You must complete and submit this syllabus during the first week of class.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  I often respond to email using my personal address: kpsych123@gmail.com. PLEASE be sure to (immediately) add this address (and kroberts@bcconline.com) to your "safe senders" or "contacts" list so that my emails don't bounce back to me! (or worse - are filtered into a SPAM folder and lost - and I think you have received it.) Just be sure I'm on a "safe sender" or "contact" list and you shouldn't have any problem.  (You should still send emails to me at the kroberts@bcconline.com address - they are forwarded to my personal address.) 

One last note about email:  I ALWAYS respond to email within 24 hours (weekends excluded).  If you have not received a response from me in that time, it is likely that I didn't receive your email (or more likely that I have responded and it was blocked by your internet provider or put into your SPAM folder).  Please send another email letting me know that it is your second email (or try to catch me online using an Instant Messenger).  If you still don't receive a response to your email, please do two things: email again using either an alternate email address or include your phone number so that I can call you AND call/email the college instruction office - (760) 252-2411 - to email or call me with your phone number.  I try hard to stay in contact with my students, but I've had a small number of students over the past years who never received my responses and we didn't know what was happening until very late in the semester.  I don't want that much time to pass if you are trying to reach me.

User Name and Password:  

You must use a user name and password after the first week of class. Without these, you will not be able to access the course materials. This information is posted in red on the course homepage. User IDs and passwords are "case sensitive" (in other words, you must use all "lowercase" letters). If you still need assistance with your username and password please go to this page and read the instructions: http://www.bcconline.com/orient/password.htm, to receive further assistance. 

Required Text:      Wade, C & Tavris, C. (2008).  Psychology (10th Ed.).  New York: Prentice Hall. 

One of the primary methods of contact in an online course is email. Your college is capable of extracting student names and email addresses from our registration system. The purpose of extracting this information is two fold. The information will be used by the instructor to remain in contact with the class in order to provide information necessary for the students' academic success. The information will also be used to send emails to the students from the college administration. The emails sent by the college administration will consist of links to course surveys which will be used to improve our online courses, important announcements for students, and links to college surveys, which will be used to satisfy requirements placed on the college by the California Community College Chancellor's Office. The college will not use this information to advertise any products and will not share student email addresses with any other organization.

In the box below type the following information:

As a student I understand it is my responsibility to ensure my email address is up to date in the registration system, and that failure to do so can seriously impact my ability to successfully complete my courses. Further, I consent to receive email communication from my instructor and from the college administration. This consent will remain in force until it is revoked in writing or I am no longer taking classes with the college. Upon submitting the syllabus, I agree to enter the registration system, check my email address and change it if necessary. I understand a tutorial is available to assist me with this procedure. I also understand I can contact 760-252-2411 x7236 to receive additional assistance if I encounter any difficulties when attempting to change my email address.

Course Description: Consideration of the development of psychology, sensation and perception, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, state of consciousness, stress, health and adjustment, abnormal behavior and psychotherapy, sex roles and sexual behavior. Reading Level A. Degree Applicable. UC/CSU 3 UNITS

Prerequisites & corequisites: None

Course Objectives:

A. The student should be able to recognize and differentiate between the major perspectives by which we may view behavior. The student should be able to identify, define, compare, contrast, and critique the biological, behavioral, psychoanalytic, humanistic, and cognitive perspectives.

B. The student should have a working knowledge of the various specialties and the literature within the field. The student should be able to identify subject matter and major principles and to discuss same in the following areas:

1) The biology of behavior
2) Perceptual processes
3) State of consciousness
4) Learning and memory
5) Higher cognitive processes: reasoning, language, problem solving
6) Life-span development
7) Motivation and emotion
8) Psychology and health
9) Theories of personality
10) Abnormal behavior and therapies
11) Social psychology
12) Forensic psychology
13) Psychology and education
14) Organizational psychology

C. The student will be provided with opportunities to improve general academic skills:

1) Through interaction with the course materials, weekly assignments, and online group discussions.
2) Sharpening and measuring critical thinking skills by weekly essay questions, discussion groups, and exam questions.
3) Emphasizing writing skills.

From the course objectives and student learning outcomes listed above, list the one that interests you the most and tell me why it interests you.

Assignments: Critical thinking tasks/assignments include (but are not limited to) the following:

A. CRITICAL THINKING

Critical thinking shall be demonstrated by one or more of the following:

1. Essay questions from various chapters in each of the weekly assignments, exams and quizzes given during the semester.
2. A term project to be researched, written in report format, and submitted for a grade.
3. Participation in online group discussions and exercises.

1. Weekly attendance at all classes as shown by participation in discussion groups and by submitting quizzes (see attendance policy)
2. Reading: All reading assignments will be read prior to completing discussions/quizzes except as noted.
3. Appropriate participation in class discussions and assigned materials related to course content (points will be deducted for inappropriate, rude, or derogatory comments).

C. OTHER ASSIGNMENTS may include:

1. Study
2. Required reading
3. Written work (essays, reports, exams, weekly assignments, critical thinking exercises, research)
4. Participation

1) Examinations and quizzes which may be essay, fill-in, short answer, true/false, matching, multiple-choice, or other types or a combination of any of these formats.
2) On campus or proctored (by an authorized representative) off-campus exams will be scheduled and given at the end of the course (final exam). See statement on "Proctored Exams." 
3) Written reports, presentations, quizzes, and class exercises will be executed with proper grammar in accordance with standards expected at Barstow College. Peer tutors are available at no cost to students for proof-reading and assistance in the construction of required work, and general writing guidelines are included in the section titled "Paper Grading Criteria" on the course homepage.

In the box below type:  "I will take the exams at (the library/Fort Irwin/Miramar office) or I will send proctor information at least two weeks prior to the exam.  I agree to abide by the scheduled dates and understand that the course ends on a Friday at 5:00 pm.  I understand that late exams will not be graded and that I cannot make up a missed exam."

1. Online Discussion Group questions: 250 points (10 @ 25 points each)
2. Quizzes: 150 points (15 @ 10 points each)
3. Final examination 100 points

450 - 500   = A
400 - 449   = B
350 - 399   = C
300 - 349   = D
300 or less = F

GRADING CRITERIA: (The following general criteria will be used in evaluating all work. Additionally, specific criteria for each assignment will be given. Note: The pluses and minuses are for in-class grading only. Barstow College does not assign pluses and minuses in the final grade.  An "A" range grade corresponds to 90% or more points; "B" range corresponds to 80-90% points, etc.)

A & A- Grades Clearly stands out as excellent performance. Has unusually sharp insight into material; initiates thoughtful questions. Sees many sides of an issue. Articulates well and writes logically and clearly. Integrates ideas previously learned from this and other disciplines; anticipates next steps in progression of ideas. Shows outstanding ability to apply theories to practical applications.

B+, B, & B- Grades Grasps subject matter at a level considered to be good to very good. Is an active listener and participant in class discussion. Speaks and writes well. Accomplishes more than the minimum requirements. Work in and out of class is of high quality though rarely outstanding. Shows improvement throughout semester in combining theories with practical applications.

C+, C, & C- Grades Demonstrates a satisfactory comprehension of the subject matter. Accomplishes the minimum requirements and communicates orally and in writing at an acceptable level for a college student. Has a general understanding of all basic concepts.

D+, D, & D- Grades Minimal comprehension of subject matter. Accomplishes less than the minimum requirements for the course. Work that is completed is below a level acceptable for a college course. Is unable to demonstrate general understanding of basic concepts.

F Grade Few or no requirements for assignment were met. Work is unacceptable for college level. Does not demonstrate comprehension of subject matter or understanding of course concepts.

Attendance and Participation Policy:

< Any student who fails to complete the first week's work will be considered a "no show" and dropped from the course.  Failure to actively participate the 2nd or 3rd week may also result in being dropped from the course without further notice.  After the 3rd week, the instructor cannot drop a student, and the student must drop the course him or herself. Note that it is the STUDENT'S responsibility to drop a course and not the instructor's.  In any case, if the student does not drop, but remains on the class roll, a grade of F will result. (If you need to drop - please check at the Barstow College office for the drop deadline.)

< Participation is required in the online discussions and completion of weekly quizzes after reading the lesson.

< Students are expected to "attend" class on a regular basis. Attendance through an online course is noted through the discussion questions.  If you miss a discussion question, you will be marked absent for that week. 

< Students are expected to have read all material prior to the due date and to incorporate the material into assignments and discussions, using references liberally (failure to reference materials is plagiarism - please see below for the policy on Academic Honesty).

< Students are expected to turn in all assigned work and submit it by the due date. Late work and exams will not receive credit.  When discussions are posted late, they are nothing more than "answers" to a question, and cannot be "discussed" since the class has moved on, and in order for students to learn from their mistakes, quizzes need to be returned quickly, and I cannot be sending out quiz answers while quizzes can still be turned in.  For those reasons NO LATE WORK IS ACCEPTED.

< Emergencies will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. You must send a note to the instructor explaining the emergency - in advance whenever possible. Documentation/verification may be required. This still does not automatically guarantee that your work will be accepted, but makes it more likely.  

I post an online gradebook in the Instructor Post Area (located on the discussion board under "discussions") for you to review and keep track of your grades.  To protect confidentiality, I will need a "fake name" from you.  Please do not choose a name that is similar to your real name, your email address, or your username.  Grades are posted within 1 week after work is due.  Work submitted earlier in the week is likely to be graded and posted first.

Also note that in the Instructor Post area I post important course information.  Part of the course requirement is for you to read this information AT LEAST weekly (I recommend that you check there more often).  If an announcement is posted there, you are responsible to know the information and "I didn't read it" will not be an acceptable excuse.  Please provide your fake name below.

QUIZZES: Quizzes will be given as scheduled in the course outline/syllabus. Questions will be multiple choice. You may use your book or your notes on the quizzes.  To access quizzes, click the "quiz" links located in the lessons.  For copies of your quiz answers, please wait until after the week has ended, then email me to request a copy.  Please tell me which quiz you would like the answers for (the specific number).  Do not ask for them until after the week has ended, so that answers are not circulating while students still have time to turn them in. 

EXAMS: (There is no mid-term exam for this course.) The final exam will be given during the week listed on the course homepage and will take approximately three hours to complete. The final exam requires that you either take the exam at the college or arrange for a proctor in a supervised location (read and follow the instructions on the "Proctor Form" on the course homepage if you require a proctor). Proctor requests are due AT LEAST 2 weeks prior to the start of the exam.  For additional exam information, please see "Exam" link on the course homepage.  LATE EXAMS WILL NOT RECEIVE CREDIT AND MISSED EXAMS CANNOT BE MADE UP. 

PROCTORED EXAMS:

All students are required to take the final exam at an adequately supervised location. The exam for this course will be given on-campus in the Barstow College Computer Labs, the Miramar Campus, or at the Fort Irwin Resident Center during the week scheduled. Students should plan to take the exam at one of those locations during the scheduled week (call to schedule an appointment or verify their hours - they have "cut-off times" and you may not be allowed to take the exam if you come in past their "cut-off time.") unless notified otherwise. (If you intend to take the exam at any of the college campuses, you do NOT need to submit a proctor form.)

If you are unable to take the exams at either of these locations because you do not live close to any of the college campuses, you may take the exam at a location near you, using a proctor approved by your instructor. You must inform the instructor (using the Proctor Form on the course homepage) at least two weeks prior to the exam date that you intend to take the exam at another location so that your instructor has time to approve the proctor and location. Specific proctor guidelines are listed on the Proctor Form Link on the course homepage.  In general, students who live in close proximity to the college are expected to take the exam at the college: proctors will not be approved for those residing in Barstow or Fort Irwin except in special circumstances.  If you live near a BCC campus, you must email the instructor before submitting the Proctor Form. 

All proctored exams require positive student ID before taking the exam.  Be sure to bring a picture ID with you to take the final exam or you will not be allowed take the exam. 

ONLINE COURSES: Please note that online courses are available for the convenience of students with varying needs. These courses are neither easier nor less time-consuming than a normal "in-class" course, just more flexible. While they allow the student to "attend class" (so-to-speak) at the student’s convenience, they still require self-motivation and time-management on the part of the student. Because this online course is also a 9-week course, it is more concentrated than a typical 18-week course, in or out of the classroom. Students should expect online courses to take as much time and dedication as short-term, in-class courses, and should plan their schedules accordingly.  Online courses are not for every student.  If the pace of a short-term course is too fast for the student or if the student has difficulty with independent time-management, he or she should consider enrolling in an on-campus, full-term (18-week) course.

STANDARDS FOR WRITTEN WORK AND ONLINE INTERACTION: All assigned work will be executed and/or performed in accordance with standards expected at Barstow College. Points will be deducted for incorrect spelling and improper grammar, and also for inappropriate, rude, or derogatory comments.   The student is STRONGLY encouraged to save ALL work including quizzes prior to submission. (Please note that after taking a quiz, you should receive your score immediately after typing in your email address (except for Quiz #1).  This score is NOT proof you have taken the quiz, because it does not identify which quiz the score corresponds to - you need to save the quiz score page with all of the information in case there is ever a problem.)  

ACADEMIC HONESTY:

1. You must do your own work. Papers, quizzes, exams, etc. MUST be your own work in your own words.  All course work should be done individually.  I realize that some are concerned with "English writing ability" and want someone else to "check" the work. I strongly suggest that you put everything in your own words FIRST, then, if you desire, have someone proofread for you. Proofreading involves checking for errors, not re-writing sentences and paragraphs. If revisions are needed for clarity, the YOU make those revisions; don’t expect your proofreader to do it. 

2. When "borrowing" ideas from another source (for example, research for a paper) - ALWAYS, ALWAYS give credit.  If it is not YOUR idea, phrase, etc., you MUST give credit whether you use the exact information or if you paraphrase.   Additionally, you cannot have too many citations in a paragraph/paper - especially a "research" paper (or the discussions), because you are "researching" from other sources. If you have information that did not come directly from your head (i.e., if you were "inspired" by something you read or saw), you MUST cite the reference, even if you are quoting from the text or the lessons. Claiming work as your own that is not yours is plagiarism, including copying directly from the text or lessons, even when responding to an assigned question.  If you feel you need to copy directly or to paraphrase, then include the reference. I deal harshly with plagiarism, because there is simply no excuse for it (and because it is college policy). 

Plagiarism, cheating, or submitting work that you have not done yourself will result in a grade of "F" for the assignment or exam, and possibly for the course, at the instructor's discretion.  It is my policy to immediately report any instances to the college - this is not negotiable.  More than one offense reported to Barstow College will result in failure of the course and disciplinary action/expulsion from the college.  

In this course, APA (American Psychological Association) format should be used when citing references. (The link explains what to expect in this course.) Please ask the instructor any additional questions about this writing style.

ABOUT THE CLASS SCHEDULE/SYLLABUS: A syllabus is not a contract between instructor and student, but rather a guide to course procedures on attendance, requirements, grading, objectives, and class topic and reading schedule. The instructor reserves the right to amend the syllabus when emergency circumstances dictate or unusual opportunities for student learning arise. Students will be notified. Course schedule last updated 12/26/09. 

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COURSE SCHEDULE: 

click here for a printable version

Each week, you will 1) read the assigned chapters (the reading must be completed first except as noted in one lesson), 2) read the lessons for the week, 3) complete the weekly quiz, and 4) participate in the discussion group (for participation criteria, please see "Discussion Group"  information below). All quizzes must be submitted to the instructor and discussion questions answered before Sunday at 12:00 midnight at the end of each week. Additionally, online courses are not designed for you to work at your own pace.  You must go week-by-week as outlined. DO NOT SUBMIT WORK OR POST EARLY except that work/discussion postings may be submitted the weekend prior to the scheduled week, at the earliest. (see the course homepage for specific dates)  Discussions posted earlier than outlined will be removed and quizzes will not be counted. (If travel or other situations may require an exception, please notify the instructor and wait for approval PRIOR to submitting early work.)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discussion questions are to be posted by 12:00 (Midnight) on Sunday of the week they are assigned.  Discussions should be at least 2 very complete paragraphs expressing your ideas and thoughts in an in-depth way.  In addition to posting an answer to the discussion question, you are also required to post at least one response to another student's postings each week, either agreeing with the comments or expressing an alternate opinion. Try to respond to postings which haven’t already been responded to, or which have fewer responses. Responses should also be substantive; ie. more than one or two brief sentences. When posting your answer and your responses to other students’ answers, be sure to use correct grammar, punctuation and syntax. Remember that you are communicating with others, and correct English usage is critical because you are expecting others to understand what you are saying. It would be wise to type out your answer/response, spell and grammar check, then proofread once more before posting. Improper grammar, punctuation, and/or syntax, or using "chatspeak" ("u" instead of "you," for example - the discussions are not chats) will reduce your grade, as will postings that are not substantive.  *Beginning the second week, full credit will only be given to those postings which back up their position with a reference from the text, lesson, or outside reference.*  Be sure to use APA style to cite references (there is a link on the course homepage that explains how to do this)

Also be aware that derogatory comments, bad language, and rudeness will not be tolerated. Disagreement is fine and even encouraged, as long as it is done with respect and tact, and focuses on the points of the posting. Better yet, back up agreements OR disagreements with references.  Don't get personal, and don't take responses that disagree with your point personally. This discussion board is intended for you to see various perspectives and to take a stand, backed by references or research, for your own viewpoint.   Postings which are derogatory in nature will be immediately removed and your grade will be significantly decreased.

One last caution - be sure that you have read and understand terms from the book and the lectures. You will not be able to answer the questions correctly if you have not read the material, and will not receive full credit.  

WEEK 1:  Introduce yourself to the rest of the class.  Include your name, occupation, major, school status (how many college classes have you had, OR how many you have left), plans after BCC, hobbies (What do you do in your spare time? Or, what would you do if you had spare time?), why you took the course, and one thing you hope to learn. (And anything else you want to add.)  Please make your introduction at least one full paragraph. (don't forget to respond to another student's posting)

WEEK 2:  Theories explain many, but not all behaviors.  Even in the same person, one theory may explain one aspect of behavior while another theory may explain another aspect of behavior.  After reading the lesson, choose two parts of the theories you have read (name the theorist, the theory, and the section of that theory you have chosen), and for each one, describe a situation or incident or behavior you think is explained by this theory.  (The behavior can be your own, your child's, a neighbor or coworker's, or something you have seen on television.)  The idea is to relate theories to "real life" behaviors for greater understanding.  This assignment should be at least two full paragraphs.  (Be sure to back up your opinions with information from the book or another source. Be sure to include your references for full credit from this week on.)

WEEK 3:  Many people believe that the lure of alcohol is so strong that alcoholics cannot afford to take even one drink once they have decided that they are alcoholics. Others believe that even alcoholics can learn to drink in moderation. Which side do you favor in this debate? Please use the book or another reference (try the internet!) to back up your "side" and list the reference that you use in the discussion (if it is a website, please provide the complete link).

WEEK 4:   Complete the Barsch Learning Style Inventory.  According to Barsch, what is your learning style?  How will this information help you to improve your learning?  Do you have any other study suggestions that were not mentioned in the lesson, that goes along with "learning style?"  Someday, whether as a parent, grandparent, teacher, or in another capacity, it is quite likely that you will be working with children at least once in your life.  How can you use this information to help a child?  Is it really necessary to know the child's learning style to help that child? (Be sure to include references for full credit)

WEEK 5:  Have some fun with this one:  One way to test out the power of a social norm is to break it. Without doing something so dramatic that it lands you in jail or seriously compromises your relationships, select a behavior that people practice without question and do something different that will surprise them. (For example, you could face the rear when you are in an elevator. I even had one student - a man - carry (his wife's) purse for a couple hours while they were out shopping - and even said things like "Oh, that's in my purse."  The reactions he got were hilarious.) How do people react to you? What attributions (see the "fundamental attribution error") do they make about your behavior? As observers, do they explain your behavior in negative trait terms, as the fundamental attribution error would predict? (about 2 paragraphs) (Be sure to include references and specifically address the "fundamental attribution theory" for full credit)

WEEK 6:  Before reading the chapter or the lesson, answer Quiz #10.  If you don't know the answer, make your best guess - don't go and look it up!  You are "on your honor," and you will not be graded down for wrong answers. Your grade for this quiz will be whether or not you do it.  If you do it, you will receive full credit.  Then go and read the chapter and lesson.

AFTER reading the lesson, discuss your reaction to Quiz #10 and its results (the answers were emailed to you when you submitted the quiz as information only). Did any of the information surprise you? 

(Two notes: 1) Do not include in your discussion how the quiz was graded - it is irrelevant. Everyone gets 10 points for taking it on time, and the answers are informational only: not meant to be "correct" or "incorrect."  The quiz is designed for awareness only.  2) As always, be sure to include references for full credit - and note that the textbook is really not an adequate reference this week since this information is not in the text. If you use the text as a reference, please include a page number or I will not count it as a reference. We are far enough into the course that references should be being used as outlined in the "APA Writing Style Information" section link on the course homepage.)

WEEK 7:  Let’s talk about stress. What are some healthy ways you cope with stress? What are some unhealthy ways you cope with stress? What is one specific thing you can put into practice now to increase your healthy coping? (Don’t list it if you don’t plan to put it into practice.) In your life, why might it be important to be able to cope effectively with stress?

WEEK 8:  Consider all of the mental problems listed in chapter 16, and then choose one that interests you the most.  Describe the mental condition (use outside resources for a more in-depth description - remember to include your reference) and then, from Ch. 17 (or another source), choose a therapy that you think might be effective with the disorder you chose.  Explain your reason for "using" that therapy. (Be sure to include references for full credit)

WEEK 9:  (This question refers back to Lesson 5)  Think about some period of your life when you were handicapped by someone stereotyping you.  For example, you might be a short person and recognize that there are characteristic ways that people deal with you that might grow out of their stereotypes about short people.  Describe the experience of others' making judgments about you based on characteristics that you cannot control.  Consider whether there are stereotypes you harbor that influence your treatment of others (about 2 paragraphs) (Be sure to include references for full credit)

FINAL DISCUSSION (ALSO WEEK 9): (This is intended to be a review of course topics)  What one topic has interested you most in the text or lessons?  Share with the class what you have learned about that topic and have you put it into practice? (Include outside sources for a higher grade - in other words, find one other reference that talks about your topic as well).  Please include enough information that others can gain from your viewpoint/experience as well (1-2 complete paragraphs).

If you have a disability which may impact your success in this course, you may contact the Disability Student Programs and Services (DSPS) office to arrange any reasonable accommodations and supports to which you are entitled.  It is the responsibility of the student to initiate these procedures. The DSPS department can be contacted by calling 760-252-2411 x7225 or 760-252-6759 TTY/TDD or emailing dsps@bcconline.com.

In the box below type: I understand that if I have or suspect I have a disability I can contact the DSPS program at the number or email address listed above and request reasonable accommodations. Further I realize it is my responsibility to contact the DSPS department.

 

After filling out this form, copy the confirmation page and send it via email to kroberts@bcconline.com.