Writing in Psychology

Course Details

Course Number: PSYC 3303  Section Number: 102

Fall 2012

Location: Prothro-Yeager Hall

Classroom Number: 101

Days & Times:

 

Professor:   David Carlston, Ph.D.

Office:       120 O’donohoe

Phone:       940-397-4718

e-mail:       david.carlston@mwsu.edu

Course #:            PSYC 3303, sec 102

Time:                 9:30-11:00 TR

Location:             PY 101
Office Hours:     MW 9:30-12:30, TTR 11-12

 

Course Attachments

Syllabus  Fall 2012-20120828-120822.docx

Textbooks
MSU Faculty Member
Dr. David Carlston   
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Course Objectives

Course Objectives:    

                       

1.      Demonstrate proficiency in the use of electronic databases

2.      Know essentials of APA manuscript preparation (e.g., appropriate referencing, formatting, use of visuals, content criteria).

3.      Write according to APA style guidelines (e.g., clarity, brevity, mechanics).


Course Expectations

Course Requirements:

 

1.      Attendance is required for the course.  Come to class prepared to stay for the duration of the scheduled period. If you find that you must leave the classroom, take your belongings with you and do not return to class, as this is disruptive. Remember that leaving class prior to dismissal will result in your being counted absent for the day. Each student will be allowed three absences without penalty.  Each additional absence will result in a 5% reduction in a student’s final grade.  Students arriving following the taking of attendance will be considered absent.  Absences from class on peer review days count double.

 

2.      Students will complete three exams during the semester.  Each exam will be worth 100 points.  Each exam will be comprised of an in-home and in-class component.  Students will e-mail a copy of the in-home portion of the exam to the instructor prior to the exam.  (The subject line for any emailed exam component should simply read “Writing F12”).  No late exams will be accepted. 

 

3.      Students will complete five assignments throughout the semester, two of which are directly related to the term paper.  Assignments are due prior to class on the day indicated (see below).  (The subject line for any emailed exam component should simply read “Writing F12”).  No late assignments will be accepted.

 

4.      Students will prepare a 12-16 page term paper which will be used to assess student progress towards course objectives.  The final draft of the term paper will be due on the second to last day of scheduled classes and will be worth 300 points. 

 

5.         Students will be required to participate in peer reviews of each others’ papers.  The quality of their peer review will account for 150 points of their final grade.


Grading Standards

Grades:

 

Your final grade in the course will be calculated based upon 1000 total points. 

 

900-1000         A

800-899           B

700-799           C

600-699           D

0-599               F


Final Exam12/11/2012  8:00 am

Submission Format Policy

(The subject line for any emailed exam component should simply read “Writing F12”)..

 

(The subject line for any assignment should simply read “Writing F12”). 



Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

Missed Exams and Assignments:

 

Students who are required to miss and exam due to a mandatory, university sponsored function will be required to complete the exam prior to their absence.  In other words, if I were on the men’s soccer team and knew I would miss the exam on the 21st of September, I would need to make arrangements to complete the exam prior to my travel day. 

 


Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

Attendance is required for the course.  Come to class prepared to stay for the duration of the scheduled period. If you find that you must leave the classroom, take your belongings with you and do not return to class, as this is disruptive. Remember that leaving class prior to dismissal will result in your being counted absent for the day. Each student will be allowed three absences without penalty.  Each additional absence will result in a 5% reduction in a student’s final grade.  Students arriving following the taking of attendance will be considered absent.  Absences from class on peer review days count double.


Other Policies

Cell Phones:

 

Unless you anticipate that you might receive an emergency communication, please turn off your cell phones in class.  If you receive an emergency phone call or text in class, please excuse yourself and quietly leave the classroom to take the message. Take your belongings with you and do not return to class as this disrupts the class. Remember that leaving class prior to dismissal will result in your being counted absent for the day.

 

Cheating Policy:

 

Cheating will not be tolerated.  Any evidence of cheating on exams or written assignments will result in dismissal from this class with a grade of “F” and referral to the Dean of Students.  Cheating includes, but is not limited to, using unauthorized notes of any kind during an exam, looking on another’s exam, allowing another student to look on your exam, plagiarism, and self-plagiarism.


Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.