COURSE SYLLABUS **

Tulsa Community College

Summer 2012 on the Internet
Developmental Psychology

PSYC 2023 Section 193/194 CRN: 31079/31080

From Monday, June 4, 2012 – Sunday, July 29, 2012

Instructor: Rebecca Sossamon, MS, LPC Office Hours: By appointment

E-Mail: bsossamo@tulsacc.edu
Office No: MC1018B Office Phone: 595-7103

Liberal Arts Division Associate Dean: Dr. Steven Wilson

Office No. MC 505 Phone No. 595-7118

Academic and Campus Services Director: George Black

Office No. MC 1008 Phone No. 595-7154

Course delivery format: This course is accessible using TCC’s Blackboard system, which can be accessed
through the TCC web page on the Internet (tulsacc.edu). All students must use the MYTCC email account
assigned to them by TCC, and check it frequently for emails from me.

Course Prerequisite: Successful completion of PSYC 1113 (Intro to Psychology) or permission from
instructor. Student must also read and write at the college level. This can be demonstrated by:
1) completion of Reading II and Writing II with a C or better; OR
2) college-level English scores on the ACT(19) or SAT(450); OR
3) college-level scores on the COMPASS reading and writing tests (80 or higher).

Course Description: A theoretical research-based psychology course covering social, emotional, physical &
cognitive aspects of human development throughout the life span. 3 hours. No laboratory.

Next Courses: Once the student has completed this course other courses are available such as
Industrial/Organizational Psychology PSY2633/BUS2633; Child Development; and others.

Textbook, Supplies and Other Materials:

Title: Human Development Edition: (11th Edition)
Author: Diane E. Papalia, Sally Wendkos Olds & Ruth Duskin Feldman
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Publishers: 2009.
Textbooks, study guide and supplies may be purchased at Metro or Northeast bookstores, or from TCC’s Online
Bookstore.
Dictionary: Always use a dictionary while reading the text. Often people don’t understand terms because they
don’t understand basic vocabulary words used to discuss the terms.

Internet Courses: Students enrolled in TCC Internet courses must complete Distance Learning’s Online
Orientation prior to beginning courses. Go to TCC web site and select “Distance Learning.” They must also be
proficient at using the Internet and have frequent access.

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Computer Requirements: In order to be able to access Blackboard and this course, certain hardware and
certain levels of application and network software are required. Requirements for computers are available on the
Distance Learning page of the TCC website.

Computer Availability: Not having access to an adequate computer, or having network trouble, is not an
excuse for not completing course assignments by due dates. Students may use TCC’s computers in LRCs and
Microcomputer labs. Also, public libraries allow public use of computers.

Time Requirement: A 3-hour college course requires 150 hours of study. This is 9 hours per week! Internet
classes require as much effort as classroom classes, and MUCH more self-discipline. DO NOT get behind and
try to catch up later. This is hard for the best students.

Email communications: TCC students have a MYTCC email address

(ex: jane.doe@mail.tulsacc.edu). All communications to you will be sent to your MYTCC email address, or be
announced on Blackboard. All emails to me should be sent from your TCC email. If I do not recognize an email
name, I delete the email without opening it! If I receive questions which I think will be common for many
students, I may post an announcement or send an email to the entire class.

Syllabus or Course Schedule Changes: Occasionally, changes to the syllabus or schedule may be necessary.
Students will be notified of changes via Blackboard or MYTCC email.

Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be expected to:
1. Demonstrate improved critical thinking & communication, including reading & writing.
2. Describe citizens’ responsibility in reporting suspected abuse of children and the elderly.
3. Analyze research presented by media, based on understanding research methods. Learn to identify
whether what is presented as research is hype or is valid and worth your attention.
4. Explain how psychological research is applied to everyday life.
5. Define psychological concepts and theories in the study of behavior and mental processes.
6. Integrate new knowledge into students’ lives.
7. Compare the major theories of human development
8. Identify the biopsychosocial changes through each stage of life.
9. Understand the influence of culture on human development.

General Education Goals: General Education courses at TCC ensure our graduates gain skills, knowledge,
and abilities comprising a common foundation for their higher education and backdrop for work and personal
lives. TCC’s General Education goals are: Critical Thinking, Effective Communication, Engaged Learning, and
Technological Proficiency.

Teaching Methods: The class is conducted via discussions on the Discussion Board and required reading using
course text.

Etiquette: Open and mutually respectful communication of varied opinions, beliefs, and perspectives during
online discussion encourages the free exchange of ideas essential to higher learning and the ability to learn from
each other. It is fine for students to disagree with each other, with the text, and with me. Students are expected
to be polite and respectful with each other as well as with me. Rude and sarcastic communication in any
form from or to anyone will not be tolerated and may result in consequences such as being withdrawn
from the course. As the class instructor, it is my duty, and my prerogative, to decide whether any
communication has been inappropriate, and what the consequences will be.

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Evaluation Techniques:*
1) Exams: There are three required exams covering the text, class assignments and activities. Tests include
multiple choice, short answer and discussion questions. A review guide is posted for each exam on the
“Content” tab.
2) I do not ever give makeup exams. If you miss an exam, you must take the Final. If you take the first 3
exams you do not have to take the 4th (Final) exam. If you take all of the first 3 exams, you may take the
Final exam to try to raise your grade, as I will drop the lowest of the 4 grades.
3) Discussion Board: Requirements are posted on the “Course Information” tab, in the document called
“Discussion Board Guidelines.” I do not grade late posts.

Grading System: The semester grade is determined as follows:

1) * Tests--100 points apiece: 300
2) ** Discussion Board--10 points apiece: 50
Total Points Available: 350

90.0-100.0% A
80.0 – 89.9% B
70.0-79.9% C
60.0-69.9% D
00.0-59.9% F
* Most tests have 100 points possible. If the test has more or fewer points, I will adjust the total number
of points accordingly.
** Students need to print and read carefully the document called “Discussion Board Requirements”
which I have posted in the “Content” tab on Blackboard.

Extra Credit: The best way to earn credit is keep up with reading, submit assignments correctly and on time,
and study well for exams. The assignment below is extra credit and optional. Being Extra Credit you cannot do
anything to make it up if you miss the deadline. See “Content” tab for details:
Activity * Max Points Available
Resume: 10
* See Course Schedule in “Information” tab for due date.

Testing Policy: Exams are administered in the Metro Campus Testing Center, room MC1018. Hours are 8am-
7pm Monday-Thursday. During the summer, TCC is closed Friday, Saturday and Sunday, as well as
Independence Day. Bring a current, valid, government-issued photo I.D. to test. Obtain a permit from Campus
Police in MC1005 (595-7263) to use TCC parking lots.
Arrive early enough to complete exam before closing. Tests are collected promptly at closing, whether or not
you’re finished. Grades are posted on Blackboard and are never available by phone or in person.
No materials are permitted in the Center except a SMALL purse, which must be closed and placed on the floor
under your desk, in front of your feet during testing. Very large purses, book bags, diaper bags, head coverings,
food, drinks and electronic devices, are not allowed in the testing center, and must be stored in the cubbies in
the entry. If you are seen with ANY type of electronic device while taking an exam you will be required to
leave the Testing Center without finishing the test.

Late Assignments and Make-Up Work: I do not give makeup tests or accept late assignments. If TCC’s
computer system, or Blackboard itself, are unavailable, I will make accommodations. Problems with your
computer or your network server are not acceptable reasons for late assignments. TCC’s microcomputer labs
and libraries are available to students, as are all public libraries. Please do not ask for extensions without
medical or military documentation. I am prohibited from showing favoritism to any student over another.

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Don’t wait until the last minute to submit assignments: Many things may malfunction on Internet between
your computer and Blackboard. Your personal computer/Internet Service Provider issues are not acceptable
excuses for late work.

Academic Dishonesty: Academic dishonesty (cheating) is defined as the deception of others about one’s own
work or about the work of another. Academic dishonesty or misconduct is not condoned or tolerated at
campuses within Tulsa Community College. Tulsa Community College adopts a policy delegating certain
forms of authority for disciplinary action to faculty. Such disciplinary actions delegated to faculty include,
but are not limited to, the dismissal of disrespectful or disorderly students from classes or the Testing
Center. In the case of academic dishonesty my policy is to:
 Record a "zero" for the assignment or test in question;
 Recommend to the student that the student withdraw from the class, or administratively withdraw the
student from the class;
 Record a grade of "F" for the student at the end of the semester.
 Assignments are submitted for plagiarism detection. Plagiarism is cheating and will be handled in the
same manner. If you are not certain what constitutes plagiarism, contact the Writing Lab.
Faculty may request that disciplinary action be taken against a student at the administrative level by
submitting a request to the Dean of Student Services.

Submitting Assignments: Keep an electronic copy of all assignments on your computer until end of semester.

Students with Disabilities: TCC provides accommodations for students in compliance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act. For information contact the disabled Student Resource Center
918-595-7115 (MC331B) or the Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing 918-595-7428,
918-595-7434TTY. Students are responsible for arranging appropriate services with the dSRC.

Course Withdrawal: Please see Course Schedule for date of last date to withdraw/change from “credit” to
“audit.” Students who stop participating in course and fail to withdraw may receive a grade “F” or may be
administratively withdrawn with an “AW,” which may have financial aid consequences for the student

Inclement Weather: If extreme weather conditions or emergency situations arise, TCC gives cancellation
notices to radio/television stations. The information is also posted on TCC’s website (www.tulsacc.edu).

Role of Faculty: The role of faculty is to facilitate and evaluate student learning. The instructor’s role is not
that of personal counselor or therapist. Some content may serve as a “trigger” for some students. Students who
find themselves in this situation or have mental health needs should contact TCC Student Health Services
(MC1011, 595-7270) for referral to agencies or individuals who can provide personal counseling and assistance.

Statement of Understanding: It is understood that the student has read the syllabus. The syllabus represents
the rules and procedures for the class. By remaining enrolled in this class, the student tacitly agrees to accept
the above-stated rules and procedures. If any of these are not to the student's liking, the student accepts
responsibility for withdrawing from the class.

Institutional Statement: Each student is responsible for being aware of the information contained in the TCC
Catalog, TCC Student Handbook, Student Code of Conduct Policy Handbook, and semester information listed
in the class schedule. All information may be viewed on the TCC website: www.tulsacc.edu

Syllabus Changes: The Syllabus and Course Schedule may be revised. If they are, an announcement will be
posted on course site, and new Syllabus or Course Schedule will be attached in Information tab.

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