Syllabus 346
Spring 2010

Psychology of Exceptional Children, PSY 346 - Section 01
Illinois State University
Alvin E. House, Ph.D.
Spring 2010

Class Time: 9-9:50 MWF Classroom: DeG 463
Dr. House's office: DeGarmo 419
office hours: 8 MWF, 10-12 MW, and by appointment
http://www.psychology.ilstu.edu/aehouse/
Telephone: 438-8508
e-mail: aehouse@ilstu.edu

Graduate Assistant: Ms. Arin Brewer
GA office hours: 8-12 MW; 9-11 F
e-mail: aebrewe@ilstu.edu

Textbook: Heward, W.L. (2009). Exceptional Children: An introduction to special education, 9th Ed. Upple Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson.

wk 1 Exceptionality read ch. 1
wk 2 Exceptionality ch. 3
wk 3 Mental retardation ch. 4
wk 4 Communication disorders ch. 8
wk 5 Learning disorders ch. 5
test #1, Monday February 15
wk 6 ADHD ch. 11
wk 7 Brain injury ch. 12
wk 8 Autism ch. 7
Spring Break
wk 9 Emotional & behavioral disorders ch. 6
wk 10 Emotional & behavioral disorders ch. 6
test #2, Wednesday March 24th
wk 11 Hearing loss ch. 9
wk 12 Vision loss ch. 10
wk 13 Severe & multiple disabilities ch. 12
wk 14 Gifted, Creative, Talent ch. 13
wk 15 Those who are different ch. 15
test #3, Tuesday, May 4, 7:50 a.m.

Psy 346 provides an overview of psychological and sociological factors influencing the development and adjustment of children with significant emotional, behavioral, or cognitive differences from the general population. The goals are to increase the student’s understanding of our current conceptualizations regarding, appreciate the human impact of, and gain knowledge about the approaches to assistance for children who are distinguished from their age peers. You may wish to take a look at my general philosophy of teaching (http://lilt.ilstu.edu/aehouse/philof.htm).

Learning objectives (see web page)

There are three tests, breaking the semester into approximate thirds. Tests are worth 100 points each for a total of 300 points. The format of tests will be a combination of multiple choice and short answer questions.

Test #1 is scheduled for Monday, February 15, 2010
Test #2 is scheduled for Wednesday, March 24
Test #3 is scheduled for Tuesday, May 4, 7:50 a.m.

For weeks 1-15 I would like you to write one question you have about the topic that is not answered by your textbook. Please type/print these. Questions are due on the Monday the topic is to be discussed (except for the first week) and are worth 2 points each for a total of 30 points.

There may be several in-class assignments and/or brief (<1 page) reaction papers due at the next class period. Point values are variable but will usually be between 2 and 10 points each for a total of approximately 100 points.

There will be a quiz at the end of most Friday classes, covering the week’s classes and reading assignment. Quizzes are worth 10 points for a total of approximately 150 points. The format of quizzes will be True/False.

Grading is based on points: the points you have earned divided by the base (points that were available):
A 90-100%
B 80-89%
C 70-79%
D 60-69%
F <60%

For as long as possible all withdrawals will be WX. After the calendar limit for WX passes, a WP will be given if the student has 70% or more of the points available at the time of the withdrawal; a WF will be given if the student has 69% or less of the points available at that time.

No extra credit projects or papers are accepted in this class. In borderline cases I will take into consideration factors such as: whether all assignments were turned in, class attendance and participation, your own efforts to seek help.

Academic Integrity: Instances of cheating and willful academic dishonesty will result in referral to the appropriate University office for disciplinary action and will result in a grade of “F” for the course.

Keep all tests and assignments until you have your final grade for the course.

Any student needing to arrange a reasonable accommodation for a documented disability should contact Disability Concerns at 350 Fell Hall, 438-5853 (voice) or 438-8620 (TDD).