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PS515: Learning & BehaviorUnit 1 SeminarIntroduction and Course Overview

+Instructor & Seminar Information

Instructor: Dr. K. Rex Shahriari, Licensed Psychologist

Kaplan Email Address: kshahriari@kaplan.edu

AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) Name: kurexs

Seminar Day and Time (EST): Sundays at 9:00 p.m. EST

A reasonable facsimile

+Course Materials

Textbook Information:

1. Title: Learning and behavior: Active learning edition Author:  P. Chance Publisher:  Wadsworth

2. Title: Publication manual of the American Psychological Association

Author:  American Psychological Association Publisher:      Author

3. Title: Sniffy the Virtual Rat Pro Version 2.0 Author: Alloway Publisher: Cengage

+Additional Software Requirements

AOL Instant Messenger: If you are not an AIM Member you can download the free service by visiting the following site: http://www.aim.aol.com/

Microsoft Word*

*Note that MicorsoftWorks is not the same as Word. Documents formatted in MS Works will not be accepted.

+Course Outcomes

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

1.PS515-1:  Demonstrate an understanding of scientific models and theoretical bases of the learning process (MSP-1)

2. PS515-2:  Evaluate the application of behavioral theories to a range of educational or therapeutic issues (MSP-2)

3.PS515-3: Use current empirical research to evaluate ethical and legal issues involving the application of behavioral technologies  (MSP-1, MSP-2, MSP-4)

+Our Units in a “nutshell”1. Introduction to Learning

2. Innate Influences on Learning & Behavior

3. Classical Conditioning and Applications to Psychology

4. Principles of Operant Conditioning: Reinforcement

5. Operant Conditioning: Schedules of Reinforcement

6. Operant Conditioning: Punishment 

7. Social & Constructivist Learning Models

8. Generalization, Discrimination & Stimulus Control

9. Memory & Forgetting

10. Reflection

+Grading

Assessments Number Points each Total Points

Discussions 9 40 360

Sniffy Exercises

3 60/50/30 140

Projects 2 150 300

Final Project 1 200 200

Total Points 1000

+Late Penalty Policy for Unit Projects (Units 1 – 8): Late projects (with extenuating circumstances) It is

your responsibility to inform me (ahead of time, whenever possible) of extenuating circumstances that might prevent you from completing projects by the assigned deadline.  In those situations, we will work together to come up with a mutually acceptable alternative. Prior notification does not automatically result in a waiver of the late penalties.

Late projects (without extenuating circumstances) are accepted with a penalty of one letter grade per week (not to exceed a 3 letter grade penalty. For example, you submit an “A” paper 3 weeks late, you would earn a grade of a “D” ).  Late projects for units 1 - 5 will not be accepted more than three (3) weeks after the due date. Late projects for units 6 – 8 will not be accepted after the last day of Unit 8.

+Late Policy for Unit 9 FINAL PROJECTS

Final Projects are due the Tuesday of Unit 9… Late final projects with/without extenuating circumstances will be accepted until the Saturday of Unit 10. Those without extenuating circumstances will receive a one letter grade deduction.

+Late Discussion Policy

Discussion Boards are due Tuesday 11:59 pm ET of their assigned unit. After the unit deadline of Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. ET late Discussion Board responses will be penalized a deduction of one letter grade per unit with a maximum late penalty of 3 letter grades.

Late postings for units 1 - 4 will not be accepted after midnight Tuesday of Unit 5. Postings for units 5 - 8 will not be accepted after midnight Tuesday of unit 9.

All late Discussion Board work should be posted to the appropriate unit on the Discussion Board.  In addition, please notify me via email when you submit late work to any unit.

+Extenuating Circumstances

If you have extenuating circumstances that prevent you from completing projects, quizzes or participating in the class, please contact the instructor to make alternative arrangements.  The possibility of alternative arrangements is at the discretion of the instructor.  Active communication is the key to overcoming any hurdles you may encounter during the term.  If you are unable to contact your instructor, you should contact your academic advisor.

+Incompletes

Incompletes provide students with limited additional time to complete coursework after the term’s end.  To be considered for an incomplete, you should have completed approximately 75% of the coursework.  Please see the Kaplan University catalog for further information.  Whether or not to grant an incomplete is your instructor’s decision.  The deadline for requesting an incomplete for the March C term is Monday, May 23, 2011.  Incomplete coursework is due August 16, 2011.

+Netiquette

Interactions in an online classroom are in written form. Your comfort level with expressing ideas and feelings in writing will add to your success in an online course. The ability to write is necessary, but you also need to understand what is considered appropriate when communicating online.

The word "netiquette" is short for "Internet etiquette." Rules of netiquette have grown organically with the growth of the Internet to help users act responsibly when they access or transmit information online. As a Kaplan University student, you should be aware of the common rules of netiquette for the Web and employ a communication style that follows these guidelines.

Wait to respond to a message that upsets you and be careful of what you say and how you say it.

Be considerate. Rude or threatening language, inflammatory assertions (often referred to as "flaming"), personal attacks, and other inappropriate communication will not be tolerated.

+Netiquette, continued

Never post a message that is in all capital letters -- it comes across to the reader as SHOUTING! Use boldface and italics sparingly, as they can denote sarcasm.

Keep messages short and to the point.

Always practice good grammar, punctuation, and composition. This shows that you’ve taken the time to craft your response and that you respect your classmates' work.

Keep in mind that threaded discussions are meant to be constructive exchanges.

Be respectful and treat everyone as you would want to be treated yourself.

·     Use spell check!

You should also review and refer to the Electronic Communications Policy contained in the most recent Kaplan University Catalog.

+Evaluation

Rubric criteria will be applied rigorously, so please refer to them.