West Campus Building C 106
Mondays-Thursday
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Fridays are available by appointment.
The best way to reach me outside of class time is to email me through the course in Blackboard (listed above). IF you e-mail me AFTER 5:00 ON FRIDAY, you will NOT receive a response until sometime on Monday.
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 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.
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
The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.
Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016
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.
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 .
MRTS-1191-001 Special Topics in Funeral Service and Mortuary Science
Prerequisites: Program Director consent
Topics address recently identified current events, skills, knowledges and/or attitudes and behaviors pertinent to the technology or occupation and relevant to the professional development of the student. This course was designed to be repeated multiple times to improve student proficiency.
Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website
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.
(1 sem hrs; 1 lec)
Online Course
Text Books:
Funeral Service Compend, Sixth Edition. Published by: Professional Training Schools, Inc. (The practice exam questions, for the most part, will be taken from the compend. The book is a great resource if used wisely by the student.)
State Board Exam Study Guide, (Most recent volume). Must be purchased from the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (ICFSEB). Website: http://www.theconferenceonline.org/ Phone Number: 479-442-7076
Prepare to Succeed: A Collaborative Collection of Questions to Test Funeral Service Knowledge - Funeral Service Education Resource Center - ISBN: 978-0-9979261-4-9
National Board Examination Review Book For Students of Funeral Service Education/Mortuary Science - Author Thomas R. Taggart
STUDENTS PLEASE NOTE: Many times the following question is asked, 'Where is the material to review?' My answer is that is an exit/capstone course designed to practice exams over material you have been covering since you began in the program. Therefore, your review materials, besides the glossary terms provided in this course, are going to be your text books and class notes kept from previous courses taken in the program.
You must have access to a computer, active internet service, Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, RealPlayer, and exhibit computer competency
*******Note: In this Class, your Mid-term and Final Exams are take via Lock-Down broswer and use of a Web-Cam*******
LockDown Browser + Webcam Requirement
This course requires the use of LockDown Browser and a webcam for online exams. The webcam can be the type that's built into your computer or one that plugs in with a USB cable.
Printer: You must have a printer or access to one. It is recommended you print off your weekly materials and create a notebook for the class. It will help you remain organized and better prepared for success in this course.
INSTRUCTIONAL METHOD / DELIVERY:
Course Objective #1: The Texas State Board Exam is a 150 question test broken down into 5 sections. They are:
In this course, you will study and review glossary terms as well as any previous course notes and text books related to your studies while in the program. You will be given practice exams in each subject area below beginning in Week 2. Each practice exam will pull questions from a pool of questions specific to subject area below. The design for the course is that you will take multiple attempts in each section resulting in seeing each question multiple times. (The Funeral Service Compend (suggested text above) is the main source in we have used for these question pools. The 'compend' contains many more questions that would be VERY beneficial for you to review.) NOTE: We have 7 sections. This is done to break down the material.
What must you score? It is stated in the course calendar below. You will also have a 'check sheet' in the course you are encouraged to print off during the first week to assist you in tracking your attempts.
A student must successfully complete this objective in order to attempt the final. If a student fails to do so, they will fail the course.
A blank grade sheet is provided in the course for you to print and keep a record of your attempts and your score on each. I will maintain one as well. The grade book will be set to average each together. I will manually override this and add the average of the top scores from each section for your gradebook average at the end of the semester. If in doubt of your attempts, once again, contact the instructor.
Course Objective #2: The Final Exam in this course will be a compilation of questions from each of the seven sections listed above. There will be a total of 150 questions on the final. The Final Exam MUST be taken on the date listed below on the course calendar. You MUST score an 85% or better on the final to PASS this course. NO EXCEPTIONS! The final exam will simulate the Texas State Board Exam.
If a student completes Objective #1 and Objective #2 as stated above, they will pass this course. Their grade will be based on the grading scale in this syllabus. Once a student's completed course requirements for certificate graduation are confirmed, they will be certified to take the Texas State Board Exam ONLY.
If a student FAILS to successfully complete the requirements of both Objective #1 and Objective #2, they will receive a grade of 'F' for the course.
After the student completes the course he/she will have a software called M.A.T.S loaded on to their computer for 90 days. The student takes these test for continued preparation of the board exam. In this time period the student must send 10 test scores of 90 - 100 with documentation confirming the scores. After that the student will take the Practice Exam with the International Conference and submit the outcome to me. If the student has done these steps and is in companice with the guideline then I the instructor will submit their name to The International Conference of Examing Boards. NO EXCEPTIONS
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".
Students should:
*Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated in this class and will result in a grade of 0 on the exam or assignment involved that cannot be replaced or dropped. Please see Student Rights and Responsibilities for a specific description of academic dishonesty. Any cases of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Students at Amarillo College.
Due to unforeseen contingencies, some of the class policies may be derived on a case by case basis. This is for Face to face courses.
Grading Policy
To determine your overall average in this course, the instructor will use the following:
50% - Practice Exams - 7 Practice Exam Sections - Each practice section will have its own average. I will take the top score from each due date to determine the average for each section. REMEMBER, if you do not meet the minimum scores per due date for EACH section, you will not be able to take the final exam.
50% - Final Exam - If a student scores an 85% or better on the final exam, that score will be recorded in the grade book. If a student scores below an 85%, then a ZERO (0) will be entered and the student will fail the course.
The student will have to pass each section with the appropriate grade stated for that section before they can move to the next section.
Grading Scale
Each student is responsible for insuring the integrity of his/her own work. Cases of academic dishonesty will result in either zero points or administrative withdrawal from the Mortuary Science Program. There will be no tolerance for missed due dates, assignments, projects, quizzes or tests. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO GET ASSIGNMENTS AND SUCH TURNED IN AND IN ON TIME. If you wait until the semester is over to resolve an issue with missing assignments, projects, exams, etc., then it will be too late. ALWAYS KEEP COPIES OF YOUR WORK (projects, assignments, clinical paperwork, etc.). Students should have a back up plan for computer problems. Most public libraries have internet access for students' use.
ALL course work is expected to be typed with correct grammar, punctuation and spelling. PROOF READ your work before submitting. Failure to do so will result in a lower grade.
MANDATORY SKILLS BUILDING/TUTORIALS
In an effort to improve student retention, the following policy is in place for this course:
If a student fails an exam (excluding the final), they will be required to schedule a visit with the instructor (over phone or in person), complete an additional assignment and retake the exam. All this must be done prior to being able to take the next assigned exam. If you fail the second attempt, the higher of the two grades will be entered in the grade book. Failure to complete the tutorial and retake the exam during the required time will result in not being able to take the next assigned exam. This will result in a zero (0) on the next exam and place you in serious jeopardy of failing the course. Exams, quizzes and assignments in this course deserve serious attention on your behalf, and the tutorial requirements are instilled in this program to help you succeed.
Per our Amarillo College Course Guide for the Mortuary Science Program:
To continue in the program, a student may repeat a MRTS course only one time and may repeat no more than two MRTS courses while enrolled in the program. The term “repeat” shall be interpreted to mean re-enrollment following withdrawal, drop or unsatisfactory grade. A grade of C or higher is required for satisfactory completion of all major course requirements, PSYT 1325 or HPRS 2301. Students who receive an F in two or more major course requirements, PSYT 1325 or HPRS 2301 will be removed from the program. A student will have 36 months to complete all major requirements.
Class attendance is required and will be evaluated based on online participation and testing. Students failing to take the required exams will be deemed to be absent from class. Due to the fact that this class is totally online and available continuously no absence will be allowed unless approved in advance by the instructor. Students may adapt their class participation time to match their schedule. As long as all work is submitted by assigned time students will have met the criteria for class attendance.
ONLINE ATTENDANCE: This is an online course and is intended to give you flexibility. However, it is still the same time frame of a full 16-week semester. You are expected to make an effort to log-in a minimum of three times a week. It is recommended that you log-in at the beginning, middle and end of the week. Often times, changes have to be made and are announced through course e-mail and announcements. If you fail to log-in regularly, you may miss vital information concerning changes within the course. Online learning requires the student to be disciplined to keep up with online participation, assignments, scheduled quizzes and exams. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO GET ASSIGNMENTS AND SUCH TURNED IN AND IN ON TIME. If you wait until the semester is over to resolve an issue with missing assignments, projects, exams, etc., then it will be too late.
COURSE COMMUNICATION: The instructor will make announcements through course email and course announcements. It is IMPORTANT that you log-in at least three times a week not only for course material, but for emails and announcements as well.
Deadline to Drop the Course is: April 23, 2020
LockDown Browser + Webcam Requirement
This course requires the use of LockDown Browser and a webcam for online exams. The webcam can be the type that's built into your computer or one that plugs in with a USB cable.
Watch this brief video to get a basic understanding of LockDown Browser and the webcam feature.
https://www.respondus.com/products/lockdown-browser/student-movie.shtml
Download Instructions
Download and install LockDown Browser from this link:
https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=481934155
Once Installed
Note: You won't be able to access tests with a standard web browser. If this is tried, an error message will indicate that the test requires the use of LockDown Browser. Simply start LockDown Browser and navigate back to the exam to continue.
Guidelines
When taking an online test, follow these guidelines:
Getting Help
Several resources are available if you encounter problems with LockDown Browser:
Tentative Class Schedule
SPRING CLASS CALENDAR 2020 - First Class Day is January 21, 2020
Week 1 (09/21-09/26) Review syllabus, understand class expectations, print off syllabus acknowledgment form and return to instructor, print off and begin studying glossary terms and other resources. Go to https://theconferenceonline.org and fill out the application for your portfolio. This is due on Sunday, January 26, 2020. Sociology/Funeral Service/History. Practice Exams will open.
Week 2 - Week 3 (09/27-02/02) Practice Exams have opened. You MUST attempt the section that is listed in the Module ONLY 3 TIMES at least, by Sunday, February 2, 2020. You must score at least a 80 in each section. The exams are set to be attempted as many times as you like. So, if you do not score a 80 in one section, you MUST continue taking that section until you score a 80 or better by the due date. DO NOT wait until the last minute. Write 10 possible questions that you as a student would possibly be on the state board exam referring to Sociology and Funeral Service. Post the questions, then reply to two other students. This assignment is due on Sunday, February 2, 2020. Go to https://theconference.org and review policy and procedures regarding testing, and protocol. Write a one page paper outlining their policy and procedures assignment. This assignment is due Saturday, February 8, 2020.
Week 4 - Week 5 (02/10 - 02/16) Practice Exams - You MUST attempt the section that is listed in the Module ONLY at least 3 times by Sunday, February 16, 2020. You must score at least an 80 in each section. The exams are set to be attempted as many times as you like. So, if you do not score an 80 in one section, you MUST continue taking that section until you score an 80 or better by the due date. DO NOT wait until the last minute. Class collaboration on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at 6:00 PM. On page 89 of the NBE Taggart Book under Funeral Service Law briefly describe what statutes, administrative agencies and ordinances mean in relation to Funeral Service. Post a 200 word minimum response and then reply to two class mates with a 50 word minimum response. This assignment is due Saturday, February 22, 2020.
Week 6 - Week 7 (02/24 - 03/08) Practice Exams - You MUST attempt the section that is listed in the Module ONLY at least 3 times by Sunday,March 8, 2020. You must score at least an 85 in each section. The exams are set to be attempted as many times as you like. So, if you do not score an 85 in one section, you MUST continue taking that section until you score an 85 or better by the due date. DO NOT wait until the last minute. Please see the instructions in the course content for the Eam Strategies, Time Management Skills and Test Anxiety Tips assignments.
Week 8 - 9 (03/09 - 03/22) Practice Exams - You MUST attempt the section that is listed in the Module ONLY at least 3 times by Sunday, March 22, 2020. You must score at least an 85 in each section. The exams are set to be attempted as many times as you like. So, if you do not score an 85 in one section, you MUST continue taking that section until you score an 85 or better by the due date. DO NOT wait until the last minute. In the Taggart book on pgs. 221 - 228 write out the following definitions regarding Cremation and Crematories terms: Blower, Burning rate, Chimney, Columbarium, Combustion, Dust Loading, Expansion or Settling Chamber, Forced Draft, Retention Time and Observation Ports. This assignment is due on Sunday, March 15, 2020. In three paragraphs, describe in order who is in charge and why when a family is making the arrangements for a family member. This information can be found in the Klicker book "Funeral Directing and "Funeral Service Management" in Chapter 3. This assignment is due Saturday, March 21, 2020.
Spring Break is March 16 - 20 Even though this is Spring Break there maybe some assignments that are due. I try to not load you down during this week, but we are an online program.
Week 10 - Week 11 (03/23 - 04/05) Practice Exams - You MUST attempt the section that is listed in the Module ONLY at least 3 times by Sunday April 5, 2020. You must score at least a 90 in each section. The exams are set to be attempted as many times as you like. So, if you do not score a 90 in one section, you MUST continue taking that section until you score a 90 or better by the due date. DO NOT wait until the last minute. List in order the protocol for the next of kin receiving the flag of an individual who has served in the armed forces. This information can be found in the Klicker book "Funeral Directing and Funeral Service Management" in Ch. 23. This assignment is due Saturday, March 28, 2020. List 10 parts to a casket with the description. This can be found in the Klicker book "Funeral Directing and Funeral Service Management". This assignment is due on Saturday April 4, 2020.
Week 12 - Week 13 (04/06 - 04/19) Practice Exams - You MUST attempt the section at least once by Sunday,April 19, 2020. You must score at least a 90 in each section. The exams are set to be attempted as many times as you like. So, if you do not score a 90 in one section, you MUST continue taking that section until you score a 90 or better by the due date. DO NOT wait until the last minute. Describe the difference between sealing caskets and non-sealing caskets. Then tell me which one you who choose and why. This can be found in the klicker book "Funeral Directing and Funeral Service Management" in Ch. 10. This assignment is due on Sunday, April 12, 2020. In the Taggart book on pgs 1852 - 193 write out the following terms: Account Cycle, Account Receivable, Assets, Calender Year, Chart of Accounts, Equity, General Ledger, Payee, Sole Proprietorship and Straight Line Depreciation. This assignment is due on Saturday, April 18, 2020.
Week 14 - Week 15 (04/20 - 05/03) Practice Exams - You MUST attempt the section that is listed ONLY at least 3 by Sunday, May 3, 2020. You must score at least a 90 in each section. The exams are set to be attempted as many times as you like. So, if you do not score a 90 in one section, you MUST continue taking that section until you score a 90 or better by the due date. DO NOT wait until the last minute. In the Taggart book on pgs. 198-199 write out the definitions for the following terms: Disks, Floppy Disk, Gigabyte, Motherboard, Operating System Software, Ram and Software Tape Drive. This assignment is due on Sunday April 26, 2020. Please look at the Test Anxiety Tips in the course description for instructions. This assignment is due on Sunday, May 3, 2020.
Week 16 (12/16 - 12/20) Final Exam #1 - Available on Monday, May 11, 2020 – Tuesday,May 12, 2020 (8:00 AM - 11:55 PM) You must score an 85 or better on the comprehensive FINAL EXAM to pass this course. If you pass this course AND meet all other course requirements for the 'Certificate of Completion' in Funeral Directing, the program director will certify you to register for the Texas State Board Exam in Funeral Directing. The program director will email you instructions on what steps to take to register, pay and take the State Board Exam.
Grades are due to the register are due by Friday May 15, 2020. Note that we will turn our grades on Thursday, May 14, 2020, in case we have to re submit our grades.
Graduation May 15, 2020.
Course Requirements
Please review Course Objectives #1 and #2 under 'Student Performance' of this syllabus.
Course Prerequisites
You should be in your final semester in the Certificate program. Participation in this course requires prior approval. Contact the program director for permission to register. If you are taking other classes to meet the MRTS.CERT course requirements while taking this course and drop one of them, you will NOT be able to complete this course and MUST withdraw. If you fail one of the other courses you are enrolled in, you will NOT be certified to take the Texas State Board Exam.
Course Links
www.theconferenceonline.org
Texas State Board Exam
If a student successfully passes this class, the program director will certify them to take the Texas State Board Exam. The program director will notify the student how to proceed via phone or email at that time. NOTE: Successful completion of the MRTS.CERT program through Amarillo College only allows the program director to certify a student to sit for and take the Texas State Board Exam. It does not allow for you to take the National Board Exam.
REMEMBER: If you are taking other classes to meet the MRTS.CERT course requirements while taking this course and drop one of them, you will NOT be able to complete this course and MUST withdraw. If you fail one of the other courses you are enrolled in, you will NOT be certified to take the Texas State Board Exam.
Disability Policy
Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrnagements in order to meet course requirements should contact Disability Services (Student Service Center room 199) by phone at (806) 371-5436 as soon as possible.
I have read the above information and I hear by am in accordance with the obligations set before me by signature___________________________________.
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01/18/20 9:09 PM