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-2301-002 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

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

Syllabus

General Psychology (WEB)

Summer (8 Week), 2022

6/6/2022 - 7/28/2022

Welcome to General Psychology Online!

To view the Syllabus and the Course Schedule / Assignments go to the Home Page for the course and then go to the Lessons tab. 

Please take the time to read this Syllabus in its entirety!  It contains important information on how this course operates. 

Critical Information on How To Use Email in This Course!

In order to receive email from the instructor you must use your AC Connect Google Email account.  If you do not activate and use your AC Connect Google Email account, you will be lost in this course because you will not be able to receive email from your instructor. Thus, students are responsible to check their AC Connect Google Email account on a daily basis. 

In order to set up your AC Connect Google Email account, you go to the AC Home Page and click on AC Connect.  Then scroll down and click on “Amarillo College Email (managed by Google). Then you will enter your AC Gmail account (all emails from Google end with @amarillocollege.com; for example, hlvoran@amarillocollege.com). Click next and enter your AC Password and click next. 

To send email to your instructor, do the following:

• Click Send Email in the course menu.

• Click All Instructor Users.

• Type a Subject, just like you would in an email.

• Type your message, then click Submit again.

• When your instructor responds to your email, it will go to your AC Student Gmail account in AC Connect.

Furthermore, you can SEND email from Blackboard, but you will never RECEIVE email there. You will only receive email at your AC Connect Gmail account.
 

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

https://use.vg/XUPI9nWJm6A5

Introduce Yourself

If you are attending this class, your Introduction Assignment is to complete an introduction on yourself in order to be counted as attending.  This Introduction Assignment also allows me and your classmates to get to know you.  Please briefly tell the class your name, major, and your career plan.  You will post your response by clicking on Discussions / PBL Assignments.  Then click on “First Assignment: Your Introduction.” Next, click on “Create Thread,” and give your post a title (Subject).  Then, copy and paste your brief introduction in the “Message” window.  Click “Submit.” 

You must make this post by Friday June 10. The reason for this assignment is that the college needs proof that you are participating in the class before your first written assignment. **If you do not complete this assignment, you will be considered NOT attending and you WILL BE DROPPED from the course.  And, your financial aid can 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 (Online)

COURSE NUMBER: Psychology 2301

HOURS: 3 Credit Hours

FACULTY: Dr. Alan Kee, Ph.D.

OFFICE:  Dutton Hall 202N

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

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

OFFICE HOURS: I have online office hours Mon. – Thu.  9:00 am – 10:00 am; I prefer to meet by phone or zoom due to Covid.  Please call me on my cell at 806-336-2143 to set an appointment by phone or zoom. 

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.

TEXTS:

Myers, D.G. and DeWall, C.N. (2019). Exploring Psychology (11th ed.) Worth Publishers. ISBN-13: 978-1-319-12774-9. OR ISBN-10: 1-319-12774-6 (Required)

* REBT articles – (This information is provided in the web course under the Lessons Tab, then click on Supplemental Reading.)

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: WARE 300B;
(806) 345-5639) 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 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 www.actx.edu/arc

ATTENDANCE POLICY:

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

COVID Reporting Requirements

You are required to report to your instructor any of the following:

Pending COVID test

Positive COVID test

Close contact with someone who has tested positive

Close contact is defined as a cumulative 15 minutes less than six feet apart—with or without a mask—over the course of 24 hours. This even includes brief interactions if they add up to 15 minutes over the course of a day. 

Students – if you have a pending test, positive test, or close contact with a COVID positive individual, you should email each of your instructors immediately. 

ADMINISTRATIVE DROP POLICY:

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

MAKEUP POLICY:

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

Tutoring Policy:

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.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE EXAMS?
1. This is a three-hour course. An estimate of study time outside of class is 3 hours for every 1 hour in class. Therefore, you need to plan on spending at least 9 hours per week in studying for this class outside of class. 

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

 

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

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

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

6. 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). 

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

EXAMS:

1. How many exams are there in this course?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. What time do the exams open and close? 

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

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

I have opened the lockdown browser practice exam.  You all need to take this exam in the next two or three days. The sooner the better. The reason for this exam is to make sure you’re able to maneuver through the lockdown browser that is used on Exams.  This practice exam has five simple questions that you all will definitely answer correctly. Also remember this practice exam will count as 5% of your grade.

In order to locate the lockdown browser practice exam, go to lessons and then click on “lockdown browser practice exam.”  Once you click on the exam it will open and you can quickly answer the five questions. 

Please carefully read the instructions here in the syllabus regarding the lockdown browser before you attempt to take this exam so you understand how to proceed. 

WHAT IS RESPONDUS LOCKDOWN BROWSER? (Camera Instructions) 

All exams will be taken online.  A web camera is required in order to take an exam.  We will use Respondus LockDown Browser to ensure test security. 

LockDown Browser is a locked browser for use with exams in Blackboard. It prevents you from printing, copying, going to another URL, or accessing other applications during an assessment. If a Blackboard exam requires that LockDown Browser be used, you will not be able to take the exam with a standard web browser.

LockDown browser records the student as they take their exams in order to ensure test integrity. If a different person from whom started the exam is spotted in the video, the incident is flagged. It will also alert the instructor to the use of unauthorized materials during the exam. No other person apart from the student should be involved in the test.

WHAT ARE THE STEPS I NEED TO TAKE IN ORDER TO USE MY CAMARA DURING AN EXAM?

1. Make sure you have a broadband Internet connection.   Call your Internet provider if you are uncertain about which type of Internet connection you have.

2. A web camera is required for all exams. If your computer system does not have one, you will need to purchase one. 

3. A computer microphone is required for all online exams.   An embedded microphone is acceptable.  Go to your computer settings or control panel to check your microphone settings.

4. Before you begin an online exam, make sure that LockDown Browser is the only open program on your computer. 

5. LockDown Browser is required for all online exams. It is not required for the Reading Quizzes. To install the software, go to this link and follow the directions:

https://www.actx.edu/ctl/respondus-lockdown-browser-download-instructions

6. If you are having trouble with these procedures, you can call Student and Faculty Help Center (806.371.5429) for assistance.  Visit the Underground website for hours of operation.

7. On a Mac, the LockDown Browser program will be located in the Applications folder.  On a Windows PC, you can find the program in the Start menu. On a Chromebook, LockDown Browser is an extension of the Chrome browser and will be automatically activated when needed if installed properly.  

8. If you try to log in to an exam through your regular browser, you’ll get an error message and a request for a password. If that happens, close your browser and run LockDown Browser.

9. The next task is to take the practice exam. This will allow you to become familiar with how taking an exam with LockDown Browser works and troubleshoot problems that arise. The practice exam is worth 5% of your final grade. The exam will not require any preparation other than installing LockDown Browser.

10. At the beginning of the exam, LockDown Browser will ask you to take a picture of yourself and then it will ask you to show your identification. You need to use either your driver’s license or your Amarillo college ID. You must show a valid photo ID to the web camera.  If you fail to show a valid photo ID, you will receive no credit for the exam.

13. After you show your valid ID to the web camera, then you need to do a complete environment scan.  Turn your web camera in a 360-degree pan to look at the room. Lift your webcam or laptop and slowly turn it around to give a 360-degree view of your exam environment.  It is required for you to show each corner of the room and your desktop area. Do not move the camera too fast or it won't provide a clear video.

14. A student who has any music or audio recordings playing during exams, or who talks with anyone for any reason during the exam, will receive no credit for the exam. No one besides the student is allowed to be in the room during an exam or quiz. The student should alert family/friends of your need for privacy. 

15. The only resource you are allowed to use during the exam is your notes.  You may not use your textbook or any electronic devices other than the computer you are taking the exam on.  If you are recorded with unauthorized material, you will receive no credit for the exam and potentially face additional disciplinary action. 

GENERAL EXAM INSTRUCTIONS

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

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

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

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

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 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.

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

For test security purposes I do not release the tests or allow additional time to go back and review the exams.  I offset this policy with open notes exams, simulated practice test questions, Discussion / participation grade, and grade adjustments for each exam based on the number of questions missed by the class. 

8. 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.

9. 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.”   

10. Where do I go to check my grades?

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

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

Here is an example of how to calculate your grade.  The Exams are worth 55%, the LockDown Browser Practice Test is worth 5%, the Discussions / (PBL) Problem Based Learning Assignments are worth 20%, the Service Learning Project is worth 10%, and the Reading Quizzes are worth 10%

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

Exam 1 = 82; Exam 2 = 88; Exam 3 = 85; Final Exam = 0 (drop grade)

LockDown Browser Practice Test = 100

Discussions / (PBL) Assignments:  100, 100, 100

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

Service Learning Project = 100

Here is how you would do the math:

Average the Exam grades: 82 + 88 + 85 = 254.  255/3 = 85.00

LockDown Browser Practice Test = 100.00

Average the Discussions / (PBL) Assignments: 100 + 100 + 100 = 300/3 = 100.00

Average the Reading Quizzes: 100 + 100 + 100 + 100 + 90 + 100 + 100 + 100 + 70 + 100 + 100 + 100 = 1160 / 12 = 96.70

85.00 X .55 = 46.77 (Exams)

100 X .05 = 5.00 (LockDown Browser Practice Test)

100 X .20 = 20.00 (Discussions / (PBL) Assignments)

100 X .10 = 10.00 (Service Learning Project)

96.70 X .10 = 9.67 (Reading Quizzes)

Now, add the numbers for each category:  46.77 + 5.00 + 20.00 + 10.00 + 9.67 = 91.44 = A (Course Grade)

** As you can see from this example, you do not have to make As on all of the exams in order to make an A in the course, if you put the work in on the Discussions and the Service Learning Project!

12. 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

13. What are the weight of the assignments?

The Exams, Discussions / (PBL) Problem Based Learning Assignments, and Service Learning Project are each worth 100 points.  The Exams are worth 55% of the course grade, the LockDown Browser Practice Test is worth 5%, the Discussions / (PBL) Problem Based Learning Assignments are worth 20% of the course grade, the Service Learning Project is worth 10%, and the Reading Quizzes are worth 10% of the course grade. 

*The LockDown Browser Practice Test, Discussions, Service Learning Project, and the Reading Quizzes all take some time but each of you should acquire close to full credit for these areas; they are worth 45% of your grade!  They are very doable if you dedicate the time to complete them! 

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

Blackboard will drop your lowest exam grade as you take the exams.  For example, let’s assume that you made a 52 on exam 1, a 95 on exam 2, and a 95 on exam 3.  Your “Exams AVG” (Exams Average) will automatically drop the lowest exam of 52.  Your “Exams AVG” (Exams Average) will indicate you have a 95.  Do not make the mistake of thinking you have an “A” average on the exams and decide not to take the Final Exam.  Blackboard drops the lowest exam grade as you take the exams.  It is not considering that you will have a zero for the Final Exam, which will actually be your drop grade.  In other words, after your zero on the Final Exam manually entered into the computer, it becomes your drop grade.  Your “Exams AVG” (Exams Average) will show an 84.25 (52+95+95 = 242/3 = 80.70). 

Please be aware that the Course Average grade that you see will NOT BE ACCURATE UNTIL all of the Exams, LockDown Browser Practice Test, Discussions / (PBL) Problem Based Learning Assignments, and Service Learning Project have been completed for the class. 

Assuming that you completed Exam 1, Exam 2, and Exam 3, you will then need to calculate your grade by hand to help determine your decision whether or not to take the Final Exam.  If you choose to make your Final Exam your drop grade, you could determine your Course Grade by entering a zero for the Final Exam grade.  Then proceed to do the calculation as indicated above in this syllabus.

PRACTICE TEST QUESTIONS:

The Reading Quizzes will show you practice exam questions.

GENERAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

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

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

DISCUSSIONS / PARTICIPATION:

How do we participate in this online class?

Students participate in this course by doing the Discussions / (PBL) Problem Based Learning Assignments and the Service Learning Projects.  Your Course Schedule / Assignments (found in the Lessons Tab) will give you the instructions for each Assignment as you proceed through the course.  By participating in class, the class will become more interesting and rewarding as more students actively share their ideas.

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

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

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

The Course Schedule / Assignments will give you specific directions as to how to post each Assignment. Do not post your paper as an attachment.  After the paper is posted, it is the student’s responsibility to check to make sure that their Assignment in fact was posted. 

Where do we find the homework assignments?

All homework assignments are found in your Course Schedule / Assignments (found under the Lessons Tab).

What types of homework assignments will we have?

Homework assignments consist of reading and outlining the assigned reading material, watching video lectures, taking Reading Quizzes, taking the exams, completing Discussions / PBL Assignments, and completing a Service Learning Project.  I recommend you outline (take notes) on the reading assignments, but you do not turn in the outlines to your instructor.

Are we required to respond to other students posts?

Yes, depending on the assignment.  The Course Schedule / Assignments will give you the instructions for each Assignment.  Your response to your peer must meet the minimum number of words required for that specific assignment; see the Course Schedule for details.  No credit is given for a peer response that does not meet the minimum word requirement.  Your word processor should give you a word count for your discussion papers.

Do we need to save a copy of our responses?

You should save an electronic copy of your paper in your files. If there is a problem with the online course, then you will have a backup copy. You also need to run spell check, grammar check, and then post it into the course. Do NOT post your paper as an attachment. 

How will the Discussions / (PBL) Problem Based Learning Assignments and Service Learning Project be graded?

The details / instructions for the Discussions / (PBL) Problem Based Learning Assignments and Service Learning Project and the rubric for each of the Unit Assignments are found in the

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

Is there a penalty if my Discussions / (PBL) Problem Based Learning Assignments and Service Learning Project does not meet the required length?

I will not accept a paper that does not meet the minimum word requirement.  If you turn in a paper below the minimum required word count, you may redo the paper and incur a 20-point penalty.  See the Course Schedule for the specific word requirement for each assignment.  You should use a word processor to write your papers. Your word processor should give you a word count.   

If you turn in any of these assignments late, you can still get partial credit and incur a 20-point penalty.  I will not take any late work past July 22!

What are the ground rules for group discussion?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DROPPING/AUDITING THE CLASS:
If you are struggling with this course, please call me well before you drop the class!  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 7/20/22.  You must first visit with your instructor in order to officially drop a class.  Then, your instructor will set the process in motion with 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.

Grading Criteria

Attendance

Calendar

Additional Information