CLP 3003:  COURSE DESCRIPTION AND SYALLABUS

                                   Fall 2004

                            

 

 

Classroom: GC 280

Class Time: M & W 5:00 PM - 6:15 PM,

INSTRUCTOR: R. Beneckson

DM 285

305-348-2764

rb@psych.lover.org

Office Hours: F 3:00 - 5:00 PM

 

 

 

This course is a study of personal adjustment in the life of the individual.  We will study the relationship of the individual to him/her self, to other people, and to the requirements of society.  We will study research on stress, happiness, interpersonal communication, personality theory, human development, sex and gender, friendship and marriage, physical health, and careers and work.  The goal of this course is to expose the student to knowledge in these areas so that the student may apply them to improve the quality of their lives.

 

 

Textbooks: Weiten and Lloyd, Psychology Applied to Modern Life, seventh edition.            Wadsworth, 2003.

 

Corey & Corey, I Never Knew I Had a Choice, seventh edition. Brooks-Cole, 2002.

 

                

 

 

Basic Requirements:

 

This course will be taught through study of the textbook, lecture, video programs, discussion, and dialogue.  Class participation will be highly emphasized and rewarded. There will be 2 exams, with multiple choice and/or essays The highest exam grade will be counted twice.  Students are required to keep a journal applying the material from each chapter to real aspects of their lives.

 

What is required of the student is an open mind and the desire to learn.  In addition to the basic material, the emphasis on this course is learning how to enjoy the process of learning itself, thinking critically, and seeing how research and academic material may be applied in a practical context to self-study.

 

 

Grading:  Your final grade in the course is based on the total of the 2 exams, plus extra credit points, plus credit for the class presentation, credit for workbook assignments, plus points for random attendance checks, and class participation. The workbook assignments are mandatory. All mandatory assignments must be done or points are subtracted for each missing assignment.  Each student is required to participate in a small group presentation based on a specific application (these appear at the end of each chapter) and other material.  The maximum for the class presentation is 7 points.  The personal journal is worth a minimum of 3 points and a maximum of 16 points. The workbook assignments are worth a possible 10 points, but may be lower depending on the quantity and quality of the work.

Other extra credit points depend on the specific project, but generally are between 5 and 10 points.

 

A = 275+

A- = 265-274

B+ = 260-264

B = 240-259

B- = 235-239

C+ = 230-234

C = 210-229

C- = 205-209

D+ = 200-204

D = 180-199

D- = 175-179

F = 0-174

 

Course Policies:  Please be aware of the following course policies as they can have an effect on your grade in the course.

          Exam policy:  Do not arrive late or fail to show up for an exam.  If you arrive 15 minutes after the exam has started you will not be allowed to take it.  In the event of medical emergency, you must provide an official notice from your physician, if accepted, alternative arrangements will be made.  See the instructor for permission to make up an exam.

          Academic dishonesty:  Instances of cheating will be not be tolerated and will be dealt with in accordance with policies established by Florida International University.  Please refer to the Student Handbook.

          Classroom conduct:  Arriving late, leaving early, or otherwise being disruptive during lectures will not be tolerated.  If you know in advance that you will arrive late/leave early, notify the instructor prior to class.  Please turn off cell phones and beepers during class.

          Related concerns:  If at anytime during the semester you are concerned about your progress, please feel free to speak to me about it.  My office hours are Monday thru Thursday 2:30 - 5:00 PM.

            Extra Credit: There will be the opportunity to earn extra credit at the community garden the psychology department maintains. In addition, short research papers may be done for extra points with the permission of the instructor.  See the instructor for more information.

 

 

Course Outline:  Below are the scheduled lecture topics and corresponding textbook chapters.  Please make every effort to read the chapter prior to lecture.  Lectures will also present material not found in the textbook.  This schedule is subject to change based on the progress of the class.  Therefore, it is essential that you come to class regularly to keep abreast of any changes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COURSE OUTLINE

 

 

 

                    Topic:                     Textbook    Weitan & Lloyd   Corey & Corey

 

Adjusting to Modern Life                                       Chapter 1             1

Personality Test                                                          http://cac.psu.edu/~j5j/test/ipipneo1.htm

New Findings in Stress and Health

Theories of Personality                                      Chapter 2             2

Stress and Its Effects                                             Chapter 3             5    

Coping Processes                                            Chapter 4             5

The Self Chapter 5 3

                                  

Social Cognition and Social Influence                   Chapter 6            13  

Interpersonal Communication                                       Chapter 7                             

Review    

Exam 1

Friendship and Love                                         Chapter 8            6, 11

Development and Expression of Sexuality             Chapter 13          9       

Marriage and Intimate Relationships                    Chapter 9            7

Gender and Behavior                                           Chapter 10          8

                                                    

Careers and Work                                                       Chapter 12          10    

Psychology and Physical Health                         Chapter 14         4

Psychological Disorders                                             Chapter 15         12

Psychotherapy                                                Chapter 16       14     

Review

Exam 2 Wednesday, December 15 3:30 PM to 6:15 PM