Rev. 2/2/2015
INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY: Psychology 101 ~ 3 units ~ Spring 2015
Section # 14216, 100% Online
Instructor:
Phone/Voice Mail:
Email
Office Hours:
Office Location:
Required Text &
Materials
Professor Michelle LaBrie
661.362.5368 office voice mail
michelle.labrie@canyons.edu
Mon & Wed 8:30 – 9:20 am, Valencia Campus, Mentry Hall 216
Tues & Thur 8:30 – 9:20 am, 12:30-1:00, Canyon Country Campus, Room 507
***Other times/locations are available by appointment***
Mentry Hall 216, Valencia Campus
 Required: Psychology: Custom Edition for College of the Canyons,4th edition,
Ciccarelli, S. K. & White, J.N. (2014). Upper Saddle River, NJ Prentice Hall.
ISBN: 9781269914116; available in the COC Bookstore. You do not need to
purchase an additional access codes.
Blackboard:
http://bb9.canyons.edu
Your User Name is your STUDENT ID NUMBER - all SEVEN digits. Your
password is "student" until you change it.
Additional Requirements:  Send and receive email COC email. If you haven’t already done so, set up
your COC email. Click here for directions to set up your College of the
Canyons Email. All email communication MUST be sent via your COC
email provided.

Have access to reliable Internet access daily. Computer/Internet Access is available
on campus in the TLC Lab, Library and Computer labs. Internet access is also
available via the local public library.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Psychology 101 studies behavior through an exploration of major concepts, theoretical perspectives,
research findings, and historical trends in psychology. Designed to promote an understanding of
human behavior and mental processes.

Student Learning Outcomes: By the end of the course, the student will be able to: compare and
contrast the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings and historical trends in
psychology.
TEXTBOOK
We will be using the textbook Ciccarelli, S. K. & White, J.N.
(2011). Psychology: 4th Edition for College of the Canyons, (4th
ed). Upper Saddle River, NJ. Prentice Hall. The custom edition
(with the Bear on it) is available in the COC Bookstore. The ISBN
is 9781269914116. The non-custom version of the text (with the
fish on it) is also acceptable. The ISBN # of the non-custom text is
ISBN-13: 9780205972241. Either text will meet the course
requirement as long as you are using the 4th edition of the
text; previous versions of the text are not equivalent; and, yes,
access to the text is required. Many options for the text are available, including an ebook
and rental options are available. Ebooks are acceptable. The printed text is available in the bookstore; here is
Spring 2015, Psych 101, Section # 14216
the link for the COC Bookstore. You may also purchase the book from other online sources. I have also seen
it listed on several online rental websites such as amazon, textbooks.com, chegg.com, valorebooks.com and
others.
An alternate to the printed text is an electronic version of the book that features audio text (it reads the text to
you), embedded videos and simulations called REVEL. REVEL is accessible via desktops, tablets and
smartphones. It also features built in interactive simulations and exercises to help you review for the quizzes
and exams. Students who purchase REVEL also receive a loose-leaf copy of the printed textbook free of
charge. The ISBN # for the REVEL text is ISBN-13: 9780133869811, which is different from the print
version of the text. You may obtain more information on textbook options on my website. Here is a youtube
video explaining REVEL. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrFXpsxctdI

Regardless of the format of the text you choose, you need access to the textbook or ebook on the first
day of class. If you choose to use a previous version of the textbook, there may be material on
which you are tested that is not covered in a previous edition of the text. You are responsible for the
material covered in the 4th edition. The quizzes, assignments and exam questions will be based on
the 4th edition of the textbook.
100% ONLINE FORMAT
A special note regarding 100% online classes
Online learning can be an incredibly rewarding and exciting adventure. It provides flexibility and an
educational opportunity for students who might not otherwise be able to take advantage of a college
curriculum; however, you should be aware that self-discipline, self-motivation and attention to
detail are required to complete the course successfully in this format. Students must be committed
to meeting deadlines for reading and assignments in addition to participating in the virtual
classroom.
Some students are under the impression that online classes are “easier” than on ground classes. This
is not the case. Students who take the online version of this course believing that it will be easier
than the face-to-face version tend to be surprised by the volume of written work required and the
amount of reading for which they are held responsible. Consequently, some students that might be
successful in a traditional face-to-face section are not successful in an online section and may
ultimately have to repeat the class in an on-ground format in a later term. If you understand that this
section is more challenging than the face-to-face version, are very disciplined and prepared to do
the reading and writing required, then this online class may be for you.
Although I make every effort to keep you apprised of deadlines, I will not be visible to you and will
not repeatedly ask you about why you have not completed your assignments. Online courses require
students to learn by reading course material and responding in writing on examinations and
assignments. If this seems like more than you can manage without external prompting, perhaps a
more traditional class is for you.
To successfully complete this online course, you must read the required textbook, complete
discussions and other writing assignments, quizzes and exams. If you are not very disciplined, tend
not to complete reading assignments in your courses, tend to miss deadlines, or simply have very
little time to devote to school because of other obligations, then your chances for success in this
online section are greatly reduced and you are urged to consider a face-to-face section with more in
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Spring 2015, Psych 101, Section # 14216
person interaction with your instructor or taking the course in a later term when you have greater
time resources.
How do I log in to the online classroom?
Blackboard is the course management system supported by COC, and I will use a Blackboard
website to teach the class. Because this is an online format, you must log onto our class’s site daily
to review announcements, submit assignments and to participate in online discussions with
classmates and myself. If you are unable to participate in this manner, this is not the course for
you.
If you are not already familiar with the Blackboard course management system, I strongly suggest
that you complete the Blackboard Tutorial located
here: http://ondemand.blackboard.com/students.htm
Login instructions for Blackboard:
1. Open your web browser and go to http://bb.canyons.edu/
2. Click on the “Blackboard Login” button.
3. Enter your username and password.
a. Your username is your 7-digit COC Student ID Number.
b. The initial password for everyone is “student”. If you already have used Blackboard 9 during the
past several semesters and changed your password, use that password.
4. Once logged in, you should see a link on the right hand side of the screen for this class. Click the
link to enter the course.
**Please note that Blackboard becomes unavailable for maintenance daily from 4:00am 4:30am. Be sure to log out of Blackboard BEFORE this time or you will lose your work and be
unable to retrieve it.**
After you log in the first time, be sure to change your password. Through email, I may
communicate your progress, grades, and assignments. When sending an e-mail , please use the COC
email provided inside your My Canyons account. If I do not recognize your email address because
your name is not in the “From” line and the subject line does not identify you as a student your
email will be deleted without a response.
COURSE AVAILABILITY
The course will be available in COC's Blackboard system on or before Monday, February 9, 2015.
You must login to Blackboard, http://bb9.canyons.edu/ to enter our classroom. Log into the
Blackboard site and post to the “Roll Call” Discussion Board no later than 11:59 pm on
Tuesday 2/10/15 to confirm your presence in the online classroom. In a face to face class on the
first day, the instructor calls the roster and each student who is present raises his/her hand and/or
says "Here!" so the instructor knows that the student is present in the classroom. The "Roll Call"
Discussion Board is our class Roll Call. Log into Blackboard, enter the "Roll Call" Discussion
Board, add a new thread and just type "here," "raises hand" or something to indicate that you have
successfully logged into the online classroom and are present. Doing so will confirm your
enrollment in the course and avoid being dropped as a "no show." You can and will be dropped
from the class if you do not log in and post to the "Roll Call" Discussion Board inside the
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Spring 2015, Psych 101, Section # 14216
online classroom by that date and time. No exceptions will be made. A student from the
waiting list will then be added in your place. Please note: it is the student’s responsibility to drop
and withdraw from the course after this point. If you no longer wish to continue participating in the
course, please consult Admissions and Records for drop and withdrawal deadline dates and use the
online registration system to withdraw. It is your responsibility to be accountable for your academic
records. If you stop participating in the course after the withdrawal date, will result in a final grade
of “FW” or “Failure to Withdraw” on your transcript.
Because this is an online course, you must be prepared to log onto our class’s site several (4-5)
times per week on different days to retrieve and submit assignments and to participate in discussion
board activities with classmates and myself. If you are unable to participate in this manner, please
consider a more traditional format.
TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS
This course is a 100% online, which means that all work will be done online and there are no
classroom meetings. However, the 4 unit exams will be proctored at the Tutorial Lab at the
Valencia campus (LTLC 126) or another suitable facility closer to you.
Given that the course is administered online, there are several technological requirements in order to
complete the course. You must:

Possess a consistently working computer with reliable internet access.
o

It is your responsibility to use a computer with reliable internet access. If your
internet connection is dropped because of a faulty connection or you have other
difficulties with your computer, it is your responsibility to troubleshoot the problem.
While COC does provide online support for students, having faulty equipment is not
a valid excuse to request a make up on a quiz, exam, or discussion board post, nor is
it a valid excuse for missing any announcements posted or email messages sent with
time sensitive information about assignments and due dates.
o A note about wireless connections: You may be using laptop computers with
wireless internet connections. In the past, wireless connections have often proven
unreliable when completing work in Blackboard, sometimes resulting in work not
being submitted properly. If you choose to use a wireless connection, please be sure
that it is reliable and will not disconnect while you are completing your work
o If you do not have a reliable computer and internet connection elsewhere, you can
use the computers on the COC campus in the Tutorial (Learning) Lab now located in
the library, room LTLC 126. {Please do not use the computers in the COC Student
Center as the browsers have a higher security setting and you may not be able to
access portions of the course successfully.} If you are not local to the COC campus,
you might try a public library for internet access, although computers at such places
may not be set up in such a way that they will work properly with Blackboard and
often allow users a very limited amount of time.
Email: Send and receive email COC email. Note: All correspondence will be sent to your
my.canyons email. If you have not set up your my.canyons email, please do so now. Here is
a link to help you set up your email account or forward your my.canyons email to an
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Spring 2015, Psych 101, Section # 14216
alternate email address. If you haven’t already done so, set up your COC email. Click here for directions
to set up your College of the Canyons Email.
o All email communication MUST be sent via your COC email provided. If you
DO NOT set up your email address, you will NOT receive communication from me
about the course and it will be your responsibility to find out any missed information.
***Computer or network failures are not considered excuses for missing any exam, assignment or
quiz in this class, nor is missing important announcements because you didn't check your email.**
The class requirements will be completed using Blackboard, an online course management system
as a virtual classroom. Firefox, Chrome, and Safari are compatible browsers. It is NOT
recommended that you use Internet Explorer as your browser. It is highly recommended that
you utilize the first week of the course to determine if your resources are compatible with the
requirements of this course. It is recommended that you use the on campus computers labs if you do
not have reliable internet access at home. Computers are available for your use in the Library and in
the TLC at both campuses if your computer is unreliable. Please check with the library and/or TLC
lab for hours of operation; they have evening and weekend hours.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS/GRADING
Grades are determined by the number of points earned on Chapter Quizzes, 4 proctored Unit
Exams, Discussion Boards Responses and Replies and Chapter Assignments.
Attendance:
The instructor reserves the right to drop a student when he/she is “absent” from the online classroom.
“Absent” is operationally defined as a student who does not complete substantive work contributing
to the classroom environment with may include but is not limited to: log into the Blackboard system
and/or complete assignments, activities, quizzes and or exams for a duration of time. In a 16 week
term that duration is 2 consecutive calendar weeks. However, it remains the student's responsibility
(not the instructor's) to officially drop the course if necessary. The student should not assume that
s/he will be dropped after these absences, nor should s/he assume that s/he will not be dropped.
Chapter Quizzes: A quiz will be given for each assigned chapter, covering material from the
textbook, chapter assignments, websites/activities assigned during that chapter including videos and
video assignments assigned. The chapter quizzes are open book, open notes, however, you have 30
minutes to complete each chapter quiz, so it is best to be prepared before beginning the quiz. A
timer will appear at the top of the Blackboard screen indicating the time remaining. If you go over
the 30 minute time limit for the quiz, your quiz will not be graded and you lose all 20 points,
including any questions you may have answered correctly. Once you open the quiz, the 30 minute
timer begins, thus, DO NOT click on the quiz and begin the quiz until you are ready. If you
receive services through the DSPS department for extended time on quizzes or exams, please send
me a copy of your accommodations letter verified with the red DSPS stamp within the first week of
class.
Quizzes must be completed no later than 11:59 pm on the due date noted in the course calendar.
Once the quiz is complete, you will be able to view your answers and score. There are 15 Chapter
quizzes offered throughout the term; 15 Quiz Scores x 20 points each = 300 possible Chapter quiz
points.
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Spring 2015, Psych 101, Section # 14216
Quiz notes:
 Do NOT use your cell phone browser to take the chapter quizzes or exams. Cell phone data
coverage can yield inconsistent coverage which often results a lost chapter quiz in the
middle of completing it. I will not reset your quiz or exam. Use a desktop computer with
reliable internet access.
 Just as you would in a traditional class, when you begin each chapter quiz, reserve time
without outside distractions to complete the quiz. Do not open the quiz, then proceed to chat
with a friend, answer the phone or download music as you will use up your available quiz
completion time.
 While taking the chapter quizzes, close ALL additional windows such as iTunes,
Facebook, You Tube, email programs, and instant messenger programs. This may conflict
with the Blackboard quiz and it may lock you out of the quiz and you will receive a zero
score for the quiz.
 If you are locked out of a quiz for fail to submit your answers within the given time
frame, I will not reset your quiz. Please don’t ask. It is your responsibility to begin each
chapter quiz without outside distractions and submit the quiz before the time expires.
Please note there is a Syllabus quiz. The syllabus quiz is extra credit and is worth 20 points. If you
miss a chapter quiz, you may use the points from the syllabus quiz to replace a missed chapter quiz.
The second purpose of the syllabus quiz is to ensure that you understand the guidelines and policies
of the course. The syllabus quiz allows you to “practice” using Blackboard and to become
acquainted with the Blackboard learning management system and the timed quiz feature. I will use
Blackboard to record your grades for the course so that you have immediate feedback and you can
follow your progress in the class. On campus computers labs are available days, evenings and
weekends if you do not have reliable internet access at home.
Exams:
Exams are proctored in the TLC to ensure they are completed without the aid of the textbook
or outside notes to maintain the academic rigor of this transferable course. It also ensures that
compatible browsers are used for exams, which decreases the number of technological issues
experienced while taking each test. **Exams are completed online in Blackboard and are “closedbook”. NO outside resources of any kind (no textbook, notes, websites, or other human beings) can
be used while completing the unit exams.**
There will be 4 unit exams consisting of which will be completed online via Blackboard. The dates
of the exams are noted on the course calendar. Exams cover textbook, discussion boards,
assignments and video activities.
Each of four proctored exams will be available in the TLC on specific dates listed in the course
syllabus. Please do not wait until the last minute to take each test.
 You must reserve your testing appointment online at least 48 hours in advance of your
testing date. http://www.canyons.edu/offices/TLC/Pages/default.aspx
 The online Testing Reservation System shuts off online reservations 48 hours in advance of
the appointment time. Meaning, the online reservation system makes appointments only
up to 48 hours before the testing appointment. If you wait until 48 hours before you
want to come in, you cannot make the appt online. If that happens, please call the
Testing Desk at the TLC lab. 661.362.3349. If there is an open appointment time, they can
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Spring 2015, Psych 101, Section # 14216



place you in that open slot. You can asked to be placed on a waiting list for a specific
appointment time. If you are placed on a waiting list, then you can arrive at the TLC and if a
computer comes available, you may take your test.
It is the student's responsibility to make the arrangements and to complete the proctored
exam within the dates established and the time frame specified in the syllabus.
You must verify their hours of operation (which are limited during the Winter & Summer
Sessions) and ensure there is a computer available for you use when you arrive.
You must present photo identification in the TLC lab in order to take the exam. Exams will
be proctored at College of the Canyons Valencia campus or another approved facility closer
to you. Exam proctoring is not available on the Canyon Country campus; they do not
have the facilities to proctor exams.
Valencia Campus TLC Hours Spring 2015
Monday - Thursday: 8:00am - 8:00pm
Friday and Saturday: 9:00am - 1:00pm
Arriving to the TLC at the last minute without an appointment would be taking a great risk of
missing an exam, as the TLC serves many students and computer terminals can be occupied for
extended periods of time, especially in the afternoons and evenings. Exams must be completed by
the submission deadline to be eligible for credit. If you choose to wait to take the unit exam and
then learn that the TLC is not open for you to take the exam, or cannot accommodate your
schedule because you procrastinated, you forfeit the exam and earn a zero. Exam dates are
given to you in the syllabus first day of class for a reason. If you cannot or do not wish to take
these proctored exams, it is best that you enroll in a different course.
Out of the Area Proctored Exams: If you are not local to the Valencia College of the Canyons
campus, (local being defined as living in the Santa Clarita, Antelope, or San Fernando Valleys), you
must arrange for an approved Proctor to administer your proctored exam such as a local community
college or university, an institute of higher learning, public library, or other acceptable location, to
take each exam. Exam proctoring is not available on the Canyon Country campus; they do not
have the facilities to proctor exams.
Is the student's responsibility to start these arrangements no less than one calendar week prior to
when the exam would be administered. The Proctor MUST be approved by the College of the
Canyons TLC lab testing employee. All arrangements must go through the TLC lab. The exams are
password-protected. A Proctor will not be given the password to administer the exam unless they
are approved as a Proctor through the TLC lab.
It is the student’s responsibility to locate a proctor (i.e. an institute of higher learning, public library,
or other acceptable location). It is the student’s responsibility to provide the name, organization,
title, phone, fax, and email to Kimberly.Haglund@canyons.edu (661-362-3349). Allow 7-10
working days for proctoring arrangements to be made. Please call 661-362-3194 or
email TLCTestProctor@Canyons.edu for further information. Since there are a large number of
students taking 100% online classes at COC, Kim will need some time to verify the status of the
facility and send out exam details to the proctor. If you cannot or do not wish to take these
proctored exams, it is best that you enroll in a different course.
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Spring 2015, Psych 101, Section # 14216
Exams are timed; students are allowed 80 minutes to complete each unit exam (exactly the same
time as face to face students). Because the exams are proctored, all of the questions will be
displayed all at once, allowing you to move within the exam. A timer will appear at the top of the
Blackboard screen indicating the time remaining. If you exceed the time limit for the exam, your
exam will not be graded and you lose all 85 points, including any questions you may have
answered correctly. Once you open the exam, the minute timer begins, thus, DO NOT click on the
exam and begin the exam until you are ready to complete it in its entirety. If you cannot or do not
wish to take exams in this manner, it is best that you enroll in a different course. If you receive
services through the DSPS department for extended time on quizzes or exams, please send me a
copy of your accommodations letter verified with the red DSPS stamp within the first week of class.
Although exams are completed online in Blackboard, they are “closed book”. NO outside resources
of any kind (no textbook, notes, websites, etc.) may be used while completing each exam. You must
rely on your memory of your understanding of the material to complete each exam, just as you
would when completing exams in a regular, lecture based class. If you cannot or do not wish to take
exams in this manner, or if you are out of town or unavailable during the exam dates, it is best that
you enroll in a different course. Do not ask the instructor to take the exams on a different day or
earlier than the course calendar.
Four exams x 90 points each = 360 points. Please check the calendar carefully for the exam dates.
THERE ARE NO MAKE-UP EXAMS & ALL EXAMINATION SCORES CONTRIBUTE TO
YOUR COURSE GRADE.
Discussion Board: Unlike a traditional class where you may choose to raise your hand and
participate in class a discussion, participating in online discussions is a required component of
online learning. I want to hear from each student and I want to read, and participate in the
fascinating discussions occurring between you and your classmates, not just between you and I.
To facilitate that objective, in each unit there will be a discussion board topic where you will be
required to respond to the prompt and reply to at least one of your peers. Each discussion board
topic will be worth a total of 40 points, 25 points for your response to the initial question/prompt
(the "New Thread") and 15 points for the reply to your classmate’s post. All New Threads and
replies must be posted no later than 11:59 pm according to the deadlines listed on the course
schedule. Points for both “Responses” and “Replies” will be awarded based on thoroughness in
answering all parts of the question or prompt, correctness of the response, organization, depth,
quality and length of your response. Please keep in mind that responding to only one of your peers
is the absolute minimum to generate any points. It is recommended that you reply to two or more
peers with a thorough reply. That way, if one of your replies is not quite correct or is a rather weak
response, I can use the combination of the two replies to generate your discussion board reply points
for that discussion board.
Responses to each Discussion board questions should be a minimum of 200 words of quality work.
Consider discussion boards as short essay questions that you would submit on an exam or an
assignment for a face to face class. That should be the goal of the quality level submitted in each
discussion board. I suggest that you create and save each discussion response in a word processing
program such as Word or similar application and then post the response to Blackboard. In the event
of a technological error, you have your original work and only need to re submit it, not re-create it.
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Spring 2015, Psych 101, Section # 14216
In addition to responding to the Discussion Board question or prompt, you will also be required to
read and reflect on your classmate’s postings and reply to at least one person. (Please note that a
reply to one person is the absolute minimum and thus minimal points will be awarded.)
Replies to peers’ responses should be a minimum of 50 words of quality work. The purpose of the
discussion board reply is to generate discussion between the students, not just have dialogue with
the instructor and students. Reply to your classmates giving constructive feedback and basing that
feedback on information noted in the textbook, in the video, or on the assigned website, etc.
When replying to a peer, in order to earn points you must make a MEANINGFUL comment to your
classmate’s post. Maybe this will help: when you read your peers' post, pretend that you are in a
classroom and you just heard him or her speak. Your reply must be meaningful enough that in a
face to face class, you would raise your hand, wait to be called upon and comment or ask a followup question to their answer. You can make a comment, ask a follow-up question or pose an
additional question... “what if…” scenario. Try to assimilate the current week’s material to an
additional concept, theory or application that has been introduced in class or a current event. Ask
questions that inspire critical thinking and integration of the concepts, theories, and vocabulary that
will make your comment more than just a surface response.
Attention to grammar and writing style must be observed in the discussion board posts. Please use
the spell check feature in the discussion board prior to posting and refrain from using text message
abbreviations and “slang” such a “ L8r, LOL, “u” for the word “you”, and similar informal
abbreviations. This is a college level transferrable course and, thus, I expect college level
writing quality, just as you would submit typed in a paper and submit in a face to face class or
on an essay exam. Each of your responses will be graded to the extent that it reflects college
level writing and grammar.
In addition, while you are welcome to disagree with the opinions of your classmates, you are
required to disagree constructively and respectfully. At no time will you disparage, make a personal
attack, name-call or otherwise disrespect any classmate or the instructor. Disrespecting any
classmate or the instructor in a discussion board will forfeit your ability to participate in any of the
discussion boards of the class, and thus, you will forfeit all of the remaining discussion board
points.
Here are some examples of unacceptable answers:
 “I agree completely.”
 While it is respectful, it doesn’t add anything to the discussion. Explain why
you agree, what parts do you agree with? Add something else—pose a
question, take it to the next level in the discussion.
 “That is the dumbest thing I have ever read. How could you possibly think that…I can’t
believe anyone in their right mind would…”
 Obviously not only is this disrespectful, but again, it does not add any insight
into the discussion.
Here are some examples of acceptable answers:
 “I agree completely with your reaction to the video. I was surprised at the level of
conformity by the gentleman and expected him to react differently. It seemed to be to be an
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Spring 2015, Psych 101, Section # 14216

example of confirmation bias on the man’s part…Unlike you, the group of boys, I feel
responded due to normative influence because…I didn’t interpret the bus driver the way
they did either…I wonder what might have happened if the lady did not….”
“Perhaps my culture influences my thinking in this case—I completely disagree with your
interpretation. My perspective is this…I interpreted it this way and here’s why…Do you
think that if…you might interpret it differently?”
There are 4 Chapter Discussion Boards offered throughout the term; and all Discussion contribute
to your course grade. Four Discussion Board scores x 40 points each = 160 Discussion Board
score points.
Assignments: Assignments that correspond to specific chapters may involve any or all of the
following: questions assessing mastery of the material and applications of psychology, handouts
where you complete psychology assessments via attachments or online assessments, visiting
websites, watching video clips and completing multiple choice questions following video clips.
These assignments are detailed in each chapter folder and are due as noted on the course calendar.
Course Calendar
Should you choose to use the course calendar inside Blackboard, when using the tab, Calendar—
What’s Due? ALWAYS use the month view, the view on the far right, under the calendar
header, that shows the entire month. You may click on each day to view that particular
assignment or course requirement. For unknown reasons, the other views sometimes omit
assignments, quizzes or other requirements. Regardless of these other views, you are responsible for
the assignments and requirements posted in the syllabus and in the announcements.
COURSE SCHEDULE
Instructor reserves the right to make modifications to the schedule as needed to ensure the student
learning outcomes of the course are met.
Introduction to Online Class - A chance to look around, become familiar with the layout, and
submit an extra-credit assignment!
Dates
Assignments for the Week
Assignment Due Dates
Log into the course
Orientation to the course and online format
2/9-2/11
Syllabus Quiz (Extra Credit)
(Look around the website)
Any student who has not posted to the “Roll Call” Discussion Board by
Tuesday, February 10, 2015 by 11:59 pm will be dropped from the course.
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Spring 2015, Psych 101, Section # 14216
Unit 1: February 11 - March 10
Chapter 1: The Science of Psychology, Chapter 2: The Biological Perspective,
Chapter 3: Sensation & Perception, Chapter 4: Consciousness
Assignments & Due Dates:
**All course requirements are due by 11:59 pm on the due date.***You are
welcome to submit any of the assignments or quizzes prior to the due date if
it better accommodates your schedule**
Dates
2/9-2/17
Chapter 1: The Science of Psychology
Tuesday, February 17
Chapter 1 Assignment
Chapter 1 Quiz
Syllabus Quiz Due (Extra Credit)
2/18-2/24
Chapter 2: The Biological Perspective
Tuesday, February 24
Chapter 2 Assignment
Chapter 2 Quiz
Chapter 3: Sensation & Perception
2/25-3/3
Tuesday, March 3
Chapter 3 Assignment
Chapter 3 Quiz
Reserve your proctored exam testing appointment.
http://www.canyons.edu/offices/TLC/Pages/default.aspx
3/4 - 3/10
Chapter 4: Consciousness
Sunday, March 8
Unit 1 Discussion Board New Response Thread
Chapter 4 Science of Sleep Video Assignment
Tuesday, March 10
Unit 1 Discussion Board Reply
Chapter 4 Quiz
Exam #1 (Ch: 1, 2, 3, 4)
Available March 9-March 13. See Exam Instructions in Blackboard for Details. Please
complete your exam by the close of the TLC lab on March 13. Reserve your testing appointment.
http://www.canyons.edu/offices/TLC/Pages/default.aspx.Student is responsible for making an appointment to
take the exam in the TLC lab prior to the due date.
Unit 2: March 11 -- April 14
Chapter 5: Learning; Chapter 6: Memory
Chapter 9: Motivation & Emotion; Chapter 7: Cognition: Thinking, Intelligence & Language
Assignments & Due Dates
**All course requirements are due by 11:59 pm on the due date.***
Dates
Chapter 5: Learning
3/11-3/17
Tuesday, March 17
Chapter 5 Assignment
Chapter 5 Quiz
Page 11 of 17
Spring 2015, Psych 101, Section # 14216
Chapter 6: Memory
3/18-3/24
Tuesday, March 24
Chapter 6 Video Assignment
Chapter 6 Quiz
Chapter 9: Motivation & Emotion
3/25-3/31
Tuesday, March 31
Unit 2 Discussion Board New Response Thread
Chapter 9 Assignment
Chapter 9 Quiz
Reserve your proctored exam testing appointment.
http://www.canyons.edu/offices/TLC/Pages/default.aspx
Chapter 7: Cognition: Thinking, Intelligence & Language
4/1-4/14
*Spring Break
April 6-April 10
Tuesday, April 14
Unit 2 Discussion Board Reply
Chapter 7 Assignment
Chapter 7 Quiz
Exam #2 (Ch: 5, 6, 9, 7).
Available April 13-April 17. See Exam Instructions in Blackboard for Details
Please complete your exam by the close of the TLC lab on April 17. Reserve your testing
appointment. http://www.canyons.edu/offices/TLC/Pages/default.aspx.Student is responsible for making an
appointment to take the exam in the TLC lab prior to the due date.
Unit 3: April 15 - May 12
Chapter 8 Development Across the Lifespan; Chapter 10: Sexuality & Gender ;
Chapter 11: Stress & Health; Chapter 12: Social Psychology
Dates
4/15-4/21
Assignments & Due Dates
**All course requirements are due by 11:59 pm on the due date.***
Chapter 8 Development Across the Lifespan;
4/21-4/28
Tuesday, April 21
Chapter 8 Assignment
Chapter 8 Quiz
Chapter 10: Sexuality & Gender
4/29-5/5
Tuesday, April 28
Chapter 10 Assignment
Chapter 10 Quiz
Chapter 11: Stress & Health
Tuesday May 5
Chapter 11 Quiz
Chapter 11 Assignment
Unit 3 Discussion Board New Response Thread
Reserve your proctored exam testing appointment.
http://www.canyons.edu/offices/TLC/Pages/default.aspx
Page 12 of 17
Spring 2015, Psych 101, Section # 14216
5/6-5/12
Chapter 12: Social Psychology
Tuesday, May 12
Unit 3 Discussion Board Reply
Chapter 12 Assignment
Chapter 12 Quiz
Exam #3 (Ch: 8, 10, 11, 12)
Available May 11-May 15. See Exam Instructions in Blackboard for Details. Please
complete your exam by the close of the TLC lab on May 15. Reserve your testing appointment.
http://www.canyons.edu/offices/TLC/Pages/default.aspx.Student is responsible for making an appointment to
take the exam in the TLC lab prior to the due date.
Unit 4: May 13-June 2
Chapter 14: Psychological Disorders; Chapter 13: Theories of Personality;
Chapter 15: Psychological Therapies
5/13-5/19
Assignments & Due Dates
**All course requirements are due by 11:59 pm on the due date.***
Chapter 14: Psychological Disorders;
Tuesday, May 19
Chapter 14 Assignment
Chapter 14 Quiz
5/20-5/26
Chapter 13: Theories of Personality;
Tuesday, May 26
Unit 4 Discussion Board New Response Thread
Chapter 13 Assignment
Chapter 13 Quiz
Reserve your proctored exam testing appointment.
http://www.canyons.edu/offices/TLC/Pages/default.aspx
5/27-6/2
Chapter 15: Psychological Therapies
Tuesday, June 2
Unit 4 Discussion Board Reply
Chapter 15 Assignment
Chapter 15 Quiz
Thursday June 4
Please complete Final Exam (Ch: 14, 13, 15) by close of TLC lab on June 4
Final Exam (Ch: 11, 12, 14)
Available June 1-June 4. Please complete your exam by the close of the TLC lab on June 4.
Reserve your testing appointment. http://www.canyons.edu/offices/TLC/Pages/default.aspx.Student is
responsible for making an appointment to take the exam in the TLC lab prior to the due date.
Grade distribution:
15 quizzes @ 20 points each
Assignments
4 Discussion Boards @ 40points each
4 Exams @ 90 points each
Points
300 points
280points
160 points
360 points
Totals:
1100 Points
Page 13 of 17
Approx % of grade
27 %
25 %
15%
33 %
100%
Spring 2015, Psych 101, Section # 14216
TOTAL POINTS:
1100 – 990
989 - 880
879 - 770
769 - 660
Below 660
(90%)
(80%)
(70%)
(60%)
GRADE IN
COURSE
=A
=B
=C
=D
= Failing
Grade
CONTACTING THE INSTRUCTOR:
The best way to contact me is via email. I check my email daily. I try my best to respond within
24 hours. I will return your email as soon as I am able. When sending an e-mail to me you must
put your name AND, for this class, "Psych 101 Online" in the subject line or I may not read it.
Please use your COC email which lists your first and last name; if I do not recognize your email
address because your name is not in the “From” line and the subject line does not identify you as a
student, I will assume it is spam or a virus and your email may be deleted.
I can hold office hours at either the Valencia campus and the Canyon Country campus and/or I can
be available online. Please email me to set up those times.
Miscellaneous Notes:
 The instructor is not responsible for technological difficulties associated with completing the
Blackboard quizzes or difficulties with your personal computer. It is highly recommended that
you utilize the first week of the course to determine if your resources are compatible with the
requirements of this course.
 Continued enrollment in the course assumes complete understanding of the course syllabus,
expectations and acceptance of policies regarding grading, exam dates, assignments,
quizzes/exams policy, and the requirement of completing timed chapter quizzes and proctored
exams.
 If you choose to withdraw from class for any reason, it is your responsibility to initiate the
withdrawal. If you simply stop attending class once the semester has begun, you may receive a
failing grade.
 Extra Credit opportunities may be offered in either an announced or spontaneous format.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
This class will be conducted in accordance with a college Student Conduct Code and basic
standards of academic honesty. Under no circumstances is it acceptable to give your Blackboard
username and password to another student. This constitutes academic dishonesty and will be treated
as such. Cheating and other forms of dishonesty are not acceptable and will not be tolerated. While
taking proctored exams, a student may not open any windows other than Blackboard, including email programs, instant messenger programs, word processing programs or any other software or
browser during the exam. If it is reported to the instructor by the proctor that a student opened any
other window, software program or browser during a proctored exam, the student will forfeit all
points for the exam and the student’s name will be forwarded to the Dean of Students for
disciplinary action.
Page 14 of 17
Spring 2015, Psych 101, Section # 14216
Statement on Academic Integrity at College of the Canyons
Students are expected to do their own work as assigned. At College of the Canyons, we believe that
academic integrity and honesty are some of the most important qualities college students need to
develop and maintain. To facilitate a culture of academic integrity, College of the Canyons has
defined plagiarism and academic dishonesty. Due process procedures have been established when
plagiarism or academic dishonesty is suspected.
At COC, we define plagiarism as follows: Plagiarism is the submission of someone else’s work or
ideas as one’s own, without adequate attribution. When a student submits work for a class
assignment that includes the words, ideas or data of others, without acknowledging the source of the
information through complete, accurate, and specific references, plagiarism is involved. This may
include dual submissions of a similar work for credit for more than one class, without the current
instructor’s knowledge and approval.
To be specific, below are some of the situations that will be considered plagiarism at COC:





Use information from any source, online or in print, in one’s own writing without
acknowledging the source in the content and in the reference page of the assignment;
Simply list the sources in the reference page, without parenthetical citations in the
body of the essay;
Take more than one printed line of words consecutively from the source without
putting quotation marks around them, even though the student has put the author’s
name in the parentheses or in the reference page;
Turn in work done for other classes, regardless how big or small the assignment may
be, without the current instructor’s approval—this is considered “self-plagiarism,”
which is a form of academic dishonesty; or,
Turn in work by another student, even by accident.
In addition, COC has strict rules against using electronic devices during exams without the
instructor’s approval. To be specific, absolutely no cell phones or any electronic devices can be on
the desk or in sight during test or exam without the instructor’s approval. The presence of electronic
devices in sight during exams may be considered as intention to cheat and will be processed as a
form of academic dishonesty.
Cases of alleged academic dishonesty, such as plagiarism or cheating, will be referred to the Dean
of Student Services for investigation.
STEPS TO SUCCESS:
1. Psychology 101 is a college level course that requires significant hours of study time invested in
reading and effectively studying the textbook, making flashcards, using the textbook website,
taking practice quizzes, watching supplementary video, completing discussion board responses
and replies, making chapter outlines and completing homework assignments, quizzes and
exams.
2. Utilize available resources. Use your book, study guides posted in Blackboard & textbook
website.
Page 15 of 17
Spring 2015, Psych 101, Section # 14216
3. Seek Help immediately if you fall behind in class. I am available to assist you during office
hours. In addition, the TLC Lab on both the Valencia campus (Bonelli 209) and the Canyon
Country campus (Room 306) is also available.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: “Why aren't assignments and quizzes due on the same day of the week, each week?”
A: I attempt to create as much consistency as possible in the online class. Because each class and
semester is unique, I try to give students the maximum amount of time possible to complete the work
for the course, especially when there are holidays when you may be traveling. Please use the syllabus
course calendar for course due dates. In addition, I have enabled the calendar feature from the left
menu bar so that you can easily see which assignments, quizzes, exams and discussions are due on a
visual calendar.
Q: “Why are assignments and quizzes sometimes due on the weekends?
A: Students with many differing schedules take online classes. Some students complete assignments
during the work week, whereas other students work during the week and have weekends to spend time
on class work. A student can always submit assignments and complete quizzes ahead of time through
the week if they have plans or are working on a weekend. Making assignments due on the weekend
allows you to have additional time to complete your assignments and study.
Q: “Why do we have due dates. Why can't I work ahead a couple of weeks in advance at my own pace and
finished the class early?”
A: Psych 101 is an online class, not a correspondence course. An online class is similar to a face-to-face
class in that, the students are working on the same material at the same time and are progressing
through the class at the same rate. A correspondence course is an independent study class where
students in the class are working on different materials. Because this is not a correspondence course
there are specific due dates that assignments, quizzes and exams must be complete in order for us to
progress through the class at the same pace and rate. This is very important in terms of accreditation.
Correspondence courses do not receive financial aid support through the federal government.
Q: “Why are the exams proctored?”
A: The exams are proctored in order to ensure that students are not using outside materials such as
notes, websites, textbook or other human beings to assist them in the assessment. In a face-to-face
class, students are not allowed to consult notes or textbooks or other students when completing an
exam. As such, online students are given the same testing environment as our face-to-face students.
The online environment allows the flexibility, but unfortunately, some students have taken advantage
of this flexibility and have used this flexible format to complete exams while consulting notes,
textbooks and other students. In addition, we have found that some universities will question online
classes and will ask students for a syllabus to ensure that, indeed, the exams were proctored. Some
Colleges or Universities may choose to deny transferability of some courses when proctored exams are
not used. The exams are proctored in order to protect the transferability of your units to other colleges
or universities.
Page 16 of 17
Spring 2015, Psych 101, Section # 14216
Grading Criteria for the Online Discussion Board-- 40 points (25, 15) response and reply
Please note: a 50% reduction in points will occur for Discussion board responses that are
posted after the deadline date noted in the course calendar. Replies to other students will
earn 0 points if not posted by the deadline. Replies earn 0 points if the deadline is missed
because at that point, the class has moved onto a new chapter and new discussion topic.
Excellent/Very Good
Student’s Response
Satisfactory
Student’s Response

Discussion post thoroughly
 Discussion post addresses some
addresses the discussion board
of the discussion board question
question and demonstrates
and demonstrates adequate
synthesis of critical thinking and
critical thinking skills and
application of the concepts.
application of the concepts.
 Theories and vocabulary
 Student’s response adds some
addressed in required readings,
value to the overall class
videos and or websites.
discussion.
 Student’s response adds value to
 Grammar and writing style reflect
the discussion.
some errors reflecting pre-college
level skills.
 Grammar and writing style reflect
college level work.
 Response meets the minimum
content requirements of 200
 Response meets the minimum
words. (17-19 points)
content requirements of 200 words.
(23-25 Excellent)
(20-22 Very Good/Good)
Student posts at least one Reply to
another student.
One or more Substantive Replies are
posted to other students.
 The reply stimulates limited
thought about the topic. May pose
additional discussion questions
 A high quality reply stimulates
but adds little to the discussion or
additional thought about the issue,
does not take the discussion in an
poses additional discussion
appropriate alternate direction.
questions or takes the discussion in
an appropriate alternate direction.
 Grammar and writing style reflect
pre-college level work.
 Grammar and writing style reflect
college level work.
 Reply meets the minimum content
requirements of 50 words. (11-13
 Reply meets the minimum content
points)
requirements of 50 words. (1415pts
Page 17 of 17
Unsatisfactory
Student’s Response




Discussion post addresses few or
none of the discussion board
questions and does not
demonstrate critical thinking
skills, synthesis and/or
application of the topic/concepts.
Student’s response adds little
value to the overall class
discussion.
Grammar and writing style are
poor.
Response does not meet the
minimum content requirements of
200 words. (<15-16 points)
Student posts one or fewer Replies
to another student.




The reply stimulates limited
thought about the topic, and/or does
not add substance to the discussion.
Reply does not take the discussion
in an appropriate alternate direction,
or is disrespectful.
Grammar and writing style are
poor.
Reply does not meet the minimum
content requirements of 50 words.
(0-10 points)