General Psychology Syllabus for 2018-2019
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Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

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

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

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-2301-DC001 General Psychology

Prerequisites

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

Course Description

General Psychology is a survey of the major psychological topics, theories and approaches to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Dual Credit Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

It is imperative that you have the textbook by the FIRST day of class, June 3.

Bundle Exploring Psychology with Launchpad Access Card, Myers
ISBN:  1319250572, Edition 11

Go to AC Bookstore www.actx.edu/bookstore
Click on Online Bookstore
Generate Book List - Select a Campus Term - Washington Street Summer 2019
Select Department - Psychology
Select a Course: PSYC 2301
All Instructors
Select ADD & Generate Book List
 

Supplies

Textbook, syllabus, pencil, pens, spiral notebook, and access to a computer on a regular basis. It is very important to have reliable internet service on your computer as well.  If you do not have your own computer, you will need to make arrangements at your high school to have access to a computer or use the AC computers located on the 4^th floor of the Ware Student Commons Building on the Washington Street Campus.

Student Performance

These are the MINIMUM competencies. After studying the material presented in this course, the student will be able to do the following as evaluated by the faculty in the department/program:

1. Identify various research methods and their characteristics used in the scientific study of psychology.

2. Describe the historical influences and early schools of thought that shaped the field of psychology.

3. Describe some of the prominent perspectives and approaches used in the study of psychology.

4. Use terminology unique to the study of psychology.

5. Describe accepted approaches and standards in psychological assessment and evaluation.

6. Identify factors in physiological and psychological processes involved in human behavior.

Students 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

Expected Student Behavior

My first expectation for this course is that you do well, and enjoy your learning.  This is a college-level course, and is taught as such.  This is a high content based course, and there are assignments and tasks that need to be done almost daily.  If you are planning a "vacation", and are going to be out for any amount of time, you need to plan to take your computer and supplies with you. Assignments must be completed BEFORE the absence.  

I have very high-performance expectations for you as college students.  I expect you all to attend class online, read and study your textbook, participate in class discussion boards, be prepared for class discussion and exams, and respect everyone else who is in the class. I cannot tell you how important reading your textbook is in this course.  You will have a Reading Quiz over every chapter, so you will be accountable for your reading.  I suggest going through your textbook doing pre-reading (scanning the chapter), then read the chapter, go through and highlight important concepts and terms, and make notes/flash cards/reading logs from the chapter. 

Each student is expected to engage in academic honesty and refrain from cheating and/or plagiarism. This means that although this class is online you should be doing your own work. I whole heartedly expect you to use your notes and books on all assignments and exams, you just may not use your friend or classmates. The point of college and college courses is to prepare you for your “real life” and “real career”. If you cheat your way through college then all you have learned is how to cheat and that is not very useful. Plagiarism and cheating is not tolerated.  If there is any hint of plagiarism or cheating you will receive a zero for that assignment, and risk being suspended from the course.  Collusion of cheating between one or more students in the course will result in all of the involved students receiving a failing grade for the assignment, and possibly the course.

All students are expected to be tolerant and respectful of other students’ responses within class. There will be zero tolerance for any type of harassment!! I want this to be an environment everyone can learn and feels safe!! 

I need to address late assignments…I do not accept late work.  Now saying that, I am somewhat lenient if you are sick, accident, etc.  You need to email me, and let me know what is going on and if I can help.   If you do not communicate with me I cannot help you.  It just cannot become habitual.

Grading Criteria

You will be able to check your grade on AC Online. Written assignments will be graded within 24-48 hours of submission (I do reserve the right to amend this as needed)  Grading will be on the standard grade scale:

100-90%         =  A

89-80%           =  B

79-70%           =  C

69-50%           =  D

Below 50%     =  F

The percentage points will be as follows: (all categories are color-coded throughout the syllabus & online). Assignments in the calendar below are color-coded per category.

• 40% of overall grade – Exams (4) 
• 15% of overall grade – Social Learning Project
• 30% of overall grade – Discussion Questions & Papers
• 15% of overall grade – Reading Quizzes

Exams (40%):

*  You will have 4, 60-question multiple choice timed exams (60 minutes) on-line.  You can use your text and notes on your exams, but they are timed exams. You may not use your classmate or another person as a resource when taking your exam.  

*  There will NOT be a comprehensive final exam.  Exam #4 is over the last unit of four chapters.

• On-line Discussion Questions & Papers (30%):

*  You will be required to respond to different discussion topics on-line.

*  The discussion will need to include relevant information discussed in class lecture notes, web links, YouTube videos, online diagrams, and in your textbook.

*  All discussions will be worth differing percentages; total for all discussions and papers will be 30% of your overall grade.  There will be points for your initial response and points for your responses to your classmates.

*  Writing about what you have learned or learning in an online class is how I can assess your learning.  The initial response for every discussion question/paper must be 3-5 paragraphs.  Always write your discussion questions like you are writing a paper in an English class.  I have very high expectations for writing assignments in a college class.    A college-level paper includes in depth content that includes theories, case studies, and data to support whatever you are trying to prove or explore.  If your paper contains numerous spelling/grammatical errors points will be deducted because it detracts from readability.  Each discussion question/Paper is graded with a rubric that breaks down percentages for each domain.

*  You will need outside sources to develop your writings.  All discussion questions/papers must be formatted using MLA or APA style, and any words or research that is not yours must be cited properly or will receive a zero for plagiarism.  Blackboard has a plagiarism checker that all writing assignments go through when posted or turned in.  Cutting and pasting from a website is plagiarism, and will not be tolerated.  

*  You will be required to respond to 2 classmates’ responses using academic critique. An email will sent to what is a critique, and what is not.  A critique is constructive criticism.  Your comments need to be relevant responses that show that you have read and understood what your classmates have posted and their point of view. Nice job is not enough. Responses to classmates should be 1-3 paragraphs.  (See guidelines and how to write an academic critique in an email that will be sent to you te first day of class, and it is also listed in the Discussion Questions link page at the top of the page)

• Reading Quizzes (15%):

*  It is essential, and required, that you read the chapters of the textbook each week.

*  You will be tested on that material in the exams, but you will also be tested on your reading each week.  There is a Reading Quiz at the bottom of each Chapter folder.  These quizzes are 10 questions, and worth 10 points each…equaling 100 for each.  You can use your text and notes, but the Reading Quizzes are timed, and you will have only 15-minutes to answer the questions.  If you are not finished at the end of the 15-minute period, the quiz will close and auto-submit what you had completed.

*  These reading quizzes can help, or hurt, your grade. Keep on top of the reading and you will be successful.

•  Social Responsibility Assignment (15%):

*  You will be required to do 4 hours of community service at your chosen agency in the community. You must provide signed documentation that you completed the required hours.

*  You will upload your Community Service Verification Form from the agency where you volunteered, along with the essay questions for this assignment.  The essays will be uploaded into the Common Assessment - Social Learning Project in the BlackBoard menu, and the Community Service Verification Form will be uploaded to an assignment box in the Common Assessment folder.  Considerable points will be deducted if you do provide a Communtiy Service Verification form to prove your time.  Please know that I do check 5 students randomly to check that their community service was completed and verified.

*  You will answer 5 questions with short essays and a few short answers over reading a graph. Each essay question has a rubric which will be used for grading. The questions are worth a different amount of points for a total of 100 points.  You will be able to access the rubric.

*  This project is due Friday, July 19.  No late assignments will be accepted since you have all semester to work on it.

Attendance

You will need to check online every day, at least once, for updates and assignments. You need to check your AC email at least 2 times a day.  If you miss an assignment and exam due dates then that will negatively affect your grade.

Calendar

Additional Information

The best way to reach me is my e-mail:  janorman@actx.edu

If you email me within the AC Connect class then when I reply it will go to your gmail account that is connected with this course. If you do not check your gmail then make sure to email me from the email you use most with your section number so I know what class you are enrolled in.

We can always try to set-up an appointment that will work for both of us. If you do not hear back from me by email then as a last resort you can call. (806)371-5214 0or (806) 570-0210

Makeup Policy:  Please review the exam and assignment dates for this course.  If your schedule cannot accommodate these dates and times, you will need to drop this course and find a course that does fit your schedule.  You will need to have arranged your affairs to accommodate keeping up with reading the textbook and completing all assignments.  More than likely I will not allow you to make up any of the four unit exams. If there are extreme circumstances, please contact me, so we can figure something out. We both want you to be successful.  All exams or assignments turned in after the deadline will have points deducted.  The highest grade given will be 70% of the available points for the exam or assignment.

Dropping the Class: The last day to withdraw with a grade of “W” on your transcript is July 19.  Please visit with me about your concerns regarding completing the class and desire to withdraw.  As part of the process to withdraw, it will be your responsibility to email me prior to the date listed above for you to be dropped from the course. I will officially drop you from the course if you have emailed me properly prior to the drop date above.  If you simply stop attending, and do not email me with a request to drop the class, a grade of F will appear on your transcript.

Technical Problems:  If you experience a technical problem with some online aspect of the course, you may contact the Student & Faculty Help Center at 806.371.5992 or by email at ctlstudenthelp@actx.edu.  The Student & Faculty Help Center staff can be located at the Washington Street Campus, WARE, Room 111 or after 5pm on the 4^th floor of WARE.

Mental Health Services and the 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 806.371.5191.  The AC Counseling Center website is 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 www.actx.edu/arc.