Syllabus - PSYC 2301 - Online Course Fall, 2014
Raquel Henry, Ph.D. rhenry@lonestar.edu
Office Hours: M: 12:00 Noon-2:00 PM; T: 3:00 PM-4:00 PM; W: 1:00 PM-2:00 PM; TH: 3:00 PM-4:00 PM. Other times available by appointment. Please call: 281.312.1611. Office: Kingwood Campus, Library Bldg. Room 214
Course Information:
Course Title: General Psychology Course discipline: Psychology
Course number: PSYC 2301 Sections: 2013 (14728), 2024 (16305), 2025 (16306) Catalog description: An introductory course dealing with the elementary principles of human behavior. Designed especially for those students majoring in the social or biological sciences, pre-medicine or education.
Course Dates: Monday, August 25, 2014 to Monday, December 8, 2014 at 12:00 Noon. Class will be shut down at 12:00 Noon on 12/8/14. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Prerequisite: Take the online D2L software orientation if this is your first D2L course. Textbooks:
Required reading:
Discovering Psychology: The Science of Mind by Cacioppo & Freberg; 1st edition (2013) Centage Learning Publishers. ISBN-10(Looseleaf): 1-285-55760-3
Purchase: Kingwood Campus Bookstore
If you choose to buy another version of this book (other than the loose leaf Kingwood version) please make sure that you are studying the correct chapters for each test. Required reading:
Mistakes Were Made (but not by me), by Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson (2007).
ISBN: 978-0-15-603390-9 (paperback) Several copies can be found at the Reserve Desk, Kingwood Campus Library.
Purchase: Kingwood Campus Bookstore, Half Price Books, Amazon.com, etc. Grammar, Spelling and Writing
This is a college class and the professor expects all students to use correct usage of the English language and proper spelling and capitalization in all written work. This includes the paper, discussion postings, and emails. If you have a problem with this you can get help from the Learning Center that is located on the second floor of the PAC Building. Course Requirements:
Publisher’s Website: You can also work in the corresponding chapters on:
http://coursemate.cengage.com/CPReader/View/9781133173809/default.aspx?anon=True #home. There are free items on this website such as practice tests and flashcards. Testing: There are six tests. For each test you will read the corresponding chapters in the text. I will also be posting power points for each chapter under the content tab for each chapter covered. When you feel you are prepared, you may take the online test. You may
take the test 2 times and the highest grade will count. You do not have to take the test twice, it is up to you. The second test will be over the same material but it will be a different test. For example, test 1 will be over chapter 1, test 2 will be over chapter 6, etc. Note that although you can go at your own pace, there are limits. You may go as fast as you like, getting ahead, but there are end dates for each test. In other words, you must take each test by a certain date. These dates can be found on the class calendar and the syllabus. Everyone gets different test questions so no two tests are alike. Please note that you have 30 minutes to take each test. DO NOT GO OVER THE TIME ALLOTTED as you will not get credit for that test if you do. I am strict about the 30 minute limit. There will be six (6) content tests and a written assignment. The 6 tests and the paper will be averaged to give you the course grade. They all have the same weight. You may see your average throughout the semester by getting out a calculator and averaging your grades or looking on your grade sheet in the class.
Paper: There is also a paper due. Please see the section on "WRITTEN
ASSIGNMENT FOR PSYC 2301 D2L" below for the requirements of the paper. The paper is due NO LATER than Wednesday, November 26, 2014 at 12:00 Noon. Papers will not be accepted after that time and you WILL RECEIVE A GRADE OF ZERO (0) for that assignment. You may turn papers in early. All papers must be sent in in the dropbox, which can be accessed using the "Assessments" tab on the top of your screen, papers sent any other way will not be accepted. They will automatically be checked there by turnitin.com for plagiarism. I will then grade the papers and send them back to you in the same manner.
“Discovering Psychology” programs online: The “Discovering Psychology programs can be seen online at the following :www.learner.org/discoveringpsychology/index.html These videos can help solidify the information you learn through the textbook. I have recommended certain videos for each chapter read. I have included this information below. Please feel free to watch any of the other videos that are not assigned.
I do not give "I"s (In-completes). Students who do not take test 1 by the due date (Wednesday, September 3,2014) at 12 Noon will be dropped from class.
Grade Policy:
Grades will be assigned in accordance with Lone Star grading policy which is stated in the Lone Star Catalog and below:
A: 90-100 B: 80-89 C: 70-79 D: 60-69 F: 59 and lower
Test Taking: Please do not leave tests till the very end. Things happen. If your system goes down right before the end of the due date or something happens in your personal life and you cannot take a test, you will not be given an extension as it would not be fair to the other students. Please do not ask for an extension.
Tech Problems: You are responsible for your computers. I do not make provisions or exceptions for you when your computer crashes or has technical difficulties. You are always able to use the computers free of charge at all the Lone Star campuses. These are usually located in the libraries and computer labs. If you have technical problems with the D2L class please contact the wonderfully patient folks at the help desk. Info on the
help desk is located on the course homepage among other places. Their contact info: 1-‐ 866-‐614-‐5014 and online@lonestar.edu.
How to Study for This Class: For each of the above sections, read the chapter in the text, watch the video(s) and read the notes and/or power points. You may also go to the publisher's website which has flashcards, practice tests, etc. The website address is in your text and above. This is a free service and you do not need a code. If you do have a code (new books) you can access even more resources. When you feel that you know the material in the section well, take the test online. If you are happy with your grade, go to the next section. If you are not, look to see where you need work and redo that section before taking the test the second time. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.
You are responsible for all the info on the syllabus, the class calendar, the homepage banner, any emails I may send you, and on the Discussion Boards. Many of your questions may be answered on the discussion board so please read them each time you log on. PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS NO EXTRA CREDIT IN THIS CLASS. Please do not ask for extra credit.
Withdrawing: If you need to withdraw from this class, please contact the
admissions/registration department at any of the campuses. The "W" date for this semester is Monday, November 10, 2014. I only drop students who fail to take the first test by the due date. After that it is the student’s responsibility to withdraw if they choose to.
Suggestions:
Many students have found that studying with another classmate can help. You may look for a study mate by posting a message on the discussion board. I suggest that you read the chapters assigned, answer questions in the text, watch the assigned videos, and read any notes I may post. Other students have told me that being organized and keeping a calendar has helped. Many students have found it helpful to have a friend or family member quiz them before taking a test. Be sure you have the correct text and the correct edition of the text. Several students in the past have not and they did not do well.
Please note that this class is not for you if you are not self-motivated and disciplined. It is easy to fall behind in this class. YOU have to keep up on your own as there is no teacher telling you (physically) what and when to do the work.
Academic Honesty: Students caught cheating will be expelled from class, receive an “F” for the class and reported to the administration. Please see the Academic
Integrity Policy for the System
at http://northharris.lonestar.edu/31556/
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT FOR PSYC 2301 D2L ONLINE COLLEGE:
Controversy is an important part of psychology, especially contemporary psychology. In my traditional classes I cover these controversies in depth, bringing in current issues. This is a bit more difficult to do in an independent study course that is conducted online. The assignment: Read the following book: Mistakes Were Made (but not by me) By Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson (Harcourt Publishers, ISBN: 978-0-15-603390-9) and
discuss the book on the Discussion Board labeled “Mistakes” from a psychological point of view. Then write a synopsis of the book, writing about more than one side of the issue. Then write what your opinion is and why, again from a psychological point of view. Your point of view needs to come from thoughtful thinking, analysis and logic, NOT emotion and "beliefs".
Only those who have participated in the discussion on the discussion board can turn in a paper. Papers turned in by those who have not participated in the discussion board will not be graded or awarded points. You must post at least 10 times on the discussion board labeled “Mistakes” The paper needs to be at least 6 pages total, not including the cover page, 12 point font and double-spaced. There must also be a cover page. Late papers will not be graded. The advantage of posting on the discussion board is so you can hear other people's ideas and opinions, something that is common in the traditional classroom but not in many independent study online classes. It is also an attempt to provide an opportunity for you to become more engaged with the other students, something that is also common in a classroom setting but not as common in an online class.
Do not wait till the end to send the paper for if it isn’t sent correctly, the document does not attach or the instructor cannot open it you may not get another chance to send it if it is past the turn in time. It is best to turn it in a couple days before just in case there are problems with it that can be corrected in time. Do not quote sources in your paper. Everything needs to be written in your own words. Read the material, synthesize it and then write it in your own words. Be careful of plagiarism. I will be turning in the papers
to www.turnitin.com.Papers that have been determined plagiarized will be given a 0, the
student will then be given an F for the class, no matter what grades they have been earning on the tests.
DUE: The paper is due no later than Wednesday, November 26, 2014 by 12:00 Noon at the latest. Papers coming in after the above date and time will NOT be accepted. NO EXCEPTIONS. You may send the paper early. The paper must be sent to me via the dropbox in this class section on D2L. Do not send files to me at my school (lonestar.edu) account as they will not be graded. Please note that I put the papers through the Turnitin system to check for plagiarism and cheating. If you are caught plagiarizing or cheating you will be given an F in the class and your name turned into the Administration.
Naming: You should include your name in the title of the paper. Your name should come first in the title such as: "Vlad Drak, Leaving the darkside". You may call your paper whatever you like after your name.
Computer Files: You can save your paper ONLY as a Microsoft Word (.doc) file or a Text (.txt or .rtf) file. Documents saved to any other format will have to be resubmitted in one of these formats. If the correct format is not submitted before the deadline, the student will receive a "0" (zero) for the paper. Do not send files saved in "Word Perfect" format. I will not be able to open them.
The paper will be graded on content and correct use of English.
• Self-discipline is KEY. Do not leave things to the end. Have a calendar where you plot out the days you study, takes tests, etc.
• Do not wait till the last day to turn in the paper. If you send it in incorrectly (i.e. as a .wps document) it will not be on time and the teacher does not accept late
papers.
• Definitely go to the publisher's website and use the flash cards and other study materials. Also good to use the practice quizzes,it helped me get better grades on the "real" tests.
• Check the discussion boards and email frequently. The teacher may post things that can help she checks it often so it is a good way to communicate with her. • Use the discussion board to hook up with other students. I got into a study group
at the beginning of the semester. Anyone can post a message on the discussion board. This helped me with the class and made me feel less lonely. I also made some friends this way!
• The best thing about this course is that it is at your own pace so that if something is going on in your life, you can take a break from the class or you can go faster than normal and finish before the end of the semester.
2013 - 2014 Learning Outcomes for PSYC 2301:
• Identify factors in the historical development of the study of human behavior including current theoretical perspectives prominent in the field of psychology. • Identify terminology unique to the study of psychology.
• Identify research findings through the application of the scientific method. • Identify factors contributing to development and the human experience. • Identify accepted approaches and standards in psychological assessment and
evaluation.
• Identify factors in physiological and psychological processes involved in human behavior including those experiences which deviate from the mainstream of accepted experience and behavior.
Security: Lone Star College System (LSCS) is committed to maintaining the safety of thestudents, faculty, staff, and guests while visiting any of our campuses. See
http://www.lonestar.edu/oem for details. Register at http://www.lonestar.edu/12803.htm to receive emergency notifications. In the event of an emergency contact LSCS Police at (281) 290-5911 or X5911.
Americans with Disabilities Act Statement: Lone Star College-Kingwood is dedicated to providing the least restrictive environment for all students. We promote equity in academic access through the implementation of reasonable accommodations as required by the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title V, Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) which will enable students with disabilities to participate in and benefit from all post-secondary educational activities.
If you require reasonable accommodations because of a physical, mental, or learning disability, please contact the Counseling Office to obtain the necessary information to request accommodations. Upon completion of this process, please notify your instructor as soon as possible and preferably before the end of the first two weeks of class to arrange for reasonable accommodations.
Department Contacts:
Dr. Marie Sesay, Dean Marie.Sesay@lonestar.edu
Phone: 281.312.1670
Ms. Stacy Walker, Chair, Social Science Stacy.Walker@lonestar.edu
Phone: 281-‐312-‐1704
Ms. Sharon Kenemore, Counselor skenemore@lonestar.edu
Phone: 281-‐312-‐1574
Tests: Topics Test 1:
Chapter 1: The Science of the Mind: The Discipline of Psychology; videos 1, 2 Test 1 over Chapter 1 must be taken by Wednesday, September 3 at 12 Noon Students who fail to take test 1 by this date and time will be dropped from class.
Test 2:
Chapter 6: The Adaptive Mind: Learning, videos 8, 10
Test 2 over Chapter 6 must be taken by Wednesday, September 17 at 12 Noon.
Test 3:
Chapter 7: The Knowing Mind: Memory, video
Test 3 over Chapter 7 must be taken by Wednesday, October 8 at 12 Noon.
Test 4:
Chapter 10: The Individual Mind: Personality and the Self, video 15
Test 4 over Chapter 10 must be taken by Wednesday, October 29 at 12 Noon
Test 5:
Chapter 11: The Connected Mind: Social Psychology, videos 19, 20, 26Test 5 over Chapter 11 must be taken by Wednesday, November 12 at 12 Noon.
Test 6:
Chapter 12: The Troubled Mind: Psychological Disorders, video 21
Test 6 over Chapter 12 must be taken by Monday, December 8 at 12 Noon.
Contact me by email on the class homepage and I will get back with you within 48 hours, Monday through Friday as is System Policy.
