PSY-7502

PSY7502 – African American Psychology
Alliant International University California School of Professional Psychology San Francisco Campus  **Michael Connor, Ph.D.**  

Fall 2009 Wednesday, 2:10 – 5:00 PM Room 218
   Office: 240A. In order to plan and organize, I use a sign up system for office hours. A sign up sheet will be posted outside my door. Simply write your name down for some time, arrive punctually and come on it.  Office Hours: Tuesday 11:15AM-12:15PM      Wednesday 12:30PM-1:30PM  Phone: 415-955-2071  ** mconnor@alliant.edu ****<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> NOTE: **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> When communicating via email about this course please put **BPSYF09** as the Subject. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">This course is organized to broaden the student’s knowledge, experience base and learning regarding providing culturally relevant mental health services to the African American community (it is an Intercultural Awareness Development class). The course uses aspects of culture, social science, and psychology to examine the complex dynamics of human diversity in therapy. It requires active involvement to explore the impact of human diversity on treatment strategies. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">This course initiates a process for students to learn to work with a culture (African American) different than their own and with a culture identified as an ethnic/racial minority in the United States. It covers: the impact of white privilege, oppression and racism on both victims and oppressors; the resultant impact on identity development, acculturation, class, prejudice and discrimination; demographics and epidemiology; and verbal and non-verbal communication in the context of culture and values. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The class takes the stance that we are all cultural beings where our culture shapes our sense of self and, in turn, how we use our selves “as an instrument” in the role of psychologist/therapist. This acculturation is also the source of our opinions, attitudes and prejudices that shape our personal disposition toward the various areas of human diversity. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The purpose of the course is to deepen the student’s consciousness of themselves as cultural beings, to use this consciousness to deepen their knowledge of key issues and themes in human diversity, and apply this consciousness and knowledge to the therapeutic process. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The student will: <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The class is divided into three sections: **Section I** will focus on personal consciousness/awareness and the formation of attitudes and behaviors towards persons from African descended populations in the United States. This is the most critical aspect of the class as resistance and failure here limits the learning which follows in **Sections II** and **III**. **Section II** will focus on “scientific racism” and the resultant white privilege. Awareness (or the lack of same) significantly impacts the ability to competently work with African descended clients (or other clients who may be “different” from the therapist). Hopefully, this section will start to build a community of learners with specific skill sets which provide an opportunity to extend IAD experiences and competencies to the study of African American Psychology. We will focus on examining the perceptions and cognitive processes that shape personal dispositions after receiving more complete (and thus more accurate) information about African Americans-- how we think, act and work with issues of human or cultural diversity. **Section III** will focus on a specific population of African Americans (Black fathers). Assuming success in **Sections 1** and **II**, ie., getting in touch with our own life narratives related to similar issues, the section will include the use of narratives as a way of understanding another’s life experiences. The approach suggests that “knowing yourself is the first step toward being able to know your client.” As time permits, this final section may provide an opportunity for students to present and get feedback on cases that reflect their experiences in working with African American clients. It is likely that we will have guest speakers with specific sets of skills and information which will aid in the development of cultural competencies. These speakers will be discussed in class as their availability to share their stories evolves. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">American Psychological Association, Division 45. Guidelines on Multicultural Education, Training, Research, Practice and Organizational Change for Psychologists. (2002) <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Connor, M. and White, J. (2006). Black Fathers: An Invisible Presence in America. New Jersey. Erlbaum and Associates. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Guthrie, R. ( 2004 ). Even the Rat Was White: A Historical View of Psychology. Allyn and Bacon Classics. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Williams, R. (2007). Racism: Learned at an Early Age Through Racial Scripting. Bloomington, IN: Authorhouse <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Burlew, A.K.H., Banks, W.C., McAdoo, H.P., Azibo, D.A. (1992). African American Psychology: Theory, Research, and Practice. Newbury Park, CA: Sage Publications. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Comerford, S. A. (February, 2005). Engaging through learning - learning through engaging: An alternative approach to professional learning about human diversity. Social Work Education, 24(1), pp. 113-135. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Constantine, M.G. and Sue, D.W. (2006). Addressing Racism: Facilitating Cultural Competence in Mental Health and Educational Settings. John Wiley and Sons. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Jones, R. L. (1991). Black psychology. Berkeley, CA: Cobb and Henry Publications. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Nobles, W. (1986). African Psychology: Toward its reclamation, reascension and revitalization. Oakland: Black Family Institute. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Parham, T. (2002). Counseling Persons of African Descent. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Parham, T. A., White, J. L., & Ajamu, A. (1999). The psychology of Blacks: An African centered perspective. New Jersey: Prentice Hall. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Sue, D. W. (2003). Overcoming our Racism. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">White, J.L. and Cones, J.H. (1999). Black Man Emerging. New York: W.H. Freeman Press. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">White, J.L and Henderson, S.J. (2008). Building Multicultural Competency: Development, Training and Practice. Blue Ridge Summit, PA: Rowman and Littlefield. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> __<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Also, be aware of the //Journal of Black Psychology//; //The Black Scholar; Psych Discourse;// and Division 45’s //Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psycholog//y journal. Additionally, you are encouraged to visit The Association of Black Psychologists’ website. __ <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> =<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> = =<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">In Class Assignments = <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Each student will prepare a one-two page description of the model they use (or plan to use) to provide therapy, in general. Cite authors/trainers from which the model is derived. In what ways is your model relevant to the provision of therapeutic service to African American clients (or any client from a different culture/ethnic group from yours)? Did the developers of the model consider this issue? Have you? This assignment will be completed towards the end of the first class meeting. Be thoughtful and attentive. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Additionally, //__there will be other in-class assignments for which you must be present and punctual in order to complete__//. We will work with narratives from different aspects of Black life in America, including presentations from guest speakers, following which you will complete a project of own personal narrative on a theme promoted by their work with these narratives. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> =<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Out of Class Assignments = <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The first is a self-focused two-three page paper describing the student’s IDA experiences (you will need to utilize the Division 45 Guidelines and the Williams book in order to complete this activity), due //September 16//. Next we will focus on Guthrie work regarding scientific racism— you will prepare a reflective paper using all the assigned readings due //October 6, 2009//. Papers/presentations commence //November 11 (using the Connor-White book,// you will develop a six-page paper and organize into small groups to present your paper to the class (a symposium type program). Your peers will participate in grading these presentations—the presentation format and grading will be provided. More on this will be discussed in class. Presentations will commence November 11, 2009). Provide enough copies for the class. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">A final paper is due //December 9, 2009//. It should utilize the student’s class experiences, acquired knowledge and relevant personal reflections from across the semester. You would be wise to maintain some reflective notes after each class meeting in order to make this assignment manageable. Some suggestions include – concrete experiences of what happened, reflective observations, abstract conceptualizations, active experimentation, and self-awareness as relates to the assigned readings and class discussions. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> =<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Assignments Summarized = <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">There are six assignments due: <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; msobidifontfamily: 'Times New Roman'; msotabcount: 2;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">2) a description of the student’s learning from the African American psychology literature—summarize/highlight what you have learned over the semester from the readings, and    <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> 3) what does the assigned literature suggest regarding the practical utility, ethics and appropriateness of the therapeutic model you are using? This final assignment is worth **35 points**. <span style="font-family: 'Times','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; msobidifontfamily: Wingdings; msofareastfontfamily: Wingdings; msolist: Ignore;">Ø **The instructor will exercise judgment in assessing and weighting each measurement to determine the student's overall course evaluation** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Students’ participation and presentation in class discussion and activities will be evaluated on the basis of five criteria: <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Scores in each category will be represented as: <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">0 – no evidence || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">1-4 – minimal evidence || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">5-9 – clear evidence || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Scores in each category will be represented as: <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> 0 – 3 no evidence <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> 4 – 6 minimal evidence <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> 7 –9 clear evidence <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The grade for this course will be based on participation and written assignments totaling 185 points composed of the following items. The total number of points will be translated into a letter grade (including plus/minus) based on the normal conversion of point to grades (i.e., 180-185 = A+, 174-179 = A, 168-173 = A-; <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">162-167 = B+, 156-161 = B, 150-155 = B- and so on.  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Please note that what follows is a general structure and content of the course. The exact content and schedule of the syllabus is subject to change without prior notice to meet primarily student needs but also faculty or other needs. We may spend more time on some topics as needed, and conversely, may move more quickly over other topics.Section One: Guidelines for the provision of competent/relevant services to the Ethnically Diverse; Racial Scripting and Your Model of service delivery <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">September 2- October 7, 2009 <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Section Two: Scientific Racism—Then and Now ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">October 14- November 4, 2009 <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Section Three: In Class Presentations-Symposiums ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">November 4-December 9, 2009 = <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">  = = <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Final Paper Due = <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Wednesday, December 9th, 2009 bring to class or email to me by 7PM (mconnor@alliant.edu) <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <span style="font-family: 'Times','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">A. Contact Information and procedures **
 * Course Rationale and Overview**
 * Course Description, Purpose, Objectives and Instructional Strategy:**
 * A. Course Description**
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">B. Purpose **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">C. Learning Outcomes **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Deepen their awareness of their own cognitions/perceptions that influence decisions and choice of interventions during the provision of therapy.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Learn how Psychology has been and continues to be a tool of oppression in hopes that they will avoid such activities.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Increase their self-knowledge of the use of themselves as a therapeutic instrument.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Broaden their knowledge base at the individual, cultural, and social levels as relates to providing therapy across racial/cultural boundaries.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Learn the use and role of narratives in the provision of mental health services.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">D. Instructional Strategy **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">E. Course Readings and Materials **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Required Texts: **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Optional Reading: **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">F. Description of Course Requirements and Assessment Methods (unless noted below, all assignments are due via email by 7PM the Tuesday before class meets). **
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Due Date – September 2, 2009 **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> - #1 = one page description of your model for providing therapy. In class. **10 points**
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Due Date – email September 15 by 7PM (for 9-16 class meeting), 2009 **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">- #2 = two page description and examination or assessment of your IAD experience as relates to “U.S. populations of color”. Include messages you obtained, areas you feel competent, and areas you still need to work on and/or deliberate. This may be an elaboration of the 9-2 assignment. **10 points**
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Due Date – email October 6th by 7PM (for 10-7 class), 2009 **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> - #3 = a narrative describing your own experiences and/or reactions triggered by the Division 45 Guidelines and the Williams book. Three-four pages with references, as needed. **20 points**
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">October 28, 2009 – MIDTERM EXAM **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">#4 = we will cover the assigned readings to date. Organize and assimilate the Guidelines along with Guthrie and Williams’ books. The exam will take place during the first half of class. **35 points**
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">November 11, 2009 -- **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> #5  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">= Symposium presentations begin. You will prepare a 4-page chapter overview from //__the Connor-White book__//. Each of you will have a different chapter. Three related chapters will be presented to the class in the form of four professional symposiums. With a total of 15 students, 12 of you will present your chapters, 3 at a time and 3 of you will act as a discussant, one per symposium (I will take the discussant role for the fourth symposium). You will sign up for the role and chapter you want, first come first served, beginning October 7th. And, you must make an overview of your paper available to the class by 12 noon, Sunday prior to the presentation (email me an overview and a copy of the complete paper also by noon). **//__Be punctual as nothing is accepted late!__// Paper is worth 20 points, presentation/discussant 5 points.**
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">December 9, 2009 **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">- #6 = a final paper that focuses on three areas: 1) a description of the student’s framework/model for providing therapy (what theory, author or model guides your work as a therapist <span style="font-family: 'Times','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">- <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">psychologist); is the model appropriate for African American clients? Why/why not? <span style="font-family: 'Times','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; msobidifontfamily: 'Times New Roman'; msotabcount: 1;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; msobidifontfamily: 'Times New Roman'; msotabcount: 1;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <span style="font-family: 'Times','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Class Participation (50 points): **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
 * 1) <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Evidence of excellence in preparation, familiarity and reflection on assigned readings
 * 2) <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Application to work and personal life experiences
 * 3) <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Individual student’s contribution to other students’ learning
 * 4) <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Clarity and originality of contribution
 * 5) <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Student’s willingness to assume responsibility for making the class discussions work (including timely arrival, lack of disruptions such as appropriate cell phone etiquette and laptop usage)
 * 6) <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Completion of in-class assignments.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Final Paper (35 points 1 = 5pts; 2 = 5 pts; 3 = 10 pts; 4 = 15 pts): **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> will be evaluated on the basis of four criteria:
 * 1) __<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Research: __<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Multiple readings and resources are available to students and it is expected that readings be cited in written papers. Additional application of research articles to the paper is a welcomed addition.
 * 2) __<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Format: __<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The use of APA (5th Edition) is an important part of writing doctoral level papers along with the use of grammar and structure in writing.
 * 3) __<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Content: __<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Students must demonstrate evidence that they understand the concepts and their application; have used appropriate references; applied critical thinking.
 * 4) __<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Style: __<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> The paper must be organized, creative, and demonstrate evidence of competence.
 * //__<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">There are no “gifts”—you will receive the grade you earn. __//**
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">G. Course Schedule & Outline **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
 * //<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">H. Policies and Procedures: //**<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
 * //<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Behavioral Expectations/Attendance //**

Policies Related To Class Attendance, Lateness, Missed Exams or Assignments
<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The University expects **//__regular class attendance__//** by all students. See the University Catalog for the complete policy on attendance. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Criteria for this class is as follows: This course’s design and process //requires// **punctuality and attendance**. Much of the class time will make use of experiential activities and exercises that cannot be reproduced or experienced alone or through a written assignment. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">

Information on Participation/types of participation required by the course
<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">This course is highly interactive, using the concepts of adult learning. There is an expectation that all students participate in activities, exercises, group, and community discussions, bringing their skills, knowledge, and experience to the classroom. **Thus, you will need to be //present, prepared and punctual// to earn the points.**

Instructor Assumptions
<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Deadlines are literal. Students are expected to treat assignments as they would professional assignments in the workplace. **//__No late submissions will be accepted__//** nor can you make up any late work. You may submit any assignment early!!

Responsibility to Keep Copies
<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Remember – it is good practice to keep copies of ALL major assignments/papers you turn in. On rare occasions, work may be lost because of computer failure or other mishaps.

Respectful Speech and Actions
<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Alliant International University, by mission and practice, is committed to fair and respectful consideration of all members of our community, and the greater communities surrounding us. All members of the University must treat one another as they would wish to be treated themselves, with dignity and concern. **//Turn off all cell phones and other communicative devices before class begins! Should your phones go off during class (or should you send or receive a text message), you will be dismissed from class and will not receive any grade point credit for that class session. You will also need to see me during office hours prior to returning to class. Note: I will not extend my office hours in order for you to fulfill this obligation.//** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> As an institution of higher education, Alliant International University has the obligation to combat racism, sexism, and other forms of bias and to provide an equal educational opportunity. Professional codes of ethics (e.g., from the APA for psychology students) and the Academic Code shall be the guiding principles in dealing with speech or actions that, when considered objectively, are abusive and insulting.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Additionally, those who desire to use laptops must sit in the front two rows of the classroom; and all that you do must pertain to this class (no emailing, game playing, preparing for other classes, etc.). Should any one violate this policy, //__no one__// will be permitted to continue using a laptop during class time. You are one’s another’s keeper. If those not using laptops find them distracting, please see me and we may need to revise this policy. **

Academic Code of Conduct and Ethics
<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The University is committed to principles of scholastic honesty. Its members are expected to abide by ethical standards both in their conduct and in their exercise of responsibility towards other members of the community. Each student’s conduct is expected to be in accordance with the standards of the University. **//The complete Academic Code, which covers acts of misconduct including assistance during examination, fabrication of data, plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration, and assisting other students in acts of misconduct, among others, may be found in the University Catalog.//** The University reserves the right to use plagiarism detection software.

Disability Accommodations Request
<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">If you need disability-related accommodations in this class, please see me privately. All accommodations must be requested in a timely manner (at least 2 weeks ahead of time) with a letter of support for Alliant’s Office of Disability Services. If you have questions about accommodations, please contact the Office of Disability Services.

Policy on Course Requirements During Religious Holidays
<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Alliant International University does not officially observe any religious holidays. However, in keeping with the institution’s commitment to issues of cultural diversity as well as humanitarian considerations, faculty are encouraged to appreciate students’ religious observances by not penalizing them when they are absent from classes on holy days. Alliant International University faculty will be sensitive to these matters. Students should be similarly respectful of faculty members’ right to observe religious days. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Tutors are available to help students with course-based or exam-  based needs. Contact the Director of Student Support Services for    information on obtaining tutoring – or other student support services –  on your campus. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Resources for Obtaining Tutoring or Other Student Support Services **

Problem Solving Resources
<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">If problems arise with faculty, other students, staff, or student support services, students should use the University Problem Solving Procedures located on the web at [] or contact the University Ombudsperson. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
 * LET’S HAVE A PLEASANT SEMESTER!! **