Meeting Times, Location, & Course Delivery Details
This course is delivered in an asynchronous online format. There are no required in-person or virtual meeting times. All course materials will be available on Blackboard. All announcements about the course will be made through email and Blackboard. Participation in this course is counted through your engagement in the assignments (as detailed below in the Course Components section). Wilmington College defines an online course as commencing on each Monday at 12:00 A.M. and ending at 11:59 P.M. the following Sunday. This course has materials that must be engaged with and submitted weekly.
Contact Information
Upon successful completion of this course…
1. The student will be able to evaluate key theories, and use them to explain and predict behaviors
2. The student will be able to explain what psychological research is, how it is conducted, and what it can
tell us about ourselves.
3. The student will be able to analyze interest in the human mind and human behavior and ask and answer
questions about topics.
4. The student will be able to apply psychological concepts to their own life.
5. The student will be able to apply critical thinking skills, and encourage you to act as both a learner and a
teacher.
6. The student will be able to integrate information across multiple areas of research and outline how
psychological topics and effects are interconnected.
7. The student will be able to understand psychological misperceptions and how those misperceptions
conflict with accurate scientific findings.
Textbook: Psychology: Perspectives and Connections
Edition: 5th edition
ISBN: 978-1-266-19716-1
Author: Feist & Rosenberg
Publisher: McGraw-Hill (2021)
This course will focus on key conceptual areas for understanding human behavior that include: biological, cognitive, development, social and personality, and mental and physical health. Cross-cutting common themes in the field – cultural and social diversity, ethics, variations in human functioning, and applications – will be addressed for each major topic included in the course. Students will also get to experience the integrative nature of contemporary psychology.
During this course, you will engage with materials that aim to spark curiosity, enlighten, and challenge current understandings. You will expand your critical thinking skills, practice scientific reasoning, and apply psychology to everyday experiences.
Student Learning Outcomes Relevant to APA Guidelines for the Undergrad Psychology Major:
- Describe key concepts, principles, subdisciplines, and theories in psychological science.
- Differentiate the overarching themes in the selected frameworks.
- Apply psychological principles to solve practical problems.
- Display evidence of communication literacy through written works.
- Exhibit effective self-regulation.
- Exhibit effective judgment in professional interactions and settings.
Tentative Schedule
Subject to change during the semester. Adequate notice of changes will be given.
| Course Modules and Engagement Activities: | |
Please note that supplemental materials may be assigned. It is your responsibility to check Blackboard and your email for announcements and changes to the course structure. Discussions are due on Thursdays by 5pm; knowledge base assessments are due on Sundays by 5pm. For learning strategies reflections, personal development projects, and the final project, check the syllabus calendar and course announcements. | |
Week of 8/24 – 8/30: Course orientation and Module 1 |
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Week of 8/31 –9/6: Module 2 |
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Week of 9/7 – 9/13: Module 3 |
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Week of 9/14 – 9/20: Module 4 |
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Week of 9/21 – 9/27: Module 5 |
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Week of 9/28 – 10/4: Module 6 |
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Week of 10/5 – 10/11: Module 7 |
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| Week of 10/12 – 10/18: |
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MIDTERM ASSESSMENT: DUE 10/18
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Week of 10/19 –10/25: Module 8 |
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Week of 10/26 – 11/1 Module 9 |
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Week of 11/2 – 11/8: Module 10 |
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Week of 11/9 – 11/15: Module 11 |
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Week of 11/16 – 11/22: Module 12 |
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Week 11/23 – 11/29 Module 13 |
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| Week of 11/30 – 12/6 |
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| Week of 12/7-12/13 |
FINAL ASSESSMENT: DUE 12/13
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Reading Assignments: As listed in this syllabus. You are responsible for engaging with the reading assignments. Relevant module materials (e.g., lectures, slides, video links, etc.) will be posted on Blackboard in accordance with the course schedule.
Video Lectures: Video lectures will be available to you and posted on Blackboard in accordance with the course schedule.
Discussion Board Participation: There will be weekly discussion boards corresponding with module topics. Engagement with the discussion boards and the related peer-responses is mandatory and counts towards your participation.
Knowledge Base Assessments: There will be 12 knowledge base assessments administered throughout the semester. These assessments will help you apply and solidify your knowledge of the course materials, concepts, and theories. Your two lowest scores will be dropped; thus, I will count your 10 highest knowledge base assessment scores.
Personal Development Projects: Personal development projects aim to help you think critically about the materials we have covered, as well as apply topics to personal experiences in order to strengthen understanding and a psychological perspective. There will be two personal development projects for you to complete.
Learning Strategies Reflections: You will have the opportunity to reflect upon your strategies and experiences as a learner at Wilmington College and beyond. These reflections aim to encourage you to contemplate what you hope to learn, how you learn, and how you grow as a learner. There will be two learning strategies reflections for you two complete.
Professionalism: Professionalism in this course includes thoughtful reflection and responses, noticeable effort towards completing assignments, and showing respect to your instructor and classmates.
Final Reflection: Nearing the end of the semester, you will have a final project consisting of a creative reflection of a topic we have discussed in this course. You will choose a topic you find most interesting or helpful for your understanding of psychology or how it relates to your personal or professional development. You will have the opportunity to submit this project in the format of your choice (short video, paper, digital poster, etc.).
Midterm Assessment: The midterm assessment will include cumulative material based on course materials aligned with module objectives.
Final Assessment: The final assessment will include cumulative material based on course materials aligned with module objectives.
The grading scale will be as follows:
This course is graded, and you are responsible for monitoring your grades throughout the semester. If I decide to offer an extra credit opportunity, I will notify the class. This number of points would be minimal and offered to all students.
This course totals 250 points, broken down as detailed below:
Discussion Board Participation: 15 discussions at 2 points each = 30 points (12%)
Knowledge Base Assessments: 10 assessments at 10 points each = 100 points (40%)
Personal Development Projects: 2 projects at 10 points each = 20 points (8%)
Learning Strategies Reflections: 2 reflections at 5 points each = 10 points (4%)
Professionalism: 10 points (4%)
Final Reflection: 5 points (2%)
Midterm Assessment: 25 points (10%)
Final Cumulative Assessment: 50 points (20%)
| Minimum Points Required | Letter Grade
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| 230 and higher | A |
| 220 | A- |
| 215 | B+ |
| 207 | B |
| 200 | B- |
| 190 | C+ |
| 182 | C |
| 175 | C- |
| 165 | D+ |
| 150 | D |
| 149 and below | F |
Instructor Course Policies
This course has a level of independent learning, and I expect you to engage with the course materials (i.e., textbook readings, slides, lecture videos, and any other required materials offered to you during the semester) and the assignments given throughout the semester. You should plan to spend 12 hours per week dedicated to this course. You are expected to participate in the course content, discussion boards, prepare for assignments/exams, and complete the required components. It is important that you reflect on the reading materials and cultivate critical thinking skills, which will also benefit you outside of this class. Attendance is counted by your engagement with the course assignments, especially the discussion boards. See the current Student Handbook for the college’s Attendance Policy, especially as it pertains to excused absences. In any form of engagement with this course, I expect you to show respect to your peers and me. Disrespectful behavior, words, and conduct are not tolerated at Wilmington College.
It is beneficial for you to maintain integrity in your work, both in this class and in any other course. Integrity is one of the Wilmington College Core Values, and this should be evident in your work. At no time is cheating, plagiarizing, copying, or misrepresenting another source’s work as your own tolerated. Violation of this Honor Code will result in a grade “0” on the assignment/exam or failing the course entirely. Please see the Student Handbook for the college’s academic guidelines and integrity policies.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
While AI can be a helpful tool, it does not represent your original thoughts, ideas, and effort. The use of AI for completion of any work in this class is prohibited. The work you submit should reflect your own understanding of the materials.
Late Submission Policy:
Assessments (weekly discussions and knowledge base assessments, and midterm and final assessments) submitted after the due date will not be counted toward your grade. Projects (personal developments projects, learning strategies reflections, and final reflection) must be submitted on or before due dates. Submitting projects late will cause an automatic deduction of 15%. Submissions of projects will not be accepted after 48 hours past the due date, causing the assignment grade to be “0”. This extension period only applies to projects (not to assessments).
Learning Support:
While this is an online and asynchronous course, I will be available to provide you with learning support through email and occasional online meeting opportunities, via Teams or Zoom platforms. I want to support you throughout your learning journey, and I encourage you to contact me if you need any form of academic support. My availability is flexible; you must contact me via email to request an online meeting. I will do my best to respond to your emails within 24 hours, Monday – Friday. I encourage you to pursue a healthy work-life balance.
If you are seeking additional academic support, please contact the manager of the Academic Resource Center at AcademicResourceCenter@wilmington.edu.
Additional Information:
At the end of the semester, a course evaluation will be distributed via email. This allows you to assess the course delivery, the learning support, and the learning environment. Responses are anonymous and are not reviewed until final grades have been posted.
Please note that any portion of the course syllabus is subject to change. You will be made aware of any changes to the course via Blackboard and/or email. It is your responsibility to check your email and be aware of the course on Blackboard.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):
If you have a documented disability that requires accommodations, contact Spencer Izor, the Associate VP for Compliance: spencer.izor@wilmington.edu, 937-481-2365, or visit her office in College Hall, Room 306.
Title IX Statement of Policy:
Consistent with Wilmington College’s testimony, “I will respect the dignity of all persons,” Wilmington College (or the “College”) is committed to providing a learning, working, and living environment free of discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of sex and gender by employees, students, and third parties. Pursuant to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), Wilmington College prohibits discrimination based on sex (including gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation) in its educational, extracurricular, athletic, or other programs or activities that it operates, or in the context of admissions or employment. Specifically, Title IX provides, “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” Wilmington College considers sex and gender discrimination in all its forms, including sexual harassment, to be a serious offense. Consistent with Wilmington College’s commitment to compliance with Title IX, the College will promptly and equitably respond to all reports and formal complaints under this Sex Discrimination & Sexual Harassment Policy (the “Policy”) in order to end the conduct, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects on individuals and the community. Inquiries regarding the application of this Policy may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator, the Assistant Secretary of the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Education, or both.
Religious Accommodations:
Wilmington College strives for an inclusive climate and welcomes students from all backgrounds, faiths, and experiences. If religious observance impedes your ability to participate fully in classroom activities, or a principal holiday from your religious tradition occurs during the semester and conflicts with class meetings or activities, please make the professor aware of this immediately to determine if reasonable accommodation is possible.
Counseling Services:
Confidential counseling services are available to all Wilmington College students. A state independently licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) will provide a diagnostic assessment, treatment plan, and subsequent therapy sessions to assist you with a wide variety of wellness and mental health concerns. Contact KAZI MCDOWELL, Director of Counseling Services, at 937.481.2272 or ANA LOPEZ, Mental Health Counselor, at 937.481.2509 to schedule an appointment.
Institutional and Program-Level Policies
All exams will follow the Final Exam Schedule. Students scheduled to take three or more final examinations on one day may request to arrange their examination schedule, so no more than two exams occur on one day.
Requests for early or late exams are considered only under extreme circumstances. Prior to the exam period, the student must file a written request on the Early/Late Exam Form available in the Student One Stop Center, Academic Records, and on the WC portal. The form must be signed by the Instructor and the Academic Dean, approving the alternate exam time. This process must be completed prior to the scheduled exam period.
Undergraduate: FA26 Final Exam Schedule
Out-of-class Work Expectation A minimum of 2 hours of out-of-class student work is expected for each hour of in-class time for traditional face-to-face courses. For online and hybrid courses, the combination of face-to-face time and out-of-class work should be equal to 3 hours per credit hour per week. |
Instructional Course Delivery Definition of Courses |
Academic Integrity Policy The use of generative AI is prohibited except where expressly allowed in assignment instructions. Academic Integrity Policy |
Class Attendance Policy Institutional Class Attendance Policy |