Syllabus

Syllabus-PSYC 3130-Relationship Science-Carmichael-2025Download

Course Requirements & Grading

Our class meetings will consist of lecture and discussion. Outside of class you will be assigned reading including textbook chapters and peer-reviewed journal articles that will be posted to online. Readings from peer-reviewed journals will be paired with class topics and assigned activities for you to try in your daily life. You will journal about your experiences and then we will discuss them as a group in class. Your journal entries will be graded (5% per entry x 6 entries). In addition, for 2 of the peer-reviewed papers you read, you are expected to complete a QALMRI analysis (15% per paper x 2 papers). You will also complete 3 exams (10% each x 3 exams). Participation in class discussions will also be part of your course grade (10% total).

Three multiple choice exams make up 30% of your course grade (10% per exam). Questions will come from lecture, discussion, and course readings.

Three multiple choice exams make up 30% of your course grade (10% per exam). Questions will come from lecture, discussion, and course readings.

Throughout the semester, certain peer-reviewed empirical journal articles will be paired with an activity for you to try out in your daily life. You will then journal about, and participate in a class discussion about, your experience.

Eight papers will have application activities assigned; you must complete 6 and journal about them (each journal entry is worth 5% of your course grade).

Read the paper before coming to class on the day it is assigned (see schedule & reading list). We will discuss the research in class, and I will give instructions for the activity, which you will have a few days to complete from the day it is assigned.

Your journal entry is due before coming to class on the day that we will discuss the activity as a group and connect it to the reading.

Each journal entry will consist of brief responses to 4 separate prompts (you must respond to all 4)

  1. Describe your experience with the activity (e.g., what did you do?, if it was different from how you normally engage, how so?, how did the other person respond?)
  2. Describe the impact of the activity (on you, on the other person, on the encounter, on your relationship)
  3. Reflect on the insight you gained from doing the activity (e.g., do you think it changed how the interaction unfolded?, how you felt?, how the other person felt?)
  4. Explain how your experience maps on to the findings from the relevant research paper (e.g., was your experience consistent with the findings of the research or not?)

For 2 of the assigned journal articles, you will complete an QALMRI analysis.

You have some choice about which papers you analyze, but the first must be submitted before exam 1, and the second must be submitted by 5/1. Paper 1 will be completed together in class, paper 2 can be submitted after we discuss the article. Each paper is worth 15% of your grade.

    Each paper is worth 15% of your grade.

    Note: Proof read all written work before submitting it. For help with writing, visit the Writing Across the Curriculum Resource page

    Every student has the same opportunity to earn extra credit that will be added on to your total course grade. Extra credit can be earned in one of two ways:

    1. Research Participation
      • by participating in psychological research conducted through Brooklyn College’s SONA system
    2. Submit a video clip
      • by submitting a brief video clip of a class concept with a one paragraph summary of how it relates to course material.

    Each is explained below. The maximum total amount of extra credit that you can earn is 3%. The 3% can be earned with any combination of the two methods.

    1. Research Participation
      • To earn extra credit by participating in research you must create a Sona account and sign up for and participate in the research studies posted there. Most studies take 30 minutes or 1 hour. For each 1 hour of credit you earn through Sona, you will earn a 1% bonus (each 1/2 hour of Sona credit you earn will earn you 0.5% extra course credit).
        • Procedures for Research Participation
          • Each study—including the type of research and specific days and hours participants are needed — is posted on line at Department of Psychology Psychology Department Research Participant http://brooklyncollege.sona-systems.com.
          • To sign up for studies, go to http://brooklyncollege.sona-systems.com and create your personal participation account by clicking the link “New Participant? Request an account here.” Provide your name, enter an email address that you check regularly, and select the course in which you are enrolled (Please make sure you select this course, PSYC3130 TR11, with me as your instructor). Your account information will be emailed to you immediately. Note: Participation credit can be obtained only if you have a working account. Email Professor Curtis D. Hardin ([email protected]) for account questions.
          • Once you have an account, enter the system and click “Studies” to see a list of available studies and how to sign up for participation. The system keeps track of your credit and allows you to monitor your participation record.
          • Be sure to note the time and location of the study you sign up for so that you will not miss your appointment.
          • You must arrive promptly at the assigned room for your study. If you are late you may lose the chance to participate at that time.
        • Your Rights as a Research Participant
          1. You may refuse to participate in any particular study.
          2. You may withdraw from a study while in progress with no penalty.
          3. You may request that the data obtained from your participation be destroyed and not used in any way. There is no penalty or loss of credit if your data are destroyed.
          4. It is the responsibility of the researcher to make the study an educational experience for you by providing information pertaining to the purpose and design of the study immediately after the data have been collected and analyzed.
          5. If you feel that your rights have been violated or you wish to make any complaints, you may contact Professor Curtis D. Hardin (5113C James), Chair, Research Participation Pool Committee, Brooklyn College ([email protected]).
    2. Submit a video clip
      • The relationship phenomena discussed in this course can be seen everywhere around us. You can earn 1% extra credit by submitting a brief video clip (~5 min or less) from television, film, or the internet that displays one of the phenomena we covered in class. Along with your clip, you will need to submit a 1 paragraph summary of how the clip relates to the material covered in the course. The clip must be an excellent example of the phenomena you claim it illustrates, and the paragraph should succinctly explain why the clip is an excellent illustration. Ideally you will send the clip as an MP4 file, but a weblink is also acceptable. If there’s more to the clip than just the phenomena, you must clearly identify when the relevant segment begins and ends. Clips and summaries must be submitted by the last day of class.

    Grade Calculation

    • Exams (3 x 10% each) = 30% of grade
    • Activities & Journals (6 x 5% each) = 30% of grade
    • QALMRIs (2x 15% each) = 30% of grade
    • Participation = 10% of grade

    Grading Scale

    97%+ = A+, 93 to 96% = A, 90 to 92% = A-, 87 to 89% = B+, 83 to 86% = B, 80 to 82% = B-, 77 to 79% = C+, 73 to 76% = C, 70 to 72% = C-, 67 to 69% = D+, 63 to 66% = D and less than 60% = F.

    Download the grade calculator excel file on blackboard to easily keep track of your course grades. Final grades will be rounded to nearest whole point (e.g., 86.2% ~ 86%; 89.7% ~ 90%) and will not be curved or scaled.

    Class Policies (Listed Alphabetically)

    The faculty and administration of Brooklyn College support an environment free from cheating and plagiarism. Your submitted work is meant to demonstrate your own abilities and understanding of the course material. Each student is responsible for being aware of what constitutes cheating and plagiarism and for avoiding both. The complete text of the CUNY Academic Integrity Policy and the Brooklyn College procedure for implementing that policy can be found at: Brooklyn College Policies If you have a question about what constitutes academic dishonesty, please ask me.

    I will take attendance at each class meeting. Class participation is part of your course grade, so regular attendance is important. Attendance will enhance your understanding of the course material and is likely to improve your performance in the course. You are responsible for readings and assignments, even when you miss class. If you need to miss class for religious obligations, please let me know as soon as you are aware of the date you will be out so we may arrange for you to make up work, if necessary. Please use your best judgement when you are not feeling well, and refrain from attending class if you think you might pass along an illness to others. And please make sure to participate in class discussions when you are in attendance!

    I communicate frequently about the course, schedule, assignments, and due dates through Blackboard. It is to your advantage to have an address on file with Blackboard where you reliably receive email. My power-point presentation will be available on Blackboard in advance of each class meeting. I make these available because it may be helpful for you to have an organizing outline, but they do not contain enough information to justify missing class. For blackboard help contact ITS (718-951-4357; [email protected])

    The Center for Student Disability Services (CSDS) is committed to ensuring students with disabilities enjoy an equal opportunity to participate at Brooklyn College, and so am I. In order to receive disability-related academic accommodations, students must first be registered with CSDS. Students who have a documented disability or suspect they may have a disability are invited to call the CSDS at (718) 951-5538 or visit 138 Roosevelt Hall.

    In order to receive academic accommodations students must first be registered with the Center for Student Disability Services. Students who have a documented disability or who suspect that they might have a disability are invited to set up an appointment with the Director of the Center for Student Disability Services, Ms. Valerie Stewart-Lovell or the Assistant Director, Josephine Patterson or their general email [email protected]

    If you have already registered with CSDS and submitted necessary forms, you will receive your course accommodation letter to provide to your professor and these specific accommodations can be discussed when appropriate.

    Center for Student Disability Services (CSDS) Mission:
    It is the mission of the Center for Student Disability Services (CSDS) to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to all campus facilities, curricula, and activities. The program’s objective focuses on providing students with reasonable disability-related accommodations and the opportunity to maximize their academic success at Brooklyn College. The goal is to ensure an inclusive environment while maintaining and enhancing the college’s academic excellence by providing students with disabilities the opportunity to achieve their highest possible academic potential.

    I aim to maximize learning opportunities by providing a classroom free from distractions. Please contribute to this effort by arriving on time, turning electronic devices to silent, using laptops only for class-relevant purposes, and refraining from personal conversation during class. It’s a choice to be here, so show respect for your own and others’ time.

    Assignments must be submitted through Blackboard by the beginning of the class period on the due date. Due dates are listed in the course schedule.

    Make up exams are generally not permitted. If you must miss class on the day of an exam, please notify me immediately. In case of an emergency please get in touch with me as soon as possible to let me know what’s going on. More communication is always better. Documentation will be required to verify reason for absence from exams.

    It is your responsibility to read all assigned pages. It is impossible to cover all the material from the reading during lecture. Exams may include material that was addressed in the reading, but not covered in lecture. It benefits you to complete the reading in advance of the lecture on each topic because it provides you with the necessary foundation for being an active participant in class discussions, and it is likely to improve your understanding of the course material.

    • The BC Library has a wealth of resources available to you (https://library.brooklyn.cuny.edu/).
    • Visit the Learning Center (1300 Boylan; 718-951-5821; [email protected]) for assistance with course material.
    • As a student you are entitled to free counseling services at the Personal Counseling Center (0203 James; 718-951-5363; [email protected]).
    • The Magner Center (1303 James) offers resume & interview prep, internship & career help, & more. Finally, it’s never too early to start thinking about your career!
    • Visit My Next Move (www.mynextmove.org) to find careers that match your interests, and
    • see ONet Online (www.onetonline.org/find/descriptor/browse/2.C/2.C.4) to get a better sense of the kinds of jobs that you can get with a background in Psychology (or other disciplines).

    CUNY Policies (Listed alphabetically)

    The faculty and administration of Brooklyn College support an environment free from cheating and plagiarism. Your submitted work is meant to demonstrate your own abilities and understanding of the course material. Each student is responsible for being aware of what constitutes cheating and plagiarism and for avoiding both. The complete text of the CUNY Academic Integrity Policy and the Brooklyn College procedure for implementing that policy can be found at Brooklyn College Policies. If you have a question about what constitutes academic dishonesty, please ask me. If I suspect a violation of academic integrity and, upon investigation, confirm that violation, or if the violation is admitted, I MUST report the violation to the University Academic Integrity Committee. You will also receive a zero on the assignment in question. It is my practice to use plagiarism detection software when grading your submitted assignments.

    If you have the misfortune of losing a loved one, please see the Student Bereavement Policy for information about taking the time you need to grieve.

    Bereavement Policy:

    • Students who experience the death of a loved one must contact the Division of Student Affairs, 2113 Boylan Hall, if they wish to implement either the Standard Bereavement Procedure or the Leave of Absence Bereavement Procedure. The Division of Student Affairs has the right to request a document that verifies the death (e.g., a funeral program or death notice). Contact Email: [email protected]
    • Typically, this death involves that of a family member, in parallel to the bereavement policy for faculty and staff. However, it is up to the discretion of the Division of Student Affairs to determine if a death outside of the immediate family warrants implementation of the student bereavement policy.
    •  As an option, and in consultation with the Division of Student Affairs, students may take the Leave of Absence Bereavement after the Standard Bereavement.
    • Reference to the Student Bereavement Policies will be noted on course syllabi.
    • Students requesting a religious accommodation should contact the Division of Student Affairs as well. The chief student affairs officer, or a designee, and the student will engage in an interactive process with the goal of finding an acceptable accommodation.

    Bereavement Procedure:

    • Upon approval from the Division of Student Affairs, the student is allowed one week, commencing from the day of notification to the Division of Student Affairs, of excused absence.
    • Should the student feel that he/she needs additional days, these should be discussed with individual course instructors and/or the Division of Student Affairs.
    • The Division of Student Affairs will contact the student’s faculty and academic staff of the student’s courses.
    • Faculty and academic staff will be advised that extensions must be granted to the student for the period of one week of excused absence.
    • Further extensions may be negotiated with the student when he or she returns to campus.
    • Students are encouraged to discuss options with their instructors.

    Leave of Absence Bereavement Procedure:

    • Students may be allowed to withdraw from the semester in which the death occurs.
    • The Bereavement Leave of Absence is for one semester only.
    • Students who have opted to take the Bereavement Leave of Absence and have already attended classes for the semester of the leave will be allowed to re-enter the following semester without having to reapply to the college.
    • Students who wish to take the leave of absence prior to the beginning of the semester will be required to reapply for the following semester.
    • Students who are in good academic standing will be given the opportunity to successfully complete the credits for the semester in which they return.
    • Students will consult with the Division of Student Affairs, on a case-by-case basis, as to whether they should withdraw from their courses during this leave of absence or to request incompletes from the faculty member.
    •  Given that there may be a potential impact on financial aid, students who receive financial aid and who take the Bereavement Leave of Absence, upon arrangement with the Division of Student Affairs, will meet with a financial aid adviser prior to taking this option.

    The New York State Education Law provides that no student shall be expelled or refused admission to an institution of higher education because he or she is unable to attend classes or participate in examinations or study or work requirements on any particular day or days because of religious beliefs.

    Students who are unable to attend classes on a particular day or days because of religious beliefs will be excused from any examination or study or work requirements.

    Faculty must make good-faith efforts to provide students absent from class because of religious beliefs equivalent opportunities to make up the work missed; no additional fees may be charged for this consideration.

    If classes, examinations, or study or work requirements occur on Friday after 4 p.m. or on Saturday, similar or makeup classes, examinations, or study or work requirements will be made available on other days, where possible and practical.

    The faculty and the administration will not allow any adverse or prejudicial effects to accrue to students availing themselves of this regulation.

    If students have complaints about the application of this policy, they are entitled to bring action or a proceeding for enforcement of their rights in the Supreme Court of Kings County