PSY 100: Course Structure and Assessment Notes

Course Overview

  • Study of psychology: psychological disorders, biological psychology, human behavior, and its impact on mind and life.
  • Instructor contact: email via student email.
  • Brightspace for LMS (quizzes, homework, grades); Blackboard for some content.
  • Instructions and deadlines via lectures and Brightspace.

Grading Structure (Summary)

  • 70-80 ext{%} of work is online (quizzes, homework).
  • Components: quizzes, homework (online & Excel), in-class writing, presentations.
  • Research participation (SONA) is a credit requirement, not a direct grade component.

Quizzes

  • 25 quizzes, 1 point each; total 25 points.
  • Auto-graded on Brightspace; 3 attempts, highest score recorded.
  • Content: short reading, multiple choice/short-answer.
  • Quizzes 1–9 due October 3 at 11:59 PM; no reopening after deadline.
  • Can be completed in one sitting or spread out.

Homework

  • Nine online homeworks (2 points each = 18 points).
  • Six Excel graph tasks (6 points).
  • Total homework: 24 points (18 + 6 = 24).
  • HW 1–3 due October 3, 11:59 PM; later batches unannounced.
  • Accessed/submitted via Brightspace; confirmation email on submission.
  • Based on lecture slides; Excel tasks have provided data and YouTube tutorials.
  • Contributes 24 ext{%} of overall grade.

In-Class Writing (Low Stakes) and Attendance

  • Daily question on loose leaf paper, submitted at end of class.
  • Worth 6 ext{%} of final grade.
  • Attendance for first two classes recorded; after that, tracked via writing submissions.
  • Include your name on submissions.

Presentations and Projects

  • Account for 45 ext{%} of the final grade.
  • Two presentations planned (originally three; second converted to writing).
  • Groups up to three people, or solo.
  • First project (Psychological Disorders):
    • Sign-up sheet and topics next week.
    • Approx. five minutes, five PowerPoint slides (template provided).
    • Scheduled early October (e.g., October 6 & 8).
  • Second project (Role-play - Hidden Figures):
    • Simplified one-slide writing assignment (template provided).
    • Part of end-of-term work (December milestone).
  • Note: October 14 is a Monday schedule day, attend 12:20 – 02:15 if Tuesday class.

Research Participation Credits (Sona System)

  • Required: 4 ext{ research credits} for PSY 100.
  • Email with login/link to CSI email ~September 9.
  • Earn credits via on-campus events (up to 4 credits) or online quizzes (e.g., 2 credits).
  • Failure to complete 4 credits results in an incomplete grade; grade updated after completion in spring semester.

Deadlines, Extensions, and Scheduling Details

  • Key fixed deadlines:
    • Quizzes 1–9: due by October 3 at 11:59 PM.
    • HW 1–3: due by October 3 at 11:59 PM.
  • Later batches (Quizzes 10–18, HW 4–6; Quizzes 19–25, HW 7–9) due in November/December.
  • Late work for final batch (HW 7–9, Quizzes 19–25) accepted until Friday, December (date unclear), but may be reduced/no revision.

Schedule and Class Sessions

  • Regular meetings with specific Monday schedule observance for October 14.
  • Next class covers Chapter 4 (Psychological Disorders) for first project prep.

Key Logistics and Support

  • CSI student email and Brightspace are primary communication and resource hubs.
  • Presentation templates available on Brightspace.
  • Ask questions in class or via Brightspace/email.

Practical Implications and Study Tips

  • Plan ahead using a semester calendar for all deadlines.
  • Leverage online format for quizzes and homework; don't procrastinate.
  • Use Excel tutorials for graph tasks.
  • Start Sona credits early to avoid holds on grades.

Quick Reference Formulas and Numbers

  • Quizzes: 25 quizzes \times 1 point each = 25 points
  • Homework: online 9 ext{ online} \times 2 = 18 points; Excel 6 ext{ points}; Total 24 points
  • In-class writing: 6 ext{ points}
  • Presentations: 45 ext{ points}
  • Total possible course points: 25 + 24 + 6 + 45 = 100
  • Weight checks: 25 ext{%} + 24 ext{%} + 6 ext{%} + 45 ext{%} = 100 ext{%}
  • Research credits: 4 ext{ credits} required

Notes on Ambiguities from Transcript

  • Some dates (e.g., exact December due dates) are unclear; verify with Brightspace/syllabus.
  • Confirm late work policy with instructor.
  • Excel component breakdown within total homework points may be clarified in