Human Relations
APPL 612-185
Applied Behavioral Psychology
The University of Baltimore
Fall 2013, Thurs 8:15pm-10:45pm BC001
Professor: Lamont S. Bryant, MS, LGPC
Email: lbryant@ubalt.edu (preferred method of contact)
Office Hours: By Appointment Only
Required Text: Dalton, M., Hoyle, Dawn G., Watts, Marie W. (2010). Human relations (4th
ed.). Mason, Ohio: South-Western Cengage Learning.
Other Materials: The textbook will be supplemented by journal articles meant to stimulate your
thoughts on the research behind various theories and topics discussed. Journal articles will be
available on Sakai. You will be responsible for all content reviewed in class.
Course Description and Learning Objectives: Examination of human interactions in work
settings that impact individual mental health and organizational health and productivity.
Emphasis on preventing and intervening to reduce stress, frustration, conflict and violence,
sexual harassment and other social problems in the workplace by applying research in emotional
intelligence, personality, social perception, communication, persuasion and teamwork.
Instructor’s Statement: Due to my background in applied behavioral psychology, counseling,
and interpersonal relationships the course will be taught from a perspective that represents these
areas. I believe that the best learning experience is varied and interactive thus your active
participation is necessary.
Course Requirements and Policies
Tardiness & Absenteeism: Students are expected to attend class, complete required reading and
assignments. Tardiness and leaving class can be distracting and may interfere with participation.
If lecture has commence, please located a seat quickly and quietly. If legitimate departure is
necessary while in class, please inform me promptly.
Students are expected to attend classes regularly. Material presented during class that deviates from text
or assigned readings are fair game for graded evaluations. Ergo, attendance is an essential part of the
learning experience. You are provided with two (2) unexcused absences given our short time together.
Each additional unexcused absence will reduce your final grade by ⅓ of a letter grade. (Ex: a B- with (3)
unexcused absences will be lower to a C+). In the event of your absence you are responsible for obtaining
missed assignments or information from classmates. I will not accommodate missed lecture notes or
announcements.
If a student has been absent or late so often that the student has lost a significant part of the instruction
that will prevent the insurance of a valid grade, the student will receive an F (failure). This does not
remove the responsibility from the student to withdraw officially from any class that he/she ceases to
attend. Failure to do so will subject the student’s records to a grade of F.
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Decorum: As a graduate level course, demonstration of appropriate behavior is a mere expectation.
Inappropriate behaviors including but not limited to habitual tardiness, sleeping, web browsing unrelated
topics, conversing while others are speaking, and miscellaneous cell phone usage will not be tolerated.
Please turn off all cell phones prior to class. Disrespectful language and/or actions are governed by a
zero-tolerance policy. This includes sexual harassment and other disruptive actions that prohibit students
from learning. Rudeness and disrespect are barriers of connectivity and academic stimulation.
Infringement on any of these barriers will warrant immediate dismissal.
Missed Examinations/Assignments: University policy dictates that make-up examinations/assignments
will be given for instances of examinations/assignments missed because of documented illness or
documented conflict with religious observance, and in instances of examinations/assignments missed
because of University-sanctioned trips. If a student misses an examination/assignment for any reason not
covered by the above, the question of whether or not a make-up examination is given is up to the
discretion of the individual faculty member. For brevity sake, MAKE-UPS ARE NOT OFFERED.
Evaluations and Assignments
Exams: There will be two (2) in-class closed book exams including a midterm and a final. Each
assessment will include multiple choice questions, but predominantly short answer and essay.
The purpose of the assessment is not to test your ability to memorize and recapitulate terms and
definitions. A student’s successful application of concept, theory with proper use of terminology
will be the focus of each assessment.
Topic Paper: Students will submit a ten (10) page research paper that explores social and
psychological factors that shape human relations. Your paper should demonstrate links between
individuals and/or group factors to their work environments and/or job performance. All topics
must be approved by October 31st 2013. A few topic areas to consider, but not limited to include:
○ Leadership styles, group dynamic, and group outcome
○ Adapting to changing labor supplies
○ Implement strategies, as well as the policies designed to deal with this fluidity in
the workforce.
○ Worker groups/Unions in relations to employment practices, economic labor
market
○ Social norms and employee happiness
○ Personality style and types (e.g. emotional intelligence, optimism, social skills)
and productive.
Your paper will be turned typed in APA format or a pre-approved standardized format. Please
double-spaced on standard-sized paper (8.5" x 11") with 1" margins on all sides. You should use
a Times New Roman 12 pt font. Please include a title page and reference pages. While your title
page may count towards the final page count, reference pages will not. An abstract page is NOT
required for this paper and will not be considered during evaluation.
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Grading: Your grade will be based on percentages of 180 total possible points. Points will be
comprised from 2 exams and a topic paper.
Possible Point
Percentage
Midterm Exam
60
35%
Final Exam
60
35%
Topic Paper
60
30%
180
Total
100%
A
100-93%
B+
89-87%
C+
79-77%
D+
69-67%
A-
92-90
B
86-83%
C
76-73%
D
66-63%
B-
82-80%
C-
72-70%
D-
62-60%
F
< 60%
Academic Integrity Policy
Submitting assignments as your own, any form of plagiarism, or cheating will consequently result F on
the assignment, possibly the course, and will be reported to the Office of Student Affairs. If you are not
familiar with the University’s Academic Integrity Policy and Procedures, please refer to the following
link: http://www.ubalt.edu/policies/academic-affairs/academic-integrity/academic-integrity-YGCLAMSB.cfm
Accommodation of Student Needs
The University of Baltimore and I recognizes our responsibility for creating a climate in which students
with disabilities can thrive. In accordance with University policy, if you have a documented disability and
require accommodations to obtain equal access in this course; please contact me at the beginning of the
semester. Please refer to the following link for more information: http://www.ubalt.edu/campuslife/center-for-educational-access/index.cfm
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Class Schedule
Date
August 29th
Topic
Course Introduction
Reading and Assignments
Syllabus and Orientation
September 5th
Human Relations & Emotions
Chapter 1-2
September 12th
Motivation & Communication
Chapter 3-4
September 19th
Ethics
September 26th
Decisions & Groups
Chapter 5
Chapter 6-7
October 3rd
Conflict
October 10th
Leadership & Power
October 17th
Intercultural Competence
October 24th
Midterm
Chapter 1-11
October 31st
Behavior
Chapter 12
Chapter 8
Chapter 9-10
Chapter 11
November 7th
Culture & Self
Chapter 13-14
November 14th
Goals & Change
Chapter 15-16
November 21st
Employee Rights
Chapter 17; Topic Paper Due
November 28th
**Thanksgiving**
December 5th
Balance
December 12th
Final
No Class
Chapter 18
Chapter 12-18
Please Note
*All though it is my intention to closely follow this syllabus outline, circumstances will arise in which we must deviate from our agenda. The
instructor reserves the right to make changes to the syllabus and course as may be needed.
*Last day to drop without a W, September 4 th
*Last day to drop with a W, October 31st
*Grades posted, December 10th -January 3rd
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