General Psychology/CourseOutline/Fall 2026 THIS COURSE IS ONLINE AND FACE-TO-FACE
(depends on what section you are in but we use same webpages)

[Ready for Fall 2026]

Text: King, L. (2023). The science of psychology: An appreciative view. (6th. ed.)McGraw-Hill, New York.
Student Site (2nd Ed.) This old site works if you want to look at it for free.

Updated: 2026-07-28 4:53 PM CDST

Counseling Services

QUESTIONS? E-mail me at epkardas@saumag.edu

  • General psychology is a difficult course because it covers many of the wide range of topics which constitute modern psychology. Unlike in later and more advanced courses, students in this course must shift gears often as topics change.
  • The course begins with a look at:
    • the history of psychology, the research methods psychologists use, and the biological bases of psychology.
    • The areas of sensation and perception are examined next as are variations in consciousness.
    • Learning and memory are covered next.
    • Personality and psychopathology close out the course.
    • Understand that the list above by no means covers all of psychology, much must be left out.
  • Regular attendance is expected.
  • Tests are a combination of objective items (multiple choice, matching, and true or false).
  • ALL TESTS WILL BE GIVEN ONLINE AND WILL BE OPEN BOOK/OPEN.
  • The opening dates for the tests are shown below.
  • YOU DO NOT HAVE TO START THE TESTS ON THOSE DATES! BUT, YOU MUST FINISH ALL TESTS BY DECEMBER 15, 2024 BY 11:30 PM
  • Note: This is a course you may finish early, if you like.
  • YOU ARE WELCOME TO USE ANY MEANS NECESSARY TO FIND MATERIALS INCLUDING ChatGPT OR SIMILAR LLMs
Week Chapter Topics Lectures
8/17 1, 2

What is Psychology, Psychology's Scientific Method, Searching the Web, First Day of Class, Psychology Topics Look at that graphic and you can see the wide variety of subtopics that make up modern psychology. If you are interested, here is the paper that decribes how I made that graphic.

 Chapter 1 and 2 Lectures, NoxOut,
8/24 1, 2 What is Psychology, Psychology's Scientific Method  
  1, 2 What is Psychology, Psychology's Scientific Method Last day to add classes 8/26 Test 1: Chapters 1 and 2 Opens: TBA
9/7   LABOR DAY HOLIDAY  
9/8 3 Biological Foundations of Behavior

Chapter 3 Lectures, Stress and Time Management
9/14 3 Biological Foundations of Behavior

Test 2: Chapter 3 Opens: TBA
9/21 4 Sensation and Perception Chapter 4 Lectures,
9/28 4 Sensation and Perception Test 3: Chapter 4 Opens: TBA
10/5 6 Learning and Conditioning FALL BREAK Oct. 8 and 9

Chapter 6 Lectures
10/12 6 Learning and Conditioning (Midsemester grades) 10/12/26  
10/19 7 Memory  
10/26 12 Memory Chapter 7 Lectures, Test 4 Opens: TBA
11/2 15 Personality Chapter 12 Lectures
11/9 15 Psychological Disorders

Chapter 15 Lectures
11/16 15 TherapiesPsychological Disorders  
11/23 16 Thanksgiving Last Date to Drop is 12/02/26) Chapter 16 Lectures
12/12   Final Exams 12/7/26 This class does NOT have a final exam Test 5: Chapters 12, 15, and 16 Opens: TBA
    Fall Commencement 12/11/2026  
COVID
This is an online only class. Should you become infected with COVID and if you allot your time efficiently you should have time enough to meet all of the requirements of this class. SAU advises faculty when students have become infected or are in quarantine. You may, at your discretion, advice me directly via e-mail as well. I will do all I can to allow you to complete the requirements of this course should you become ill with COVID or any other malady.
Southern Arkansas University affirms its commitment to academic integrity and expects all members of the University community to accept shared responsibility for maintaining academic integrity. Students in this course are subject to the provisions of the University’s Academic Integrity Policy, approved by the president and published in the Student Handbook. Penalties for academic misconduct in this course may include a failing grade on an assignment, a failing grade in the course, or any other course-related sanction the instructor determines to be appropriate. Continued enrollment in this course affirms a student’s acceptance of this University policy.
https://web.saumag.edu/academics/dishonesty-and-integrity/
College students often experience issues that may interfere with academic success such as academic stress, sleep problems, juggling responsibilities, feelings of anxiety, hopelessness, or depression. If you or a friend is struggling, services are available to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. You can learn more about the confidential mental health services available on campus at the SAU Counseling Center. Visit https://web.saumag.edu/counseling/ for additional information and resources.

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