Psych. 370 Theories of Learning

 

Course Overview for Fall 2006

 

 

Sect. 31: Tue., 7:05 – 9:45 pm, S 311

 

Instructor: Dr. Linda Rueckert                                 

office: Science 307C phone: 442-5841

office hours: Tue. 5 – 7 pm, Thu. 1:30 – 4:30 or by appointment

e-mail: L-Rueckert@neiu.edu

 

 

Text:

 

Morgan, D. L. (2002). Essentials of Learning and Cognition. New York: McGraw Hill.

 

 

Course Objectives:

 

To introduce students to various theories of learning and behavior. The course will cover a wide range of topics, including classical and operant conditioning in animals, the physiological basis of conditioning, applications of conditioning to learning in humans, social learning theory, cognitive theories of learning, and the development of cognition and the brain.

 

Class sessions will include lecture, student discussion, and some in-class demonstrations of experiments.

 

 

Course Requirements:

 

 

Homework Assignments 50 points

 

Homework assignments are listed on the web page and will not be given out in class. They must be typed, double spaced. Because we will usually go over the homework assignments after they have been turned in, no late assignments will be accepted. If you cannot make it to class, have a friend bring it, or leave it in my mailbox (Psych. Dept. office Science-313F). They can also be e-mailed, either as plain text, or as an attachment (MS Word only).

 

 

Exams 150 points

 

There will be 2 in-class exams, and one final, each worth 50 points. The exams will be cumulative but with greater focus on recently-covered information. The exams will cover both lecture and text, and will include multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions. Exams must be taken on the assigned date. In rare circumstances, you may take an exam early. No late exams will be given for any reason.

 

 

Paper 50 points

 

There will be a literature review paper, about 8 to 10 pages, which must be written according to APA style. Students who are not happy with their score on the first version may turn in a second draft that incorporates the suggestions I have made for changes. A more detailed description of the paper is on the web site.

 

Extra Credit up to 5 points

 

You may obtain extra credit points by participating as a subject in studies that are currently being conducted by Northeastern faculty in the Psych. dept. You will get 1 point for each half hour of participation. You may also get extra credit points by participating in class discussion.

 

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Grades will be determined based on the total number of points accrued in the following manner:

 

225 - 250:        A

200 - 224:        B

175 - 199:        C

150 - 174:        D

below 150:      F