General Psychology Syllabus for 2021-2022
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Instructor Information

Course Information

COVID-19 Protocols

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:

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.

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-2301-014 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 ResourcesStudent 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

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Required: Exploring Psychology, 11th Edition, ©2019 + LaunchPad, Worth Publishers, David G. Myers; Nathan C. DeWall.

Note: LaunchPad is required.

Supplies

You will need access to a reliable computer with a reliable Internet connection and Microsoft Office software.  Open computer labs on campus are available for use and encouraged.

Student Performance

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

STUDENT COMMITMENT:

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. 

This is an online course.  This means that this course is completed "outside of class".  This requires a serious commitment from the student.  This is also a “short course”.  This also requires a serious commitment from the student as the course is completed within a short 8 weeks.

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.  My suggestion is to read and outline the material.  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.  Next, watch the corresponding lecture posted online or complete the online activity - whichever is posted for that week.  Next, I suggest that you review your outline from the reading and compare that to the Chapter PowerPoint lecture slides.  The Chapter PowerPoint slides can be in LaunchPad.  This will give you a good indicator of where you may need to give more attention.  Next, I suggest viewing any Auxiliary Notes posted online.  You may find these under the Content tab.  These notes are topical - therefore, you can choose a topic that you may need to give more attention.  These Auxiliary Notes are more visually appealing (which is great for the visual learner) and more detailed than the Chapter PowerPoint slides.  Next, I would take the quiz/complete the assignment for that given week.  The weekly quizzes will also be a good barometer for areas where you may need to apply more effort or give more attention.

If you are having further 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.  Further, 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.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:

A responsible student is a successful student. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a mature and responsible manner, respect the opinions, rights, and personal property of others, and meet their financial obligations. Students are responsible for seeking help and guidance from all of the resources that the college makes available to them. They are expected to be proactive and remain informed about college dates and deadlines and understand academic and disciplinary policies. They are responsible for communication with their professors, advisors, and college staff and the commitment to being organized and prepared to learn. Above all, our students are expected to strive for honesty and academic integrity throughout their period of study.

In order to provide a learning process and academic environment that permits you to pursue your educational goals, it is essential for all faculty, students, and staff to maintain academic integrity. You are expected to exhibit academic honesty in this and every class. Academic dishonesty includes cheating, plagiarism, and aiding or abetting others to cheat or plagiarize.

It is expected that each student will do his/her own work. Assisting a student while he/she is taking an online exam is cheating. Not only could you be reprimanded, but you are cheapening your own education.

Each student is expected to follow the guidelines in the AC Student Rights & Responsibilities document.  This information may be found at the following link: Student Rights and Responsibilities.  All students are expected to be tolerant and respectful of other students in the classroom.  There will be zero tolerance for any type of harassment or disrespect.

Grading Criteria

GRADING:

Grades for this course will be based on three exams and weekly online quizzes/activities/discussion questions. Your final grade consists of the following:

 

3 Examinations	60%	(100 points each) 300 total points
Social Responsibility Project Weekly Online Quizzes/Activities/Discussion Questions	20% 20%	100 total points 100 total points
		500 total points/5 = 100%

 

Here is an example of how to calculate your grade.  Blackboard will not calculate your current grade in the course for you.  Please keep up with your current standing in the course by hand using this formula.  

The Exams are worth 60%, the Social Responsibility Project is worth 20%, and the Weekly Online Quizzes/Assignments/Discussion Questions are worth 20%.

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)

Quiz 1: 100; Quiz 2 = 75; Online Assignment 1 = 100 (There will be more than 3 Weekly Online Quizzes/Activities/Discussion Questions - this is merely for demonstration.)

Here is how you would do the math:

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

Average the Weekly Online Quizzes/Activities/Discussion Questions: 100 + 75 + 100 = 275.  275/3 = 91.67

84.67 X .60 = 50.802 (Exams)

85 X .20 = 17 (Social Responsibility Project)

91.67 X .20 = 18.334 (Weekly Online Quizzes/Assignments/Discussion Questions)

Now, add the numbers for each category:  50.802 + 17 + 18.334 = 86.136 = B (Course Grade)

EXAMINATIONS:

1. There will be four multiple choice examinations.  Each exam will consist of 50 multiple choice questions and will be worth 100 total points.  60% or 300 points of your final total points in the course will be based on your examination scores. 

2. The four exams include Exam 1, Exam 2, Exam 3 and Exam 4.  The lowest exam score out of the four is automatically dropped.  

3.  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 reliable computer, having to work, forgetting to take an exam, etc.  Again, there will be no make-up exams.  

4. All exams will be taken in AC Connect/Blackboard.  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.  

5. You will be given 60 minutes (1 hour) in which to complete each exam.  For a comprehensive outline of exam dates (including the Final examination period), please see the Course Calendar posted in Blackboard.  This document can be found under the Content tab.  These dates will also be announced via Blackboard announcements.

6. 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 indicating that you were not able to complete the exam.

7. You will be able to view 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 click the "back" button on your browser or try to return to a previous question in any way in an attempt to change an answer/submit an answer for an unanswered question.  If you do, this could cause your exam to prematurely submit, and you would thus lose points for any remaining questions that have not been answered.  Do not skip any questions.  If you do, the question will be counted as incorrect.  Remember that you must click the “submit” button at the end of your exam. 

8. 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 online exams, practice test questions via given quizzes and grade adjustments for each exam based on the number of questions missed by the class.  I also do not provide written "study guides".  Your job as a student in this course is to master the covered material - therefore, it is expected that you read and study all given material.

9. If a student scores below 70% on an exam or writing assignment, he or she will be required to attend tutoring per the instructor’s directions before being allowed to complete the next assigned work. If a student does not complete the required tutoring for an exam or writing assignment, he/she/they will receive a 0 on all proceeding work until tutoring is complete. Student must provide documentation of tutoring session/s.

WEEKLY ONLINE QUIZZES/ACTIVITIES/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. There will be weekly online quizzes/activities/discussion questions over the course material.  These quizzes/activities/discussions will take place each week.  Your quiz/activity/discussion average will account for 20% of your final score or 100 total points.

2. You must complete each quiz/activity/discussion on time.  There will be no make-up quizzes/activities/discussions, and NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS ARE ACCEPTED.  Assignments are also not accepted via email under any circumstances.  This includes late assignments due to computer or technical issues.  Please give yourself ample time to complete and submit your online assignments to make room for any possible computer/technical delays.  For a more comprehensive outline of due dates, please see the Course Calendar posted in Blackboard.  This document can be found under the Content tab.  These dates will also be announced via Blackboard announcements.

3. All quizzes/activities/discussions will be completed in LaunchPad and AC Connect/Blackboard.  You may not have another person with you at the time that you are taking one of the online quizzes or completing one of the online activities.  If there is indication that you received help during an online quiz/activity/discussion, the penalty will be an F in the course and likely expulsion from Amarillo College.  

4. Activity due dates and instructions will be posted in AC Connect/Blackboard.

5.  If a weekly assignment requires submitted a written response, 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.

6. At the end of the semester, all of the weekly online quiz, online assignment and discussion question scores will be averaged. 

7. If an assignment requires a specific word count, I will not accept this assignment if it does not meet the required word minimum.  You should use a word processor to write your papers. Your word processor should give you a word count.    

8. The Social Responsibility Project is worth 20% or 100 total points of your final grade.

9. If a student scores below 70% on an exam or writing assignment, he or she will be required to attend tutoring per the instructor’s directions before being allowed to complete the next assigned work. If a student does not complete the required tutoring for an exam or writing assignment, he/she/they will receive a 0 on all proceeding work until tutoring is complete. Student must provide documentation of tutoring session/s.

Rubric used to evaluate written assignments:

	Levels of Achievement
Criteria	EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS	MEETS EXPECTATIONS	MEETS MOST or SOME EXPECTATIONS & NEEDS IMPROVEMENT	DOES NOT MEET EXPECTATIONS	DID NOT ANSWER QUESTION
KNOWLEDGE QUESTION #1  Weight 20.00%	20-15 Contains clear, thorough responses to each of the parts of EACH of the questions identified in the assignment. It provides evidence that the student has diligently researched the history of the agency the agency/organization, the social issue the agency is concerned with, and the specific intervention(s) used to help the issue. It provides evidence that the student has diligently identified the tasks and worked alongside the staff at the chosen agency	14-10 Addresses almost all of the parts of the questions, and answers ALL the questions identified in the assignment. Provides some evidence that the student has researched the history, social issues and specific interventions of the agency with which they were involved. In second paragraph, student provides some evidence that he or she worked with staff at the chosen agency.	9-5 Does not address all of the parts of the questions in the assignment, or skipped one of the questions. It provides minimal evidence that the student has diligently researched the history of the agency, the social issue the agency is concerned with and the specific intervention used to help the issue, the social issue the concerned with and the specific intervention used to help the issue. Fails to provide clear evidence that the student has diligently identified the tasks and worked alongside the staff at the chosen agency.	4-1 Minimally addresses and or fails to answer some of the questions in item #1. It does not provide evidence that the student researched the history of the agency, the social issue the agency is concerned with or the specific intervention used to help the issue. It doesn’t provide evidence that the student has diligently identified the tasks and worked alongside the staff at the chosen agency	0  Did not provide an answer.
KNOWLEDGE QUESTION # 2  Weight 10.00%	10-8 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 while working at the chosen agency.	7-5 Addresses the question identified in item #2, in a minimal manner and/or provides some evidence that the student has done some reflection on their experiences, as well as discussing previous and new knowledge gained while working at this agency. Needs improvement and some added depth.	4-2 Addresses some of issues raised by the question in item #2 in a perfunctory manner. It provides minimal reflection from the student regarding their experiences, prior knowledge and new knowledge gained in this experience. Needs a quite a bit of improvement. and depth of reflection on the experience.	2-1 Minimally addresses the items in the assignment. Provides very little, if any, evidence that the student has reflected on experiences, prior knowledge and new knowledge gained in this experience. Needs much more depth of reflection and improvement in communicating that experience.	0  Did not provide an answer.
KNOWLEDGE QUESTION #3  Weight 20.00%	20-15 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. Cited sources in the text and within the bibliography section.	14-10 Contains a minimum required response to the question identified and its parts. Provides some evidence that student applied and/or related at least 1 concept from the textbook to their experience at the agency. Cited source in text and within bibliography section.	9-5 Does not address all of the parts of question in the assignment and/or responses lack clarity and depth. 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. Fails to cite source in text or bibliography.	4-1 Minimally addresses the items in the assignment. It does not provide evidence of the student’s reflective thought. There is no specific indication that the student applied or related any concepts from their textbook in this class to their experience in their agency. Fails to cite source(s) in text and bibliography.	0  Did not provide an answer.
KNOWLEDGE QUESTION #4  Weight 10.00%	10-8 Contains clear, thorough responses to the question identified in the assignment. It provides evidence that the student has diligently described the impact he or she hopes to have by continuing to volunteer at their selected agency. If the student chose not to volunteer at their selected agency, then he or she described in detail one action step that they would be willing to do to apply some aspect of “social responsibility” that they learned in their volunteer work in their life.	7-5 Contains minimal response to the question identified in the assignment. Provides some evidence that student described the impact he or she hope to have by continuing to volunteer at selected agency. If the student chose not to volunteer at the agency, then he or she gave a brief but not specific description of at least one action step if that they are willing to do to apply some aspect of "social responsibility" that they learned in their volunteer work in their life.	4-2 Does not address all of the parts of the questions in the assignment. It provides minimal evidence that the student has diligently described the impact he or she hopes to have by continuing to volunteer at their selected agency. If the student chose not to volunteer at their selected agency, then he or she described one general and somewhat vague action step that they would be willing to do to apply some aspect of “social responsibility” that they learned in their volunteer work in their life.	2-1 Minimally addresses the items in the assignment. It does not provide evidence that the student has described the impact he or she hopes to have by continuing to volunteer at their selected agency or, if the student chose not to volunteer at their selected agency, then he or she failed to describe in any detail one action step that they would be willing to do to apply some aspect of “social responsibility” that they learned in their volunteer work in their life	0  Did not provide an answer.
KNOWLEDGE Empirical Data Question #5  Weight 25.00%	15 All five questions and all parts are correct indicating that the student has mastery over understanding empirical and graphical representation of data in social and behavioral sciences research	12 Four of the 5 questions were correct, and/or the student missed a few of the components in a couple of the questions, indicating student has an understanding of empirical and graphical representation of social and behavioral science research.	10 Three of the five questions were correct, and/or student missed multiple components within some of the questions, indicating that the student has difficulty and lacks a complete understanding of empirical and graphical representation of social and behavioral science research.	5 Two or less of the five questions were correct, and student missed multiple components within these questions, indicating that the student lacks understanding of empirical and graphical representation of social and behavioral science research.	0  0 points Did not provide an answer.
Organization Weight 5.00%	5 Information is clearly organized throughout the four questions on the essay, ideas flow nicely.	4 Some sections of the are well organized while others are loosely organized, lacking flow	3 Information is loosely organized throughout and there is a lack of flow of ideas.	2 Information is present, but very difficult to understand due to poor organization.	0  Did not provide an answer.
WRITING MECHANICS  Weight 10.00%	10-8 Proper grammar and spelling used throughout the answer to the question. Minimum word count is exceeded.	7-5 Generally, grammar and spelling used are correct with a few errors. Minimum word count falls short once or twice.	4-2 Proper grammar and spelling used throughout the answer to the question with major errors. Minimum word count falls short many times.	2-1 Very poor grammar and spelling used throughout the answer to the question. Minimum word count is not reached.	0 Did not provide an answer.
Bibliography	10-8 Student cites the appropriate resource correctly	7-5 A few mistakes were made when citing resource.	4-2 A few major mistakes were made when citing resource.	2-1 Major mistakes were made when citing resource.	0 Did not cite resource
Writer’s Corner extra credit	10 Visited writer’s corner before turning in essay portion	0 Did not visit writer’s corner	0	0	0

 

Again, your Course Calendar will provide you with the details of how and when to complete these assignments/quizzes/discussions.  This document is found under Content on the Home page for the course.  It is reasonable that a due date/assignment may be changed.  Please regularly check your email/Blackboard announcements for notice of these potential changes.

 

FINAL GRADES:

            A = 90-100

            B = 80-89

            C = 70-79

            D = 60-69

            F = 0-59

I do make adjustments for grades that are “borderline” at the end of the semester.  For example, a 79.5 would be rounded up to a “B” and a 79.4 would round to a “C.”  Please do not inquire about special accommodations above and beyond this at the end of the semester.  Keep up with your work.  Complete your assignments.  Give a committed effort.  Stay focused and committed to the course.  Your grade is ultimately your responsibility, and you earn it.

You may check your grades periodically in our course on Blackboard.  In order to check your grades, you can go to “My Grades” on the Home Page for the course.  Please be aware that the Course Average grade that you see will NOT BE ACCURATE UNTIL all of the Exams and Assignments/Quizzes/Discussions 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 and/or to determine your current standing in the course. 

Attendance

Calendar

Additional Information

When you access the Content Tab and then Discussions, you will see "Virtual Classroom".  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) from which others may benefit, please direct them to the instructor (or class) by posting them in Virtual Classroom. When I answer the question (or when you answer a question) in "Virtual Classroom", all students will be able to see my (and your) responses.

This is designed to mirror a typical classroom culture in a regular face-to-face 3 hour course.  Because this course is online, you may find that additional questions arise when you are studying/reviewing the online material at home.

WITHDRAWING FROM THE COURSE:

You are responsible for being knowledgeable and cognizant of important college dates and for withdrawing yourself from the course by the set deadline if you are unable to complete a course or courses for which you have registered.  Please refer to http://catalog.actx.edu/content.php?catoid=14&navoid=603 for important dates and deadlines. 

You must officially drop a class in the Registrar's office. If you simply stop completing assignments and participating in the online course, a grade of F will appear on your transcript. An F will have a strong negative effect on your GPA.

TECHNICAL ISSUES: 

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.

If you experience any technical difficulty with AC Connect/Blackboard, please contact the Helpdesk directly at 806.371.5000 or email them at askac@actx.edu.

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AND THE ADVOCACY AND 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.

FURTHER STUDENT RESOURCES:

Student Resources Website