Awareness

“Our wounds are often the openings

into the best and most beautiful part of us."

― David Richo

Introduction - Course Home Page

Welcome to my Spring, 2021 Pure Online Psych 1A Canvas Course Home Page!

Over the duration of this 17-Week Spring Semester Course, there are tasks that must be completed in a timely manner.

This webpage is the "Front Page," otherwise known as the "Home Page," for this "Late Start" pure Online Psych 1A --- Introduction to Psychology Course, Section 5986. This class is a pure online class that is conducted entirely online. If you wish to get started immediately, read this web page carefully and then proceed to the Course Syllabus link, which is always found in the "navigational toolbar" in the left hand margin sidebar of this course website. The syllabus has links for getting started with the course. But please don't cut corners. It realistically takes two-to-four hours to become fully familiar with this canvas class website.

Students who do not complete the New Class Check-In Discussion Board Post prior to 11:59 PM, Saturday, January 23, 2021 will be considered a "non-participating student" and dropped from this course. Their class spot will be given to another student on the college "electronic wait list."

In the event of class closure (class is full), there is an automatic "electronic wait list" in place. Please DO NOT contact departmental staff about a matter that is out of our hands.

Please note that professor will be (for the most part) unavailable for email, other communications, and/or website management until January 13, 2021. This website becomes fully operational --- on or before January 13, 2021. Please become fully familiar with the website when it opens. ALL aspects of this course are entirely online. See particulars below.

“Life's short!

Eat dessert first!"

― Dr. J. Davis Mannino

Welcome

Spring, 2021 Program

Hi! Welcome to my class. To assure your success please read the following carefully. I want you to start off on the right foot and do well in my class and at Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC). Take a moment and Meet Your Professor!

STOP! READ CAREFULLY - Please click on the Course Syllabus icon located in the "Navigational Toolbar" in the left sidebar of this webpage. Be certain you review all the links located in the syllabus very carefully before signing up and proceeding with this course. It is especially crucial that you read all the content in the Course Basics section of the "Course Syllabus." Within Course Basics, two of the most important areas to review are Workload and Grading Policy sections.

When you have a good understanding of all this information, read and review thoroughly Module #0 entitled: "Things To Do Before Starting This Course." This course is divided into 15 modules. Each module has a series of tasks that flow from one task to another. You should have reviewed the modules section within the course syllabus link.

When this website opens, do NOT complete any assignments until after you are fully familiar with the course website. Also it might be wise to wait until just a few days before the actual start of classes as the website is often still "under construction." Early submissions may be lost in "cyberspace" until the course website and gradebook is fully operational. The grades section for submissions opens only a few days before the actual start of classes. So beware! If you are eager to get started, secure your books, start reading, and spend other time becoming familiar with ALL aspects of the course website.

When the website is operational, registered students should officially complete the New Class Check-In Discussion Board Post located in the "Discussions" section and then begin fully exploring the course Website. Also, please report any errors or glitches to me ASAP. Thank you.

Due to professor time limitations, use email for all correspondence. Telephone calls in all likelihood will not be returned in any timely fashion, as course is conducted off campus.

Internet Surf's Up! Good Surfing!

Course Organization (brief) - Section 5986

1. Please be aware that this is a Pure Online Class Section of Introduction to Psychology. This means 100% of the class is online. Participation in this special class requires computer savvy, considerable writing skills, intensive effort at times, and a mature discipline to complete satisfactorily.

2. Please note that you must take four out of five exams ALL online, which are administered on Saturdays.

3. To be successful in this course, students must have home access to a modern computer, the Internet through an ISP connection, and email capabilities. It is important to know how to send attachments using "Microsoft Word." Other types of word processing software are unacceptable for this particular course. The interface between AOL and this course has proven to be problematic when using their web browser. So if you must use AOL, be certain to work with Firefox, Safari, or a current Microsoft Explorer browser within AOL.

4. Students need a savvy understanding of how computers work and how to use the Internet reasonably well. The professor does not provide computer training.

5. It is highly recommended that a student considering taking this course first read SRJC's "Online Requirements" webpage, and then, take the "Self-Assessment Quiz" to measure your readiness to take an "Online" course here at SRJC. That URL Website address is http://online.santarosa.edu/catedocs/reqs.html

6. If --- after reviewing all there is to know about my websites --- you feel unable to successfully complete an online course, consider taking SRJC's three week course entitled: "How To Take An Online Course." The course name is CSKLS 334 and is taught out of the college skills department. It is worth credit too.

Course Description (brief)

This particular "Introductory to Psychology" course section involves the scientific study of biology and psychology; psychological development (lifespan); sensation and perception; consciousness and learning; cognitive processes; memory and thinking; motivation and emotion; stress, coping, and health; personality; individual differences (Intelligence); social psychology; psychopathologies; and psychotherapies.

In recognition of our "global village" of multiculturalism, many issues surrounding cross-cultural aspects of Psychology will also be an integral part of this course. Also see Student Learning Outcomes and COR below for a more thorough view of course description.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)

Click on the following link for: (1) Student Learning Outcomes and (2) Official Course Outline of Record (COR) - Student Learning Outcomes and COR

Expectations

1. As this class is both a "face-to-face" class and an "Online" class,, students are expected to: (1) participate in class and online in a robust manner, (2) meet deadlines, (3) maintain timeliness in discussion board participation and submissions, and (4) submit all projects in a timely manner.

2. A student is dropped from my class when participation and deadlines are not timely in more than three classes.Please note there is no distinction between excused (i.e., medical, etc.,) and unexcused absences.

3. Dropped From Class & Attendance Q: Dr. Mannino, what are the rules for being dropped from this class upon enrollment? ANS: A "Hybrid" class has attendance requirements. Students are considered a "no-show" [that is, no longer enrolled in my class], if some combination of the following occurs: (1) A student fails to complete the "check-in" discussion at the website prior to the close of check-in during the first week, and/or fails to show up for the first "face-to-face" class (without notifying professor) during the first week. These tasks are in keeping with college policy concerning the dropping of a student from a course.

Hardware and Software

Because this is an Internet-based class, students should be aware they will need:

1. Access to the Internet via a modem or high-speed connection such as cable or DSL.

2. A recent version of Web browser software (such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari).

3. An email account and ability to access that account for sending and receiving messages.

4. A sufficiently powerful computer with a modern operating system capable of supporting those requirements. Students who don't possess a suitable computer with all the necessary software will need to make arrangements for reliable, convenient access to necessary hardware and software, such as through their work place or SRJC campus computer labs.

5. A word processing application-program such as "Microsoft Word."

6. Use of and familiarity with "PDF" files. Download the free Adobe Reader application.

7. The free Flash Player for flash video playback.

8. Computer related hardware or software problems will not constitute an acceptable excuse for failing to complete assignments on time.

Textbooks

Textbook: Psychology6: Introductory Psychology by Spencer A. Rathus (Cengage Publishers, 2020). ISBN-13: 978-0357041215 This is a softcover copy, which I'd prefer that ALL students secure.

NOTE: The new 6th edition is in both soft copy print format and digital format ! I spoke with the publisher, and they told me that there were not that many changes/differences between the Psych5 edition and the new Psych6 edition. So while I don't recommend it, --- but if costs are a real factor for you --- students might be able to get away with using the 5th edition; especially since this is a condensed course

This textbook may all be purchased at the SRJC campus bookstore or online @ SRJC Bookstore Online Link.

There are copies of my assigned textbook at the SRJC Library. Remember you always need your SRJC Student ID Card to use the Library and check out items at the Reserve Desk.

Texting

You can add a text or SMS communication channel to receive Canvas notifications on your cell phone. Text or SMS channels appear under the Other Contacts sidebar heading.

Once you have enabled the contact method, learn how to Set Notification Preferences as a student.

Note: If you have a mobile device and have enabled push notifications, your Canvas profile will include a For All Devices push contact type. If you delete this contact method, the method will reappear the next time you enable the Canvas app on your mobile device.

Navigational Toolbar --- "Click to Success!"

In the left sidebar of this web page you will see 13 useful links. Further to the left of these links (in the gray area) you will find 6 Canvas operational links. The one marked Calendar has great importance and use. The course calendar provides you with a list of important due dates for (1) assignments, (2) exams, and (3) the course workbook project. You may also click on these due dates to preview more detail about each course requirement. This Calendar link in Canvas is always current as this page updates automatically anytime course changes are made throughout the duration of this course. Value it! Use it! You may also find a listing of all course assignments and requirements at the very end of this Syllabus.

You are urged to become very familiar with the course calendar and homework links!

Why don't you take some time right now, and explore where each icon link button takes you. Take notes detailing what you learned from exploring each of these various sites.

Professor Pedagogical Philosophy

My pedagogical philosophical approach to teaching Psychology 1A --- Introduction to Psychology --- is multi faceted. I draw upon my 40 years as a Psychologist, much of which was in private clinical practice in San Francisco, to bring an experiential (real world experiences) approach and quality to my instruction. I also bring over 50 years of direct college level teaching experience to the online classroom setting. Further I am recognized as a pioneer in distance education at Santa Rosa Junior College. My first online class rolled out in 1996 - 1997. It was Psych 56: Aging, Dying, and Death. It actually began as a hybrid class --- half online and half "face-to-face" in the classroom.

I use an eclectic array of testing methods so as to allow students to demonstrate competency in my online classes. These methods include, standard testing, thought-provoking questions (TPQ) and reaction papers to a robust array of activities and readings. The purpose is to allow the student to choose a testing style that compliments their personal learning style.

Finally, I am a true believer in the independent, self-paced approach to learning, albeit, an approach that requires strong motivation and commitment by the student.

Class Sensitivity and Confidentiality

Due to the sensitive nature of a class in Human Sexuality, there is a expectation that students will be sensitive, compassionate, and hold all class communications in confidence. Student should not share names or details outside the class. Violations may result in a student being sanctioned or asked to leave the course.

On the other hand, students are asked to be candid, forthright, and share. Use the Discussion Board to lean into your fears and apprehensions. The outcome will be quite surprising and and almost always worth it!

Emergency Evacuation Plan

While this section is generally not relevant to a purely online class, it may be with a hybrid class (half online and half face-to-face. In the event of an emergency while attending a class that requires evacuation of the building, please leave the class immediately, but calmly. Our class will meet at _ _ _ _ [discussed in class during first week] to make sure everyone exited the building safely and to receive further instructions. If you are a student with a disability who may need assistance in an evacuation, please see me after class or communicate with me by email or at an office hour so we can discuss an evacuation plan; if needed.

Book icon.gif "New Class Check-In Discussion Post"

Before you can participate in this class you must register with Admissions & Records. When the class actually begins, you must complete the required New Class Check-In Discussion Post. This is a graded assignment worth five (5) points. Note: Students who fail to complete this process are assumed to have dropped the course and/or are dropped from the class.

Access and Accommodations

Access and Accommodations: It is the mission of the Santa Rosa Junior College to support inclusive learning environments. If there are aspects of the instruction or design of this course that result in barriers to your inclusion or to accurate assessment of achievement—such as time-limited exams, inaccessible web content, or the use of non-captioned videos—please notify the instructor as soon as possible. Students are also welcome to contact the Disability Resources Department (DRD). DRD is a resource for students that provides authorization for academic accommodations, training and access to assistive technology, and collaborates on strategies for academic success.

Other Important Information

For other important information, such as "Attendance Policy," "Exam Schedule," Academic Dishonesty," "Grading Policy,"see the Course Syllabus and Course Basics.

Resource Links

Student Learning Outcomes and Official Course Outline of Content. This link touches upon Student Learning Outcomes, Objectives, and Scope of Topics Covered.

Online Classes At SRJC - A wonderful resource for SRJC online students and faculty

Rights and Responsibilities - Note in particular --- "academic integrity!"

Distance Education Home Page at SRJC - Everything you need to know about online classes

Psych Web - Excellent Psych Links

The Human Senses - BBC - Smell and Taste; Hearing and Balance; Touch and Vision

Sleep and Your Circadian Rhythm

Stress Management - How to Manage Stress

Psychology Self-Help Links

American Psychological Association

APA Style Format This website provides guidance for using APA citation style when formatting and citing references in Psychology classes

SRJC Library - All things Useful for Succeeding in College

Dr. J. Davis Mannino - Revised January 3, 2021 - 10AM