Department of Extended Learning

Southwest Baptist University

Course #: PSY 3093

Course Credits: 3 hours

Office Phone: 417-328-1725

Instructor: Kevin Schriver, Psy.D.

Text: Olson, M. H., & Hergenhahn, B. R. (2009). An introduction to theories of learning (8^th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. ISBN: 0136057721

I. COURSE OBJECTIVE:

The student will demonstrate knowledge of the historical perspectives of the major theories of learning. Further, the student will be able to identify the leading theorists and the essential concepts of learning theory in terms of acquisition, retention, forgetting, transfer, motivation, and behavioral change.

II. PREREQUISITES:

General Psychology (PSY 1013) and Systems of Psychology (PSY 2063)

III. COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

A. Reading: A schedule of reading assignments is below. Reading the text will aid in preparation for the exams. The student will find that outlining while one reads and completing the questions at the end of each chapter will be beneficial for taking the exams in this course. The questions will NOT BE HANDED IN FOR A GRADE, but using them as a guide for studying and will be apparent when being graded on the exams.

B. Exams: Three major exams will be given, including the final. They will be objective in their design (50 questions) and worth 100 points each. They will be given as indicated on the reading schedule. Exam #1 will cover chapters 1-5. Exam #2 will cover chapters 6-10. Exam #3 will cover chapters 11-17. Contact Department of Extended Learning to schedule access to an exam. See course for more information.

C. Paper: A research paper covering any topic in the text will be required. It will be worth 100 points toward the final grade. It is to be typed, double-spaced with a minimum of seven (7) pages of text. Use of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA) format is required. A title page and abstract will also be expected, as well as an appropriate references section. Create in either Word or WordPerfect. Upload paper in the Drop Box provided (do not email paper).

IV. GRADING: 3 Exams x 100 pts. = 300 pts.

1 Paper x 100 pts. = 100 pts.

TOTAL = 400 pts.

A = 360-400

B = 320-359

C = 280-319

D = 240-279

F = 239 and below

V. DISABILITY AND SPECIAL NEEDS:

It is the desire of Southwest Baptists University to provide all students with optimum learning experiences. If there are circumstances, due to disability, that may impact your learning in this course, it is necessary for you to inform your instructor within ONE week after having enrolled in the course. If you do not notify your instructor, it will be assumed that you do not require special assistance.

VI. COURSE COMMUNICATION:

You may call me at the number listed at the top of this syllabus, should you have any questions. If you cannot reach me there, then please contact me by email. I will attempt to respond to your emails within 24 hours, excluding holidays.

My email address is kschriver@sbuniv.edu

Closing Word: I trust that you will be able to “Learn” a lot about “Learning.” In a distance format, you will be required to do the bulk of the work, but with an organized way of reading and utilizing the questions at the end of the chapters to let you study the most salient points, that should prove most helpful. I wish you well.