PSYCH 101H - INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

HONORS OPTION

Dr. David L. Carpenter

Rev. 1/9/02

     An honors option is available to upperclassmen with a cumulative average of 3.25 or better, or freshmen with an 1100 combined SAT's, and who obtain the instructor's permission.  This option is for those students who desire a more personalized structure to their course, an intense personal involvement with the material and the learning experience, and who enjoy the greater feeling of satisfaction and the rewards that derive from meeting an above average challenge.  In general, the honors option is for those who get enjoyment  from learning.  This is an excellent way to take more control of your learning experience, explore something that you have always wondered about, or prepare for independent research and research projects that you may want to conduct later.  It also helps you stand out from the mob when you go on for employment or graduate school.

WHAT DOES THE OPTION REQUIRE?

Your activities in taking the honors option can be described in four steps:

1.   Talk to me about topics or problems of mutual interest for4 you to work on.  It will have to be related to the subject matter of the course and my interests in psychology

2.    Find out what is known by psychologists about that topic or problem.

3.    Think about how more could be found out.

4.    Write it all up in a short paper (generally less than 10 pages).

      In steps 2, 3, and 4, you will be assisted by weekly meetings with me.  IT is also possible to work in small groups with other students.  The Department Honors Seminar may meet around midterm so that honors student from all psychology courses can briefly share their projects.  A poster session will be held at the end of the semester for psychology honors students to display the results of their projects.

HOW DOES HONORS OPTION RELATE TO THE REST OF THE COURSE?

      Students taking the honors option have the same sources for gaining points toward their final grade as other students, plus up to 200 additional points can be earned from their honors activities, making a total or 940 possible points, excluding points for experimental participation and bonus questions.  Applying the same curve (i.e. 87% = A, 83% = A-, 80% = B+, 75% = B, 71% = B-, 67% = C, etc.) produces the grading curve below for the honors option.

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