Perception (Psychology 361)—Spring, 2008

Dr. J. Scott Jordan

Office: DeGarmo 430

Telephone: 438-5851

Office Hours: M, W 1:00-2:00

Text: Sekuler, B., & Blake, R. (2006). Perception. New York:

McGraw-Hill.

Articles: Articles and other supplementary materials will either be on reserve in the library or at the designated web page.

Purpose of the Course

The purpose of the course is to introduce the student to the basic philosophical, behavioral, and neurophysiological aspects of perception. Over the course of the semester the student will attempt to integrate the findings from these various areas of research in order to incorporate them into his/her own working definition of perception.

Course Grade

The grade for the course will be determined on the basis of 3 exams. Points for these items will be allocated as follows:

Item............................................Points

Exam #1 (Chapters 1,2,3,4) 100

Exam #2 (Chapters 5,7,8,9) 100

Exam #3 (Articles 1,2,3,4) 100

Class Participation 25

Total.............................................325

The final grade will be based on a 90, 80, 70, 60 percent scale. This scale will not be altered.

Exams

Exams will entail a combination of true/false, multiple choice, and matching questions, as well as one major essay question. Make-up exams are only possible if the student contacts me via phone or e-mail BEFORE the exam, and the reason for re-scheduling deemed appropriate.

Anticipated Course Calendar

Dates Topic Readings

JAN 14 Introduction to Perception Chapter 1

16 Introduction to Perception Chapter 1

21 No Class

23 The Human Eye Chapter 2

28 The Human Eye Chapter 2

30 The Eye and Seeing Chapter 3

FEB 4 The Eye and Seeing Chapter 3

6 The Brain and Seeing Chapter 4

11 The Brain and Seeing Chapter 4

13 Exam 1

18 Spatial Vision Chapter 5

20 Spatial Vision Chapter 5

25 Color Perception Chapter 7

27 Color Perception Chapter 7

MAR 3 Seeing in a 3-D World Chapter 8

5 Seeing in a 3-D World Chapter 8

10 SPRING BREAK

12 SPRING BREAK

17 Action and Perception of Event Chapter 9

19 Action and Perception of Events Chapter 9

24 Exam 2

26 Ecological Perception Article 1

31 Ecological Perception Article 1

APR 2 Perceptual-Motor Coordination Article 2

7 Perceptual-Motor Coordination Article 2

9 Forward Models and Common Codes Article 3

14 Forward Models and Common Codes Article 3

16 Embodied Cognition and Perception Article 4

21 Embodied Cognition and Perception Article 4

23 Dynamical Systems and Perception Article 5

28 Dynamical Systems and Perception Article 5

30 Review

MAY 5 Exam 3 7:50 am

Extra Credit

Each student may earn a maximum of 6 extra credit points over the course of the semester. These points MUST be earned before the last day of class. Extra credit can be earned by participating in experiments. The opportunity to earn extra-credit therefore is dependent upon experiment availability. Sign-up sheets for participation in experiments will be located in the basement of DeGarmo Hall. After your participation in an experiment, you will receive a Research Summary Sheet (or Credit Card) that will indicate that you have participated. Bring this to me so I can enter your credit into the grade book. This will then be returned to you for your record of participation. At the time you sign up for an experiment, make a note of (1) the NAME of the experiment, (2) the TIME you have signed up to participate, (3) the Location of the experiment, and (4) the PHONE NUMBER OF THE EXPERIMENTER, in case you need to cancel. You are responsible for participating once you sign-up for an experiment.

Class Participation

Class participation is worth 25 points over the course of the semester. Students who want all 25 points should plan on regularly attending class as well asking questions that contribute to the class.

Attendance and Cheating

University regulations state that a course syllabus must contain information on (1) attendance policy, (2) the relationship of grades to attendance, and (3) the policy regarding cheating.

1) Each student is responsible for material covered in class and all announcements made in class. If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to obtain the information

2) Because the content of the exams will rely heavily on the understanding of the material presented in class, there is a relationship between attendance and course grades. However, no points are awarded for attending, and no penalty for non-attendance is used in computing course grades.

3) Cheating will result in failure of the course.

Student Responsibilities

The Student is responsible for the following:

· Reading the course syllabus and being aware of its content

· Attending classes and mastering the material presented in lectures

· Reading and mastering the assigned material

· Taking the examinations on the dates specified

· Making arrangements for make-up examinations

· Picking-up any submitted extra-credit, by the date and time of the final examination

· Showing up for any extra credit participation for which he/she has signed a sign-up sheet

· Behaving in class in a manner consistent with a college-level learning environment.

Any student needing to arrange a reasonable accommodation for a documented disability should contact the Office of Disability Concerns at 350 Fell Hall, 438-5853 (voice), or 438-8620 (TDD).