Spring 2011 PSYC 390 AA Psychology of Consciousness Instructor Eric Larson

Contents Catalog Description Schedule Objectives Required Materials Attendance Requirements for Credit Late Work Make-Up Policy Tardy Policy Cheating Policy Grading Policy Grading Scale   Other Pages Main Page Syllabus Assignments Articles Links Home

Syllabus CATALOG DESCRIPTION A survey of the concepts and characteristics of human consciousness.  Topics include the dimensions of the normal waking state, as well as altered states of consciousness (e.g., sleep and dreams, hypnosis, meditation, sensory reduction, psychoactive drugs, etc.).  In addition, the relationship between the conscious and nonconscious mind, and other related concepts will be addressed.  Transfer credit: UC; CSU (D3).  Recommended: eligibility for ENGL 836.   SCHEDULE Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: 10:10 to 11:00 a.m. Room 1-1206   top OBJECTIVES In this course you will learn about the variety of states that comprise "normal" and "altered" consciousness. We will study the historical and current psychological theories regarding these various states, including: hypnosis, drug-induced changes, biofeedback effects, meditation, sensory deprivation, parapsychology, sleep and dreams, as well as the biological basis of consciousness. We will also explore the potential beneficial effects of using changes in consciousness for expanding awareness, decreasing stress, increasing creativity and developing the self. IMPORTANT POINT: The work you do in this class will be for yourself and for your personal growth. What you put into this course will determine what you get out of it. Class time will be used for exercises and activities. Attendance is vital. Points will be deducted for any missing work and/or missing classes. In coordination with the DSPS office, reasonable accommodations will be provided for eligible students with disabilities. If you do not yet have an accommodation letter, please contact the DSPS office at (650) 738-4280.   REQUIRED MATERIALS: 1. A warm, conscious body and an open mind. 2. Consciousness: an Introduction, Susan Blackmore, Oxford University Press, 2004. 3. Assigned articles available on this Course Website. top   GRADING: Letter Grade (A - F); or Credit/No Credit (you must request this option)   ATTENDANCE: NOTE: Regular attendance is very important to success in this class. Students who accumulate more than six absences may be dropped from the course.   REQUIREMENTS FOR CREDIT: Your grade will be based upon the following: Attendance. Two Mid-term Exams covering lectures, text, and reading assignments  (Scantron form required). Final Exam covering lectures, text, and reading assignments (Scantron required) top   MAKE-UP POLICY: You are expected to take all exams on the scheduled dates. If you find it impossible to attend an exam you must notify the instructor in advance of the exam date. Make-up exams will only be given in the case of an unavoidable, serious and justifiable emergency. Valid documentation will be required. It is the student's responsibility to arrange for a make-up exam with the instructor. Make-up exams must be scheduled within one week of the student's return. Times must be outside of regular class hours and during the instructor's available office hours.   TARDY POLICY: Please make every effort to come to class on time. Arriving late disrupts the class. Students who are tardy will not receive full credit for attendance.   CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM: Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated. Please carefully read the Student Handbook so that you are aware of your rights and responsibilities while attending Skyline College. Electronic translation devices are not permitted during exams. You may use hard copy translators, which must be presented for inspection before each exam. top   GRADING POLICY: Points Attendance (2 pts./class) 100 Mid-Term Exam #1 100 Mid-Term Exam #2 100 Final Exam 100 TOTAL: 400 GRADING SCALE: POINTS: GRADE: 360 - 400 A 320 - 359 B 280 - 319 C 240 - 279 D < 240 F

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