Social Psychology PSYC 2319 - Online

of 12 ADMINISTRATIVE MENU HOME LOG IN Course Syllabus for PSYC 2319 Section 009 Social Psychology 2011 Spring Standard Semester Note to Students: Syllabi are the most recent available at the time they were posted to the VCT website. They will be updated, as appropriate, on the syllabi disseminated on the class start dates. For current textbook information, refer to the Course Details accessed by clicking the course title in the online Course Schedule. Course Info: Social Psychology PSYC 2319 - Online Professor: Email: M. Liz Wright mwright70@mail.accd.edu Office and Phone: 306C Live Oak Hall; 210-486-4028 YahooMessenger: Office Hours: jacksfrontallobe Monday and Wednesday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday from 9-12 p.m. Online Friday between 10 and 2 p.m. Or by appointment Textbooks: Myers, D.G. (2008). Social psychology (9 th ed.). NY: McGraw-Hill. ISBN: 978-0- 07-353189-2

of 12 The textbook can be acquired from the Northwest Vista College bookstore on campus or by accessing the online bookstore (on the homepage (http://www.accd.edu/nvc click on Bookstore on the left hand side). ISBN numbers are provided so that students may find used textbooks elsewhere as well; I suggest checking Half.com (http://www.half.ebay.com/) and other online textbook websites for the best prices. Meeting Dates and Times: Students are required to attend a one-time on campus orientation. They can attend either Friday, January 8 th from 7:30 until 9 p.m.., or they can attend Saturday, January 9 th from 12:30-2 p.m. Registration for these times is required, and can be done on the Catalog/Schedule page of the NVC website. After this one-time orientation, the class is fully on-line and will not meet in person. Students are not required to come to campus to take tests - they will be taken on Blackboard. Also Needed: Reliable Internet access; textbooks; computer access; notebook - If you do an also help you to not have any of these things, I do not suggest you take this class as an online course. Non-reliable Internet access will NOT be accepted as excuse for late or missed work. A schedule book or calendar will keep up with what is due when. Course Description: Social Psychology is about understanding how we think about, and relate to, ourselves and others in social situations. In this course, students focus on individual and group behavior within a social environment and examine problems, methods, and major theories which affect an individual within groups. Faculty views on the course: This course is a survey of the theories, concepts, and principles related to the study of individual behavior within the social environment. We will discuss topics such as the socio-psychological process, attitude formation and change, interpersonal relations, and group processes. This course is a discussion-based course, which means that students will be interacting via Discussion Boards for much of the course. Students should be prepared to interact with each other and with the teacher. This course is writing-intensive, meaning that you will be doing a lot of writing about course concepts. Course Objectives: Students will:

of 12 be competent in describing the ways in which social situations affect our thoughts and attitudes about, and behavior toward, ourselves and others. develop an understanding of social phenomena including conformity, obedience, and persuasion, and be able to thoughtfully and competently describe the ways in which we are influenced by, and influence others, in these situations. develop an understanding of social phenomena including prejudice, attraction, and intimacy, and be able to thoughtfully and competently describe the ways in which we related to one another in these situations. practically apply major concepts to real-world (social) and personal situations. Faculty Learning Outcomes: The learning goals of this course are as follows: a) students will learn about the varied research results of social psychology and will be able to apply what they are learning to their current and previous experiences; b) students will learn about the processes of acquiring scientific psychological data (including how studies are done, how to differentiate between good and bad research, how to think critically about research, and the ethics of research); c) students will learn about multiple theorists and their theories and be able to compare and contrast these historical and current perspectives; d) students will learn every-day applications of social psychology; and e) students will learn about cross-cultural applications of social psychology. Students will be given Learning Outcomes (things that they should be able to do) for each chapter. The overarching goal of this course is to help students understand that psychology is involved in most (if not all) aspects of daily life and development, and knowledge of social psychology can be useful for everyone. Teaching Strategies This is an online course, and will not meet in person after the Orientation. As such, all learning is done online. In order to reach the above mentioned goals, students should be prepared to interact with each other and the professor on the Discussion Boards. They will also receive written feedback on some assignments. This course is writing intensive, meaning that much of the work you will do will involve you writing about psychology. The reasoning behind this writing focus is that students are not in a classroom environment where they can demonstrate their understanding of the concepts, so this demonstration must be done in writing. The Course Discussion Boards (DBs) The course is broken down into Units. For each unit, you will have to read one Chapter of Myers and some other assigned readings (see the Learning Modules for specific assignments). On the Discussions page, the Units will be separated. - For each chapter, students are required to post Original messages (original meaning written by them and not based on anyone else's messages) and Reply messages. All of these must exhibit actual cognitive

of 12 work on the part of the student. Your DB posts should indicate knowledge, comprehension of course concepts, application of course concepts to your lives, analysis of ideas or theories, synthesis of old information into a new theory, or evaluation of current thoughts in the areas of psychology we'll be studying. For more information on how to indicate that, students should review the work of Benjamin Bloom (in the form of Bloom's Taxonomy, see http://www.coun.uvic.ca/learn/program/hndouts/bloom.html ). - As you are reading the text, I suggest that you stop and ask yourself questions about what you are reading. I further suggest that you work some of these questions that you have into your Original post, thus beginning an academic discussion with other students and the professor over important course ideas. If every student does this for their Original posts, there will be a multitude of questions for you to ponder in the area of psychology, and numerous posts for you to Reply to for your second DB requirement. - Each student must post one Original and twp Replies per Unit. Original posts must consist of at least 300 words (use your word count to be sure). Original posts are due by Thursday at midnight, while your Replies to other students are due by Sunday at midnight. There are 15 Original posts required for the course. Each Original post can receive up to 10 points (up to 150 points for your total grade) and each Reply post can receive up to 5 points each (up to 150 points for your total grade). The number of points is based on the level of thought put into the post (again, see Bloom's Taxonomy). 60% of your grade for each Original post (so 6 points) is based on content (what you write about and whether it indicates thought) while 30% (3 points) is based on the "presentation" of information, including spelling, writing, and correct referencing of sources (if used). The other 10% is based on length. Though these may not seem like a lot of points, they add up. Make sure that you do them. Make sure that you put time and effort into them. - Spell and grammar check them before you post them - I suggest you write them in MS Word, spell and grammar check them, then copy and paste them into the DB. - You should always put a descriptive subject line in your DBs as well - let the other students know what you're talking about. "Chapter 2" is not descriptive enough - if your work is in the Chapter 2 folder, we will assume it's from Chapter 2. Tell the reader (and potential reply-poster) what it is about in your subject line. - If you quote or paraphrase the book (or any other book or article) be sure to reference them utilizing APA format (see the APA Style Handout in the Course Resources Learning Module). As college students, I believe that you are very capable of creating some fantastic theories and ideas, and I look forward to seeing them and discussing them with you. - In the discussion section you will see that each Unit is dated, and has one or two posts within it. The first post in the first Unit is called "U01d1" meaning Unit 1 Discussion 1. Original posts are due by Thursday at midnight. Reply posts are due by midnight on Sunday of the week of that Unit. Late posts will decrease 1 point per day for Original Posts and.5 points per day for Reply posts. See the Unit Dates in the Course Resources Learning Module for help in keeping track of when everything is due. DB Grading Rubrics A grading rubric is a "worksheet" that shows how something will be graded. Below are the grading rubrics for both the Original and Reply posts.

of 12 Original Discussion Board Grading Grading for Original Discussion Board Posts Objective/Criteria Performance Indicators Need Improvement Meet Expectations Exceptional Original Post Spelling, Grammar, and Language (1 points) Four or more spelling, grammar or editing errors. Posting includes a lot of inappropriate vocabulary and writing style. Numerous APA style difficulties are present (or there are no references). (2 points) One to three spelling, grammar, or editing errors. Posting may have some inappropriate vocabulary and writing style. References may have APA style difficulties (or there are no references). (3 points) No spelling, grammar or editing errors. Posting shows appropriate vocabulary and writing style. References are correct. Original Post Quality of information (1 points) Postings have little to do with the main topic or simply restate the main concept. (2 points) Posting clearly relates to the main topic. No details and/or examples are given. (3 points) Posting clearly relates to the main topic and adds new concepts and information. It includes several supporting details and/or examples. Original Post Content (1 points) Post doesn't indicate a lot of thought (2 points) (3 points) Post indicates some Post indicates thought extensive thought Original Length (0 points) Original post is less than 300 words. (0 points) (1 points) Original post is more than 300 words. out of 10 Reply Discussion Board Grading form for Reply discussion board posts

of 12 Objective/Criteria Performance Indicators Need Improvement Meet Expectations Exceptional Spelling, Grammar, and Editing (0.5 points) Four or more spelling, grammar or editing errors. (1 points) One to three spelling, grammar, or editing errors. (1.5 points) No spelling, grammar or editing errors Content (1.5 points) (2.5 points) (3.5 points) Posting responds to Posting shows Post enhances the questions from individual critical critical thinking others but does not thinking, but does process through show reflection or not apply reflection reflection about questioning of ideas. and questioning to others' statements. issues and difference questioning of self and others. out of 5 Each Chapter of Myers will be placed in the correct Unit folder. On the Discussion Boards page you will find other folders as well. This listing should explain what each can be used for. Faculty Expectations - This folder contains my expectations for each of you during this course. You must read my expectations and respond to them as requested to. Main - This folder contains postings about very general topics. If you cruise through there you will see that it asks you questions like, "What has been the most interesting thing you've learned to date?" and things like that. You are always free to respond to these DBs. Notes - This is where I will post any notes I have to keep you guys updated about the course. Be sure to check this board frequently as I will put reminders and such there. Also, if there are any extra credit opportunities, you will find them posted there. Activities - When specific Activities are requested of you, the Discussions for them will be posted here. PsyCafe - This DB is a spot for you guys to chat about whatever you want. You know how you chat with other students before a class starts (and sometimes during class)? Anything you would want to discuss then could go here. Chattychatty away!

of 12 Articles and Extras - This DB will have information about new studies and studies that aren't talked about in our book. Any time you are bored and want to learn more, check out this board. If you know of articles about new research, please feel free to post them here too. You can also discuss what you've read and how it may affect you. Questions for the Professor - In this DB you can post any general questions that you have. You should also check this folder before you ask a question - someone may have already asked! The Muddiest Point - In this DB you can post questions about concepts or ideas that are difficult for you to understand (or that your understanding is "muddy" about). Other students can give you their insights/thoughts about the topic, and I will contribute as well. Tips - In this DB you will find tips about how to do well in the class and things that are available to you. Always check for new ones! Other folders may be posted from time to time as well - none of these are required, but utilizing them will definitely help in your learning. Grading Points Original Posts (15) Reply Posts (30) Short Papers (2) Exams (4) Article Summary Reflective Essay 150 points 150 points 200 points 300 points 100 points 100 points Total Points available 1000 Due Dates: Exam 1 7 Available Monday, February 1 - Sunday, February Exam 1 will cover Units 1, 2, and 3 (including Chapters 1 and 2 of Myers, and all other resources in the Learning Modules) Short Paper 1 midnight Saturday, February 13 th by

of 12 All first Short Papers must be submitted by this date. Since our course is so short, no late work will be accepted. See the Short Papers in the Assignments section for more information. Exam 2 7 Available Monday, March 1 - Sunday, March Exam 2 will cover Units 5, 6, and 7 (including Chapters 3, 4, and 6 of Myers, and all other resources in the Learning Modules) Article Summary midnight Saturday, March 13 th by All Article Summaries must be submitted by this date. Late Article Summaries will lose 50 points after they are late, and then will lose 10 points after that. See the Article Summary in the Assignments section for more information. Exam 3 Available Monday, March 29 - Sunday, April 4 Exam 3 will cover Units 9 and 10 (including Chapters 7 and 8 of Myers, and all other resources in the Learning Modules) Short Paper 2 midnight Saturday, April 10 by All second Short Papers must be submitted by this date. Since our course is so short, no late work will be accepted. See the Short Papers in the Assignments section for more information. Final Reflection Essay midnight Sunday, May 2 by All Final Reflection Essays must be submitted by this date. Since our course is so short, no late work will be accepted. See the Final Reflection Essay in the Assignments section for more information. Exam 4 Available Sunday, May 2 - Wednesday, May 5 at 3 p.m. Exam 4 will cover Units 12, 13 and 14 (including Chapters 11, 12, and 13 of Myers, and

of 12 all other resources in the Learning Modules). This exam will close Wednesday at 3 p.m. Important Information The last day to withdraw from this course is Monday, April 12 th, 2010. Please be aware of this date if you opt to withdraw from the course. Midterm grades will be posted between the dates of Monday, March 8 and Sunday, March 14, so this will give you an idea as to how you are doing so far in the course. You can also keep track of your grades in the My Grades section of Blackboard. A few words on cheating and plagiarism: In previous semesters I have had numerous difficulties with students cheating (or attempting to cheat) on exams and plagiarize papers. For this reason, students will submit their papers to TurnItIn, a website that checks your work against every written document on the Internet and every article published in known databases. Also, YOU MAY NOT USE YOUR BOOKS, NOTES, OR ANY WEBSITES WHEN TAKING AN EXAM. If you are found to violate this policy, you will be subjected to NVC's plagiarism and cheating policies To learn more about the definitions of cheating, plagiarism, and collusion, see The Academic Integrity page at Northwest Vista's website (http://www.accd.edu/nvc/students/learning/acadinteg/default.htm). If you are unsure if the work you are doing constitutes plagiarism or cheating, read this website. You will be held accountable for the information it contains. Suggestions for a good grade Be sure to follow the required readings for each week and participate in the DBs as much as possible. Pass in assignments on time. If you are having difficulty with an assignment, ask me about it via the Questions for the Professor DB or via Blackboard email. For each Chapter I have included Learning Outcomes on the Learning Module for that Chapter. Be sure you can complete all of these Learning Outcomes - test yourself on them when you think you "know" a chapter. Be sure to read the chapter before posting about it on the DBs. Since there is no lecture portion to this course, reading is very important. Utilizing the discussion boards (DBs) is also very important - research tells us that students who utilize the boards and "talk" to their colleagues about what they're learning learn more, do better on tests, and maintain the information after the course is over for longer periods than do students who do not utilize the DBs. This is why DB use is required, but also why it's important for you to use the DBs more than is required. How to Study In order to do well on the quizzes and exams, I suggest a few things. 1) As you are reading, read actively. By this I mean that you should be thinking about what

of 12 you're reading, questioning what you're reading, and doing more research if something interests you. 2) As you're reading, think up questions that could be used on the tests and be sure you can answer those questions when you complete the chapter (and in the future). 3) Use the online website to practice what you've learned. The website is http://www.mhhe.com/myers9 Create a student log in on the right hand side of the page for the 9 th edition book. Use the dropdown menu to choose which Chapter you want, and use those resources to study. 4) Apply what you're learning to everyday life. Talk about it with your friends and family. Find examples on TV and in other forms of media. All of these things will help you remember and use psychology. Professional Behavior in Email and DBs Maintain professional behavior on the discussion boards. Any student that is disruptive or overbearing during discussion will be warned once to change their behavior and may be removed from the course. When sending email or posting to the DBs, remember that another student or your professor will read what you write. Use professional language, and use correct grammar and spelling. Capitalize words that need to be capitalized. Do not write as if you are sending an email to a friend. Extra Credit Extra credit will be available randomly throughout the course. Be sure to complete it as often as possible. Your final grade may thank you for it! All extra credit is due by a certain date, and will not be accepted late. Personal Responsibility: This syllabus is a "contract" for this course, meaning that you are responsible for knowing what is due when. Any changes to this "contract" will be given to you in writing (usually in the form of a Syllabus Addendum). My suggestion to you is to get a date book and write in the due dates (see the Unit Dates for Introduction to Psychology) so that you'll be able to look ahead and see what is due when. As an adult college student you are personally responsible for: every day. Attending - you paid for this course, you may as well log on Your grade that you receive in this course The amount of time you study for exams The amount of effort you put into the course Passing in all assignments on time and taking all tests on time point concepts or Keeping track of the grades that you have received up until this Asking for help when needed (especially when it comes to vocabulary you don't understand)

of 12 As a professor, I am personally responsible for: Explaining the information Helping students to understand the concepts changes adequate Letting students know ahead of time of any syllabus/course Grading all work that is passed in and handing it back in an period of time If we both "do our jobs," we should have one great summer! One last note: even though I may seem like an ogre after you read this syllabus, I'm not J So if there are things you don't understand, or if there are some circumstances that rage out of your control during the semester, come talk to me or email me about it. I'll do my best to help you figure out the best course of action. About Northwest Vista The Value of Integrity Northwest Vista College seeks to produce graduates who not only have an academic mastery of their subject, but also treasure lifelong learning, diversity, and personal and social responsibility. We believe true learning and personal growth are possible only in an environment where everyone shares common values. One of our values is integrity, which we define as honesty, trust, respect, and fairness. Our values facilitate intellectual inquiry, the open exchange of ideas and collaboration - all necessary for individual learning and social progress. We expect faculty, staff, and students to exemplify all our values. We embrace our values not out of fear of consequences, but out of a sense of commitment to families, peers, neighbors, our community and ourselves. Cheating on assignments, plagiarizing the work of others without proper citation, and collusion through unauthorized collaboration are not part of integrity. Penalties for academic dishonesty are serious and range from failing to expulsion. Please read the complete set of new policies and procedures at: http://www.accd.edu/nvc/students/learning/acadinteg/default.htm Special Needs Information: As per Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, if a student needs an accommodation, contact the Access Office by phone at 210-486-4466 or by email at nvc-access@alamo.edu NVC's Student Learning Outcomes: Attitudes, Skills and Knowledge Revised Fall 2007

of 12 Attitudes - (A1) Practice personal integrity and social responsibility (A2) Commit to lifelong learning and wellness (A3) Accept the reality of change, nuance and uncertainty (A4) Accept the reality of diversity and differences in people and ideas Skills - (S1) Communicate effectively (S2) Cooperate and collaborate effectively (S3) Think critically and creatively (S4) Use technology appropriately and effectively Knowledge - (K1) Understand how individual disciplines investigate and interpret the world (K2) Become competent in math and statistical methods (K3) Understand how the past has determined our interdependent world We encourage you to look for these ASK Outcomes in your courses at NVC, to ask your instructor how this particular course hopes to address these, and to ask yourself how you plan to grow with regard to these outcomes. You are the one who must manage your growth and learning, and these are important attitudes, skills, and knowledge for you to have a successful life. Our role is to help you with that growth through the courses we offer you, the opportunities to work closely with your fellow students, and the co-curricular services and events at NVC. We hope you will demand excellence from us and from yourself. For more information about VCT or help with the VCT website, please contact the Website Manager. 1998-2010 VCT Group M7 design