Psychology 2030B 650 FW24
The Maladjusted Mind
WESTERN UNIVERSITY
LONDON CANADA
Department of Psychology
Winter 2024-2025
Psychology 2030B - Section 650
The Maladjusted Mind
1 Calendar Description
This course will survey various categories of maladjusted behavior and consider different explanatory models and treatment strategies for the control of such behavior. Theories of human adjustment and maladjustment will be reviewed.
Antirequisites: Psychology 2050, 2310A/B, and 3310F/G
Antirequisites are courses that overlap sufficiently in content that only one can be taken for credit. If you take a course that is an antirequisite to a course previously taken, you will lose credit for the earlier course, regardless of the grade achieved in the most recent course.
Prerequisite: Not Applicable
3 lecture hours; Course Weight: 0.5
2 Course Information
Instructor: Ian R. Nicholson
Office Hours: By appointment through Zoom
Email: inichols@uwo.ca (Dr. Nicholson checks this e-mail every evening, not during the day)
Teaching Assistant: To be determined
Office:
Office Hours:
Email:
Time and Location of Classes: Asynchronous
Delivery Method: Virtual
3 Course Materials
Title: Psychopathology: An Integrative Approach to Understanding, Assessing, and Treating Psychological Disorders (Seventh Canadian Edition)
Authors: Barlow, D. H., Durand, V. M., Hofmann, S. G., & Lalumière, M. L.
Year: 2024
Cengage also offers an online learning support tool, MindTap. It is bundled with the textbook for students to use for support of their learning the course material. It is not required for the course.
Every year I am asked by students such questions as "I have a copy of a book by the same name but with different authors, is that good enough?”, “I have a copy of an earlier edition, is that good enough?”, or "I have a copy of the American version of the text, is that good enough?".
To be honest, I don't know if it is "good enough". I am not familiar with these texts. I can tell you that the course (and the midterm tests/final exam) are based in the material in this edition of this textbook by these authors. I don't know if these other versions will prepare you for the midterm tests and final exam. My guess is that some of the material is the same and some is unique. I can't tell what part of the midterm tests and final exam, however, is unique to this specific version of this text compared to some other text or earlier version.
Sorry I can't be more help with these questions. I know texts are expensive so please be careful if buying a used textbook.
Relying on the wrong textbook is not considered grounds for accommodation for a midterm test or final examination.
4 Course Objectives & Learning Outcomes
The purpose of the course is to provide students with an overview of the major forms of psychopathology and their treatment. The course will begin with addressing some of the fundamental aspects of the foundations of any study of abnormal psychology including understanding the profession of psychology, research, psychological assessment, and diagnosis. It will then move into discussions of several different types of psychological disorders, including several related to physical functioning. We then conclude with a discussion of psychopathology across the lifespan. All issues will be presented from both a theoretical and a practical perspective.
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LEARNING OUTCOMES |
ACTIVITIES THAT SUPPORT LEARNING OUTCOMES |
ASSESSMENT OF LEARNING OUTCOMES |
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Depth and Breadth of Knowledge 1. Recognize the main symptoms of the range of psychological disorders. 2. Identify various components of assessment (e.g., interviewing, administrating various tests, neuroimaging, physical and behavioural examinations). |
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Knowledge of Methodologies
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Application of Knowledge
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Awareness of Limits of Knowledge
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5 Evaluation
The evaluation and testing formats for this course were created to assess the learning objectives as listed in section 4.0 and are considered necessary for meeting these learning objectives.
First Midterm Test (33% of final grade) – 8 February 2025 @ 9am (London)
Content of test: The first midterm test will consist of a maximum of one hundred (100) multiple choice questions and will reflect material from textbook chapters 1, 3, 4, and 8 as well as the lectures posted online. There will be approximately an equal number of questions from each week of the course. The test will be 100 minutes long.
Copying of test questions by any means or format (e.g., taking photos, copying questions to another document) is strictly prohibited and constitutes an academic offence.
Administration of the test: The test will be administered synchronously online through the Qualtrics website. Specific information on how to access the test will be provided in the week before the test in the Announcements. The test will be available from 2:00pm to 3:40pm Eastern Time on 8 February 2025. The test is not proctored (Proctortrack will NOT be used). The test is considered “open book” in that students may reference the text or their notes during the test. Students are expected to work independently during the test and not assist one another or seek assistance from others during the test.
All questions will be randomly selected from a “pool” of questions for each chapter and lecture. As such, each student will have a unique exam with its own questions.
Completion of this course will require you to have a reliable internet connection and a device that meets the technical requirements for this service.
Western recommends that students use the latest version of Google Chrome to write your assessment. It is also good practice to have a second browser (Western recommends Firefox) downloaded and ready to go as a back-up.
Prior to the first test, a “testing” version of Qualtrics will be set up. This will allow students who have not used the testing software before to experience accessing the software online and how the test questions will be displayed and answered.
Unable to write a midterm test: The makeup test is scheduled for 6:00pm (London) on 13 February 2025.
If you are unable to take a test as scheduled, you must obtain permission from your academic dean via your Academic Counsellor order to make up the test. See “Section 10 Absence & Academic Consideration” for information on seeking accommodations.
Students may NOT use self-attestation for the first midterm test or the makeup test.
Please note:
Please note the Western policy that instructors are not permitted to receive documentation directly from a student, whether in support of an application for medical grounds, or for other reasons. All documentation required for absences that are not covered by the absence reporting policy must be submitted to the Academic Counselling Office of a student’s home faculty. Once the verification of your eligibility for a makeup test has been received from your Academic Counsellor, a student will be added to the list of those who will be provided access (after the midterm test has been written) for a make-up test.
Students requiring academic accommodation: Academic accommodation consists of arrangements that allow a student with a disability a fair opportunity to engage in academic activities and fulfill essential course and program requirements. Accommodation does not remove essential requirements of a course or program. It does not fundamentally alter content of exams, standards for assigning grades, or requirements that students independently demonstrate their knowledge of course material. An accommodation is a response to unique challenges that a student faces given his or her disability and particular program requirements. Because of the individualized nature of accommodation, students and prospective students are encouraged to meet with an Accessible Education counsellor to obtain information about specific accommodations and services that may be available to them.
Because of the individualized nature of accommodation, students and prospective students are encouraged to meet with an Accessible Education counsellor to obtain information about specific accommodations and services that may be available to them. Students who require test accommodations should follow the instructions for obtaining such accommodations that are at: http://www.sdc.uwo.ca/ssd/ For students with an accommodation, a unique Qualtrics link will be sent to you the week before the test to allow you to access a version of the test that will be consistent with your recommended academic accommodations.
Second Midterm Test (34% of final grade) – 15 March 2025 @ 9am (London)
Content of test: The second midterm test will consist of a maximum of one hundred (100) multiple choice questions and will reflect material from textbook chapters 5, 6, 7 (pages 198-209 only), 12, and 14, as well as the lectures posted online. There will be approximately an equal number of questions from each week of the course. Students are NOT responsible on this test for material from earlier in the course (i.e., material covered in the earlier midterm test). The test will be 100 minutes long.
Copying of test questions by any means or format (e.g., taking photos, copying questions to another document) is strictly prohibited and constitutes an academic offence.
Administration of the test: The test will be administered synchronously online through the Qualtrics website. Specific information on how to access the test will be provided in the week before the test in the Announcements. The test will be available from 2:00pm to 3:40pm Eastern Time on 15 March 2025. The test is not proctored (Proctortrack will NOT be used). The test is considered “open book” in that students may reference the text or their notes during the test. Students are expected to work independently during the test and not assist one another or seek assistance from others during the test.
All questions will be randomly selected from a “pool” of questions for each chapter and lecture. As such, each student will have a unique exam with its own questions.
Completion of this course will require you to have a reliable internet connection and a device that meets the technical requirements for this service.
Western recommends that students use the latest version of Google Chrome to write your assessment. It is also good practice to have a second browser (Western recommends Firefox) downloaded and ready to go as a back-up.
Unable to write a midterm test: The makeup test is scheduled for 6:00pm (London) on 20 March 2025.
If you are unable to take a test as scheduled, you must obtain permission from your academic dean via your Academic Counsellor order to make up the test. See“Section 10 Absence & Academic Consideration” for information on seeking accommodations.
Please note the Western policy that instructors are not permitted to receive documentation directly from a student, whether in support of an application for medical grounds, or for other reasons. All documentation required for absences that are not covered by the absence reporting policy must be submitted to the Academic Counselling Office of a student’s home faculty. Once the verification of your eligibility for a makeup test has been received from your Academic Counsellor, a student will be added to the list of those who will be provided access (after the second midterm test has been written) for a make-up test.
Students requiring academic accommodation: Students requiring academic accommodation: Academic accommodation consists of arrangements that allow a student with a disability a fair opportunity to engage in academic activities and fulfill essential course and program requirements. Accommodation does not remove essential requirements of a course or program. It does not fundamentally alter content of exams, standards for assigning grades, or requirements that students independently demonstrate their knowledge of course material. An accommodation is a response to unique challenges that a student faces given his or her disability and particular program requirements. Because of the individualized nature of accommodation, students and prospective students are encouraged to meet with an Accessible Education counsellor to obtain information about specific accommodations and services that may be available to them.
Because of the individualized nature of accommodation, students and prospective students are encouraged to meet with an Accessible Education counsellor to obtain information about specific accommodations and services that may be available to them. Students who require test accommodations should follow the instructions for obtaining such accommodations that are at: http://www.sdc.uwo.ca/ssd/
For students with an accommodation, a unique Qualtrics link will be sent to you the week before the test to allow you to access a version of the test that will be consistent with your recommended academic accommodations. For students with an accommodation, a unique Qualtrics link will be sent to you the week before the test to allow you to access a version of the test that will be consistent with your recommended academic accommodations.
Final Exam (33% of final grade) – date/time to be determined by Registrar
Content of exam: The final will consist of a maximum of one hundred (100) multiple choice questions and will reflect material from textbook chapters 9, 13, 15, and 16, as well as the lectures posted online. There will be approximately an equal number of questions from each week of the course. Students are NOT responsible on this test for material from earlier in the course (i.e., material covered in the earlier midterm test). The test will be 100 minutes long.
Copying of exam questions by any means or format (e.g., taking photos, copying questions to another document) is strictly prohibited and constitutes an academic offence.
Administration of the exam: The test will be administered synchronously online through the Qualtrics website. Specific information on how to access the test will be provided in the week before the test in the Announcements. The test will be available from 2pm to 3:40pm Eastern Time on the date and time determined by the office of the Registrar. The test is not proctored (Proctortrack will NOT be used). The test is considered “open book” in that students may reference the text or their notes during the test. Students are expected to work independently during the test and not assist one another or seek assistance from others during the test.
All questions will be randomly selected from a “pool” of questions for each chapter and lecture. As such, each student will have a unique exam with its own questions.
Completion of this course will require you to have a reliable internet connection and a device that meets the technical requirements for this service.
Western recommends that students use the latest version of Google Chrome to write your assessment. It is also good practice to have a second browser (Western recommends Firefox) downloaded and ready to go as a back-up.
Students requiring academic accommodation: Academic accommodation consists of arrangements that allow a student with a disability a fair opportunity to engage in academic activities and fulfill essential course and program requirements. Accommodation does not remove essential requirements of a course or program. It does not fundamentally alter content of exams, standards for assigning grades, or requirements that students independently demonstrate their knowledge of course material. An accommodation is a response to unique challenges that a student faces given his or her disability and particular program requirements. Because of the individualized nature of accommodation, students and prospective students are encouraged to meet with an Accessible Education counsellor to obtain information about specific accommodations and services that may be available to them.
Because of the individualized nature of accommodation, students and prospective students are encouraged to meet with an Accessible Education counsellor to obtain information about specific accommodations and services that may be available to them. Students who require test accommodations should follow the instructions for obtaining such accommodations that are at: http://www.sdc.uwo.ca/ssd/ For students with an accommodation, a unique Qualtrics link will be sent to you the week before the test to allow you to access a version of the test that will be consistent with your recommended academic accommodations.
Exam conflicts: If you have a conflict, please contact your Academic Counsellor at your Home Faculty. Only then can arrangements be made for you to write your examination. The date for the makeup examination will be set after the Registrar sets the date for the final examination for this course.
As a reminder, do not make plans for travel during the final exam period (7 April 2025 until 30 April 2025) until you know when your final exams will be.
Unable to write or missed a final exam: If you cannot write an examination in the regular period, you may request from the Dean’s Office of your Academic Faculty the privilege of writing a special examination at a later date. This privilege is based on compassionate, medical, or religious grounds with the appropriate supporting documents. The makeup exam will be scheduled after the date/time for the Final Exam has been scheduled.
Attestations may NOT be used for the Final Exam.
For more information on the Midterm Tests, Final Exam, and Practice Tests, students should read the “13 FAQ on Midterm Tests, Final Exam, and Practice Tests” at the end of the syllabus.
Policy on Missing Coursework
Make-Up Exams: Tests must be written on the scheduled dates unless you have a legitimate excuse recognized by the university administration in your home faculty. Valid reasons include medical or compassionate reasons, documented internet access issues, and religious observance, and must be substantiated by proper documentation (e.g., a medical certificate, which will be verified by the Office of the Dean). Students with approved absences for any of the tests/exam must write a makeup test/exam on the dates and times noted above.
Note that academic consideration based on self-attestation (i.e., an undocumented absence) may ONLY be used for the second midterm test. Absences for the first midterm (and its makeup test), the makeup test for the second midterm test, and the final exam (and its makeup test) must be substantiated by proper documentation, as noted above.
If you use an undocumented absence for the second midterm test and are unable to write the makeup exam at the scheduled time, you must obtain an approved absence with supporting documentation for the makeup test, and your makeup test will be re-scheduled for another date.
A makeup test/exam will be scheduled for all students who miss the scheduled test/exam with appropriate documentation/attestation. Students who miss a test/exam without documentation/attestation will receive a grade of zero.
The Psychology Department follows Western’s grading guidelines: https://www.uwo.ca/univsec/pdf/academic_policies/general/grades_undergrad.pdf
The expectation for course grades within the Psychology Department is that they will be distributed around the following averages:
70% 1000-level to 2099-level courses
72% 2100-2999-level courses
75% 3000-level courses
80% 4000-level courses
In the event that course grades are significantly higher or lower than these averages, instructors may be required to make adjustments to course grades. Such adjustment might include the normalization of one or more course components and/or the re-weighting of various course components.
Policy on Grade Rounding
Please note that although course grades within the Psychology Department are rounded to the nearest whole number, no further grade rounding will be done. Final grades in this course reflect student achievement. Per Department policy, grades that are close to the next grade level (e.g., 79%, 89%) will not be rounded up. No additional assignments will be offered to enhance a final grade; nor will requests to change a grade because it is needed for a future program be considered.
6 Assessment/Evaluation Schedule
First Midterm Test (8 February 2025): 33% of final grade
Second Midterm Test (15 March 2025): 34% of final grade
Final Exam (date to be determined): 33% of final grade
7 Class Schedule
Week 1 – What is a Psychologist?
6 January 2025 – 12 January 2025
Chapter 1 - "Abnormal Psychology in Historical Context"
Week 2 – Research in Psychopathology
13 January 2025 – 19 January 2025
Chapter 4 - "Research Methods"
Week 3 – Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis
20 January 2025 – 26 January 2025
Chapter 3 - "Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis"
Week 4 – Affective Disorders
27 January 2025 – 2 February 2025
Chapter 8 – “Mood”
Week 5 - Anxiety and Related Disorders (first midterm test: 8 February 2025)
3 February 2025 – 9 February 2025
Chapter 5 - "Anxiety"
Chapter 6 – “Preoccupation and Obsession”
Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders section (pages 172-183) ONLY
Week 6 – Schizophrenia and Dissociative Disorders
10 February 2025 – 14 February 2025
Chapter 7 – “Trauma and Dissociation”
Dissociative Disorders section (pages 198-208) ONLY
Chapter 14 – “Psychosis”
Reading Week
15 February 2025 – 23 February 2025
Week 7 – Disorders of Control
24 February 2025 – 2 March 2025
Chapter 12 – “Substance Use and Impulse Control”
Week 8 – Physical Health
3 March 2025 – 9 March 2025
Chapter 6 – “Preoccupation and Obsession”
Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders (pages 161-172) ONLY
Week 9 – Disrupted Daily Living
10 March 2025 – 16 March 2025 (second midterm test: 15 March 2025)
Chapter 9 – “Eating”
Week 10 – Personality Disorders
17 March 2025 – 23 March 2025
Chapter 13 – “Personality”
Week 11 – Disorders and the Age Spectrum – Childhood
24 March 2025 – 30 March 2025
Chapter 15 – “Neurodevelopment”
Week 12 – Disorders and the Age Spectrum – Old Age
31 March 2025 – 4 April 2025
Chapter 16 – “Aging and Neurocognition”
8 Academic Integrity
Scholastic offences are taken seriously, and students are directed to read the appropriate policy, specifically, the definition of what constitutes a Scholastic Offence, at the following Web site: https://www.uwo.ca/univsec/pdf/academic_policies/appeals/scholastic_discipline_undergrad.pdf
Possible penalties for a scholastic offence include failure of the assignment/exam, failure of the course, suspension from the University, and expulsion from the University.
Statement on Use of Electronic Devices
- During the tests/exam, students are NOT permitted to use other electronic devices than the device they are using to write the test (e.g., smart watch, phone, tablet).
- During the tests/exam, students are NOT permitted to use translation software or translation devices.
Multiple Choice Exams
Computer-marked multiple-choice tests and/or exams will be subject to submission for similarity review by software that will check for unusual coincidences in answer patterns that may indicate cheating.
Exam Proctoring Software
Tests and examinations for online courses may be conducted using a remote proctoring service. More information about this remote proctoring service, including technical requirements, is available on Western’s Remote Proctoring website at: https://remoteproctoring.uwo.ca
9 Academic Accommodations and Accessible Education
View Western’s policy on academic accommodations for student with disabilities at this link.
Accessible Education provides supports and services to students with disabilities at Western.
If you think you may qualify for ongoing accommodation that will be recognized in all your courses, visit Accessible Education for more information. Email: aew@uwo.ca Phone: 519 661-2147
10 Absence & Academic Consideration
View Western’s policy on academic consideration for medical illnesses this link
Find your academic counsellor here: https://www.registrar.uwo.ca/faculty_academic_counselling.html
Students must see the Academic Counsellor and submit all required documentation to be approved for certain academic considerations. Students must communicate with their instructors no later than 24 hours after the end of the period covered SMC, or immediately upon their return following a documented absence.
Medical Absences
Submit a Student Medical Certificate (SMC) signed by a licensed medical or mental health practitioner to Academic Counselling in your Faculty of registration to be eligible for Academic Consideration.
Nonmedical Absences
Submit appropriate documentation (e.g., obituary, police report, accident report, court order) to Academic Counselling in your Faculty of registration to be eligible for academic consideration. Students are encouraged to contact their Academic Counselling unit to clarify what documentation is appropriate.
Accommodation for Religious Holidays
Students should review the policy for Accommodation for Religious Holidays. Where a student will be unable to write examinations and term tests due to a conflicting religious holiday, they should inform their instructors as soon as possible but not later than two weeks prior to writing the examination/term test. In the case of conflict with a midterm test, students should inform their instructor as soon as possible but not later than one week prior to the midterm.
Special Examinations
A Special Examination is any examination other than the regular examination, and it may be offered only with the permission of the Dean of the Faculty in which the student is registered, in consultation with the instructor and Department Chair. Permission to write a Special Examination may be given on the basis of compassionate or medical grounds with appropriate supporting documents. To provide an opportunity for students to recover from the circumstances resulting in a Special Examination, the University has implemented Special Examinations dates. These dates as well as other important information about examinations and academic standing can be found here.
11 Other Information
- Office of the Registrar: https://registrar.uwo.ca
- Student Development Services: www.sdc.uwo.ca
- Psychology Undergraduate Program: https://www.psychology.uwo.ca/undergraduate/index.html
Students who are in emotional/mental distress should refer to Health and Wellness@Western https://www.uwo.ca/health/ for a complete list of options about how to obtain help.
Please contact the course instructor if you require material in an alternate format or if you require any other arrangements to make this course more accessible to you.
If you wish to appeal a grade, please read the policy documentation at: https://www.uwo.ca/univsec/pdf/academic_policies/appeals/appealsundergrad.pdf. Please first contact the course instructor. If your issue is not resolved, you may make your appeal in writing to the Undergraduate Chair in Psychology (psyugrd@uwo.ca ).
Copyright Statement
Lectures and course materials, including power point presentations, outlines, videos and similar materials, are protected by copyright. You may take notes and make copies of course materials for your own educational use. You may not record lectures, reproduce (or allow others to reproduce), post, or distribute any course materials publicly and/or for commercial purposes without the instructor’s written consent.
12 Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge that Western University is located on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak, and Chonnonton Nations, on lands connected with the London Township and Sombra Treaties of 1796 and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum. This land continues to be home to diverse Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) whom we recognize as contemporary stewards of the land and vital contributors of our society.
13 FAQ ON MIDTERM TESTS, FINAL EXAMS, AND PRACTICE TESTS
This section of the syllabus is based on frequently asked questions I have gotten over the years about the midterm tests, final exam, and the practice tests.
Q: I don't see anything on the syllabus about the practice tests. How do they affect my grade?
A: The online practice tests are, just as their names suggest, for practice only. You do not need to do them. They are simply there to help you prepare for the tests and final exam. They are written to be in the style and level of detail necessary for the tests and final exam.
Many people do these practice tests, but many don't, and that's OK. However, an analysis we have done on student grades has demonstrated that students who do them, on average, have higher grades on the tests.
Q: I am looking for the practice tests but don’t see them posted.
A: To try and make certain that the questions match the level of detail of the actual tests, we develop the practice tests after developing the actual tests. So, they are often not available until the weekend before the actual test.
Q: The practice questions seem easier than the real questions on the midterm tests and exam. There were questions on the midterm tests/final exam that were not reflected in the practice content. Is that fair?
A: Believe it or not, this is common across almost all tests and exams. Even when practice questions are based on unused test questions (so are expected to the same as the actual questions) or if they are old questions from earlier tests, they will often *appear* easier.
There is something about taking the practice questions that is less pressure and, apparently, causes the questions to appear easier. Also, while the practice questions were chosen to give students an idea of the depth of knowledge required, they can’t cover all the content the questions on the midterm tests and final exam will cover (if that were the case, we would just be assessing your ability to memorize practice questions). I promise, the practice questions are chosen to be similar in breadth and depth of textbook knowledge required as the actual midterm tests and the final examination.
Q: Do I need to know names (or dates, numbers, material in the boxes, etc.) for the midterm tests and final exam?
A: Every year, I am asked some variant of this question about the midterm tests and final exam. My response is that I don't answer these questions. Unfortunately, over the many years I have taught this course I have tried to answer such questions and routinely have run into problems. I have tried in different ways and, with each way, I find myself causing problems for myself and, more importantly, for the students.
I think the better question, that really underlies a lot of these questions, is "What level of detail do I need to know to best study for the midterm tests or final exam?".
The best way I have found to answer this question is not to answer directly but, instead, direct people to the practice tests. The questions on those practice tests are similar in the level of detail that you are expected to answer.
Interestingly, when writing questions about a test, the question can look as if you “need to know” something that is simply put in the question that helps the test-taker recall the material but is not “needed” to know.
There is a related, interesting issue when writing questions. For those who write test questions, it is referred to as “teaching in the stem”. If you give more information in the stem, some students will benefit from the added direction that the additional information provides. Other students, however, will be slowed because they must read more that they don’t need to answer the question.
For example, I could write a question as:
“Nicholson and Nicholson’s (2015) research on twin pairs with dyslexia has shown that genetic factors make up:”
or I could ask:
“Research on twin pairs with dyslexia has shown that genetic factors make up:”
or I could ask:
“Genetic factors for dyslexia make up:”
All three of these examples are looking for the very same information. Each question would have the same 4 options and the same correct answer. However, the way each version of the question is worded varies in the amount of additional context that is provided and may make the question easier to answer (although they make it longer to read). In this instance, you don’t need to know Nicholson and Nicholson’s 2015 research study, you only need to know the approximate amount that dyslexia is determined by genetic factors. But, if you do know the Nicholson and Nicholson study, the question might be easier for you.
Sorry I can't be more direct in my responses. I realize that it is likely disappointing to those wanting more specific direction.
Q: On which test/exam are Chapters 2, 4, 7 (first half), 10, 11, and 13?
A: They are not on either of the tests or on the final exam. Due to the length of the course, we can't cover everything from the textbook. When I first started teaching this course, I tried to work in all the chapters in the textbook, but it became more disjointed and difficult for students. I have narrowed the course down over the years and, this term, those chapters are not included.
Q: Isn’t Chapter 5 and part of Chapter 6 on the first midterm (it is on the syllabus for this week)? (or, “Isn’t Chapter 9 on the second midterm?”)
A: As you may know, this is Distance Studies course offered online and many students take the course and work full-time. Having the course be asynchronous allows them to ‘attend class” on evenings or weekends. To allow for them to be able to study for the new material uploaded onto the course website on Monday morning, they need a full week to “attend class”, make notes on the lecture, and then study. Thus, the test for the posted lectures is in the subsequent week, not for material only posted the current week. But, the course still has a schedule and that schedule is that lectures are posted on the Monday morning for students for that week. As a result, the test is based on what is described in the syllabus although some newer material is made available for students before the test.
