LIBERTY UNIVERSITYPSYC 499 Psychological Foundations of Learning (3 Credit Hours)

Fall Semester 2011

Marilyn Gadomski, Ph. D. Office Hours MWF 8:30-10mlgadoms@liberty.edu 11-12434-592-4036 (O) or 434-841-3437 (C) TR 11-2DEMOSS 4008 J Drop In or By Appointment

I. Course Description Selected topics in psychology will be treated at an advanced level. Experience will be acquired in clinical settings and through exposure/intern opportunities. Application procedures processed through the Career Center. Must apply semester prior to completing internship.

II. RationaleThe Practicum is an experiential application of the research and theories from the previous Psychology courses. Senior Psychology majors apply to a research or community agency for 125 hours (for 3 credit hours, 42 work hours per credit hour) of observation and participation. The requirements of the agency are carried out and documented in a detailed daily log of activities. The log, along with personal reactions to the set of experiences, forms the basis for a Reaction paper of 10 typewritten pages. The course, in direct experience in the science of Psychology or in helping persons with special needs, enhances awareness of the responsibilities and skills needed for professional employment in the psychological services, and requires a synthesis of human development in spiritual, social, emotional, and cognitive behavior patterns. An understanding of the behavior and learning potential of persons who are different in some aspects can be an effective tool for intrapersonal and interpersonal Christian growth.

III. Prerequisite statementSenior standing, major in Psychology.

IV. Materials List (optional) (2010). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.). USA: American Psychological Association.

(ISBN# 978-1-55798-790-7)

V. Learning Outcomes1.0 Students will be able to demonstrate competence in the major concepts in Psychology.3.0 Students will be able to use critical thinking to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes.4.0 Students will be able to weigh evidence, tolerate ambiguity, act ethically, and reflect values in their personal and professional behavior that are the underpinnings of the multiple perspectives of psychology as a discipline and Christian\Biblical faith and praxis.5.0 Students will be able to communicate effectively in written, oral, and technological formats. 6.0 Students will be able to recognize, and respect the complexity of socio-cultural and international diversity.

VI. Assignments/RequirementsSenior AssessmentTake the GRE-based Psychology exam of 140 questions. This is a free GRE trial for students, and it provides internal assessment for the Psychology program. Prepare with online or paper GRE study guides. The maximum grade of 10 points is for earning a score at the national 80th percentile; completion of the Senior Assessment is required to pass PSYC 499. Senior Assessment score is based on standard scores of 120-200, with a mean of 156. Points will be earned as follows: 1=120-125; 2= 126; 3=131; 4=136; 5=141; 6=146; 7=151; 8=156; 9=161; 10=166.

Supervisor’s EvaluationsA MidTerm and a Final Supervisor’s Evaluation is available in the PSYC 499 syllabus and at the Supervisor’s Evaluation link in the Assignments area of Blackboard. Submit the MidTerm Evaluation when you have completed ½ of your hours; submit the Final Evaluation at least one week before the end of the term. Completion of the two Supervisor’s Evaluations is required to receive the Ethics score and to pass PSYC 499.

EthicsHigh personal and professional integrity is an integral aspect of Christian Psychology. The Ethics score will be recorded after both of the Supervisor’s Evaluations, and the Reaction Paper at both links, are submitted in Blackboard. It is likely

that full credit will be recorded for your Ethics score; you will know if plagiarism or confidentiality/integrity/accountability have presented problems in your internship experience.

MeetingsFour classroom meetings will be held during Fall and Spring terms; virtual meetings in the Discussion Board of Blackboard enhance the class meetings of local Lynchburg interns and replace the face-to-face meetings of interns living outside of the Lynchburg area. Complete the Discussion Board assignments as you finish ¼, ½, and the End of your hours—NOT all at the end of the term.

LogA record of your internship experiences must be kept in electronic format. For every internship work session, document the date, times, and running total of hours to that point along with the narration describing the setting and events. The log should include the graded areas—Behavior Patterns, Theories, Benefits, Suggestions--of the Reaction Paper and serves as the basis of information in the Reaction Paper. Submit your Log at the link in Blackboard.

Reaction Paper Your Reactions to the entire internship experience, along with a description of the events and records from your log, will comprise the academic portion of this experiential learning. Significant portions of the Reaction Paper must be devoted to Patterns of Behavior, Theories to interpret those patterns, Benefits (strengths), and Suggestions (weaknesses) found in the agency, supervisor, co-workers, and people being served. Submit your Reaction Paper at the link in Blackboard, at least one week before the end of the term.

Psychology Activity CreditsEach student is expected to complete four Psychology activities throughout the semester. Three of these activities must be ones that are posted on the Psychology Department’s web page (www.liberty.edu/academics/arts-sciences/psychology/index.cfm?PID=6732), or activities that are pre-approved by the instructor of this course. These may include speaker events, volunteer activities, or church/community events. Since Activities aim to increase professional experience and the Internship is experiential, the three experiential Activities in PSYC 499 may be events within the internship agency as named in the Announcements in Blackboard. The fourth activity will be the end-of-semester course evaluation survey. The activities will account for 2% of the course grade and must be submitted at least one week before the end of the term.

VII. Grading Policies

A = 90–100% B = 80–89% C = 70-79% D = 60–69% F = 0–59% 900-1000 points 800-899 points 700-799 points 600-699 points 0-599 points

Late submissions: Assignments are due on the posted due date. No late submission of assignments is permitted unless accompanied by appropriate documentation of illness, emergency or school activity.

The PSYC 499 internship is different from all other online courses, in that you must coordinate your work time with an outside agency. Therefore, the due dates of assignments cannot be set the same for all students since some agencies ask for all work hours to be completed within some four-week session, while others require the entire A-term to schedule the work hours. You must be disciplined to submit the assignments without the module guidelines of other online courses.

The Course Checklist must be submitted in the first two days of the term. The Discussion Board Introduction, Activities, and Psychology-content GRE Practice exam should be completed and submitted by the fourth week of the term. The Discussion Board Questions, other virtual meetings assignments, your Log of hours and events, and the Supervisor’s Evaluations should be completed as soon as the work hours allow; the Supervisor’s Evaluations should be separated, not submitted at the same time, so that intervention can occur if there is a need.

The Reaction Paper must be submitted at two links, one which retains formatting for grading and the other which checks for originality (no plagiarism); you can see your TurnItIn score after submission. Your Ethics points will be added after your Supervisor’s Evaluations and Reaction Paper (at both links) have been submitted with no ethics violations.

It is recommended that all assignments be submitted at least one week before the term ends; the last day of the term is the final due date for any assignment to be submitted.

The final grade will be based on the following criteria for 3-6 credit hours, with 42 work hours/credit hour and 3 1/3 pages of the Reaction Paper percredit hour. All of these requirements must be completed to receive a grade. Course Checklist 20 points

Successful completion of Senior Assessment; grade based on score, with completion required to pass course

100 points Grading scale

Supervisor’s MidTerm (40 points) and Final (40 points) evaluation of the attitudes and skills demonstrated;

80 points A 90-100900-1000 points

High personal ethical and professional conduct 80 points B 80-89800-899 points

Participation in four class meetings and in Discussion Board 100 points C 70-79700-799 points

Documentation of three activities + Course Evaluation (5 point each) 20 points D 60-69600-699 points

Log documentation of at least 125 hours for 3 credits (42 hours/credit hour), with noted patterns of behavior;

100 points F 0-590-599 points

Personal reactions with noted benefits andsuggestions (10 points), in a 10-page—3 ½ pages/credit hour--(20 points)

reaction paper with a theoreticalexplanation of behavior patterns (20 points).

500 points

Turnitin link for Reaction Paper 0 points, but required

VIII. Other Policies Attendance PolicyRegular and punctual attendance in the four class sessions is expected of all local Lynchburg students; virtual class sessions are on Blackboard for interns outside of the Lynchburg area and for reinforcement of class content for Lynchburg interns. If, for some reason, you are living in Lynchburg and are unable to attend class, you are expected to communicate via e-mail or phone that you will not be attending. Students that miss class are expected to get the details of what they miss from their classmates.

Classes that meet once per week or less will permit no more than one unexcused absence per semester.Penalties for unexcused absences will be 50 points out of 1,000 (5%) for each unexcused absence over the permitted number per semester. Save the one free absence for an urgent time since no excused/unexcused difference will be noted except for university-sponsored events with sponsor notes.

Dress CodeStudents are expected to come to class dressed in a manner consistent with The Liberty Way.

Honor CodeWe, the students, faculty, and staff of Liberty University, have a responsibility to uphold the moral and ethical standards of this institution and personally confront those who do not. The Honor Code as in the Liberty Way is in effect; any breach of the Honor Code, including plagiarism, will result in a grade of 0% for that piece of work and possibly a grade of F for the course.

Academic MisconductAcademic misconduct includes academic dishonesty, plagiarism, and falsification. See The Liberty Way for specific definitions, penalties, and processes for reporting.

Disability StatementStudents with a documented disability may contact the Office of Disability Academic Support (ODAS) in DH 2016 to make arrangements for academic accommodations.  For all disability testing accommodation requests (i.e. quieter environment, extended time, oral testing, etc.) the Tutoring/Testing Center is the officially designated place for all tests administered outside of the regular classroom.

Drop/Add PolicyA Fall/Fall course may be dropped without a grade, tuition, and fee charges within the first five days of the semester. From the sixth day until the end of the tenth week, a Fall/Fall course may be withdrawn with a grade of W or WF.

Classroom PoliciesThe inappropriate use of technology, such as cell phones, iPods, laptops, calculators in the classroom is not tolerated. Other disruptive behavior in the classroom is not tolerated. Students who engage in such misconduct will be subject to the penalties and processes as written in The Liberty Way.

X. Calendar for the semester/termSCHEDULED Tuesday MEETING DAYS—7:40 AM in DH 4024

August 30 Placement confirmation. Contact the agency and begin to accumulate hours. Post a question and Prayer Concern in the Blackboard (Bb) Discussion Board

(DB).September 27 Progress, Statistics on behavior patterns. Keep a record of the frequency of

some behavior. Submit ¼ report in the Discussion Board.

October 25 Progress, Theories of behavior patternsChoose cognitive development (Piaget), social modeling,

and/or Behaviorism as an explanation for the behavior. Submit ½ report in the Discussion Board.

November 29 Reactions to observed patterns; log and paper due.What do you now believe/feel about the treatment patterns in your agency of

Internship? Submit the End report in the Discussion Board.

XII. Curriculum Objective Mapping

Assignment Psychology Department Curriculum ObjectivesSenior Assessment 1.1 Characterize the nature of psychology as a discipline.

1.2 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding representing appropriate breadth and depth in selected content areas of psychology: theory and research representing general domains, the history of psychology, relevant levels of analysis, overarching themes, and relevant ethical issues.1.3 Use the concepts, language, and major theories of the discipline to account for psychological phenomena.1.4 Explain major perspectives of psychology (e.g., behavioral, biological, cognitive,

evolutionary, humanistic, psychodynamic, and sociocultural).

Supervisor’s Evaluations 6.1 Interact effectively and sensitively with people from diverse backgrounds and cultural perspectives.

6.2 Examine the sociocultural and international contexts that influence individual differences.

6.3 Explain how individual differences influence beliefs, values, and interactions with others and vice versa.

6.4 Understand how privilege, power, and oppression may affect prejudice, discrimination, and inequity.

6.5 Recognize prejudicial attitudes and discriminatory behaviors that might exist in themselves and others.

Ethics 4.1 Recognize that ethically complex situations can develop in the application of psychological principles.

4.2 Recognize the necessity for ethical behavior in all aspects of the science and practice of professional and personal areas.

Assignment Psychology Department Curriculum ObjectivesMeetings, Log 3.1 Use critical thinking effectively.

3.2 Engage in creative thinking.3.3 Use reasoning to recognize, develop, defend, and criticize arguments and other

persuasive appeals.3.4 Approach problems effectively.4.1 Recognize that ethically complex situations can develop in the application of

psychological principles.4.2 Recognize the necessity for ethical behavior in all aspects of the science and

practice of professional and personal areas.4.3 Demonstrate reasonable skepticism and intellectual curiosity by asking questions

about causes of behavior.4.4 Seek and evaluate scientific evidence for psychological claims and biblical truth.4.5 Tolerate ambiguity and realize that psychological explanations are often complex

and tentative.4.6 Recognize and respect human diversity and understand that psychological

explanations may vary across populations and contexts.4.7 Assess and justify their engagement with respect to civic, social, and global

responsibilities.4.8 Understand the limitations of theirs and others psychological knowledge and

skills.4.9 Apply knowledge of psychology (e.g., decision strategies, life span processes,

psychological assessment, and types of psychological careers) to formulating career choices.

4.10 Identify the types of academic experience and performance in psychology and the liberal arts that will facilitate entry into the work force, post-baccalaureate education, or both.

4.11 Describe preferred career paths based on accurate self-assessment of abilities, achievement, motivation, and work habits.

4.12 Identify and develop skills and experiences relevant to achieving selected career goals.

4.13 Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of lifelong learning and personal flexibility to sustain personal and professional development as the nature of work evolves.

4.14 Describe major applied areas of psychology (e.g., clinical, counseling, industrial/organizational, school, health).

4.15 Articulate how psychological principles can be used to explain social issues and inform public policy.

4.16 Apply psychological concepts, theories, and research findings as these relate to everyday life.

4.17 Describe major applied areas of psychology (e.g., clinical, counseling, industrial/organizational, school, health).

4.18 Identify appropriate applications of psychology in solving problems, such as (a) the pursuit and effect of health lifestyles (b) origin and treatment of abnormal behavior,(c) psychological tests and measurements, and (d) psychology-based interventions in clinical, counseling, educational, industrial/organizational community, and other settings and their empirical evaluation.

4.19 Articulate how psychological principles can be used to explain social issues and inform public policy. Apply psychological concepts, theories, and research findings as these relate to everyday life.

5.6 Demonstrate effective oral communication skills in various formats (e.g., group discussion, debate, lecture) and for various purposes (e.g., informing,. defending, explaining, persuading, arguing, teaching).

Assignment Psychology Department Curriculum ObjectivesReaction Paper

(objectives in addition to the Meetings and Log, which are preparation for the Reaction Paper)

1.1 Characterize the nature of psychology as a discipline.1.2 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding representing appropriate breadth and depth in selected content areas of psychology: theory and research representing general domains, the history of psychology, relevant levels of analysis, overarching themes, and relevant ethical issues.1.3 Use the concepts, language, and major theories of the discipline to account for psychological phenomena.1.4 Explain major perspectives of psychology (e.g., behavioral, biological, cognitive,

evolutionary, humanistic, psychodynamic, and sociocultural).5.5 Demonstrate effective writing skills in various formats (e.g., essays,

correspondence, technical papers, note taking) and for various purposes (e.g., informing, defending, explaining, persuading, arguing, teaching).

5.8 Demonstrate effective interpersonal communication skills.5.9 Exhibit the ability to collaborate effectively.

Psychology Activities 4.9 Apply knowledge of psychology (e.g., decision strategies, life span processes, psychological assessment, and types of psychological careers) to formulating career choices.4.10 Identify the types of academic experience and performance in psychology and the liberal arts that will facilitate entry into the work force, post-baccalaureate education, or both.4.11 Describe preferred career paths based on accurate self-assessment of abilities, achievement, motivation, and work habits.4.12 Identify and develop skills and experiences relevant to achieving selected career goals.

PSYC 499 Paper EvaluationSenior Assessment score is based on standard scores of 120-200, with a mean of 156. Points will be earned as follows: 10=120-125; 20= 126; 30=131; 40=136; 50=141; 60=146; 70=151; 80=156; 90=161; 100=166.

Successful completion of Senior Assessment 100 points

Supervisor’s Evaluations 80 points

Professional Ethics 100 points

4 class meetings and Discussion Board 100 points

Documentation of four Activities 20 points

Log of 125 hours/3 credit hours, daily running total 100 points

Paper Benefits, Suggestions 100 points

10 pages/3 credit hours 200 points

Patterns, Theory 200 points

Copy this grading chart onto the end of your Reaction Paper. It will be used for scoring your paper, and you will be reminded of every graded aspect of your paper.

Instructions for Paper

Include the PSYC 499 Paper Evaluation form with the completed assignment.

The following are some common mistakes that you will avoid. Most are according to the standards of appropriate formal writing; some are especially applicable to scientific thought and writing in APA style.

Technical writing Use third person references. Avoid “you” or “I” except in the case of personal experience examples.

Use formal language--no contractions or informal terms ("a lot",”thing”,"hyper"). Use past tense verbs to describe all findings—the events have already happened. Match nouns, pronouns, verbs for singular/plural form, even though it is sometimes awkward to avoid gender issues

(he/she, themselves). Try using all plurals or alternating the singular gender reference. Edit carefully for punctuation and grammatical constructions. Christians must be articulate in order to be influential and

persuasive.

Style Include a title page with the name of the paper and your name, and the agency name. Put a References page at the end, using hanging indent, if any sources have been cited. Cite sources in the form (author, year). Every source cited in the Paper must be in the References; every entry in the

References must be cited in the Paper. The paper may be a chronological account of your experience, a focus on a particular area of interest from the

experience, or an analysis of how the experience has affected your perception of these clients. Be careful to cover all areas adequately in the Paper Evaluation by using each bold term as a Paper heading for a section.

Liberty University Undergraduate Internship ProgramCareer Center • 1971 University Blvd. Lynchburg, VA 24502

434-592-4036 • psyc499intern@liberty.edu •

Mid - Internship Site Supervisor Evaluation

Name of Student Intern: _________________________________________________________________

Name of Organization: __________________________________________________________________

Name of Site Supervisor: ________________________________________________________________

Supervisor’s Phone: ____________________ Email: __________________________________________

1. Please give a short description of the student’s job duties/assignments to date.

2. Are you satisfied with the student’s overall performance thus far? Yes __________ No __________Please comment:

3. Are there any specific areas the student should focus on or needs improvement in during the remainder of the internship?

4. Additional comments.

Supervisor’s Signature___________________________________ Date ________________________

Discuss these areas with the intern. When ½ of the internship hours are completed, scan and email to Student Intern, OR give paper copy to Student Intern to be scanned and submitted in Blackboard OR fax to 434-522-0475

Liberty University Undergraduate Internship ProgramCareer Center • 1971 University Blvd. Lynchburg, VA 24502

434-592-4036 • psyc499intern@liberty.edu

Final Site Supervisor Evaluation

Name of Student Intern: ______________________________________________________________

Name of Organization: _______________________________________________________________

Name of Site Supervisor: ______________________________________________________________

Supervisor’s Phone: ______________________________ Email: ______________________________

1. Please give a short description of the student’s accomplishments and whether the student achieved the learning objectives.

2. This student’s strength(s) are:

3. This student needs improvement in the area(s) of:

4. Were you satisfied with the student’s overall performance? Yes_____ No_____Please comment:

5. Was this student a valuable asset to your organization? Yes _____ No_____Please explain:

6. What is the likelihood of this student succeeding in this field?

7. Additional comments (if any).

Please indicate on the scale below your evaluation of your student intern during his/her semester with your organization.

Characteristics Superior Good Average Marginal Unsatisfactory N/AAttendance/Punctuality

Appropriate attire

Dependability/Reliability

Courtesy

Cooperation with company rules

Ability to follow instructions

Ability to learn and understand

Ability to work with others

Ability to work independently

Quality of task completion

Timeliness of task completion

Willingness to take on new tasks

Initiative

Judgment

Learning attitude/accepts constructive criticism

Oral and written communication skills

Supervisor’s Signature_________________________________________Date______________________

Discuss these areas with the intern. At least one week before the end of the term, scan and email to Student Intern, OR give paper copy to Student Intern to be scanned and submitted in Blackboard OR fax to 434-522-0475.

Activities Report Forms

Student Name Theme/Purpose and Summary of Activity

Event Value/Relation to life plans

Date/Time/ Location

Question(s) that could be asked of speaker/leader

Benefit to Profession

Suggestion for improvement or for future events

Complete one chart for each event and for each course in 2-3 sentences per box. Submit all 3 charts in one document in Assignments.Full credit will only be awarded if every box has a thoughtful response. MGadomski PSYC 499