Psychology 2101

Psychology of Adjustment

Etta Lee, Associate Professor

229 391 5085

Office hours: see attachment

Email: elee@abac.edu

Texts:  Weiten, Wayne and Lloyd, Margaret, Psychology Applied to Modern Life:  Adjustment in the 21^st Century

Description: Psychology of Adjustment ( PSYC 2101) examines mental hygiene, growth and choices we make as we adjust to our world.  Challenges and problems associated with different stages of maturation and areas of social interaction are addressed.  These areas include individual Microsystems such as home, office, and school and their impact upon each other.  Larger social systems such as community and macro-culture will be also explored in an effort to understand the importance of context.

Objectives:

Upon completing PSYC 2101, you will have been exposed to five major unit objectives and should gain both a conceptual and practical (applied) understanding of the material: 

Personal growth and adjustment

    The student will describe and apply the major personality theories.

    The student will describe the effects of stress and the different coping mechanisms.

    The student will identify factors that affect the definition of self and others.

    The student will describe major milestones in human development.

Interpersonal relationships

    The student will list and describe factors that affect and define relationships (communications, conflict, love, marriage, etc)

Development

    The student will describe factors and effects of development including gender issues.

Work and career

    The student will explore different career choices and the impact of work on self and relationships

 Mental and physical health

    The student will identify factors that affect physical and mental health.   

    The student will identify and define psychological disorders.

To complete this course you should be able to communicate your ability to understand these concepts in both oral and written form.  This course is a four-fold learning process with respect to the material:  definition of the concepts covered, assessment of yourself, application of knowledge to enrich your own growth, and evaluation of the application process.

Assessment:  There will be two major components of your overall grade.

Unit exams (400 points)

There will be approximately 4 exams each worth 100 points each.  Each exam will be taken individually and will cover material from one unit.  There will be a mixture of some multiple-choice, some short answer, and essay questions on each exam. Final exam will cover the last unit.

Journal (100 pts)

Journal will be a daily record of reflections on topic covered in class. There will also be some assignments to be included. Participation points will include attendance and completing assignment given to be completed in class.

Grading scale

            A  (90-100%)

            B   (80-90%)

            C   (70-80%)

            D  (60-70%)

            F   (less than 60%)

Class Attendance (See attachment)

Personal view on Attendance: You are an adult in my eyes. You are responsible for attending and work missed when you decide an absence is necessary or in your best interest. I will allow makeup work only when there is a doctor's excuse, court excuse, and/or you have cleared the absence with me prior to the absence.

Academic Conduct Code (See attachment)

If you have any special needs for the class, please let me know. Everyone learns differently; please help me help you make the grade you deserve.

Warnings (may result in lost participation points and/or removal from or denial to class) 

Texting, Texting, Texting, and Texting

Reading material not related to the course during class

Sleeping, talking, or sleeping and talking in class

REPEATEDLY leaving the classroom before class is dismissed

REPEATEDLY entering the classroom after class has started

Making repetitive noises, i.e. clicking pens, popping gum, tapping shoes

Talking out loud, whispering, rolling eyes or similar disrespecting behavior

All make up work must be done in  the time allotted and with prior approval. 

Units

Unit one/ Adjustment: Why and How:  Chapters 1,2,3, and 4

Unit two/ Interpersonal Factors: Chapters 5, 6, 7,8, and 9

Unit Three/ Development:  Chapters 10, 11, 12, 13

Unit Four/ Mental and Physical Heath: Chapters 14, 15, and 16