Student Syllabus Cover Sheet
Revised 4/8/14
Semester and Year – Spring 2015
CRN (Course Reference Number), Course Prefix, Number and Title –
CRN: 21854, PSYC 1300, Learning Framework, Section 901
Course Meeting Days, Times and Location (Campus, Building, and Room number) –
MWF 1:00 – 1:50 p.m., Sugar Land 164
Instructor’ Name - Lesley Snow Blanks, M.A.
Instructor’s Telephone number(s) – 281-243-8571
Instructor’s email address – blanksl@wcjc.edu
Instructor’s webpage – http://facultyweb.wcjc.edu/ lblanks/
Instructor’s Office Hours and Office Location –
Sugar Land, Faculty Suite 224
MWF – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
TTh – 8:20 a.m. – 9:20 a.m. and 12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
Course Catalog Description – A study of the 1) research and theory in the psychology
of learning, cognition, and motivation, 2) factors that impact learning, and 3) application of
learning strategies. Theoretical models of strategic learning, cognition, and motivation serve
as the conceptual basis for the introduction of college-level student academic strategies.
Students use assessment instruments (e.g., learning inventories) to help them identify their
own strengths and weaknesses as strategic learners. Students are ultimately expected to
integrate and apply the learning skills discussed across their own academic programs and
become effective and efficient learners. Students developing these skills should be able to
continually draw from the theoretical models they have learned.
Instructor’s Grading System –
Course Grade:
Test #1
Test #2
Group Presentation/Assignments
Written Assignment
Final Exam
Total Points
Points
100
100
100
100
100____
500
A = 500 – 450, B = 449 – 400, C = 399 – 350, D = 349 – 300, F = 299 – below
Instructor’s Attendance Policy – Throughout the semester, students will be required
to complete a variety of tasks/assessments to strengthen critical thinking and
communication skills, and promote personal reflection during class. If a student misses
more than 10% of the class lecture days, points will be deducted from the student’s total
score for each subsequent absence.
Last day to “Drop” course with grade of “W” – April 24th, 2015
* The college
will make
reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Students wishing to receive accommodations must contact the Office of Disability
Services at (979) 532-6384; located in the Pioneer Student Center, Room 313, at the Wharton campus Students must request accommodations from the
Office of Disability Services prior to each semester. Please note that accommodations provided are not retroactive.
** Misconduct for which discipline may be administered at WCJC includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, or knowingly furnishing false
information to the college (plagiarism and cheating refer to the use of unauthorized books, notes, or otherwise securing help in a test, copying tests,
assignments, reports, or term papers).
Syllabus for PSYC 1300 – Learning Framework – Spring 2015
Schedule:
MWF 1:00 p.m. – 1:50 p.m.
Section number: 901
CRN number: 21854
Room: 164
Required Materials: Downing, S. (2014) On Course. 2nd ed. Mason, OH: Cengage Learning.
Instructor:
Lesley Snow Blanks, M.A.
Website: http://facultyweb.wcjc.edu/ lblanks/
Office: SL, Faculty Suite 224
Phone: 281-243-8571
Email address: blanksl@wcjc.edu
Office Hours:
MWF – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
TTh – 8:20 a.m. – 9:20 a.m. and 12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
Catalogue Description:
A study of the 1) research and theory in the psychology of learning, cognition, and motivation, 2) factors that impact
learning, and 3) application of learning strategies. Theoretical models of strategic learning, cognition, and motivation
serve as the conceptual basis for the introduction of college-level student academic strategies. Students use assessment
instruments (e.g., learning inventories) to help them identify their own strengths and weaknesses as strategic learners.
Students are ultimately expected to integrate and apply the learning skills discussed across their own academic
programs and become effective and efficient learners. Students developing these skills should be able to continually draw
from the theoretical models they have learned.
Prerequisite:
TSI satisfied in Reading; concurrent enrollment in READ 0307.
Credit:
Three credit hours.
Goals and objectives: Learning Framework develops and enhances the skills and tools foundational to academic and
career success. Learning Framework includes and addresses the following competencies or skills by utilizing lecture,
readings, discussion, and written, oral, and active exercises:

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
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


Knowledge of and targeted use of WCJC academic services and resources
Knowledge and application of learning theory inclusive of information processing and memory, strategic
learning, and critical thought
Application of college level skills and techniques for computer literacy, effective reading, listening, note taking,
studying, exam preparation, and research methods needed for academic success
Knowledge of wellness factors, the impact of stress, and related coping strategies
Development of college level oral and written communication skills
Utilization of self-management skills inclusive of emotional regulation, time management, and financial
intelligence.
Development and use of interdependence as a means to goal attainment.
Exploration of attitudes, values, and relevance regarding college and career goals
*It is the responsibility of the student to read all assigned material, participate in class discussions, and demonstrate
competence by completing all assignments and scheduled examinations on time.
Learning strategies: Learning conditions will include lectures, class discussion, video, demonstrations, auxiliary print
materials, and other approaches as deemed appropriate by the instructor and the WCJC Behavioral Sciences Department.
ADA Statement:
Students with documented disabilities seeking accommodations should contact the ADA Coordinator in the Office of
Student Services. The student should provide current medical and/or psychological documentation verifying their
disability. (WCJC Student Handbook 2014-2015)
Evaluation:
Test Schedule: Tests include multiple-choice items, so students will need to bring their own scantron sheets. Tests will
be worth 100 points. There will be no make-up exams, unless there is a DOCUMENTED emergency. All make-up exams
will be given the day of the final exam. Students are only allowed one make-up, and must inform the instructor one week
prior to the final exam.
Test
Test #1
Test #2
Final
Date of Test
Wednesday, February 25th
Wednesday, April 8th
Wednesday, May 13th
If you require special arrangements for taking exams, and are registered with Student Services, please advise me as soon as
possible before the first exam.
Class Exercises, discussion and group presentation: Throughout the semester, students will complete a variety of
tasks/assessments to strengthen critical thinking and communication skills, and promote personal reflection. Students
are responsible for completing each task in a timely manner and turning in assignments by the stated due date.
In addition, instructor-assigned groups will present researched information to the class and will be graded on the
effectiveness of the presentation.
Written component: Papers are due on or before the date indicated on the class schedule (March 18th). Topics and
assignment format will be extensively discussed in class. All assignments are mandatory. LATE WORK WILL NOT BE
ACCEPTED.
Course Grade:
Test #1
Test #2
Group Presentation/Assignments
Written Assignment
Final Exam
Total Points
Points
100
100
100
100
100____
500
A = 500 – 450, B = 449 – 400, C = 399 – 350, D = 349 – 300, F = 299 – below
Viewing Class Information:
Students are able to view class discussion questions, syllabi and other announcements using my faculty webpage:
http://facultyweb.wcjc.edu/lblanks/
Class Disruptions/Policies:
Class disruptions will not be tolerated and will result in the student being expelled from the class. This includes any
disrespectful behavior to the instructor and/or other students Examples of unacceptable classroom behaviors are listed
below:
 Being consistently late to class or leaving class early
 Talking while the instructor or classmates are speaking
 Talking, texting, playing games on cell phones, cell phones ringing during class, using laptops/tablets for activities
unrelated to class
 Monopolizing class discussions
Please refer to the Wharton County Junior College Student Handbook for general policies.
Academic Integrity:
Misconduct for which discipline may be administered at WCJC includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, or
knowingly furnishing false information to the college (plagiarism and cheating refer to the use of unauthorized books,
notes, or otherwise securing help in a test, copying tests, assignments, reports, or term papers). Students found cheating
on exams/assignments will receive a grade of “0” on the given exam/assignment. See WCJC 2014-2015 Student
Handbook for college regulations.
Tentative Course Schedule: Below is the tentative schedule of chapter reading assignments, exams, and other
important dates that will be occurring during class this semester. If the schedule changes for any reason, I will let you
know.
Date
Reading, Lecture material, Requirement ___________
Week #1: January 19 – 23
Syllabus, Introduction, “You have arrived”
Week #2: January 26 – 30
Chapter 1 – On Course
Week #3: February 2 – 6
Library Orientation, Paper information
Week #4: February 9 – 13
Chapter 2 – On Course
Week #5: February 16 – 20
Academic advising and counseling services presentation, Review
Week #6: February 23 – 27
Test #1
Week #7: March 2 – 6
Chapter 3 - On Course
March 9 – 13
Spring Break
Week #8: March 16 – 20
Written Assignment due March 18th at 1:00 p.m.
Week #9: March 23 – 27
Chapter 4 – On Course
Week #10: March 30 – April 3
Chapter 5 – On Course
Week #11: April 6 – 10
Test #2
Week #12: April 13 – 17
Chapter 6 – On Course
Week #13: April 20 – 24
Group Presentations
Week #14: April 27 – May 1
Chapter 7 – On Course
Week #15: May 4 – 8
Chapter 8 and 9– On Course
Week # 16: May 11 – 15
Final Exam – Wednesday, May 13th at 12:30 p.m.
* For exam purposes, focus on the topics discussed in class, as well as those covered in the textbook. This is a tentative
schedule and may change at any time.