Spring 2018 Class Syllabus
Name of Course: Introduction to Psychology 2301-344
Instructor’s Name: Mr. Jose A. Rivas, M.S.
Email Address: jrivas@nctc.edu
Starts: 01/16/2018 Ends: 05/10/2018 Last Drop Date: 03/18/2018 with a “W”
Online Class Office Hours: As needed.
Responding to E-mails or Canvas Messages: Within 24 to 48 hours (I usually check my emails and Canvas messages every day unless I am unable to access my computer). All generic questions must be written the “Ask Mr. Rivas Questions” discussion board. All personal inquiries can be submitted by email or by Canvas message.
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E-mail Policy
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Due to limitations in my speech communication, students may submit any questions or inquiries to me vial email whenever face-to-face communication is not possible.
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REQUIRED OR RECOMMENDED COURSE MATERIALS
King, A. L. The Science of Psychology, 4th ed. Connect Learning. ISBM: 10: 1259765350. ISBN: 13: 9781259765353.
“All students must purchase and read the required text book.”
Course Assignments: All students are expected to complete the assigned readings prior to each class meeting. Students must also complete assigned activities by their due dates. Students that do not complete assignments by their due dates will be subjected to points subtracted to their grade for that activity. Only students with well-documented information may be granted an extension on missed quizzes or exams. This excludes all discussion boards and homework assignments.
Discussion Forum Questions: Students are required to participate on all discussion forum activities. Students may correspond with their fellow classmates, but only to discuss discussion forum questions, answers, and/or activities. Students may not use the online discussion forums to express vulgar or obscene language, personal interactions with other students, and/or personal views not related to discussion forum activities. Students that do fail to follow the rules may be expelled from the course. All generic questions must be written the “Ask Mr. Rivas Questions” discussion forum. All personal inquiries can be submitted by email or Canvas message.
Exams and/or Quizzes: There will be two exams and six quizzes over the course of the semester. All exams and/or quizzes will be graded within a week after students have completed the assessment tool by the date listed on this syllabus.
All Papers or Written Assignments Must be Submitted on a Word Document of 2010 or greater.
(Required Assignment) Reflection Paper:
Students must write a 3 to 5 page, double-spaced paper about how the theories, terms, and/or principles discussed throughout the course of Psychology apply to their own life. This paper is about how we often times use Psychology references/terms to analyze ourselves. The paper must be written and saved in Microsoft Word 2010 or greater Format. Students must include citations/references from all used resources and a title page with their paper in APA format. This paper can reflect any age up to the current age, or an in-depth perception of future stages. Students are not required to write about past, presence, or future age levels within the whole paper. Students must select an age level. For example, students can write about their school-aged years, and the joys and/or difficulties of being a child in school. The basic assumption for this paper is to recognize self-perception within one’s own life as it relates to chapters in the book or our discussion topics. I am looking for how the student might (or might want to) handle a perceived situation such as; illness, disease, loss of a loved-one or pet, and/or loss of bodily function(s). The early age reflection portion of the paper may include brief discussions from parents, family members, caregivers, relatives, friends, coworkers, and anyone that has direct long-lasting connections with the student. Student should submit their papers in the Canvas Assignment drop-box. The maximum amount of points for this activity is 60 points. The paper will due before: Sunday, May 6, 2018 by 11:59pm.
Grading Details:
5 points for the correct length and submitted under Word 2010 or greater.
10 points for the quality of your conclusion.
10 points for the subject matter choice/descriptions.
25 points for content: theme, flow, facts/figures, examples, relationships, quality, citations or references from resources, and a good title page.
10 points for grammar/misspelled words/awkward sentences.
(Required Assignment) Tour of Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children
Students may choose to participate in an hour tour of Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas, Texas. The tour will include a complete overview of the history of the hospital; an explanation of the hospital’s funding resources, a walk-through of the clinic for prosthetics, child Life area, occupational and physical therapy, the learning center, the patient care area, and other medical departments. Students must also participate in the discussion forum with questions about the tour by the assigned due date. This activity is worth 45 points to all students that participate in the tour. Note, other instructors may not allow their students to use the tour as an excused absence if they participate in the tour. Students may not participate in the tour and the alternative assignment for added bonus points. The tour date will be: Friday, April 6, 2018 at 11:00am central time.
(Required Assignment) Second Alternative Assignment:
Students may choose to visit a medical facility that treats children or older people. The tour must include a complete overview of the history of the facility; an explanation of the facility’s funding resources, a walk-through of the medical facility, the occupational and physical therapy areas, the recreational area, the patient care area, and other medical departments. Students must also participate in the discussion forum with questions about the visit by the assigned due date. This activity is worth 45 points to0 all students that participate in this activity. Note, other instructors may not allow their students to use the tour as an excused absence if they participate in the tour. Students may not participate in the tour and the alternative assignment for added bonus points. Due date for this assignment will be Sunday, May 6, 2018 by 11:59pm.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS, EVALUATION METHODS AND GRADING CRITERIA
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=# of Graded Course Elements
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Graded Course Elements
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Percentage or Points Values
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Required
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Exam One-Midterm Exam
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120 points
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Required
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Exam Two-Final Exam
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120 points
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Required
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5 Discussion Forums
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90 points
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Required
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6 Quizzes
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60 points
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Required
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Self-Reflection Paper (All Papers or Written Assignments Must be Submitted on a Word Document of 2010 or greater).
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60 points
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Required
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Student Online Participation (All points will be granted if student participates with nearly all activities)
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10 points
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Required
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TSRH Tour/Alternative Assignment
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45 points
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Total Amounts of Possible Points
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505 points
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Grade Point Scale with Letter Grade:
450 to 505 = A
400 to 449 = B
350 to 399 = C
300 to 349 = D
299 and Below = F
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF SUBJECT MATTER FOR EACH LECTURE/DISCUSSION
CLASS SECHEDULE:
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Learning Modules & Topics
Posting Dates and Due Dates
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General Description of Subject Matter
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01/16/18
Introduction to Course
01/16/2018 to 01/19/2018
Introduce Yourself Discussion Forum
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Introducing Yourself on the Discussion Forum
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Learning Module 1: Understanding Psychology
01/16/18 to 01/21/18
Chapter 1: What is Psychology?
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A discussion about the history of Psychology and the different approaches implemented by alternative views of the science.
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01/22/18 to 01/28/18
Chapter 2: Psychology’s Scientific Methods.
01/25/18 to 01/26/18
Discussion Forum 1
01/28/18 Quiz 1
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A discussion about the history and evolution of Psychology, types of research methods, and ethical principles.
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Learning Module 2: Sensation and The Mind
01/29/18 to 02/04/18
Chapter 4: Sensation & Perception
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A discussion about how the senses can influence our emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
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02/05/18 to 02/11/18
Chapter 5: State of Consciousness
02/08/18 to 02/09/18
Discussion Forum 2
02/11/18 Quiz 2
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A discussion about the consciousness of our minds and the subject of alternative states
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Learning Module 3: Memory & Intelligence
02/12/18 to 02/18/18
Chapter 6: Learning
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A discussion about how we learn and how learning affects behaviors.
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02/19/18 to 02/25/18
Chapter 7: Memory
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A discussion about the structure of memory and how we remember things.
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02/26/18 to 03/04/18
Chapter 9: Human Development
03/01/18 to 03/02/18
Discussion Forum 3
03 /04/18 Quiz 3
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A discussion about the study of Life-Span Development from childhood through old-aged population.
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03/06/18 to 03/08/18
Exam One-Midterm Exam
03/11/18 to 03/18/18
No Online Classes
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Midterm Exam Week
Spring Break Week!
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Learning Module 4: Motivation & Sexuality
03/19/18 to 03/25/18
Chapter 10: Motivation and Emotion
03/26/18 to 04/01/18
Chapter 11: Gender, Sex, & Sexuality
03/29/18 to 03/30/18
Discussion Forum 4
04/01/18 Quiz 4
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A discussion about motivation and how desires influence human emotions.
A discussion about how gender, sex, and sexuality can influence human decisions.
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Learning Module 5: Personality & Mental Health
04/06/18 Field Trip to TSRH
04/02/18 to 04/08/18
Chapter 12: Personality
04/09/18 to 04/15/18
Chapter 13: Social Psychology
04/16/18 to 04/22/18
Chapter 17: Heath Psychology
04/19/18 to 04/20/18
Discussion Forum 5
04/22/18 Quiz 5
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A Tour of Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (Optional Assignment).
A discussion about the different personality types and heredity can influence our personality, and the assessment tools used to measure personality.
A discussion about how society can impact human thinking and influence behaviors.
A discussion about how stress and stressful experiences, personality, and health can influence behavior.
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Learning Module 6: Psychological Disorders & Therapies
04/23/17 to 04/29/18
Chapter 15: Psychological Disorders
04/30/18 to 05/06/18
Chapter 16: Therapies
05/06/18 Quiz 6
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A discussion about the many types of psychological disorders and how they are classified in the DSM.
A discussion about the many types of therapies for psychological disorders and how to know which clients might benefit from these therapies.
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05/06/18 Reflection Paper, TSRH Discussion Forum, or Alternative Assignment Due
05/08/18 through 05/10/18 Exam Two
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COURSE SUBJECT OUTLINE (Major Assignments, Due Dates, and Grading Criteria)
[instructor-specific upload]
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Regular and punctual attendance is expected of all students in all classes for which they have registered. All absences are considered to be unauthorized unless the student is absent due to illness or emergencies as determined by the instructor. It is the student responsibility to provide documentation as to the emergency for approval and judgement by the faculty member. Approved college sponsored activities are the only absences for which a student should not be held liable and only when provided by a college official ahead of the absence. Valid reasons for absence, however, do not relieve the student of the responsibility for making up required work. Students will not be allowed to make up an examination missed due to absence unless they have reasons acceptable to the instructor. A student who is compelled to be absent when a test is given should petition the instructor, in advance if possible, for permission to postpone the exam. Student will be dropped from a class by the Registrar upon recommendation of the instructor who feels the student has been justifiably absent or tardy a sufficient number of times to preclude meeting the course’s objectives. Persistent, unjustified absences from classes or laboratories will be considered sufficient cause for College officials to drop a student from the rolls of the College. From Board Policy FC (LOCAL)
Additional Instructor-specific Absence Policy:
Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is _______________.
DISABILITY SERVICES (Office for Students with Disabilities)
The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides support services for students with disabilities, students enrolled in technical areas of study, and students who are classified as special populations (i.e. single parents).
Support services for students with disabilities might include appropriate and reasonable accommodations, or they may be in the form of personal counseling, academic counseling, career counseling, etc. Furthermore, OSD Counselors work with students to encourage self-advocacy and promote empowerment. The Counselors also provides resource information, disability-related information, and adaptive technology for students who qualify.
For support, please contact the counselors at (940) 498-6207 or (940) 668-4321. Alternatively, students may stop by Room 170 in Corinth or Room 110 in Gainesville.
CORE CURRICULUM FOUNDATIONAL COMPONENT AREA (For classes in the Core)_______
o Communication
o Mathematics
o Life and Physical Science
o Language, Philosophy & Culture
o Creative Arts
o Government/Political Science
X Social and Behavioral Sciences
o Component Area Option
o American History
REQUIRED CORE OBJECTIVES (For classes in the Core)
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 and published online.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, academic falsification, intellectual property dishonesty, academic dishonesty facilitation and collusion. Faculty members may document and bring charges against a student who is engaged in or is suspected to be engaged in academic dishonesty. See Student Handbook, “Student Rights & Responsibilities: Student Conduct ([FLB(LOCAL)]”.
[Instructor-specific Academic Dishonesty Policy:
QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, or COMPLAINTS
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Name of Chair/Coordinator:
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Crystal R.M. Wright
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Office Location:
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Gainesville Campus, Room 24
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Telephone Number:
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940-668-7731, ext. 4320
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E-mail Address:
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cwright@nctc.edu
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Name of Instructional Dean:
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Dr. Larry Gilbert
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Office Location:
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Corinth Campus, Room 305
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Telephone Number:
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940-498-6216
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E-mail Address:
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lgilbert@nctc.edu
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