CTPSY-2301 General Psychology. TSTC Online COURSE SYLLABUS

Transcription

1 CTPSY-2301 General Psychology TSTC Online COURSE SYLLABUS Success never rests. On your worst days, be good. On your best days, be great. And on every other day, get better. ~Carmen Mariano Prepared by: Jerry Dever Fall Semester 2012

2 I. BASIC COURSE INFORMATION PSYC 2301 General Psychology A. Course description: Introduction to the field of psychology. Course emphasis on the scientific method of psychology, a survey of the different fields in psychology, heredity and environment, intelligence, emotions, motivation, the nervous system, and the learning process. This course is reading and writing intensive. B. Course title and number: General Psychology PSYC C. Classroom number and building: N/A D. Days and hours of class meetings: N/A E. Last day to drop at student s discretion: check TSTC calendar for their date. F. Last day to withdraw with a W : The week before finals for WTC. Check TSTC date from their date. G. Any required or recommended prerequisites, including permission of division chair for enrollment: None H. Credit hours: Three (3) hours will be awarded if academic and financial obligations are met. I. Breadth and major requirements the course fulfills: General survey of the concepts of the science of psychology. J. All students will have an established Moodle account, as established by TSTC, for this course and make sure your internet browser is Firefox and not Internet Explorer. All corporate (group) communication will be sent through the TSTC system or Moodle system. This means all class information will be funneled through the institutional system. II. INFORMATION ON SECTIONS AND EXTRA SESSIONS A. Required or optional discussion sections, labs, and/or review sessions: N/A B. Section/lab numbers of above: N/A C. Classroom/lab room number(s) and building(s) of above: N/A III. INFORMATION ABOUT INSTRUCTOR A. Instructor s name and title: Jerry Dever, M.S. Instructor B. Office location: C. Office phone: D. address: jdever@wtc.edu This is the best way to contact me. E. Office hours: N/A for Summer F. Message phone number: (It is best to leave an at jdever@wtc.edu.) G. Relevant professional information: B.A. in Psychology (Minor in Biology) from Angelo State University and M.S. in Psychology (Minor in Guidance and Counseling) from Angelo State University. Twenty-five years of clinical experience in the Mental Health/Mental Retardation system and licensed by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychology as a Licensed Psychological Associate. IV. INFORMATION ABOUT COURSE SUPPORT STAFF (secretaries or assistants) A. Name and title: Service Center B. Office location: Learning Resource Center (LRC) C. Office phone: D. Office hours: 8-5 Monday through Thursday, 8-4 on Friday. V. INFORMATION ABOUT LEARNING OBJECTIVES, AND OUTCOMES Student Learning Outcomes (SLO): 1. Given the basic concepts of each respective chapter, the student will be able to recall those concepts as measured by a test score of 70% or better from 70% of the students. 2

3 2. Given a scenario, the student will be able to categorize symptoms and signs of three major mental disorders (psychotic disorder, mood disorder, or anxiety disorder) as measured by 80% accuracy per class. 3. Given the completion of the course, the student will explain how they will apply their new psychological knowledge to their lives as measured by their answer to an essay question (during the final) in which 75% of the students earn full credit for the question. 1. Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) Core Curriculum: Intellectual Competencies and Exemplary Objectives Intellectual Competencies: A series of basic intellectual competencies considered essential to the learning process in any discipline. (Please check those that apply to your teaching area) 1. Reading x_ 4. Writing x_ 2. Speaking 5. Listening x_ 3. Critical Thinking x_ 6. Computer Literacy x_ Exemplary Objectives: Discuss the theories and concepts related to the survey of psychological constructs. Review relevant professional materials while offering an opinion of the research and its practical application to general psychology. Discuss/debate current controversial topics of general psychology. 2. CourseEval As the primary criteria to evaluate the course, the class evaluation survey is administered at the end of the semester. The survey asks students to rate the amount of the educational progress they made based on a set of learning objectives. Disclaimer: Students may vary in their competency levels on these abilities. You can expect to acquire these abilities only if you honor all course policies, complete all assigned work in good faith and on time, and meet all other course expectations of you as a student. VI. COURSE REQUIREMENTS, METHODS OF ASSESSMENT, ASSESSMENT CRITERIA, GRADING STANDARDS A. Grading system : Point System Reading Quizzes = 140 points, 10 points per chapter. Reading quizzes are to be taken individually (no group testing or sharing of questions and answers unless already completed). Students can and are encouraged to use their book and notes. Tests = 300 Three tests Chapters 1-3, 4-7, 8-11; 100 points per test. All tests are to be taken individually (no group efforts) without the aid of notes, books, or other outside sources. A violation of this expectation could result in, at least, a zero 0 for the test but could include failure of the course. Assignments/Articles = 200 points, four 50 points per assignment. Final Exam = 100 (Chapters 12-14), same rules as the test. TOTAL = 740 points There is a potential of 740 points that can be awarded, however there may be formative assessments or Forums throughout the semester and they may or may not be folded into the point system. Letter Grade: 3

4 A= % of the total points B= 80-89% of the total points C= 70-79% of the total points D= 65-69% of the total points F = Below 65% of the total points ****The grading system is subject to change. Students will be notified in the event of any change. Reminder Moodle may not always have the most accurate scores or grades. The grade in Moodle only shows what has been completed or graded. In other words, if a test is missed, Moolde will not fold in the missed test grade into the average. B. Graded course requirements 1. How many of what types of assignments: Four (4) assignment/article reviews worth 50 points each. In general, if the assignment is an article it is required to have the following elements (out of 50 points): A) Your name 10% B) A title 10% C) The content of the assignment 60 % I am looking for: All of the article requirements to be addressed A depth of thoughtfulness/reflection of the subject matter vs. superficial responses. An example or application of the concept in the reflection, and As the reader, do I think you grasped the nature of the assignment (thoughtfulness) or simply threw something out there. D) FORMAT 20% A cited source or reference for the article (if applicable) (This is the most frequently missed element.) The reference must be APA (American Psychological Association) style. The Moodle site will have links to sources related to APA style, including a reference generator. The articles are to be written in an acknowledged paragraph style. You can use a readable font, 12 font size, and doubled spaced. The article format MUST be in Word (not Works), or PDF, or pages if you have a MAC. NO zip files, open office, rtf, wps, notepad, or similar software. If the articles are uploaded in an unacceptable format, one reminder per semester will be given via Moodle feedback system. One opportunity to resubmit will offered. The resubmit must be sent to my within one week of the Moodle Feedback message date. Any subsequent articles submitted in the wrong format will be given a a zero 0. If I cannot read the article, I will send feedback via Moodle comment and it is your responsibility to check your feedback and correct the situation. The instructor reserves the right to change assignments and scoring criteria if needed. The changes will be communicated to the student. Any changes will be noted in the Moodle instructions. EACH ARTICLE IS REQUIRED TO BE UPLOADED TO MOODLE BY THE ASSIGNMENT DEADLINE, ACCORDING TO THE MOODLE CLOCK. You will not be able to upload a late submission because the Moodle clock will deactivate to the upload mechanism. It is very important that you give yourself enough time to account for any technical difficulties you may experience. Ample time is given to submit assignments therefore late submissions will not be accepted. 2. Number and types of quizzes and examinations: Three (3) exams and one (1) final exam. 4

5 3. Group component of individuals grades, including peer evaluation procedures: None 4. Electronic communication: and Moodle. 5. Lab and discussion section assignments, etc.: N/A C. Standards/rubric by which Instructor will grade papers, problem solutions, other written assignments, electronic communication, in-class participation, etc.: Standard D. Study and assignment aids to be distributed ( e.g., study guides, review questions, directions for writing papers, lists of possible paper/project topics, etc.) : Posted on Moodle. E. Course requirements aside from those computed in the grade: Students are expected to participate and interact online via blogged questions or Forums.. Ungraded quizzes may be used to test the retention on knowledge, and accessing online resources. F Any extra credit options: None G. Campus support services available to help students through the course, along with their locations: Student tutoring available as well as Student Support Services. VII. INFORMATION ON THE READINGS A. Required and recommended books and articles: PSYCH, 2nd Edition includes Review Cards and Psychology CourseMate with ebook Printed Access Card Spencer A. Rathus - New York University, School of Continuing and Professional Studies; The College of New Jersey ISBN-10: ISBN-13: Published The textbook can be acquired through various sources including your local campus bookstore. B. Existence of the class pack : The book companion website is &Ntk= all P_Isbn13&Ns=P_CopyRight_Year 1&N= Purchasing a new textbook can only access the class pack. The textbook is reasonably priced. The website includes, but is not limited to: chapter learning objectives, quizzes, web-links, crossword puzzles, and flash cards. C. Rationale for selecting the required readings: Well known text that is characterized with a comfortable writing style and up-to-date research and topics for discussion. 5

6 D. Readings on reserve and for how long: N/A E. Whether and where commercial lecture notes are available and how helpful they may be: refer to the book companion website for assistance. VIII. XIV. OTHER REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS None COURSE ORGANIZATION AND SCHEDULE A. Course flow /organization and Instructor s rationale : Every student learns in different manners. The courses flow will be online. B. Class-by-class weekly course schedule: The following schedule is a tentative layout of the course s direction for the Fall 2011 semester. Time Periods Section 1 Aug 27 Sept 15 Section 2 Sept 17 Oct 13 CHAPTER DESCRIPTION ASSIGNMENTS IMPORTANT TEST DATES Introductions and Chapter 1: What Assignment #1 due is Psychology? Sept 13 by 10:00 PM Chapter 2: Biology and Psychology Chapter 3: The Voyage Through the Life Span Chapter 4: Sensation and Perception Chapter 5: Consciousness See Moodle for specifics for all assignments. Assignments #2 due Oct 11 by 10:00 PM Reading Quizzes 1-3 due Sept 13 by 10:00 PM Test for Chapter 1-3 Test opens Sept 14 at 8:00 AM Test closes Sept 15 at 11:55 PM Reading Quizzes 4-7 due Oct 11 by 10:00 PM Chapter 6: Learning Chapter 7: Memory: Remembrance of Things Past and Future Test for Chapter 4-7 Test opens Oct 12 at 8:00 AM Test closes Oct 13 at 11:55 PM Section 3 Oct 15 Nov 10 Chapter 8: Thinking, Language, and Intelligence Chapter 9: Motivation and Emotion Assignments #3 due Nov 8 by 10:00 PM Reading Quizzes 8-11 due Nov 8 by 10:00 PM Chapter 10: Stress, Health, and Adjustment Chapter 11: Personality: Theory and Measurement Test for Chapter 8-11 Test opens Nov 9 at 8:00 AM Test closes Nov 10 at 11:55 PM Section 4 Nov 12 Dec 4 Chapter 12: Psychological Disorders Chapter 13: Methods of Therapy Assignments #4 due Dec 1 by 10:00 PM Reading Quizzes due Dec 1 by 10:00 PM Chapter 14: Social Psychology 6

7 Finals Week Dec 3-4 Final Exam (Chapter 12-14) No Exceptions Opens Dec 8:00 AM and closes Dec 11:55 PM C. Disclaimer: The above schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstance. X. COURSE POLICIES AND CLASS CONDUCT A. Policies on missed and late exams and assignments: There will be no make-up exams unless PRIOR arrangements are made. It is the student s responsibility to contact the instructor to make the prior arrangements. It is understood that emergencies do arise and those situations will be taken into consideration, however the instructor has the final authority. No late articles or assignments. There is ample time to complete the assignments and no excuse to be late. THE FINAL EXAM IS ON THE TIME PERIOD ASSIGNED - NO EXCEPTIONS! B. Policies on attendance, tardiness, class participation, and classroom decorum/civility: Attendance (Moodle activity) is expected and encouraged in order for the student to grasp the content of the course. Students will refrain from disruptive or disrespectful conduct online and abide by the deadlines established on the above schedule. C. Policies on academic integrity, including collaborative work: According to the college catalog: Cheating and plagiarism constitute forms of academic dishonesty. Cheating is describes as, but not limited to: help with taking tests, having others do your work, and Dependence upon the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor. Plagiarism is defined as The knowing or negligent use by paraphrase or direct quotation (including cut and paste) of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgement and/or the knowing or negligent unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or by an agency engaged in selling term papers or other academic materials. To that end, Western Texas College has subscribed to an online plagiarism detecting system called Turnitin. All assignments could be subject to a review through this system. If Turnitin detects plagiarism (based on a Similarity Index), disciplinary action(s) could result in the failure of the assignment and/or up to failure in the course. Specifically, a Similarity Index of 30% - 49% could result in a poorer score and a reminder/note related to the plagiarism. A Similarity Index of 50% or greater could result in a ZERO 0 for that assignment and a reminder/note about the plagiarism. Two or more plagiarisms in a semester could result in an automatic failure of the course. Additionally, the incident could be recorded in the student s permanent record as a violation of syllabus expectation of academic integrity. The link to the WTC Library is D. Electronic Policy: N/A XI. OTHER POLICIES A. SAFETY: If you are a residential student at Western Texas College/TSTC, please refer to the residential procedures in the appropriate handbook. B. EMERGENCY: If you are a residential student at Western Texas College/TSTC, please refer to the residential procedures in the appropriate handbook. 7

8 C. BAD WEATHER POLICY: If you are a residential student at Western Texas College/TSTC, please refer to the residential procedures in the appropriate handbook. D. ADA STATEMENT: Western Texas College/TSTC do not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. The college counselors have been designated to coordinate compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements contained in section of the Department of Justice regulations. Information concerning the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the rights provided thereunder, are available from the college counselors. E. SPECIAL ASSISTANCE: If, as a result of a disability, a student needs special assistance to participate in a class, the counselor is to be notified immediately so that the prescribed process can be initiated. F. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION: Western Texas College and TSTC are equal opportunity institutions and is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. 8