Adjustment and Personal Growth

(Psychology 250)

Instructor: Quentin M. Hollis

Office: GRH 3022

Phone: 270-745-3537 (office),

502-565-5229 (home)
Office Hours: (Posted on Blackboard)
E-mail: [email protected]

If you need to get in touch with me, please follow the following steps: email me and wait for a
response within 2 business days. Second, call my office phone and leave a message. Third, call
my home phone and wait for a response within 24 hours. Sometimes I do not get to all my daily
emails, so, I need a couple of days to address them. Therefore, you must call me on my home
phone if it is an emergency. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Sending Emails
NOTE: When you send an email to me you must place in the SUBJECT area of the email your
course title and section (e.g., Psy100-700, Psy220-701, etc.). You do not have to put what your
email is about or what the material is in the subject area. Only put the course title and section in that
area for all emails. This includes “Homework” emails. This helps me file your work in the correct
class and prevents grading delays. I will not read or accept any emails that do not have this in
the subject area.

Again: You must have PSY 220-700, PSY 100c-700 or PSY 100c-780 (for dual credit online) or PSY 220-002,
PSY 100c-008, or PSY 100-003 for my face-to-face class in the “Subject” area for all emails sent to me. This is
the only way I can quickly identify which class of mine you are in. Only putting PSY-100c is not enough.
When you only place the name of the class and not the section number, I can’t quickly locate which class
you are enrolled in. I teach 4, sometimes 5 classes per semester so you can imagine how difficult that would
be to look up your name in each class.

Emails that may also be ignored: 1. Emails that contain questions that have been answered in the
course syllabus, course documents, or on Blackboard’s Announcement Page. 2. Emails that contain
questions that I’ve answered in class.

Also, when sending me emails, you should have your full name in your email somewhere.
Sometimes your topper-mail may not have your full name, or it’s hard to identify. So, it is good
practice to put your name in your email somewhere.
Finally, as stated above, if you do not hear from me within 48 hours from the time you emailed me
it could be because you did not have the correct information in the subject area of that email.
However, it could also be because I have answered your question in our class syllabus, in a
previous announcement, or in class. Be sure, therefore, to check your emails, class announcements
on Blackboard, and your syllabus before emailing your questions.

Text:
Required: Nevid/Rathus.
PSYCHOLOGY AND THE CHALLENGES OF LIFE,
Adjustment and Growth, 14th Edition.

Course Description

Your journey will have you explore in great depth the individual, social, and cultural
determinants of personal growth and healthy life adjustment. Topics include (but are not limited
to) stress and coping, relationships, values, career development, and decision-making. If you ever
wanted to work on yourself in the sense of self-discovery and self-improvement, then this is the
course for you.

Course Content and Our Goals

We will become critical thinkers about Adjustment and Personal Growth. We will be able to
with confidence state, elaborate upon, exemplify, and illustrate psychology’s basic principles,
laws, and theories in our own words so that we may come to understand them and apply them in
our lives.

Colonnade General Education Goals for Psychology 250

This course fulfills a portion of WKU’s general education program. The Colonnade goals for
Exploration Social and Behavioral Science courses are as follows:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of at least one social and behavioral sciences area.

2. Apply knowledge, theories, and research methods, including ethical conduct, to analyze
problems pertinent to at least one social and behavioral sciences area.
3. Understand and demonstrate how at least one area of the social and behavioral sciences
conceptualizes diversity and the ways it shapes human experience.
 4. Integrate knowledge of at least one area of the social and behavioral sciences into issues
of personal or public importance.
5. Communicate effectively using the language and terminology germane to at least one
area of the social and behavioral sciences.

Upon completion of the areas in the text outlined below, a student will leave the class with an
understanding of the basic methods, theories, and goals of Psychology 250. Moreover, the
student should be well-equipped to discuss and apply material related to the many topics covered
during the course. The student will demonstrate this acquired knowledge by successfully passing
a comprehensive final exam, written exams, various written assignments, group work, oral Q &
A, and quizzes.

Important Dates to know

January 24 is the last day to drop classes without a grade and receive a 100% refund. It is also
the last day to change a class from credit to audit. The last day to withdraw from the class and
receive a “W” is March 30.

Discussion Board
Sometimes your Discussion Board responses are like class participation activities. It is the only way
we will be able to interact and get into some of the interesting topics of Psychology. I only ask that
you post your own thoughts with consideration of others’ feelings and respond to at least one of
your classmate’s responses every week that we have a Discussion Board topic. That will give you a
total of 2 responses per posted Discussion Board Topic. (Do not post your responses before the
Topics are given as assignments in the Assignments folder) You will have from Sunday to Sunday
to submit your 2 responses. However, I do encourage you to post by the Wednesday of the week
that it is due simply because it will give others ample time to read and respond to your post. If
everyone waits until Sunday to post, no one will have time to respond to any student’s post. I read
all the posts but I don’t respond to many simply because in most cases it is your opinion. All
responses are to be submitted on Blackboard. I will not accept any responses via email

Examination
There will be scheduled one-hour exams throughout the semester and one comprehensive Final
Exam. These are digital online exams. The exams will be worth a percentage of your grade (see the
Grade section below). Each exam will consist of a variety of MC, fill in the Blanks, Matching, and
sometimes Short Essays. The exams will cover the designated chapters, lectures, and other
materials covered during that period (apart from the final exam which will be comprehensive). The
exams are challenging and will consist of material covered online, in special reading assignments,
videos, and chapters in your textbook. Your Final exam must be supervised and completed in a
computer lab or Library on a higher education campus of some sort. DELO is what I strongly
recommend. It is up to you to find this location and to notify the lab attendant that you will need
him or her to send me an email (with their name and lab phone number) verifying your attempt.

Exams are administered online. All Exams are set up for you to complete through WKU’s
Division of Extended Learning and Outreach (DELO). They provide supervised testing for
students. DELO’s South Campus number is 270-745-2953. You will need to contact them for
available times for you to take the exams. There are many DELO testing centers located on
WKU’s campuses. The DELO option is the best option to take all exams and it is the one that I
recommend and prefer.

You can also take the exams in the LAC or in any of Western Kentucky University’s Computer
Labs or Libraries. You will have a set amount of time for each exam. The questions will be
scrambled. You will be given a window of at least two full days to take them. You will not be
permitted to re-take exams if you take the exam on a computer that is not in a supervised Public
Building, Government supervised the building, and/or a WKU-authorized and supervised
location (i.e. extended campuses). You may only have your exam/quiz reset by me if you have
the lab employee send me an email verifying the time and condition of the problem you
experienced. Taking your quizzes and/or test on any personal or private computer is taking a risk.

I strongly advise you to go to a campus site to take your exams (maybe only risk quizzes at home).

Make Ups!
There are no such things. If you miss a test you receive a zero. If you inform me of an
emergency ahead of time, I may or may not set up an alternative schedule for you, but it must be
a dire situation. Got it? Good. Understand this and you will be O.K. with me. Tip: try not to
miss exams and study to “Ace” all tests. If you miss two exams, you may want to think about
dropping the class. We will always review in some way the material before each test. This may
include class games, Q & A sessions throughout the week, or study guides that may (or may not)
be handed to you in class or posted on Blackboard. (Tests that you take at a different time may be
administered in the L.A.C.)

Activities will vary from at-home projects to field projects. I will give you at
least a week to complete these types of assignments.

If you wish to drop this class for any reason, make sure you do it before the deadline. I am not
responsible for dropping you from (or adding you to) my class. I want you to think about your
G.P.A. and Financial Aid NOW! Don’t forget, you are responsible. Remember, after the first week
of any semester, they will charge you for any changes made to your schedule. Make a commitment
early.

Homework
All writing assignments must be typed (unless otherwise specified) with your full name, class title,
assignment title, and date. You will send your HOMEWORK to me via email as an attachment
“Microsoft Word Document” File. [Your DISCUSSION BOARD assignments are handled
directly through Blackboard; therefore, you don’t have to worry about sending those to me.] With
your Discussion Board assignments, I would like you to have read the area of concern (information
that the question is addressed from) before you post. I would like your post to be at least a
paragraph. After posting your response to the Discussion board question you will need to read at
least one of your classmate’s postings. You will then submit a response to a classmate’s post. This
means that for every Discussion Board assignment, I should see two postings from you: your
original post and your response to another’s post. I would like you to submit your post during the
first 3 or 4 days after the discussion board assignment is released to you. In other words, if your
discussion board topic is released in the second folder of three, then the Sunday that marks the
beginning of that second folder is the first day that the topic can be responded to. The Wednesday
following that Sunday is the day that I would like for your original posting to be on Blackboard for
all to see. This gives your classmates a few days to read and respond to your post.

Drops
If you wish to drop this class for any reason, make sure you do it before the deadline. I am not
responsible for dropping you from (or adding you to) my class. I want you to think about your
G.P.A. and Financial Aid NOW! Don’t forget, you are responsible. Remember, after the first week
of any semester, they will charge you for any changes made to your schedule. Make a commitment
early.

Absolutely no plagiarizing
I use internet software programs, such as Google, to check for Plagiarism. Make sure you do not
cut and paste work that is not yours. If you do need to cite something, then you can go to any
APA guidelines site or go to WKU’s home page and type in APA in the search box and links
should come up that will help you with this. Be warned.

Always ask if you are not sure what plagiarism is. Remember there are very few new ideas. We
have software to check for plagiarism. Also, refer to the WKU Student Handbook for more
clarification.

If you are found guilty of “Cheating” on an exam, you will receive an “F” as your final grade in
my class. Don’t risk it. If you need help with any material, I will help you or I will find resources
to assist you. Student Success Center, here at B.G.C.C. (South Campus), is available to you six
days a week.

Technology
You must have access to a word processor, Windows Operating system, Microsoft Word, and
Internet Access. You must have an email address through Western Kentucky University. If you
send me an email, you must have the CRN# (which you can find on Topnet or on your printed
schedule), and the course title (ex. Psych. 100) in the subject bar. Your name and class title
should be on the document itself enclosed in the email. I will not take any emails that do not
follow this format.

Diversity
Understand that the world possesses a diversified population of people with a myriad of
viewpoints. We will work to respect each and every one’s background and perspectives on life. If
you agree to stay in this class, I assume that you agree to this and work to appreciate the conflicts
that come from differences and strive to grow as a human being as a result. You will work to
treat people with civility and not attack anyone verbally or physically in our class throughout the
semester.

Confidentiality
We will discuss many controversial topics in class. You will never be forced to disclose private
information, but if you do, understand that your information should stay in our class. Also, it is
important for you to know that if you disclose incriminating information, I am obligated to report
that information to the proper authorities in order to protect the student learning environment and
the safety of students on campus. You will not be allowed to attack another verbally or physically
in my class. If, by chance, I or anyone in the class offends you or your culture, please let me
know and I will see to it that it doesn’t happen again. Sometimes others are unaware of different
ethnic and cultural rituals, customs, beliefs, etc., so be aware of that and together we can help
each other learn more about our respective cultures.

Grade
The grade you receive in this course will be determined as follows
Hour exams 35%
Quizzes & Activities 15%
Homework 15%
Class Participation 15%
Final Exam Project & Paper 20%
I randomly select work that you will turn in to me for each of the above grading categories to
grade and calculate into your grade (excluding Tests and Final exams). In other words, you will
turn in more work than I will grade.
(These percentages are estimated. The instructor reserves the right to alter them, and other areas
on this syllabus).

As for checking on your homework grades or grades in general, I implement a “Come see
me,” policy. This means that because I keep your work for my records you must stop by my
office during office hours to see the results of your work. I will then give you advice as to how
you can improve.

The semester letter grades will be no lower than indicated by the scale presented above. Students
who show significant improvements during the semester will be considered individually. I
expect only the best from students and that’s what I shall get in return - Quentin Hollis

PSYCHOLOGY 250 OUTLINE

Weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Chap. 1- Psychology and Challenges
Due: 1/23

Chap. 2- Studying and

Student Life
Due: 1/30

Chap. 3- Personality
Theories
Due: 2/6

Test 1
Due: 2/13

Week 4, 5, 6, and 7.
Chap. 4 – Stress and coping
Due: 2/13
Chap. 5- Psychology factors of
Health
Due: 2/20

Chap. 6 – Healthy Behaviors

Due. 2/27

Test 2
Due: 3/5

Week 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11.

Chap. 7 –The Self
Due: 3/5

Chap. 8 - Social Influence

Due: 3/12

Chap. 8 - continued
Due: 3/19

Week 10: Spring Break

Due: 3/26

Test 3
Due: 4/2

Week 11, 12, 13 and 14.

Chap. 10 – Gender and Sexual Orient
Due: 4/2

Chap. 11 – Relationships and Conflict Resolution

Due: 4/9

Chap. 12 – Sexual Response and

Behavior
Due: 4/16

Test 4
Due: 4/23
Remaining Weeks

Chap. 14 Therapies for Helping

Due: 4/26

End of the Semester Student Conference and Study Week

Due: 4/26

Final Exam Week

Final Project and/or Term Paper. Our final exam is scheduled for Wednesday, May 1 from 1 p.m.
to 3 p.m.

(All of these testing sections are subject to change at the discretion of the instructor)

Like I said before if you want to do well in class, utilize your resources. First, make sure you
become familiar with the resources within your textbook (i.e., Chapter Summaries, Section and
end of the chapter Quizzes, and Web sites). Secondly, know your campus. You have the L.A.C.
to help you with acquiring tutors. Also, you can contact a “Subject Librarian” from the campus
library to assist you with research assignments (Bryan Carson: 745-6125 or
http://www.wku.edu/library/dlps/ext_camp.htm ). So again, use your resources.

Alice Rowe Learning Assistance Center (LAC): The LAC is located in the Preston Success
Center, room C234. The center hours are:
Monday – Thursday 8:00 am – 6:30 pm
Friday 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
The LAC offers free tutoring for any WKU student in an assortment of subjects, particularly
Math and English. The LAC also has computers for academic use, calculators, and textbooks for
checkout, as well as offers a variety of other services. For more information, check out our
website: http://www.bgcc.wku.edu/LearningAssistanceCenter.htm or phone us at #780-2536

Student Disability Services

Students with disabilities who require accommodation (academic adjustments and/or auxiliary
aids or services) for this course must contact the Office for Student Disability Services, Room
A200, Downing University Center (DUC). The OFSDS telephone number is (270) 745-5004. No
special considerations can be given unless this is done.
Please DO NOT request accommodation directly from the professor or instructor without a letter
of accommodation from the Office for Student Disability Services.
 Title IX Compliance
As your professor I will create an educational environment that supports you as a student and the Title IX
of the Educational Amendment, which is enforced throughout WKU’s Campus Community. This
amendment states that: "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded
from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any
education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance." – Title IX of the
Educational Amendment of 1972

WKU R.E.A.L.
WKU REAL program is designed to provide support services for non-traditional students who
attend Western Kentucky University. Talk to adult learner counselors, browse materials, and
navigate WKU web pages for programs, applications, etc. for entering school. WKU REAL
enables you to smoothly transition back into school with help, to make this a successful journey.
Knowing is half the battle. Website: www.wku.edu/real email: [email protected]

WKU Sustaining Student Success

If you are a student that is currently taking at least two Developmental Courses you can apply to
this program and receive assistance with your classes in the form of: Mentoring, time
management skills, study skills, tutoring, financial aid information, and more. Simply call
270745-2902 or stop by their offices located in room C238 and ask for Martha Sales (Program
Coordinator) or Charles Lovett (Program Assistant). You can also email them at:
[email protected] or [email protected]

Also, because we are dealing with personal issues and problems, I would like to make services
available to you if you need help at any time during your college experience here at Western.
Below is our on-campus center for students/staff/and faculty who seek help with personal issues
and/or problems.

http://www.wku.edu/Dept/Support/StuAffairs/COUNS/

WKU Counseling & Testing Center, Julia Morgan Johnson,

Administrative
Assistant. 1906 College Heights Blvd. #11024 Bowling Green, KY
42101-1024
270.745.3159
Fax 270.745.6976

I always say “look at the positive side of everything and SMILE while doing anything.”

Attention!!!
First Day Inclusive Access Some or all required materials for this class are delivered
through the First Day Inclusive Access program. The First Day program provides
access to required materials automatically, typically through one or more links within
Blackboard. If you receive access through some other means, your instructor can
provide you details. For more information and FAQs go to
customercare.bncollege.com. While we do not recommend that you do so, you may
choose to opt-out at any time within fourteen (14) days of the start of your class
utilizing the First Day portal, and this is the only official way to opt-out. Keep in
mind that you will be responsible for purchasing your course materials at the full
retail price.