu. When emailing, please use “PSYC 101” as the subject title.
Professor’s Name: Dr. Oscar V. Torres
Course Number: PSYC 101
Course Title - General Psychology
Class Dates: 02/22/2023 – 08/17/2023
Location: Virtual
Class Room: Virtual via Canvas
Meeting Time: No Set Meeting Times
Professor’s Email: otorres002@sdccd.edu (When emailing, use “PSYC 101” as the subject title) or you can use the Canvas email system.
Professor’s Mesa Office: Virtual Office Hours: Monday and Wednesdays 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm; or by appointment
Professor’s Office Phone: (619) 388-2223
Our Educational Pact
As a professor, I value and make the following commitments to students. This is what you can expect from me:
I promise to provide a supportive and safe learning environment for all students.
I promise to provide a high-quality curriculum and instruction to all students.
I promise to routinely review student achievements during this course.
I promise to keep in communication with students and be available for discussion as needed.
I promise to be fair and consistent when grading all student assignments, exams, and quizzes.
As your professor, I will also expect the following from all students:
I expect students to respect others in all class activities and discussion boards.
All students are expected to complete assignments, quizzes, or exams on time.
Students are expected to maintain an active role in their own learning by reading the course materials.
Students are expected to initiate communication with me when they need support regarding class materials.
Students are expected to maintain honesty by being truthful and always uphold academic integrity well as transparency.
About this Class
This course is a survey of the concepts, principles and terminology of psychology as a science. Emphasis is placed on introducing students to the diverse areas that make up the field of psychology, preparing students for further study in the behavioral sciences and providing students with greater insight into human behavior. This course is designed for students planning to take advanced courses in the Social and Behavioral Sciences and/or students majoring in Psychology.
Teaching Philosophy
My overarching objectives as a teacher are to ensure my students master fundamental course content and become members of our learning community. In order to accomplish these objectives, I rely on 3 principles: 1) excite students’ interest in the course material and the field of Psychology, 2) allow students to develop as community members while also providing the best guidance possible, and 3) reinforce diversity and highlight the importance of inclusion while learning. These fundamental principles are intended to provide the best education possible to all students so that they are prepared to meet future challenges and support one another.
Week 1 Success
This virtual classroom represents a professional environment where academic discussions and learning may take place. As such, Canvas email is the best form of communication between Instructors and students.
To get started make sure to log into our course every other day and read the course modules and watch the recorded video. Taking notes on the recorded video lecture is the best way to get stated for week 1.
This course can move quickly, so read each update carefully and you have any questions, please feel free and reach out to me any time!
My Advice for Success
My advice for student success has 7 main points.
1) Log into Canvas regularly and spend some reviewing the recorded lectures.
2) Login to your textbooks and read the assigned chapter for the week.
3) Develop a schedule where you have time to compete homework assignments.
4) If you have questions, be sure to email me anytime.
5) Be well-prepared before taking any exam. If you need more time to study, just ask.
6) Login to live-online office hours with prepared questions regarding the material.
7) Have fun with the material and enjoy the curriculum, after all, this is for you : -)
Course Goals
Upon successful completion of Psychology 101, students will be able to:
1. Describe the field of Psychology including a history of its philosophical and scientific roots, the role of women, contemporary perspectives and professional options.
2. Explain how the scientific method lends itself to the goals of scientific research and relates to the methods of psychological research and statistical analysis of research data.
3. Apply the principles of behavioral neuroscience to explain how the nervous and endocrine systems communicate with the brain and affect brain function.
4. Compare and contrast longitudinal versus cross-sectional research methods as a means of studying human development from the prenatal period through adulthood.
5. Define psychophysics and explain how physical stimulation such as light and sound waves, smell, taste and touch produce distinct mental experiences.
Support for You
Here at San Diego Mesa College, we are a community and we want our students to be supported and cared about. Below are some helpful student-support services offered by our campus:
Need help with your classes? Can we support you with the course material? Here at MT2C ONLINE TUTORING we offer many online support and tutoring sessions for all Mesa students!
For student counseling and course guidance, please visit the MESA COLLEGE COUNSELING and schedule an appointment today!
Students with different learning abilities may contact Disabled Students Services. Find out more at Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS).
Student veterans are always welcomed and there are many recourses for our service members at Student Veteran Affairs!
Are you new to the United States and want to further your education? No problem, here at San Diego Mesa college we got you covered with many student services and aid at the Diego Promise Program.