dr. ann marie yaros

Psychology A230

Psychology of Adjustment

Sample – Not Offered This semester

Instructor:  Ann Marie Yaros,  MSW, Ph.D.,  LCSW

Phone:   745-9757    pfamy@uaa.alaska.edu

Text:   ADJUSTMENT AND GROWTH IN A CHANGING WORLD

            Napoli, Kilbride, & Tebbs - West Publishers

COURSE OVERVIEW:  Study of sources and problems of stress.  Examines self esteem and interpersonal relationships from perspective coping skills.  Emphasizes taking control of one's life.  Covers overview of adjustment and growth, personality, self esteem, health, intimacy, communication, decision making, work, adjustment problems.

OBJECTIVE:  The student is to demonstrate learning of the material by:

                     1.  Participating in class discussions.

                     2.  Passing quizzes.

                     3.  Writing a term paper.

ATTENDANCE POLICY:  Attendance is important and will be taken at each class.  The student is expected to have read the text and workbook chapters before each class in order to participate in the group discussions.  The course is designed for learning through group interaction, workbook exercises, as well as material from the text.

The first absence is tolerated.  The second and third absence must be made up with a five (5) page outline on the missed text chapters to be turned in at the next class period.  Three missed absences in a row, or five total absences will result in the student being dropped from the course.  Three or more absences will result in a lower grade regardless of points earned.  There will be 1 point taken off for each class missed.

GRADING POLICY:  Each student is expected to do the work required or to withdraw.  Grades are determined by points earned.

     A:  Honors - Comprehensive mastery of the required work  92 - 100 points

     B:  High level of performance - 82 - 91 points

     C:  Satisfactory Performance - 72 - 81 points

     D:  Lowest passing grade - 62 - 71 points

     F:  Failure - 0 - 61 points

MSC and UAA's Policy on an Incomplete Grade

Incompletes may be granted at the discretion of the instructor only if the student has a C average and is able to demonstrate extenuating circumstances.

GRADES:

ASSIGNMENTS:  75 points

There will be five (5) assignments each worth 15 points.  The assignments are to be done at home and turned in at the beginning of each designated class.  Penalty for an assignment handed in late, regardless of reason, is five (5) points taken off.

TERM PAPER:  25 points.

The student may write on any topic of interest related to the field.  An "A" student should be able to demonstrate excellence both in knowledge of the topic and ability to communicate the content well.  The paper must be typed, double spaced, and documented, using the APA style of documentation.  A minimum of five (5) books and/or scholarly journals are to be used for reference materials.  At least two of the references must be within the past five years.  The paper may not be redone after grading.  Any paper turned in late, regardless of reason, will be penalized 10 points.  University policy for plagiarism is dismissal.  The paper should be a minimum of 7 pages, not including outline, bibliography, notes, charts, etc.

Typed topic/thesis statement  = 2 1/2 points

Typed outline and bibliography = 2 1/2 points

Final Paper = 20 points

The paper itself should be a minimum of 7 pages (does not include outline, bibliography, end notes, charts, etc.).  The topic/thesis statement, outline, and bibliography must be turned in on the date specified AND must also be included with your final paper.

CHEATING

Cheating is not tolerated at Matanuska-Susitna College.  It constitutes grounds for dismissal from the University.  Cheating is defined as any means by which a student uses unauthorized assistance to prepare materials submitted as his/her own.

Students are responsible for following rules and regulations in the Matanuska-Susitna Catalog, the University of Alaska Anchorage Catalog, and the Student Handbook. 

PSYCHOLOGY 230
SCHEDULE