Psychology of Adjustment Syllabus for 2015-2016
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Instructor Information

Office Location

Dutton Hall 202N

Office Hours

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

PSYC-2315-001 Psychology of Adjustment

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: RDNG 0331-minimum grade of C or a score on a state-approved test indicating college-level reading skills

Course Description

Study of the processes involved in adjustment of individuals to their personal and social environments.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Corey, G., and Corey, M.S. (2010). I Never Knew I Had A Choice: Explorations in Personal Growth (9th ed.). Brooks/Cole Publishers. ISBN:  978-0-495-60229-3 (paper) (Required)

  

Adams, L. (1989). Be Your Best.  Perigee Books. ISBN:  0-399-52626-9 (paper) (Required)

Supplies

No supplies available

Student Performance

Dr. Alan Kee

Professor of Psychology

Amarillo College

Syllabus

Psychology of Adjustment (Online)

 

Fall, 2015

I want you to use the more user friendly version of the Syllabus and Course Schedule in this course by going to the Home Page for the course and then going to the Lessons tab.  Then click on the Syllabus or Course Schedule.

Critical Information on How To Use Email in This Course!

In order to receive email from the instructor you must use your AC Connect Google Email account.  If you do not activate and use your AC Connect Google Email account, you will be lost in this course because you will not be able to receive email from your instructor. 

There is one way to email your instructor.  You must use your AC Connect Google Email account, and you will have to construct your email from within the course you are taking.  Go to the top left hand corner of the home page of the course and click “Send Email” to construct your e-mail from within the course.  Next, you will click on “All Instructor Users,” and make sure your email is being sent to Jeffery Kee (your instructor for this course). 

Also, students are responsible for accessing e-mail messages sent to their AC Connect Google Email account; thus, students are responsible to check their AC Connect Google Email account on a daily basis.  The instructor will only respond to e-mails sent from the student’s AC Connect Google Email account.  These e-mails must identify the applicable class in the subject line; this information is automatically included in messages sent from within the course when you use your AC Connect Google Email account.  

If you do not follow these instructions, you email is at risk of getting lost.  I teach six courses per semester, and I have to create folders in my Outlook e-mail for each class.  If you follow these instructions, your email will automatically go into the proper folder for your course, and I will then be able to respond to you in a timely manner. 

You will need to learn how to use email in this course by viewing two tutorial videos on how to access email as a student in the portal and on how to send email from Blackboard.

 

Introduce Yourself

If you are attending this class, your Introduction Assignment is to complete an introduction on yourself in order to be counted as attending.  You must make this post by Friday August 28. The reason for this assignment is that the college needs proof that you are participating in the class before your first written assignment and exam 1 is due.  It is a way I can count you as attending early in the semester; if you do not complete this assignment, you will appear to the registrar as not attending the class.  If you appear as not attending, your financial aid can be terminated. 

This Introduction Assignment also allows me and your classmates to get to know you.  Please briefly tell the class your name, major, and your career plan.  You will post your response by clicking on Discussions.  Post your brief introduction in the “First Assignment: Your Introduction” discussion. 

 

COURSE NAME: Psychology of Adjustment (Online)

COURSE NUMBER: Psychology 2315

HOURS: 3 Credit Hours

FACULTY: Dr. Alan Kee, Ph.D.

OFFICE: Dutton Hall 202N

PHONE:  806-371-5183 is my office number.  The best way to reach me is through email using your AC Connect Google Email account.   If you need to contact me by phone, you are more likely to reach me by my cell #: 806-336-2143.

 

E-MAIL: I prefer that you email me using the instructions I provided at the beginning of this syllabus.  In those instructions, I indicate that you must use your AC Connect Google Email account.  This way I will know which course you are in and I can keep track of our messages. If for some reason you cannot get your AC Connect Google Email account to work you may email me at jakee@actx.edu until you get your AC Connect Google Email account to work.


OFFICE HOURS: MW 3 pm - 4 pm, and by appointment.  

PREREQUISITE: Scores on a state-approved test indicating college-level reading skills or a C or higher in RDNG 0331.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Study of the processes involved in adjustment of individuals to their personal and social environments.

Although psychology is a relatively new science, psychological researchers continue to explore many different aspects of human behavior, from our inner subjective experiences to interpersonal relationships and cultural differences. While many mysteries remain, psychologists continue to identify principals and techniques which individuals can use to better their lives. This course examines psychological principals and techniques which are relevant to human adjustment. Its goal is to give students the opportunity to learn how psychology can help them understand and cope with the challenges of their everyday life, and gain exposure to a variety of topics related to the psychology of adjustment. Topics covered will include personal learning & growth, reviewing your childhood & adolescence, autonomy and interdependence in adulthood, wellness, managing stress, love, relationships, communication, gender issues, sexuality, work & recreation, loneliness & solitude, death & loss, and meaning & values. While upon completion of this class students will be expected to demonstrate understanding important concepts in all these areas, this class is also meant to be practical. Students will learn about themselves, their own adjustment, and ways they can live happier and more productive lives.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

1. Students will be able to define key concepts and vocabulary important to the psychology of adjustment.


2. Students will be introduced to an understanding of a variety of topics important to the psychology of adjustment, and demonstrate their familiarity and understanding of these topics through exam responses and written response to assigned discussion essays.


3. Students will learn how psychological knowledge is relevant in their personal growth and development, including their understanding of their own patterns of feeling, thinking, and behavior (e.g., in areas such as interpersonal relationships, health, and work).

 

4. Students will learn strategies for changing their own behavior so that they can more successfully cope with the challenges of everyday life.

TEXTS:

Corey, G., and Corey, M.S. (2010). I Never Knew I Had A Choice: Explorations in Personal Growth (9th ed.). Brooks/Cole Publishers. ISBN:  978-0-495-60229-3 (paper) (Required)

  

Adams, L. (1989). Be Your Best.  Perigee Books. ISBN:  0-399-52626-9 (paper) (Required)

 

DISABILITY STATEMENT:

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Location: Student Service Center, Room 119, Phone 371-5436) as soon as possible. 

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY:

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. It is the responsibility of the student to attend class. 

 

MAKEUP POLICY:

No exams will be given after the deadlines posted in your course schedule with the exception of a true emergency such as death in the family or serious illness.  In such a case you must provide documentation from a physician or psychologist indicating that you were not able to complete the exam.

Grading Criteria

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE EXAMS?

1. This is a three hour course. An estimate of study time outside of class is 3 hours for every 1 hour in class. Therefore, you need to plan on spending at least 9 hours per week in studying for this class outside of class. 

 

2. Studying in college is a complex task in that it involves many factors such as time management skills, reading ability, nutrition, exercise, study skills, motivation, sleep, and stress among others. The guidelines offered in this section may help to some degree. However, I recommend that you take the course on Student Success at AC and/or read books on study skills, motivation, time management, and stress management.

3. Achieving success in this course will require a time commitment. I recommend that you prepare for your exams and for class by ACTIVELY reading and outlining (taking detailed notes) the assignments.  Then, I suggest you take practice exam questions.

4. I recommend that you use a word processor to create your own outline of the reading material. After you complete this process, you have a way to test your knowledge level and you will have covered the material in a systematic and comprehensive manner. This process will allow you to “chunk” the material into smaller pieces, which is more effective than trying to “digest” it all at once by cramming or just “reading over” or skimming over the reading.

5. If you are having difficulty with the material, you may want to receive tutoring or study skills training free of charge from the Access Center (Library; 3rd floor). There are also many web sites on study skills and strategies.

6. Study "How To Prepare For Exams" and “How to Study by Summarizing and Marking the Text.”  This information will help you to develop effective study skills. These documents can be found under the Lessons Tab.   

 

7.  Students report that it is helpful to make a flash card for each paragraph of reading material.  They ask a question on one side of the card and answer it in their own words on the other side of the card.  Then, they have a way of testing their understanding of the content. 

 

EXAMS AND CRITICAL THINKING QUIZ:

1. How many exams are there in this course?

 

There will be four multiple choice EXAMS, and one Critical Thinking Quiz.  The four exams include Exam 1, Exam 2, Exam 3 and a Comprehensive Final Exam. There is also a Critical Thinking Quiz.  The four exams and the Critical Thinking Quiz will be taken online.  Each exam and Critical Thinking Quiz is scored on a 100 point scale.  

2. Do I have to take the Final Exam if I am happy with my scores on Exam 1, Exam 2, and Exam 3?

You do not have to take the Final exam if you are satisfied with your scores on Exam 1, Exam 2, and Exam 3? 

The lowest exam score out of the four is automatically dropped.  Therefore, if you are satisfied with your scores on Exam 1, Exam 2, and Exam 3, then you have the option to not take the Comprehensive Final Exam. 

Because the lowest exam score is dropped, there will be no make-up exams.  If you miss a scheduled exam for any reason, that exam will be the exam score that will be dropped.   The purpose for the drop grade is so that you can miss an exam for any reason, such as death in the family, illness, vacation, having a baby, not able to get your books on time, not having access to a computer, having to work, forgetting to take an exam, etc. 

You do NOT have the option of dropping the Critical Thinking Quiz.  There will be no make up for Critical Thinking Quiz. 

3. How many questions are on the exams?  How much time do we have to take each exam? 

Each online exam will have 50 questions that will be randomly selected from a test generator.  Each online exam will have a time limit of 75 minutes (approximately 1.5 minutes per test item), so you will not have much time to look up the answers.  In other words, you will need to know the information well before you take the online exams. 

4. What time do the exams open and close? 

The exams start at 12:00 am on the scheduled start date, and they will turn off at 11:55 pm on the last day scheduled for the exam.  Therefore, you will need to be sure to allow plenty of time to take the exam.  You need to allow an hour and a half to take an exam, even though most students will finish in about 50 minutes. 

5. How many questions are on the Critical Thinking Quiz?  How much time do we have to take the Critical Thinking Quiz? 

The Critical Thinking Quiz is 10 questions; you have 20 minutes to complete the Critical Thinking Quiz.

6. What are the basic instructions for taking the exams online?

All exams will be taken online.  You are allowed to use your notes on the exams.  You will be able to see only one question at a time, and you will have one attempt for each question.  You are not penalized for guessing.  You will not be able to go back and review or answer questions.  Do not skip any questions. If you do, the question will be counted as incorrect. There is no penalty for guessing.  Remember to click the “submit” button at the end of your exam. 

The computer will allow you to stop the exam at any given time during the time allowed.  You can then go back into the exam and resume taking the exam.  However, no matter how many times you stop and resume the exam, the timer NEVER STOPS.  For example, let's say that you have an exam set for 75 minutes. You start taking the exam at 3:00pm.  Again, no matter how many times you stop and resume the exam, the timer NEVER STOPS.  (If you stop an exam, the timer will continue to run.)  Therefore, your access to the exam will be over at 4:15 (75 minutes) no matter how many times you start and stop the exam. 

Please review the test dates in this course schedule. If your schedule cannot accommodate these dates and times, you will need to drop this course and find a course that will work with your schedule. No exams will be given after the deadlines posted in your course schedule with the exception of a true emergency such as death in the family or serious illness. In such a case you must provide documentation from a physician or psychologist indicating that you were not able to complete the final exam.

7. What is the penalty for cheating on an exam?

You may NOT have another person with you at the time that you are taking one of the online exams.  If there is indication that you received help during an online exam, the penalty will be an F in the course and likely expulsion from Amarillo College.  

8. Do you release the tests or allow additional time to go back and review the exams?

 

For test security purposes I do not release the tests or allow additional time to go back and review the exams.  I offset this policy with open book / open note exams, simulated practice test questions, participation grade, and grade adjustments for each exam based on the number of questions missed by the class.  Also, there is a recommended study guide with many similar practice test questions. 

 

9. Do you offer extra credit?

There is not an “extra credit” option.  I want you to learn how to do college level work and do well in your class as opposed to passing a class based on extra credit.  I want you to learn the study skills necessary to be successful as you continue taking courses in college.  I recommend that you take the First Year Seminar course at AC on how to be a successful student - you would need to talk to your advisor about this class.  That course teaches you how to study and take exams so you can be successful in your future college courses.

10. Do you round up grades that are “borderline?”

Yes, I round up grades that are “borderline”, for example, 79.5 would be rounded up to a “B” and a 79.4 would round to a “C.”   

11. Where do I go to check my grades?

 

In order to check your grades, you can go to “My Grades” on the Home Page for the course. 

12. How do I calculate my grade in the course?

Here is an example of how to calculate your grade.  The Exams are worth 80%, the Unit Assignments are worth 15%, and the Critical Thinking Quiz is worth 5%.

Let us say, for example, that you made the following grades in the course:

Exam 1 = 82; Exam 2 = 79; Exam 3 = 93; Final Exam = 0 (drop grade)

Unit One Assignment = 100; Unit Two Assignment = 75; Unit Three Assignment = 100

Critical Thinking Quiz = 85

Here is how you would do the math:

Average the Exam grades: 82 + 79 + 93 = 254.  254/3 = 84.67

Average the Unit Assignments: 100 + 75 + 100 = 275.  275/3 = 91.67

84.67 X .80 = 67.74 (Exams)

91.67 X .15 = 13.75 (Unit Assignments)

85 X .05 = 4.25 (Critical Thinking Quiz)

Now, add the numbers for each category:  67.74 + 13.75 + 4.25 = 85.74 = B (Course Grade)

13. What is the Grading Schema for the Final Grades?

89.5 to 100 = A

79.5 to 89.4 = B

69.5 to 79.4 = C

59.5 to 69.4 = D

0 to 59.4 = F

 

14. What are the weight of the assignments?

The Exams, Unit Assignments, and Critical Thinking Quiz are each worth 100 points.  The Exams are worth 80% of the course grade, the Unit Assignments are worth 15% of the course grade, and the Critical Thinking Quiz is worth 5% of the course grade.

 

15. Explain how Blackboard grades the exams.  Blackboard is the software that runs the exams in your course.

The lowest exam grade out of the four exams will be automatically dropped.  After you have taken exam 1, that test grade will NOT be calculated in the Course Average until you have completed exam 2.  If you have only taken exam 1, then that exam score is being dropped for now, meaning that it will not show in the Course Average.   

Let’s look at another example.  Let us say that you have only taken exam 1 and exam 2 and that you made an 82 on exam 1, and a 79 on exam 2.  Under “Exams AVG” (Exams Average) Blackboard is going to show that you have an Exams Average grade of 82 at that time because it is automatically dropping the lowest exam grade (the grade of 79). 

Now, let us say, for example, that you made an 82 on exam 1, a 79 on exam 2, and a 93 on exam 3.  Under “Exams AVG” (Exams Average) Blackboard is going to show that you have an Exams Average grade of 87.5 at that time because it is automatically dropping the lowest exam grade (the grade of 79).  Here, Blackboard is averaging the 82 and the 93 to get an Exams Average grade of 87.5.  Notice that Blackboard is NOT taking into account the Final Exam!  It is only dropping the lowest exam grade out of Exam 1, Exam 2, and Exam 3 and giving you an average. 

Now, let us say, for example, that you made an 82 on exam 1, a 79 on exam 2, a 93 on exam 3, and a 63 on the final exam.  Under “Exams AVG” (Exams Average) Blackboard is going to show that you have an Exams Average grade of 84.67 at that time because it is automatically dropping the lowest exam grade (the grade of 63).  Here, Blackboard is averaging the 82, 79, and the 93 to get an Exams Average grade of 84.67. 

Please be aware that the Course Average grade that you see will NOT BE ACCURATE UNTIL all of the Exams, Unit Assignments, and Critical Thinking Quiz have been completed for the class.  Therefore, you need to calculate your grade by hand to help determine your decision whether or not to take the final exam.  When attempting to make a decision to take the Final Exam or not, you would count your Final Exam as a zero in your calculations, making it the exam grade that is dropped. 

PRACTICE TEST QUESTIONS:

I recommend you use the Companion Site for students for the textbook entitled I Never Knew I Had A Choice: Explorations in Personal GrowthThis Companion Site for students will have many example test questions that will be similar to your actual exams.  You can access the Companion Site for the textbook by going to (copy and paste the link)

http://www.wadsworth.com/cgi-wadsworth/course_products_wp.pl?fid=M20b&product_isbn_issn=9780495602293&token ; this site will provide you with practice exams for each of the chapters in I Never Knew I Had A Choice: Explorations in Personal Growth.  

 

 

GENERAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

When you go to Lessons Tab and then to Discussion Forums, you will see General Questions and Answers.  Here, you can ask a question or provide comments that the entire class (including your instructor) can see. 

 

If you have general questions (and answers) that other students may benefit from, please direct them to the instructor (or class) by posting them in General Questions and Answers. When I answer the question (or when you answer a question) in "General Questions and Answers", all students will be able to see my (and your) responses. If I fail to respond to your question that you post in the “General Questions and Answers,” please send me a direct email and remind me of your post.  Students infrequently post questions in the “General Questions and Answers” discussion board so I do not check it daily. 

 

DISCUSSIONS / PARTICIPATION:

How do we participate in this online class?

There are three important Unit Assignments that provide you with a way to participate in the course.  Your Course Schedule (found in the Lessons Tab) will give you the instructions for each Unit Assignment as you proceed through the course.  By participating in class, the class will become more interesting and rewarding as more students actively share their ideas.

Furthermore, the group discussion will be a safe place to share ideas. The rules of the group do not allow group members to put another person down for their idea. I will respect you, and I expect you to respect me and the other group members. I also expect you to have carefully read the assigned chapter before you post your response.

The reason for assigning the discussions (participation homework) is because it will help you become more actively involved in the reading.  This activity improves learning.  By participating in class, the class will become more interesting and rewarding as more students actively share their ideas.

Where do we go to post our Unit Assignments in the class?

Participation occurs in this class by clicking on Discussions (on the Home Page for the course), and then click on the specific Unit Assignment you are working on.  You will then post your paper into the appropriate Unit Assignment.   

 

It is the student’s responsibility to make sure the paper for a Unit Assignment is posted.  You should post directly into the Discussion for the specific assignment.  Do not post your paper as an attachment.  After the paper is posted, it is the student’s responsibility to check to make sure that their discussion in fact was posted. 

Where do we find the homework assignments?

The way in which you participate is by following the instructions in your Course Schedule (found under the Lessons Tab), which will indicate the type of homework assignment.

 

What types of homework assignments will we have?

Homework assignments consist of reading and outlining the assigned reading material, watching video lectures, taking the exams, completing three Unit Assignments, and taking the Critical Thinking Quiz.  I recommend you outline (take notes) on the reading assignments, but you do not turn in the outlines to your instructor.

 

Are we required to respond to other students posts?

Yes, depending on the assignment.  The Course Schedule will give you the instructions for each Unit Assignment.  Your response to your peer must be a minimum of 100 words.  No credit is given for a peer response that does not meet the minimum requirement of 100 words.  Your word processor should give you a word count for your discussion papers.

 

Do we need to save a copy of our responses?

Yes. I recommend that you write your response in Word, and then paste your response into the Discussion.  You should save a copy of your paper in your files. If there is a problem with the online course, then you will have a backup copy. You also need to run spell check, grammar check, and then post it into the course. Do NOT post your paper as an attachment.  I cannot grade your paper inside the Blackboard system unless it is posted into the Discussion.

How much will the Unit Assignments count in terms of the overall grade in the course? Participation (Unit Assignments) will count as 15% of your final grade. The maximum score for each of the three Unit Assignments is 100 points.  There is a 30 point penalty for turning in a late Unit Assignment.  At the end of the semester, all of the Unit Assignment scores will be averaged. 

How will the Unit Assignments be graded?

The details / instructions for the Unit Assignments and the rubric for each of the Unit Assignments are found in the Course Schedule. A rubric is a document that articulates the expectations for an assignment by listing the criteria, or what counts, and describing levels of quality from excellent to poor.

 

Is there a penalty if my Unit Assignment does not meet the required length?

I will not accept a paper that does not meet the minimum word requirement.  If you turn in a paper below the minimum required word count, you may redo the paper and incur a 30 point penalty.  You should use a word processor to write your papers. Your word processor should give you a word count.   

 

What are the ground rules for group discussion?

The objective of establishing ground rules is to honor free speech and the dignity, respect, and worth of everyone in the classroom.

• In order to create a climate for open and honest discussion and to encourage the broadest range of viewpoints, it is important for class participants to treat each other with respect. Name calling, accusations, verbal attacks, sarcasm, and other negative exchanges are counterproductive to successful teaching and learning about topics.


• The purpose of class discussions is to generate greater understanding about different topics. The expression of the broadest range of ideas, including dissenting views, accomplishes this goal. However, in expressing viewpoints, students should try to raise questions and comments in a way that will promote learning, rather than defensiveness and conflict in other students. Thus, questions and comments should be asked or stated in such a way that will promote greater insight into and awareness of topics as opposed to anger and conflict.

Example of a question that may put students on the defensive: Why do you insist on calling yourself Hispanic? That's wrong. It seems to me that Latino is the correct term? Can you explain to me why you insist on using the term Hispanic?

Example of a non-defensive question: I don't understand. What is the difference between the terms Hispanic and Latino?

• Learning is both about sharing different views and actively listening to those with different views. Students in this class are expected to do both. Learning is maximized when many different viewpoints are expressed in the classroom.


• Keep the discussion and comments on the topic, not on the individual. Don't personalize the dialogue. Rather than personalizing the dialogue, please direct challenging comments or questions to the instructor or the entire class.


• Remember that it is OK to disagree with each other. Let's agree to disagree. The purpose of dialogue and discussion is not to reach a consensus, nor to convince each other of different viewpoints. Rather, the purpose of dialogue in the classroom is to reach higher levels of learning by examining different viewpoints and opinions.


TECHNICAL PROBLEMS:
If you experience a technical problem with some online aspect of the course, you will need to contact the Helpdesk at 371-5992.

 

DROPPING/AUDITING THE CLASS:
The last day to withdraw is November 17.  You must officially drop a class in the Registrar's office. If you simply stop attending, a grade of F will appear on your transcript. An F will have a strong negative effect on your GPA.

 

 

 

 

 

Attendance

DISABILITY STATEMENT:

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Location: Student Service Center, Room 119, Phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY:

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. It is the responsibility of the student to attend class.

 

MAKEUP POLICY:

No exams will be given after the deadlines posted in your course schedule with the exception of a true emergency such as death in the family or serious illness.  In such a case you must provide documentation from a physician or psychologist indicating that you were not able to complete the exam.

Calendar

Dr. Alan Kee

Professor of Psychology

Amarillo College

 

Psychology of Adjustment (Online)

 

Course Schedule and Assignments

 

Spring, 2016

 

Welcome to Psychology of Adjustment Online!

I want you to use the more user friendly version of the Syllabus and Course Schedule in this course by going to the Home Page for the course and then going to the Lessons tab.  Here you will find the two most important documents in the course: the Syllabus and the Course Schedule / Assignments.

Please read and review carefully all of the policies in the Syllabus. Then, read and review carefully all the information in this Course Schedule / Assignments.  These two documents are your roadmap to the entire course!  Also, do not hesitate to call or email me if you have any questions regarding the policies in this course. 

 

I also recommend that you thoroughly take notes (outline) on the lectures as well the assigned reading. These notes (outlines) are for your own study purposes – you do not turn them in to me. 

 

In addition, I strongly recommend that you write the due date for all of the assignments into your daily planner / calendar.  This way you can see the big picture of how much time you have to complete all of the assignments.

 

Critical Information on How To Use Email in This Course!

In order to receive email from the instructor you must use your AC Connect Google Email account.  If you do not activate and use your AC Connect Google Email account, you will be lost in this course because you will not be able to receive email from your instructor. 

There is one way to email your instructor.  You must use your AC Connect Google Email account, and you will have to construct your email from within the course you are taking.  Go to the top left hand corner of the home page of the course and click “Send Email” to construct your e-mail from within the course.  Next, you will click on “All Instructor Users,” and make sure your email is being sent to Jeffery Kee (your instructor for this course). 

Also, students are responsible for accessing e-mail messages sent to their AC Connect Google Email account; thus, students are responsible to check their AC Connect Google Email account on a daily basis.  The instructor will only respond to e-mails sent from the student’s AC Connect Google Email account.  These e-mails must identify the applicable class in the subject line; this information is automatically included in messages sent from within the course when you use your AC Connect Google Email account.  

If you do not follow these instructions, you email is at risk of getting lost.  I teach six courses per semester, and I have to create folders in my Outlook e-mail for each class.  If you follow these instructions, your email will automatically go into the proper folder for your course, and I will then be able to respond to you in a timely manner. 

You will need to learn how to use email in this course by viewing two tutorial videos on how to access email as a student in the portal and on how to send email from Blackboard.

 

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Introduce Yourself

If you are attending this class, your Introduction Assignment is to complete an introduction on yourself in order to be counted as attending.  This assignment also helps me to learn your names! 

You must make this post by Friday January 29. The reason for this assignment is that the college needs proof that you are participating in the class before your first written assignment and exam 1 is due.  It is a way I can count you as attending early in the semester; if you do not complete this assignment, you will appear to the registrar as not attending the class.  If you appear as not attending, your financial aid can be terminated. 

This Introduction Assignment also allows me and your classmates to get to know you.  Please briefly tell the class your name, major, and your career plan.  You will post your response by clicking on Discussions.  Post your brief introduction in the “First Assignment: Your Introduction” discussion. 

 

 

 

 

 

Why Take a Course in the Psychology of Adjustment?

 

This course is about helping you create a Self-Care plan that you can practice over the course of your life.  If you can learn effective strategies for dealing with the stress in your life, you will experience greater well-being over the course of your life.  You will suffer less.  And you will also have more meaningful and loving relationships.  However, let’s look at the research on stress to see what we are all facing. 

Is stress really a problem?  It’s no surprise that college can be a stressful time in a person’s life. What may be surprising is the degree and extent to which college students are affected by stress. The September 2015 edition of the Chronicle of Higher Education did a special report entitled Today's Anguished Students.  Let me just give you a few highlights:

  • 58% of campuses have seen a rise in anxiety disorders
  • 89% of campuses have seen a rise in clinical depression
  • 31% of campus counseling centers have waiting lists
  • 8% of students in the past 12 months have seriously considered suicide
  • 33% of students felt so depressed sometime in the last 12 months that it was difficult to function
  • 25% of students seeking services at college counseling centers are taking psychotropic medicine
  • 69% of counseling center directors have seen increases in crises requiring immediate response

As you can see from these data, a student’s susceptibility to stress becomes a major concern.  Stress arises when the combination of internal and external pressures exceeds the individual’s resources to cope with their situation.  Students are very likely to experience some or many stressors which may test their ability to cope: adapting to a new environment, balancing a heavy work load, making new friends, becoming more independent, caring for children and families while trying to succeed as a student, financial problems and dealing with a myriad of other issues.

Stress can have a profound impact on college students’ well-being. It is critical to be able to identify the signs and symptoms of too much stress.

Physical symptoms:

  • Increased frequency of headaches.
  • Recurring colds and minor illness.
  • Frequent muscle aches and/or tightness
  • Fatigue
  • Perspiration / sweaty hands
  • Increased heart rate
  • Changes in sleep pattern

Emotional / Behavioral symptoms:

  • Increased levels of frustration and anger
  • Being more irritable or disorganized than usual.
  • Greater sense of persistent time pressure
  • Increased difficulty in getting things done
  • Feelings of hopelessness in coping with life
  • Crying for no reason
  • Fear of failure
  • Worries about the future
  • Increased smoking

Such feelings can be dangerous as students may turn to unhealthy choices to cope including alcohol or drug abuse, or worse. If the stress is not effectively managed, it could cause long-term health problems, including heart problems, high blood pressure, chronic pain, skin problems and long-term mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and anorexia.

Stress is also related to learning.  It takes a lot to be successful in college, and students have to be ready to learn.  How prepared students are for learning determines how much and how well they learn, and influences persistence, retention, and graduation.  And, a person’s overall health affects the ability of his or her brain to create or modify connections and networks among neurons, which is the critical first step in learning.

Mental health issues (such as stress, anxiety, and depression) and harmful health behaviors such as substance abuse can impair the quality and quantity of learning. For example, students with depression show flattened interest, affect, appetite, attention, and motivation, along with difficulty sleeping or concentrating.  Researchers have also documented both functional and structural effects of depression in the brain, including suppressed activity in areas that are responsible for the formation of new memories.

Depression makes the brain less efficient, which in turn creates difficulties for learning.  Students with depression can be expected to learn less, not to learn as well, and to learn more slowly than their peers. Moreover, depressed students have lower grade point averages (GPAs) and blunted levels of academic persistence and achievement compared with their peers who are not depressed.

The stress and suffering in our lives is not effectively managed by any single intervention.  To manage stress effectively, you must create an entire lifestyle of self-care over time.  This course is designed to help you make this a reality.  It will take time, persistence, and practice.  I hope you enjoy our journey! 

 

 

Unit One 

Unit One consists of Assignments One through Four.  After you complete the Fourth Assignment, you will take Exam 1. These Assignments are to be completed between the dates of January 19 and February 22.  

 

 

Assignment One 

Read and take detailed notes over:

I Never Knew I Had A Choice by Corey and Corey

Chapter 1: Invitation to Personal Learning and Growth

* When I ask you to read/outline the chapters, I'm asking you to take detailed notes for your own studying. You do not turn in your outlines (your study notes) to me.  These are to be used for your own learning. 

 

Assignment Two

Read and take detailed notes over:

I Never Knew I Had A Choice by Corey and Corey

Chapter 2: Reviewing Your Childhood and Adolescence

Chapter 3: Adulthood and Autonomy

 

Assignment Three

Read and take detailed notes over:

1. Emotional Disturbance & its Treatment in a Nutshell (REBT Article)

2. Toward an Egoless State of Being (REBT Article)

3. Overcoming "Self-Esteem" (REBT Article)

 

*REBT Articles (These documents can be found under "Supplemental Readings" in the Lessons tab.)

 

View Lecture 1: REBT and Mentalization In Stressful Life Situations (Part 1) (recorded lecture with PowerPoint)

 

View Lecture 2: REBT and Mentalization In Stressful Life Situations (Part 2) (recorded lecture with PowerPoint)

 

You will find these recorded lectures with PowerPoint under Lessons Tab on the Home Page of the course. 

 

 

Assignment Four (REBT Discussion Essay Exams)

 

Your REBT Discussion Essay is due February 16.  Your peer response is due February 19. 

 

To post your REBT Discussion Essay, go to “Discussions” and then click on “REBT Discussion Essay.” Your discussion response (essay) needs to be a minimum of 600 words in 12 point type size, and your peer response needs to be a minimum of 100 words.  I will not grade a paper that does not meet these minimal requirements.  Please divide your 600 word discussion paper into paragraphs! 

 

First, write your REBT Discussion Essay.  This essay will relate to the lectures on REBT and/or assigned REBT Articles. (Note: the assignment is one essay that relates to any aspects of the lectures on REBT and/or assigned REBT Articles; you are NOT writing three different essays related to each of the three assigned articles.) In other words, you choose which aspects of the lectures on REBT and/or assigned REBT Articles you want to relate your experience.  For example, you may want to talk about how aspects of the lectures on REBT and/or assigned REBT Articles relate to your life. How can you apply this information to your life in a way that will help reduce your emotional disturbance to stressful situations?

Second, write your peer response.  You will respond to one of your peer’s papers. You choose a peer to respond to.  I want to see that you gave your peer’s discussion paper some real thought.  You need to relate (connect) to your peer’s response by connecting an idea from the articles on REBT, the lectures on REBT or from another source (such as a website, article or book) to their response. You must specify the source in your response to your peer.  After you have related ideas from some source to your peer’s response, you then have the option of adding your personal experience (observations) to your peer’s response.  You must reference in the body of the paper (peer response) the source(s) used.  The peer response must also  include a bibliography (list the source or sources you used.)

 

 

Rubric used to grade the REBT Discussion Essay Exam

 

Criteria

Exceeds Expectation

Needs Improvement

Does not meet expectations

Knowledge

50 Points

It provides clear evidence of the student’s reflective thought.  It provides evidence that the student has diligently applied concepts from the assigned reading and/or lectures to their life experience.

40 Points

It provides minimal evidence of the student’s reflective thought.  There is only minimal indication that the student applied concepts from the assigned reading and/or lectures to their life experience.

30 Points

Minimally addresses the items in the assignment.  It does not provide evidence of the student’s reflective thought.  There is no indication that the student applied concepts from the assigned reading and/or lectures to their life experience.

Organization

10 Points

Information is clearly organized.

7 Points

Information is loosely organized.

5 Points

Information is present, but very difficult to understand due to poor organization.

Mechanics

10 Points

Proper grammar and spelling used throughout essay.

7 Points

Proper grammar and spelling used throughout essay with major errors.

5 Points

Very poor grammar and spelling used through essay. 

Peer

Response

30 Points

Peer response meets the minimum 100 word requirement.  Demonstrates that the student gave their peer’s discussion some real thought.  The student relates ideas from another source (such as the text, lecture, website, newspaper, article, magazine, book, etc.) to his or her peer’s response.  After the student relates ideas from some source to the peer response, he or she also adds their personal experience (observations) to their peer’s response.  Student references in the body of the paper (peer response) the source(s) used.  The peer response includes a bibliography.

20 Points

Peer response meets the minimum 100 word requirement.  Does not reference ideas in the body of the paper (peer response) from another source (such as the text, lecture, website, newspaper, article, magazine, book, etc.) to his or her peer’s response.  Instead, the peer response only provides opinions about the peer’s response.

 

0 Points

Does not meet the minimum 100 word requirement. 

 

 

Assignment Five (Social Responsibility / Service Learning Essay Exam)

This Social Responsibility / Service Learning Essay is due April 1.

 

This assignment does not require a peer response.  (I want to provide the instructions for this assignment early in the semester to get you started even though you have until April 1 to complete it.  I suggest you find your volunteer agency early in the semester.)

 

What is social responsibility? Social responsibility is an ethical structure which suggests that an individual has an obligation to act for the benefit of society as a whole. Social responsibility is a duty every individual has to perform so as to maintain a balance between the community and the individuals who live in them. For this assignment you will be required to serve 4 hours of community service at an agency of your choosing. You will be responsible for gathering the required documentation to prove that you did serve your required hours at the specific location. After completing the service you will be required to turn in the documentation.  (Have your supervisor email your instructor indicating you completed the required 4 hours of community service.) Then, you will reflect on your service learning in a short answer essay exam online.  When answering these questions you must answer in complete thoughts and complete sentences.  Each question will be worth a certain amount of points totaling 100 points for this assignment.  You will need to read the questions below before you start your volunteer work.  This way you can have the questions in mind before you start. 

Here is a small list of some possible places you could chose to volunteer. Please check with your professor if you have an idea of a place you would like to volunteer to make sure it will be applicable to this assignment.

Snack pack for kids

High plains food bank

Faith City mission

Kid’s café

City Church

Family Support Services

Evelyn Rivers

Dove Creek Equine Rescue

Hope and Healing place

Harrington Cancer Center (kids unit)

Here are the questions you will be required to answer in your essay exam.  Please be sure you pay attention to the specific questions and the required word length for each question.  Please study the rubrics for each question; this information will help you better answer the questions. You are allowed to use sources from your agency or online sources to help you answer these questions.

1. Social Responsibility / Service Learning Essay Exam Part 1.

Describe some of the history of the agency where you selected to volunteer.  What is the name of the agency/organization? Where is it located? What does your agency/organization do? You are required to research online about your chosen organization.  This question must be a minimum of 100 words. (10 points)

 

 

Criteria

Exceeds Expectation

Needs Improvement

Does not meet expectations

Knowledge

4 Points

Contains clear, thorough responses to each of the parts of the question identified in the assignment.  It provides evidence that the student has diligently researched the history of the agency.

3 Points

Does not address all of the parts of the questions in the assignment.  It provides minimal evidence that the student has diligently researched the history of the agency. 

1 Points

Minimally addresses the items in the assignment.  It does not provide evidence that the student researched the history of the agency.

Organization

3 Points

Information is clearly organized.

2 Points

Information is loosely organized.

1 Points

Information is present, but very difficult to understand due to poor organization.

Mechanics

3 Points

Proper grammar and spelling used throughout the answer to the question. 

2 Points

Proper grammar and spelling used throughout the answer to the question with major errors.

1 Points

Very poor grammar and spelling used throughout the answer to the question. 

 

 

2. Social Responsibility / Service Learning Essay Exam Part 2.

What social problem is your agency working on and what specific intervention are they using?  This question must be a minimum of 100 words. (10 points)

 

 

 

 

 

Criteria

Exceeds Expectation

Needs Improvement

Does not meet expectations

Knowledge

4 Points

Contains clear, thorough responses to the question identified in the assignment.  It provides evidence that the student has diligently identified the tasks and worked alongside the staff at the chosen agency.  

3 Points

Does not address the question in the assignment.  It provides minimal evidence that the student has diligently identified the tasks and worked alongside the staff at the chosen agency.  

1 Points

Minimally addresses the items in the assignment.  It does not provide evidence that the student has identified the tasks and worked alongside the staff at the chosen agency.   

Organization

3 Points

Information is clearly organized.

2 Points

Information is loosely organized.

1 Points

Information is present, but very difficult to understand due to poor organization.

Mechanics

3 Points

Proper grammar and spelling used throughout the answer to the question. 

2 Points

Proper grammar and spelling used throughout the answer to the question with major errors.

1 Points

Very poor grammar and spelling used throughout the answer to the question. 

 

3. Social Responsibility / Service Learning Essay Exam Part 3.

How does your time serving in the community influence your ideas and perceptions about the city of Amarillo and the people who live here?  This question must be a minimum of 100 words. (20 points)

Criteria

Exceeds Expectation

Needs Improvement

Does not meet expectations

Knowledge

8 Points

Contains clear, thorough responses to the question identified in the assignment.  It provides evidence that the student has diligently reflected on experiences, prior knowledge and new knowledge learned.  

6 Points

Does not address the question in the assignment.  It provides minimal evidence that the student has diligently reflected on experiences, prior knowledge and new knowledge learned.  

1 Points

Minimally addresses the items in the assignment.  It does not provide evidence that the student has reflected on experiences, prior knowledge and new knowledge learned.  

Organization

6 Points

Information is clearly organized.

4 Points

Information is loosely organized.

1 Points

Information is present, but very difficult to understand due to poor organization.

Mechanics

6 Points

Proper grammar and spelling used throughout the answer to the question. 

4 Points

Proper grammar and spelling used throughout the answer to the question with major errors.

1 Points

Very poor grammar and spelling used throughout the answer to the question. 

 

4. Social Responsibility / Service Learning Essay Exam Part 4.

Relate what you have learned in the readings and class discussion to your experience in your agency.  Specifically, you must relate at least 2 specific concepts from any of the reading or video assignments in this class (your textbooks, lectures, films) in this class to your experience in your agency. You MUST reference in the body of your paper the sources that you used with the specific page number (if it was from reading material).  For example, if you used page 35 in the textbook I Never Knew I Had A Choice by Corey and Corey, indicate in the body of your paper that you used this text and the page number: (Corey and Corey, 2010 p. 35).  This question must be a minimum of 200 words. (50 points)

 

  •  

Exceeds Expectation

Needs Improvement

Does not meet expectations

Knowledge

30 Points

Contains clear, thorough responses to each part of the question identified in the assignment.  It provides evidence that the student has diligently applied or related concepts from at least 2 specific concepts from their textbook to their experience in their agency.

20 Points

Does not address all of the parts of question in the assignment.  It provides minimal evidence of the student’s reflective thought.  There is only minimal indication that the student applied or related 1 concept from their textbook in this class to their experience in their agency.

1 Points

Minimally addresses the items in the assignment.  It does no

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