Overview
PURPOSE: The purpose of this assignment is for you to delve into the broad discipline of psychology, and to start making connections between psychology and your own life.
INSTRUCTIONS: Please read Chapter 1 and respond to each of the questions below, noting the length guidance provided. You can answer each question independently (e.g., numbered responses to each question) and you do not need to respond in the form of an essay. You do, however, need to respond to the questions in complete sentences, in paragraph form. Submit your assignment via BrightSpace.
1. What did you know and/or think about psychology when you logged into this class for the first time? (1-2 paragraphs)
- There is no wrong answer here! This is based entirely on your own perspectives and experiences, NOT the textbook. You may have taken a psych class before, or learned from your friends, family, TV, the news, etc. Please write and share what you knew about psychology on the first day of class (even if you’ve since learned more).
- Provide at least 2-3 examples. Some examples might be: "I knew psychologists work with people who are suffering from mental health issues." ; or "Psychology is only for people who want to go to therapy." ; or "Psychology can predict exactly what people are thinking even if they aren't able to articulate it aloud."
- Hint: It should NOT just be a definition of psychology that you find on Google =)
Throughout the course, we will unpack some common conceptions and misconceptions about psychology.
2. Of the 11 perspectives described in the "Contemporary Psychology" section, which 3 do you want to know more about, and why? (at least 2-3 sentences for each perspective)
- As a part of your response, please provide a brief description of each perspective you choose in your own words, using the text as a resource to help you. (Do not just copy and paste a definition from the textbook.)
3. What connections can you make between your own life and one or more of the perspective(s) that you chose? (1-2 paragraphs)
- If you get stuck making connections, it may be helpful to think about the connections to current or future careers and/or your school experience. *Please only share what you feel comfortable sharing.*
FORMAT: Answering each of the three sections following the length guidance above, your assignment should be 1-2 pages total, typed double-spaced, in an easy to read font. For this assignment, your only sources will be your own experience and the textbook; formal citations are not required. In this assignment, I am grading for content only (see rubric).
ASSIGNMENT #1: GRADING RUBRIC
Note: TurnItIn will be used to detect similarity to existing papers & sources on the internet. I may use AI detection software, as deemed necessary.
Student Name: | Possible Points | Points Earned |
What did you know about psychology when you logged into this class for the first time? (1-2 paragraphs, provide at least 2-3 examples – highlighted text updated on 9/3.) | 5 | |
Of the 11 perspectives described in the "Contemporary Psychology" section, which 3 do you want to know more about, and why?
| 15 | |
What connections can you make between your own life and one or more of the perspective(s) that you chose? (1-2 paragraphs)
| 5 | |
Total Score for Assignment #1 | 25 |
FORMAT: Answering each of the three sections following the length guidance above, your assignment should be 1-2 pages total, typed double-spaced, in an easy to read font. For this assignment, your only sources will be your own experience and the textbook; formal citations are not required. In this assignment, I am grading for content only.