PSY 5970 Behavior Analysis and Minority IssuesSpring 2013

Meeting time: 3:30pm- 4:45pm M & W Location: Brown 3048Instructor(s): Gina Cross, B.S., Richard W. Malott, Ph.D., BCBA-DCo-Instructor(s): Carmelita Foster, M.S.&TomeshaManora, M.S. Teaching Assistant: Laura DondersEmail: tomesha.a.manora@wmich.edu; gina.d.cross@wmich.edu; carmelita.s.foster@wmich.edu

Office: TBAPhone: (248) 376-7800Office Hours: By appointment

COURSE OBJECTIVES This course is designed to expose you to a behavior analytic view of relevant minority issues. Empirical articles and findings will be assigned to promote and encourage the development of a critical analysis of minority issues utilizing a behavior analytic framework. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to explain the importance of diversity in the field of behavior analysis, apply the fundamental principles of behavior to devise empirically objective solutions for minority issues that affect society, and combat misconceptions related to minority groups in America.

COURSE ORGANIZATIONThis seminar will follow a mixed discussion and lecture format. Within-class assignments may also be scheduled periodically. The lecture will provide a review of main concepts, and give you an opportunity to ask any clarification questions. In-class discussions are designed to give you a deeper understanding of the material, critically evaluate the material, and allow you learn from each other. During discussions, all opinions will be welcomed. Please be respectful of others in the class.

COURSE TEXT & MATERIALSo Hart, B., &Risley, T. R. (1995). Meaningful differences in the everyday experience of

young American children. Baltimore: P.H. Brookes.o Skinner, B. F. (1974). About behaviorism. New York: Knopf; [distributed by Random

House.o Tough, P. (2008). Whatever it takes: Geoffrey Canada's quest to change Harlem and

America. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co.O Selected articles and chapters

ATTENDANCEClass attendance is required. Should you have to miss a class, please contact one of the instructors of this course in advance.Two participation points will be deducted for every five minutes you are late.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

You will be required to create twodiscussion questions for the readings that will be discussed during each class. These questions are to be submitted by the start of each class (Monday at 3:30pm and Wednesday at 3:30pm) on e-learning and are to be brought to each class. Five homework points will be deducted each day the assignment is late.

REFLECTION PAPERSYou will be required to submit a one page reflection paper regarding the required chapters from Paul Tough’s “Whatever it takes: Geoffrey Canada’s quest to change Harlem and America”. These papers are to be submitted by the start of each class and are to be brought to each class. Five homework points will be deducted each day the assignment is late.

QUIZZESYou will be required to take a quiz every class to ensure that you have read the required readings. Quizzes will be worth 10 points each, and you will have the opportunity to drop your two (2) lowest quiz grades. There are no make-up quizzes.Please note that attendance will not always be taken, so the completion of your quiz during class time will confirm your attendance.

PRESENTATIONSYou will be responsible for preparing one individual class presentation and one group presentation that will cover a topic of your choice. Your individual presentations should be 15 minutes in length, and illustrate your understanding of your individual topic. Prior to presenting to the class, you must send your individual presentation to a peer reviewer for feedback. Your group presentations should be 45 minutes in length, and should illustrate your understanding of your group topic. Please review the following guidelines for presentations. You are responsible for knowing the contents of this syllabus:

o 1/21/13 Individual topics should be submitted via e-learning o 1/24/13 Individual Topics & Feedback will be returned & Peer reviewers assigned

Note: Due by 11:59 P.M. o 2/4/13 Individual Presentations begin o 3/11/13 Group Presentation topics should be submitted via e-learning o 3/18/13 Group Presentation Topics and Feedback returnedo 4/15/13 Group Presentations Begin

GRADING POLICYYour grades will be posted online in E-learning every Friday at three. You are encouraged to keep track of your scores. To obtain an “A” in the course, you must earn a 92% or better in the following categories:

Participation/Attendance Homework Quizzes Summary Papers

To use the matrix below, take your lowest percentage in either Participation or Homework and find it on the top row. Then, find your quiz percentage on the left hand column and then look for the letter grade that intersects between the two percentages on the matrix. This is your final grade

in the course.

Participation/Attendance & Homework

Grade 92 87 82 77 72 67 62 <61

Qu

izze

s

92 A BA B CB C DC D E

87 BA B CB C DC D E

82 B BC C DC D E

77 CB C DC D E

72 C DC D E

67 DC D E

62 D E

<61 E

Point BreakdownCategory Subcategory Points

Homework

Reflection PapersDiscussion Questions 15 points per week

Individual Project 100 points Group Project 100 points

Peer Review Assignment 20 PointsQuizzes +10 points per quiz

Participation 15 points per week

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY POINTS (OAPS)You can earn OAPs for optional alternate activities of academic value that are scheduled outside of the regular classes. These points can count towards missed quizzes, absences and missed homework assignments. Optional Alternate Activities could include:

Writing reaction papers based on conferences or colloquia attended Participating in research projects Watching movies or reading books and additional articles related to the course Community Service with minority populations

ACADEMIC MISCONDUCTAs you know, WMU cannot tolerate academic misconduct. We expect students to be honest and act with integrity. You should read the policies and procedures in the Undergraduate Catalog that pertain to Academic Honesty. These policies include cheating, fabrication, falsification and forgery, multiple submission, plagiarism, complicity and computer misuse. [The policies can be found at www.www.wmich.edu/catalog under Academic Policies, Student Rights and Responsibilities.] If there is reason to believe you have been involved in academic dishonesty, you will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct. You should consult with me if you are uncertain about an issue of academic honesty prior to the submission of an assignment or test. Turning in someone else’s homework as your own, doing someone else’s homework, assignment or test, copying someone else’s assignment or test answers, using unauthorized notes during tests, or copying text from sources without citing them (plagiarism) are all considered cheating.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IN EDUCATIONWe are committed to equal opportunity in education for all students, including those with documented physical or learning disabilities. If you have a disability please contact me during the first week of class to discuss appropriate accommodations to ensure equity in grading, classroom experiences, and assignments. If necessary, I will meet with you and staff members of the Disabled Student Resources and Services office to formulate a written plan for appropriate accommodations.

RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCESWe are dedicated to maintaining the rights of students to observe religious holidays. If you need to miss a class to observe a religious holiday, I request that you contact me a week in advance to discuss any arrangements.

CLASSROOM ETIQUETTEWe want this class to be a place that is conducive to learning. Thus, we ask that you please be respectful and courteous to the instructors and your classmates. Also, please do not create unnecessary distractions in class that will disturb other students, such as talking loudly (keep voices to a whisper), leaving your seat unnecessarily, or using your cell phone during class. Turn your cell phone off before class begins.

Date Assignments Due/Readings

Quizzes Important Reminders

1/7/13(M)

Syllabus Don’t forget to read over the syllabus because you will have a quiz over it on Wednesday!

1/9/13(W)

Chapters 1-2 of About Behaviorism

Hayes &Toarmino (1995)

Quiz over the Syllabus and Ch. 1 & 2

1/14/13(M)

Chapters 3-4 About Behaviorism

Quiz over Ch. 3-4

1/16/13(W)

Expectation Paper

1/21/13(M)

NO CLASS (MLK DAY)

1/23(W)

Parenting & Early Interventions

Forehand &Kotchkick (1996)

Sulzer&Azeroff (1997)

Quiz

1/28(M)

Parenting & Early Interventions/

Education

Hart &Risley (1975) Kauffman et al. (2008)

Quiz

1/30/13(W)

King et al., (1975) Rimes & Mable (1997)

Quiz

Education2/4/13(M)

Podcasts

2/6/13(W)

Whatever it Takes (1-3) Quiz and Summary Paper

2/11/13(M)

Individual Presentations

2/13/13(W)

Whatever it Takes (4-6) Quiz and Summary Paper

2/18/13(M)

Whatever it Takes (7-9) Quiz and Summary Paper

2/20/13(W)

Whatever it takes (10-11)

Quiz and Summary Paper

2/25/13(M)

Steele (1995) Quiz

2/27/13(W)

B.M. Book Ch. 7 Quiz and Summary Paper

3/4-3/8 SPRING BREAK3/11/13

(M)Social Issues

Sue (1983) Quiz

3/13/13(W)

Maheady et al. (1983) Bolling (2002)

Quiz

3/18/13(M)

Malott (2007) Quiz

3/20/13(W)

Ch. 6 Peter Lamal Book Quiz

3/25/13(M)

Iwamasa (1996) Iwamasa (1997)

Quiz

3/27/13(W)

Panel Discussion

4/1/13(M)

Ms. Evers Boys

4/3/13(W)

Ms. Evers Boys Quiz on Ms. Evers Boys

4/8/13(M)

Preparation for Group Projects

4/10/13(W)

Preparation for Group Projects

4/15/13(M)

Group Presentations

4/17/13 Group Presentations4/22-4/26 Final Exam Week