INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

GRADING CRITERIA

A = 90-100 points; B = 80-89 points; C = 70-79 points; D = 60-69 points; F = 59 points & below

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

LEARNSMART Assignments (10 x 3 points each = 30 points): This assignment requires access to McGraw-Hill Connect, which you can purchase in the bookstore, or directly from the McGraw-Hill link in Canvas. Please note that everyone will receive a free trial for 2 weeks, in case you cannot immediately purchase the access code for Connect. Also, please note that purchasing an access code, will provide you access to an e-book for the duration of the course. For this assignment, you must complete the 10 LEARNSMART activities assigned for this class (see calendar below). To do so, you must access the LEARNSMART links on the modules page, which correspond to the topics you will be studying each week, and continue working on the assignment until you have completed it. Please note that there is a link for Connect support if you experience difficulties with this software. Each LEARNSMART activity may take 30 minutes to an hour or more to complete, depending on how well you know the material. For most weeks, this assignment will be available for 2 weeks, beginning approximately two weeks prior to the due date, and ending prior to class (9:30am) on the date specified on the calendar.

Exams (15 points each = 45 points total): You will have three exams, which will consist of approximately 30-50 multiple choice/matching/true-false questions each. Additionally, you will have a cumulative final exam consisting of approximately 60-70 multiple choice/matching/true-false questions. Your lowest grade on these four tests will be dropped. So, if you study well and are satisfied with your grades on the first three exams, you may choose not to take the cumulative final exam. You will have 50 minutes to complete the first three exams, and 120 minutes to complete the cumulative final exam. See calendar below for specific exam dates. Your overall exam grade will be based on your three highest exam grades. Questions will be taken directly from PowerPoint slides, lectures, and other assigned materials, as well as your assigned readings, so take good notes and read your text thoroughly. Late exam submissions will not be accepted, so be sure to allow yourself enough time to complete the exam. There will be no make-up exams. If you fail to complete an exam, that exam will count as your dropped grade, and the other three will make up your overall exam grade.

Literature Review Paper (25 points): SHOULD BE RESEARCH-BASED! Not opinion-based! You will write 1 literature review paper, which will explore research from at least 3 provided articles, involving a major issue in psychology, and any additional articles you would like to include. You will choose at least 3 of the provided articles from one topic among a list of several topics, reviewing those articles in a 4-5 page, double-spaced paper with 12pt., Times New Roman font, and 1-inch margins. All 3 articles must belong to the same topic. This literature review should be written in APA format, and should include a cover page and a reference page, not included in the 4-5 page limit, i.e., you should have 6-7 total pages including the cover page and reference page. You may use additional resources, but must at least provide a coherent review of at least 3 of the provided articles. Be sure to cite (throughout your paper) any reference materials used, including the articles you are reviewing. This review will be submitted through Canvas, and will be evaluated with turnitin software for plagiarism. Any significant issues with plagiarism will result in a failing grade, and possible reporting to NCTC, which could potentially result in further academic consequences. These article reviews are expected to be formal papers, and should be written as such!

ATTENDANCE POLICY

You are expected to keep within the on-going discussion typically the nature of a psychology class by logging in and completing your assignments in canvas daily, and perhaps most importantly, by maintaining ongoing communication with your fellow classmates over the course of the entire semester. Failing to log in regularly will result in failure to finish assignments on time. All assignments have strict deadlines and cannot be made up late. Therefore, failing to log in, will likely result in a low or failing grade. If you choose to drop this class, it is your responsibility to drop the class.  Remember that the last day to drop is Nov. 3^rd, 2016.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW

Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is November 3, 2016.

DISABILITY SERVICES (OSD)

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides accommodations for students who have a documented disability. On the Corinth Campus, go to room 170 or call 940-498-6207. On the Gainesville Campus, go to room 110 or call 940-668-4209.  Students on the Bowie, Graham, Flower Mound, and online campuses should call 940-668-4209.

North Central Texas College is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of federal equal opportunity legislation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, ADA Amendments Act of 2009, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-112).   http://www.nctc.edu/StudentServices/SupportServices/Disabilityservices.aspx

CORE CURRICULUM FOUNDATIONAL COMPONENT AREA______________________________

o         Communication

o         Mathematics              

o         Life and Physical Science

o         Language, Philosophy & Culture

o         Creative Arts

o         American History

o         Government/Political Science

x        Social and Behavioral Sciences

o         Component Area Option

REQUIRED CORE OBJECTIVES

x           Critical Thinking

x          Communication

x         Empirical and Quantitative

o           Teamwork

o           Personal Responsibility

x          Social Responsibility

COURSE TYPE

o           Academic General Education Course (from ACGM but not in NCTC Core)

x        Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course

o        WECM Course

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the student handbook. http://nctc.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2014-2015/Catalog/North-Central-Texas-College-Student-Handbook

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR DEPARTMENT CHAIR & INSTRUCTIONAL DEAN