General Psychology Syllabus for 2025-2026
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Instructor Information

Course Information

AI Statement

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting

Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.

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 Enrollment Center, Suite 700. 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:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

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-2301-001 General Psychology

Prerequisites

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

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Supplies

Student Performance

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

Dr. Alan Kee

Professor of Psychology

Amarillo College

General Psychology (Hybrid)

Syllabus

Fall 2, 2025

M/W 9:00 AM - 10:15 AM

10/27/2025 - 12/19/2025

Dutton Hall 103

Welcome to General Psychology! 

If you have any problems or concerns about any aspect of this course over the course of the semester, please talk to me directly.  I will do my best to work out the issue.  You can email me or call me on my cell at 806-336-2143.

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 document.  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. 

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.  Once you register, your AC Connect Google Email account is activated.

If you do not check 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. Thus, students are responsible to check their AC Connect Google Email account on a daily basis. (We are not using the internal email function within Blackboard.

Here are the steps to access your Student Email Address:

1. Login to ACConnect.
2. Click Email.
3. Click the first option, "Amarillo College Email (managed by Google)"

To send email to your instructor, do the following:

1. Send your email to Dr. Kee’s email address: jakee@actx.edu
2. Be sure to include the course you are in, for example “General Psychology PSYC 2301 002.”
3. Include your full name (include the name found on Dr. Kee’s roster). 
4. If you do not use these instructions I will not know which course you are taking.  I will have to ask you which course you are in – this will slow down receiving a response from me. 

You should also be able to send me a message by using the Messages function inside of Blackboard.

Attendance by the Census Date

You must attend this course before the Census Date of 11/3/25.  If you do not attend class before the Census Date, the registrar will consider you as NOT attending and YOU WILL BE DROPPED from the course.  Your financial aid can also be terminated.

Why Take a Course in the General Psychology?

Even if you are not majoring in psychology, you can definitely benefit from learning more about the human mind and behavior by taking a psychology course. Many universities require students to take at least one class in psychology.  Why is psychology often included as part of a core general education requirement? There are a few great reasons.

It Can Help You Better Understand Other People

If you are majoring in a subject that will lead you to a career that involves working directly with lots of different people, such as teaching or nursing, understanding more about how people think and behave will be extremely helpful in your career. Even if you don't plan to work with people, psychology is still beneficial in helping you understand how and why the people in your life think and behave the way they do. Understanding others can be extremely fulfilling and lead to better, stronger relationships with your family, friends, and co-workers.

It Can Help You Better Understand Yourself

Just like it helps you better understand others, taking a psychology class can help you understand yourself too, including areas like what motivates you, what sort of personality you have, and how your personality contributes to the way you think and behave. Understanding yourself better can help you improve your relationships with others, your communication skills, your motivation, and how you relate to the world around you.

It Can Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills

Psychology classes emphasize things like the scientific method, evaluating your sources of information, and thinking critically about the information you encounter on a daily basis. Such classes can help you hone these skills, which may prove useful in a variety of careers and different areas of life.

COURSE NAME: General Psychology

COURSE NUMBER: Psychology 2301
 

HOURS: 3 Credit Hours

FACULTY: Dr. Alan Kee, Ph.D.

OFFICE: Dutton Hall 202N

PHONE:  The best way to reach me is through email using your AC Connect Google Email account.   If you need to contact me by phone / text, 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. 

OFFICE HOURS: I have office hours Mon. – Thu.  8:00 am – 9:00 am. Please message me in your course, email me or call me on my cell at 806-336-2143 to set an appointment.  

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The course is an introduction to psychology covering the principles of human behavior relating to heredity, maturation, intelligence, learning, motivation, perception, emotions, personality, psychological disorders, therapies, and social context.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

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.

Text:

Hint: you can copy and paste the ISBN number into google for the books and you will see many different companies that offer them used. You may also purchase them at the AC bookstore.

Myers, D.G. and DeWall, C.N.  (2022). Exploring Psychology (12th Ed.), (Does NOT need LaunchPad)., Worth Publishers. ISBN: 13-9781319470760 (Required) This book can be purchased at the AC Bookstore.

OR you may use the 11 ed of Exploring Psychology:

Myers, D.G. and DeWall, C.N.  (2014). Exploring Psychology (11th ed.) (Does NOT need LaunchPad)., Worth Publishers. ISBN-13: 978-1-319-12774-9 (Required) This book can be purchased at an online used book seller. 

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.

Mental Health and Social Services at AC

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 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 806-371-5450. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is www.actx.edu/arc

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

COVID, Flu, Cold, etc. Reporting Requirements:

If you are sick and / or running a fever please stay home and get well; please do not infect your classmates!  If you are ill be sure to reach out to your instructor.  If you have a positive test, you should email your instructor immediately. Your instructor will work with you regarding assignments.

ADMINISTRATIVE DROP POLICY:

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

TUTORING POLICY:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. In this case, the instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the students to the appropriate tutoring service.

MAKEUP POLICY:

If for any reason you miss an exam, you will be required to take a comprehensive final exam covering all of the content in the course on the last day of the course.  The score on the comprehensive final exam will count for the missed exam grade and it will count for the exam 3 grade. For example, if you miss exam 2, you will take the comprehensive final exam on the day the class takes exam 3.  Your score on the comprehensive final exam will count for your exam 2 grade and your exam 3 grade. 

LECTURE / READING QUIZZES:

There will be a total of 12 reading quizzes; one quiz for each of the 12 Assignments.  After you listen to the lectures and read the assigned reading, you are ready to take the reading quiz.  The Reading Quiz is an “open book, open notes” quiz. The reading quiz is due BEFORE you come to class.  These reading quizzes are critical to your learning the material in this class.  The reading quizzes are not timed, meaning that they stay open until the day that they are due.  You may take the reading quiz as many times as you need during the allotted time. The reading quiz can be thought of as a study guide, helping you to better understand the information and providing you with simulated practice exam questions.  The test questions on the exams will be similar to the reading quiz questions. 

EXAMS:

1. How many exams are there in this course?

There will be three multiple choice EXAMS. The three exams will be taken in person.  Each exam is scored on a 100-point scale.  

2. How do I prepare for the exams?

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 (First Year Seminar), which teaches important areas such as study skills, motivation, time management, and stress management.
 

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.

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.

If you are having difficulty with the material, you may want to receive tutoring or study skills training free of charge from the Academic Success Center.  There are also many web sites on study skills and strategies.

Please read "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.   Click on “Study Skills (Handouts and Videos).

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

Each exam will have 50 questions that will be randomly selected from a test generator.  There is 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 even though you may use your notes on the exam.

4. Is it possible to make up an exam?

If for any reason you miss an exam, you will be required to take a comprehensive final exam covering all of the content in the course on the last day of the course.  The score on the comprehensive final exam will count for the missed exam grade and it will count for the exam 3 grade. For example, if you miss exam 2, you will take the comprehensive final exam on the day the class takes exam 3.  Your score on the comprehensive final exam will count for your exam 2 grade and your exam 3 grade. 

5. What time do the exams open and close? 

The exams are in-person.  The exams will start at the start of class and they will stop at the end of class (75 minutes).  The exam is 75 minutes in length.  You will not have endless time to look up all of the answers.  Therefore, you will need to study and know the material. You MUST turn in your exam at the time the class for that day is over.  It is not fair to the other students for you to take extra time beyond the allowed 75 minutes.

6. What do I need to bring to the exam?

You will need to bring a #2 pencil to use on the Scantron.  Your instructor will provide the Scantron.  Please keep your Scantron covered at all times during the exam.

7. Am I allowed to use notes on the exams?

Yes.  You may use hand-written or typed notes on the exams. You may not use the textbook or other electronic device.

8. What is the penalty for cheating on an exam or paper?

If there is indication that you received help during an online exam or paper, the penalty will be an F in the course and likely expulsion from Amarillo College.  

Honesty and ethical behaviors are imperatives in any career.  Therefore, cheating will not be tolerated.  Amarillo College’s “Student Code of Conduct” will apply to all work in this course.  Cheating on an Exam includes, but is not limited to, all of the following:

• Copying from another student’s work.
• Using test/study/related materials not authorized by the person administering the test.
• Collaborating with or seeking aid from another person during a test without permission from the test administrator.
• Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, or soliciting, in whole or in part, the contents of an unadministered test.  
• Substituting for another student, or permitting another student to substitute for one’s self, to take a test.
• Bribing another person, or in any other way exchanging goods or services to obtain an unadministered test or information about an unadministered test.

Here is the official Amarillo College / Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences policy on plagiarism, collusion, and cheating:

The Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences takes academic integrity seriously.  Scholastic dishonesty, punishable as prescribed by Board policies, shall include, but not be limited to plagiarism, collusion, and cheating on a test or written assignment.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is defined as “using exact words from any outside source without using quotation marks or properly citing them; paraphrasing words from any outside source without citing them; or using research from any outside source without citing it.”

Self-Plagiarism

Self-plagiarism is defined as turning in your own previous work to meet a current assignment.  This policy will be amended at the discretion of each individual instructor. 

Collusion

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Bard) to create a document is considered colluding. I WILL USE AN AI CHECKER AND SAFE ASSIGN (Inside of Blackboard) TO DETERMINE IF YOUR PAPER (DISCUSSIONS AND COMMON ASSESSMENT) USED AI AND / OR WAS COPIED BY ANOTHER STUDENT.

Cheating

“Cheating on a test” shall include:

1. Copying from another student’s test paper.
2. Using test materials not authorized by the person administering the test.
3. Collaborating with or seeking aid from another student during a test without permission from the test administrator.
4. Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, or soliciting, in whole or in part, the contents of a pending test.
5. The unauthorized transporting or removal, in whole or in part, of the contents of the pending test.
6. Substituting for another student, or permitting another student to substitute for one’s self, to take a test.
7. Bribing another person to obtain a pending test or information about a pending test.

Statement of Consequences

If you plagiarize, cheat, or collude, you will face consequences. Ignorance of the policy is not an excuse. Any work produced in part or in whole through plagiarism, collusion, or cheating may receive a penalty up to and including a zero for the assignment.  After assigning a zero, a subsequent infraction will result in a meeting the head of the Department and possible expulsion from the class. Another incident will result in a referral to the Vice President of Enrollment Management.

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 the “Gradebook” at the top center of the screen in Blackboard.

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

Here is an example of how to calculate your grade.  The Lecture / Reading Quizzes are worth 10%, the Exams are worth 60%, the Discussions Assignments / Participation are worth 20%, and the Common Assessment Assignment: Fake News is worth 10%.

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

Reading Quizzes: 100 + 100 + 0 + 100 + 90 + 100 + 100 + 100 + 70 + 100 + 100 + 100

Exam 1 = 82; Exam 2 = 79; Exam 3 = 93

Discussion Assignments / Participation (12 total): 100 + 100 + 70 + 100 + 100 + 100 + 70 + 100 + 100 + 100 + 100 + 100

Common Assessment Assignment: Fake News = 80

Here is how you would do the math:

Average the Reading Quizzes: 100 + 100 + 0 + 100 + 90 + 100 + 100 + 100 + 70 + 100 + 100 + 100 = 1060 / 12 = 88.33

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

Average the Discussions / Participation (13 total) = 100 + 100 + 100 + 70 + 100 + 100 + 100 + 70 + 100 + 100 + 100 + 100 + 100 = 1240/13 = 95.40

88.33 X .1 = 8.83 (Reading Quizzes)

84.67 X .60 = 50.80 (Exams)

95.40 X .20 = 19.07 (Discussion Assignments / Participation)

80 X .10 = 8 (Common Assessment Assignment: Fake News)

Now, add the numbers for each category:  8.83 + 50.80 + 19.07 + 8 = 86.70 = 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 weights of the assignments?

The Exams, Unit Assignments, and Critical Thinking Quiz are each worth 100 points.  The Reading Quizzes are worth 10%, Exams are worth 60% of the course grade, the Discussion Assignments/Films/Participation are worth 20% of the course grade, and the Common Assessment Assignment: Fake News is worth 10% of the course grade.

*The Discussions, Common Assessment Assignment: Fake News, and the Reading Quizzes all take some time but each of you should acquire close to full credit for these areas; they are worth 40% of your grade!  They are very doable if you dedicate the time to complete them! 

DISCUSSIONS: PARTICIPATION / CONNECTION RESPONSES:

1. How do we participate in this class?

Your course schedule (found in the Lessons Tab) will give you the instructions for participation as you proceed through the assignments of 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 assignment before you come to class.  You need to be prepared to discuss your connections when you come to class. 

The reason for assigning the connections (participation homework) is because it will help you become more actively involved in the reading.  This greater activity improves learning.  By participating in class, the class will become more interesting and rewarding as more students actively share their ideas.  You need to bring your book and your notes that you took from the reading and lecture to each class.

2. Where do we go to post our response in the class?

Participation occurs in this class by clicking on the lessons tab, then go to Discussions, and then click on the specific assignment / chapter.  You will then be able to post your discussion into the specific assigned chapter.  In order to receive credit for your connections (participation homework) you must post it in the Discussions. 

3. 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.

4. Do we need to save a copy of our responses?

Yes. I recommend that you write your response in Word, and save a copy 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.

5. How much will participation count in terms of the overall grade in the course?

Active and engaged participation is critical for this class!  It makes it more fun and interesting.  What we are going to do here is devote all our time and attention to the study of psychology, it is difficult and it needs all our attention.  Therefore, it is critical that you show up on time to class.  Also, please do not text in class.  Participation is accrued over the course of the semester i.e., you get points for showing up and being actively engaged in the discussions. 

In order to receive full credit for participation on any given day, you will need to 1) submit your discussion into Blackboard, and 2) bring your hard copy of the discussion assignment and actively discuss your ideas in class.  Each day is worth 100 points.  For that day you will receive 50 points for submitting your hardcopy of your answer to your assigned Discussion Question, and you will receive 50 points for attendance and actively discussing your ideas in class. 

You may turn in a late discussion and incur a 20-point penalty.  However, the purpose of the Discussion Question assignment is to be prepared to discuss your question in class.  This is a hybrid course (we meet only 50% of the time in the classroom); the expectation is that you can attend all of the days we meet in class. 

6. What rubric is used to grade the discussion assignments?

The "A/B" response (50 points) contains clear, thorough responses to the items identified in the assignment.  It provides evidence that the student has diligently applied concepts from the assigned reading.  It follows normal written conventions for good sentence construction, paragraph development and spelling. 

The "C/D" response (25 points) does not adequately address all of the items in the assignment. It does not provide evidence of the student’s reflective thought and it contain errors in sentence structure, paragraph development.  It lacks a clear organizational plan.  It does not develop its points or develops them in a repetitious, incoherent, or illogical way.  There may be little, if any, development of supporting examples from the assigned reading.  There is no indication that the student applied concepts from the assigned reading.

7. Is there a penalty if my discussion does not meet the word required minimum?

I will not take a paper that does not meet the word required minimum.  You may redo the paper and incur a 20-point penalty.  Your word processor should give you a word count for your discussion papers. (See Course Schedule for word required minimum on any given assignment.)

8. Is there a penalty for texting during the class?   

Yes.  If you are texting in the class, then you are not really present and actively participating.  Consequently, you will receive a 30-point penalty from your attendance / participation grade for that day. If you do not want to come to class and actively participate (discuss the topics), you should take an online course.

9. What is the last day to turn in late work?

It is in your best interest to turn in your work on time to help you prepare for exams.  Late work incurs a 20-point late penalty.  I will not take a late assignment after 12/8/24.

10. What are the ground rules for group discussion in class?
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 dialogue 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.

11. What is expected in terms of classroom etiquette?

In order to maximize the group’s learning, some basic guidelines for the class are helpful.  The following issues rarely occur in class.  However, it is helpful for us all to be clear about my expectations in order to prevent any misunderstanding.

1. Turn off all cell phones before class.  Do not text-message during class.  It is distracting and sends the message that you are not present for our discussions.  Similarly, do not bring laptops or ipads to class.  Like texting, people can get lost in their email, messaging, and internet and not be involved in the class and the discussion in the class.  This type of class requires the group to be engaged and tuned in to the conversation to be successful.  If you are texting during the class, it sends a message that you are not really interested in what your classmates are saying.  This type of distraction can take away from the group developing a cohesive connection that is necessary to help participants to feel free to express their ideas.  In addition, as the instructor, I feel disrespected when a participant is texting throughout the class; it is as if that person is not really interested in being in and participating in the group.  As a way to protect the group cohesion, I think it is fair to administer a 30-point penalty for your attendance / participation grade for that day of class if you are texting during class.  Another solution would be to transfer you to the online section of this course. If you do not want to come to class and actively participate (discuss the topics), you should take an online course.

2. Please do not bring children to class. In the past, this issue has caused resentment from other students because the children were distracting.  Students report that they could not concentrate on the discussion. 

3. When a student has the floor, please do not have side conversations with other students.  I believe it is disrespectful to that student who has the floor.  And, other students in the group report that they feel resentful because they are distracted by the side talking and cannot focus on the student who is speaking. 

4. Do not sleep in class!  If you are too tired to stay awake then you do not need to be in class.  Please stay at home and get the sleep you need.

5. I will do all I can to make sure each class ends on time, but I need everyone else’s cooperation to do this. Please arrive to class on time, if not a few minutes early.

TECHNICAL PROBLEMS:
If you experience a technical problem then you will need to contact the Helpdesk at 371-5992.

DROPPING/AUDITING THE CLASS:
If you are struggling with this course, please call me well before you drop the class! Do not wait until the last minute!  If you wait until the last minute there may not be time for you to get the paperwork completed.  In many cases we are able to make some adjustments and get the student back on track.  Please do not feel embarrassed to call me.  In many cases we can find ways to keep you in the class.  Withdrawing from a class should be a last resort only when all other options and interventions have been exhausted.

The last day to withdraw is 12/10/25.  You must first visit with your instructor in order to officially drop a class.  Then, your instructor will provide you with a signed drop form that you fill out.  The next step is for you to submit the form to 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 which can hurt your chances of getting into academic program in the future.

Grading Criteria

Attendance

Calendar

Additional Information