He is married (20 years!) to the former Julie McCuller of Texarkana and they have three children ranging in age from 9-16 years of age. Kardas likes to swim laps for exercise and plays a lot of golf (without a cart).
What is general psychology?
General Psychology (GP) is perhaps one of the hardest courses in the
department because it attempts to cover so much material in a short
period of time. Later courses in psychology are much more focused
than GP so they are not as intense.
The course begins with a look at the history of psychology, the research methods psychologists use, and the biological bases of psychology. Then the areas of sensation and perception are examined as are variations in consciousness. Learning and memory are covered next. Personality, psychopathology, and therapy close out the course. Understand that the list above by no means covers all of psychology, much must be left out. You should feel free to read and enjoy the chapters we do not cover in class
What happens in class?
Mostly, I talk and you listen and take notes. However, that process
does not have to be dull and a lot of work. I will show you short
movies, conduct brief demonstrations, and set-up opportunities for
class participation. I expect you to have and ask questions
often.
Notetaking and notetaking skills are also needed in class. However, nearly everything I say in class is available on the Web page. You should download and print those class notes and organize them in a three-ring binder. See below for instructions on how to download the lectures.
What materials do I need?
You will need the textbook for sure. This is not one of those classes
where you can prop open you door all semester with the text. Click
on: Rathus, S. A. (2007). Psychology: Concepts and connections (8th ed. briefer). Wadsworth: Belmont, CA. to see more
information about the book.
You will also need to download the notes. Go to: http://peace.saumag.edu/faculty/kardas/Courses/GPWeiten/default.html, there near the bottom of the page you will find links to specific lectures by chapter. Click on them as needed.
What about tests and grading?
Tests are a combination of objective items (multiple choice,
matching, and true or false).
What about attendance?
Full attendance is expected. Roll, however, will not be called
routinely. Past experience has demonstrated a strong positive
correlation between class attendance and final grade.
What about extra credit?
There is no extra credit, so do well on your tests!