PSYCHOLOGY 2033-30
Personal and Social Adjustment
Fall 2008 : August 25th - December 19th
Instructor: Darcy Brown, M.A.
Phone:
Email:
(661) 763-7889 dbrown@taftcollege.edu
Office: Counseling Center
Office Hours: By arrangement
Class Hours: Offline
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The course focuses on the personal choices people face throughout life and presents the necessary tools to evaluate these choices. Students are encouraged to examine their values and attitudes toward education, personal autonomy, work, love, sex roles and sexuality, intimate relationships, loneliness and solitude, and death.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
By the end of the course, a successful student should be able to:
1. explain briefly, the concepts of selected theories of personality development,
2. explain the importance of developmental stages across the life-span,
3. apply concepts of stage-age development to their own lives,
4. analyze choices made in the past in terms of how those choices relate to their current life situation,
5. identify and re-examine current attitudes, values, beliefs, and ways of thinking and explain their origin, and
6. describe a strategy to examine current behavior that will enhance on-going interpersonal relationships.
REQUIRED TEXT:
Walker, Velma. Becoming Aware: A Text/Workbook for Human Relations and Personal
Adjustment. Dubuque, Iowa, Kendal/Hunt, 2007.
Becoming Aware, 10/E
Velma Walker
ISBN-10: 0-7575-2882-1
ISBN-13: 978-0-7575-2882-8
Publisher: Kendall/Hunt
Copyright: 2007
Format: Paper; 541 pp
Published: November 30, 2006
The required textbook, Becoming Aware: A Text/Workbook for Human Relations and
Personal Adjustment , Tenth Edition, is divided into 10 chapters emphasizing various topics to help discover the basic elements of you and your relationship with others. The
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contents of this book are focused around common characteristics of healthy, happy, and more fully-functioning individuals with hopes that the concepts included will assist you in becoming the person you want to be! Thought provoking quotations and pictures appear in the margins of the pages. Summary tables and discussion questions are provided to help students organize and understand concepts. An “End of Chapter Summary” containing a chapter review, test review questions, key terms, reflections and web resources can be found at the end of each chapter. Finally, each chapter is concluded with effective interactive learning assignments and worksheets to support and reiterate key terms and concepts. Because this is an interactive course, understanding key terms and concepts is extremely important. You can bet that the assignments and exams will cover these terms and concepts.
WHAT IS DISTANCE LEARNING OFF-LINE?
Distance Learning Off-line is a mode of delivery that does not require Internet access.
The class material is available through the Taft College Instructional Aides at TCI. You do not have to come to campus. Instead, you will follow the directions given in this syllabus, complete and submit your assignments by the deadlines given, take your exams, and contact me if you have any questions, comments, or concerns. All assignments must reach me by the deadlines given in the Class Calendar. You can submit your assignments through postal mail or email, but you must make sure they get to me by the deadline. Compensate for mailing time. Tests will be taken in the College
LRC unless other arrangements are made in advance. You can set up an approved proctor by using the electronic format titled “Proctor Identification Procedures” found on the distance learning web page, http://www.taftcollege.edu/dl/proctor_procedures.htm
. I will be contacting your proctor and must be able to talk to him or her at their place of employment.
HOW DOES THIS CLASS WORK?
You will need to read this syllabus carefully. All assignments and exams are listed separately. In addition, there is a Class Calendar attached at the end of this syllabus that shows what you need to complete each week. If you are taking several courses, this may be a bit challenging. Not meeting deadlines due to other courses is not extenuating circumstances. Being on time with your assignments is vital to your grade.
If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to contact me immediately. Even though this is a distance learning class, it does not mean you are completely on your own. You can contact me by email, phone, or in person. You can contact me by email, phone, or in person. You will receive via mail a packet with additional information and chapter
PowerPoints from me no later than the second week of school. If you do not receive this packet, please let me know.
RETURNING OF ASSIGNMENTS:
IMPORTANT: If you would like your assignments returned to you, you must supply a self-addressed envelope with postage when you turn in your assignments. Otherwise, your assignments will not be returned to you via mail. You can, however, make arrangements to pick up your assignments from me in my office.
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ATTENDANCE:
Because this is a distance-learning course, attendance is determined by the coursework you submit. If you do not submit the first assignment by the submission deadline listed on the Class Calendar, I will assume you do not wish to remain in attendance and will drop you from the class. I will usually not drop you after that date. Students may choose to drop the course unless the deadline for dropping with a “W” has passed. It is your responsibility to notify the College if you wish to drop the course.
GRADING:
Your final grade will be based upon 10 learning journals worth 2 points each; 13 interactive assignments worth 5 points each; 20 discussions worth 10 points each; 3 written projects worth 50 points each; and 3 exams worth 100 points each. The total number of points for all journals, assignments, discussions, written projects, and exams will determine your final grade. If a letter grade is not important to you, consider taking the course for credit/no credit grading. Forms are available in the Counseling Center or through your counselor/advisor.
Plagiarism is not acceptable. Plagiarism refers to using other peoples’ words and ideas as your own, either verbatim or by close paraphrasing without providing necessary quotation marks and/or citations. If you quote or closely paraphrase material from the textbook, CD, videos or other material, you must use quotation marks if appropriate and cite the source. You may cite the source by embedding it in the text of the paper. Do this by listing, in parentheses and immediately after the quoted or paraphrased material, either the text and pertinent page number(s) or the video number. If you use a different source, then it needs to be cited in the content of your paper, and you must include a works cited page at the end of your paper. DO NOT PLAGIARIZE; PLAGIARISM
MERITS AN AUTOMATIC “F” OR “0” ON THE ASSIGNMENT. CONTINUED
PLAGIARISM MERITS AN “F” GRADE IN THE COURSE.
All assignments must be submitted and exams taken by the stated deadlines listed on the Class Calendar at the end of the syllabus. Please contact me if extenuating circumstances prevent you from meeting a deadline. Extenuating circumstances include verified hospitalization, death in your family, or matters of a similar and serious nature— things out of your control.
Grades will be calculated on the following percentages:
90 – 100% = A (635-565 points)
80 – 89%
70 – 79%
=
=
60 – 69% =
B
C
D
0 – 59% = F
(564-505 points)
(504-442 points)
(441-372 points)
(371 or below points or a student who withdraws after the deadline to withdrawal.)
WITHDRAWAL:
The last day to withdraw from class without a “W” being recorded on your transcript is
Saturday, September 20 th
; the last day to withdraw with a “W” is Thursday, October 30 th
.
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JOURNALS (2 pts/each):
Every week we will cover approximately one chapter unless there is a test during that week. There will be a learning journal required for every chapter covered. Learning journals are due either before or at the time of each exam. For example, Exam 1 covers
Chapters 1, 2, and 3, so learning journals for Chapters 1, 2 and 3 will be due before or at the time you take Exam 1. Late learning journals will not be accepted.
The learning journals are designed to allow you to write a personalized evaluation of the knowledge gained from the concepts in each chapter. All learning journals for each chapter can be found on the last page of each chapter. Please write your response on the page provided in your textbook, tear it out, and turn in the page by the due date.
This should be a short, succinct response ( at least one paragraph). Please refer to the
Class Calendar for the due dates for all learning journals.
ASSIGNMENTS (5 pts/each):
Every week we will cover approximately one chapter unless there is a test during that week. There will be one or two interactive assignments required for every chapter covered. Interactive assignments are due either before or at the time of each exam. For example, Exam 1 covers Chapters 1, 2, and 3, so interactive assignments for Chapters
1, 2 and 3 will be due before or at the time you take Exam 1. Late interactive assignments will not be accepted.
The interactive assignments in each chapter allow you many different opportunities to become involved in the subject matter. Please write your response on the page(s) provided in your textbook, tear the page(s) out, and turn in the page(s) by the due date. Please refer to the Class Calendar for the due dates for all interactive assignments.
DISCUSSIONS (10 pts/each):
Every week we will cover approximately one chapter unless there is a test during that week. You will be required to complete 2 discussions for every chapter covered.
Discussions are due either before or at the time of each exam. For example, Exam 1 covers Chapters 1, 2, and 3, so discussions for Chapters 1, 2 and 3 will be due before or at the time you take Exam 1. Late discussions will not be accepted.
The discussions will help you prepare for your exams, and may be used to study with and while taking your exams. Discussions are questions designed to enhance class participation and encourage critical thinking about chapter concepts. Please choose two discussion questions from two different PowerPoint (PPT) slides provided for each chapter. PowerPoint slides are titled specifically to match headings and sections within each chapter of your book. Choose two discussions that interest you and write a one page handwritten or typed response for each discussion question. A thorough and complete response, with effort and creativity, using clear, concise language will allow you to earn a maximum of 10 points. You may throw out your 2 lowest discussion scores. A PowerPoint with discussion questions for each chapter will be mailed to you.
Please refer to the Class Calendar for the due dates for all discussions.
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WRITTEN PROJECTS (50 pts/each):
You will be expected to do three written projects. Each project will be 2-3 or 3-5 pages long, typed and double spaced. Written projects are designed to help you become more aware or yourself and others. Specific project requirements can be found below.
NOTE: Do NOT plagiarize from your text. I do NOT want papers over the page limits.
These should be broad and succinct (concise, to the point) papers.
Written Project 1 (3-5 pages): “Human Relations Position Paper” on page 113 and 114
Refer to the outline provided on page 113 and 114. Write an organized essay response answering questions relating to the following: How did you become the person you are?
What factors have influenced you and made you what you are? Where do you want to go from here? What are your future goals? How will you get there? What will your biggest problems be?
Written Project 2 (2-3 pages): “Do Women Express More Emotions Than Men?” on page 211 and 212
Write an organized essay response addressing the questions presented on page 211 and 212. Is it true that males are unexpressive and females more expressive, or is this a cultural stereotype?
Introduce your topic. Clarify various points about your topic. You may apply your topic to your life or give your personal opinion. What does the information mean to you? Do you agree or disagree? You may also use examples from your life or a family member/friend’s life to support or contradict your topic or to give lively examples of concepts. Support your facts or give examples whenever possible. Your textbook, or source of information, needs to be cited throughout your paper. At the end, all citations should be referenced.
Written Project 3 (2-3 pages): “Multicultural Panel Discussion” on page 463
Write an organized essay response discussing several or one custom, practice, attitude, belief that may differ for people of different cultures and ethnic groups as described on page 463.
Introduce your topic. Clarify various points about your topic. You may apply your topic to your life or give your personal opinion. What does the information mean to you? Do you agree or disagree? You may also use examples from your life or a family member/friend’s life to support or contradict your topic or to give lively examples of concepts. Support your facts or give examples whenever possible. Your textbook, or source of information, needs to be cited throughout your paper. At the end, all citations should be referenced.
The format for each paper is as follows:
•
Please make sure you staple your paper.
•
Use Times New Roman font size between 10-12 and double space your paper.
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•
All papers should include a title or cover page, which will not be counted as one of the 2-3 pages required.
•
Cover page should include a title, your name, date, and written project assignment number (1, 2, or 3), your location, Psych 2033, and my name, D.
Brown
•
Introduce your topic and clarify various points about your topic in a thoughtful manner using material from the textbook and/or other sources, as necessary.
Remember not to plagiarize. It is required that you cite your source(s) in parentheses. To ensure full credit, make sure you have cited from your source(s) somewhere in your paper, if appropriate.
•
Feel free to include your own thoughts and feelings. Support your facts and give lively examples whenever possible.
•
Works Cited page, if appropriate.
Be respectful and take pride in your work. Proof read each paper carefully, and make any necessary corrections. Do not rely upon the computer to identify every spelling or grammatical mishap. It is helpful to read your paper out loud to yourself a day or two after you have written it. This allows you to notice confusing or awkward phrasing and to have ample time to make corrections and improvements yet still meet the due date.
Having someone else read your paper can be very beneficial.
All papers are to be submitted by the deadlines listed in the Class Calendar. Late papers will not be accepted. Please refer to the Class Calendar for the due dates for all written projects.
Grading:
You will be graded on content as well as spelling, grammar, punctuation, presentation, proofing, citations, references, length, etc. (mechanics). Each paper will be worth 50 points toward your semester grade.
If you have any questions about the paper(s), please feel free to ask me ahead of time, and I will be happy to help you! Good luck!
EXAMS (100 pts/each):
Exams will cover all readings and lectures since the previous exam. All exams will be in a multiple-choice format with 50 questions. Exams will be taken in the LRC or with an approved proctor. A scantron will be provided for each exam. You will be required to use a pencil to bubble in the correct answer, so make sure you have a pencil to take your exam. You may use your textbook, discussions and notes when you take the exam. Missed exams are failed exams , unless prior authorization from the instructor was given to take the test at an alternative time; authorization is at the instructor’s discretion and will be granted only under special circumstances.
The textbook provides all that is necessary to master the material of each chapter.
Remember, the exams are open book but not open neighbor. Anyone talking or sharing answers will receive a 0 for his/her score. You will be allowed 90 minutes to take the exams. This does not mean you should not be prepared. Open book exams are tough.
You should still prepare beforehand. Also remember, if you miss the deadline on the
Class Calendar, you will not be allowed to make-up exam unless you have prior
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authorization from me. If you have arranged for a proctor, make sure your proctor knows your testing schedule and has ample postage to return your exam to me by the stated deadline. Compensate for mailing time! Exams must be postmarked by the due date. If you will be taking your exams on campus in the LRC, make sure you check the hours of operation so there are no excuses! Please refer to the Class Calendar for the due dates for all exams.
LEARNING ACCOMMODATIONS:
If you feel that you have a learning disability, please inform the instructor or contact the
Learning Disabilities Specialist at 661-763-7891. Disability assessment is available and appropriate accommodations may be provided accordingly to maximize your success.
CLASS CALDENDAR
WEEK 1: August 25 th
Introduction: Read/Review Syllabus
Begin Reading Chapter 1: Getting Acquainted with Ourselves and Others
WEEK 2: September 1 st
HOLIDAY: Monday, September 1 st
Continue Reading/Reviewing Chapter 1: Getting Acquainted with Ourselves and Others
Complete Chapter 1:
¾
JOURNAL: Learning Journal on page 55 (write a short, succinct response, at least one paragraph, on page, tear out page and hand in)
¾ ASSIGNMENT: “Where Does It Come From?” on page 51 and discussion questions on page 52 (tear out pages and hand in)
¾ DISCUSSIONS: Choose two discussions found in Chapter 1 PPT slides
(must be a one page handwritten or typed response for each discussion question)
WEEK 3: September 8 th
Read/Review Chapter 2: Self-Awareness
Complete Chapter 2:
¾ JOURNAL: Learning Journal on page 115 (write a short, succinct response, at least one paragraph, on page, tear out page and hand in)
¾
ASSIGNMENT: “The ‘Big Five’ Test” on page 101 and discussion questions on page 102 (tear out pages and hand in)
¾ DISCUSSIONS: Choose two discussions found in Chapter 2 PPT slides
(must be a one page handwritten or typed response for each discussion question)
¾ WRITTEN PROJECT: “Human Relations Position Paper” on page 113 and
114 (write an organized essay response 3-5 pages)
WEEK 4: September 15 th
Read/Review Chapter 3: Who’s in Control?
Complete Chapter 3:
¾ JOURNAL: Learning Journal on page 165 (write a short, succinct response, at least one paragraph, on page, tear out page and hand in)
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¾
ASSIGNMENT: “What Controls Your Life?” on page 149, 150, and discussion questions on page 151 (tear out pages and hand in)
¾ DISCUSSIONS: Choose two discussions found in Chapter 3 PPT slides
(must be a one page handwritten or typed response for each discussion question)
WEEK 5: September 22 nd
Review Chapters 1, 2, 3, finish any uncompleted journals, assignments, discussions, written projects, and study and prepare for Exam 1
WEEK 6: September 29 th
Exam #1: Chapters 1, 2, 3 (Due by Friday, October 3 rd
along with Ch. 1, 2, 3 journals, assignments and discussions and written project 1)
WEEK 7: October 6 th
Read/Review Chapter 4: Dealing with Emotions
Complete Chapter 4:
¾ JOURNAL: Learning Journal on page 213 (write a short, succinct response, at least one paragraph, on page, tear out page and hand in)
¾ ASSIGNMENTS: “How I Express My Feelings” on page 205 and discussion questions on page 206 (tear out pages and hand in); “Anger
Inventory” on page 207, 208, and discussion questions on page 209 (tear out pages and hand in)
¾
DISCUSSIONS: Choose two discussions found in Chapter 4 PPT slides
(must be a one page handwritten or typed response for each discussion question)
¾
WRITTEN PROJECT: “Do Women Express More Emotions Than Men?” on page 211 and 212 (write an organized essay response 2-3 pages)
WEEK 8: October 13 th
Read/Review Chapter 5: Interpersonal Communication
Complete Chapter 5:
¾ JOURNAL: Learning Journal on page 263 (write a short, succinct response, at least one paragraph, on page, tear out page and hand in)
¾ ASSIGNMENT: “Personal Communication Concerns” on page 249 and discussion questions on page 250 (tear out pages and hand in)
¾
DISCUSSIONS: Choose two discussions found in Chapter 5 PPT slides
(must be a one page handwritten or typed response for each discussion question)
WEEK 9: October 20 th
Read/Review Chapter 6: Developing Close Relationships
Complete Chapter 6:
¾
JOURNAL: Learning Journal on page 321 (write a short, succinct response, at least one paragraph, on page, tear out page and hand in)
¾ ASSIGNMENT: “Why People Get Divorced—Why People Get Married” on page 317 and discussion questions on page 317, 318 (tear out pages and hand in); refer to page 319, but you do not have to turn in responses from page 319
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¾
DISCUSSIONS: Choose two discussions found in Chapter 6 PPT slides
(must be a one page handwritten or typed response for each discussion question)
WEEK 10: October 27 th
Read/Review Chapter 7: Resolving Interpersonal Conflict
Complete Chapter 7:
¾ JOURNAL: Learning Journal on page 371 (write a short, succinct response, at least one paragraph, on page, tear out page and hand in)
¾ ASSIGNMENTS: “Personal Conflict Resolution” on page 355 and discussion questions on page 356 (tear out pages and hand in); “The
Assertiveness Inventory” on page 361, 362, and discussion questions on page 363 (tear out pages and hand in)
¾
DISCUSSIONS: Choose two discussions found in Chapter 7 PPT slides
(must be a one page handwritten or typed response for each discussion question)
WEEK 11: November 3 rd
Review Chapters 4, 5, 6, 7, finish any uncompleted journals, assignments, discussions, written projects, and study and prepare for Exam 2
WEEK 12: November 10 th
HOLIDAY: Monday, November 10 th
Exam #2: Chapters 4, 5, 6, 7 (Due by Friday, November 14 th
along with Ch. 4, 5, 6,
7 journals, assignments and discussions and written project 2)
WEEK 13: November 17 th
Read/Review Chapter 8: Managing Stress and Wellness
Complete Chapter 8:
¾
JOURNAL: Learning Journal on page 421(write a short, succinct response, at least one paragraph, on page, tear out page and hand in)
¾ ASSIGNMENTS: “How Vulnerable Are You to Stress” on page 407 and discussion questions on page 408 (tear out pages and hand in); “Type A and Type B Behavior” on page 413, 414, 415, and discussion questions on page 416 (tear out pages and hand in)
¾ DISCUSSIONS: Choose two discussions found in Chapter 8 PPT slides
(must be a one page handwritten or typed response for each discussion question)
WEEK 14: November 24 th
HOLIDAY: Wednesday and Thursday, November 27 th
and 28 th
, respectively
Read/Review Chapter 9: Meaning and Values
Complete Chapter 9:
¾
JOURNAL: Learning Journal on page 465 (write a short, succinct response, at least one paragraph, on page, tear out page and hand in)
¾ ASSIGNMENT: “Personal Value Assessment” on page 457 and discussion questions on page 458 (tear out pages and hand in)
¾ DISCUSSIONS: Choose two discussions found in Chapter 9 PPT slides
(must be a one page handwritten or typed response for each discussion question)
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¾
WRITTEN PROJECT: “Multicultural Panel Discussion” on page 463 and
464 (write an organized essay response 2-3 pages)
WEEK 15: December 1 st
Read/Review Chapter 10: Where do I Want to Go with My Life?
Complete Chapter 10:
¾
JOURNAL: Learning Journal on page 509 (write a short, succinct response, at least one paragraph, on page, tear out page and hand in)
¾ ASSIGNMENT: “What Do You Want?” on page 497, 498, and discussion questions on page 499 (tear out pages and hand in)
¾
DISCUSSIONS: Choose two discussions found in Chapter 10 PPT slides
(must be a one page handwritten or typed response for each discussion question)
WEEK 16: December 8 th
Review Chapters 8, 9, 10, finish any uncompleted journals, assignments, discussions, written projects, and study and prepare for Final Exam
WEEK 17: December 15 th
Final Exam: Chapters 8, 9, 10 (Due by Tuesday, December 16 th
along with Ch. 8, 9,
10 journals, assignments and discussions and written project 3)
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