Syllabus 364
Fall 2020

Psychology, PSY 364: Motivation, fall 2020- Section 01
Illinois State University
Alvin E. House, Ph.D.

cavert emptor ("let the buyer beware): This is the first semester I have taught an undergraduate couse via Zoom. While the course content is the same, many of the "mechanics" of class are different (and thus "experimental", i.e., I have no idea how well this will work). I will do the best that I can and expect you to make your best effort as well; beyond that, we will all pracice a great deal of forgiveness and all get through this semester as best as we can.

Class Time: 9:35-10:50 MW on line, Zoom
Dr. House's office: DeGarmo 419 (go look at my office door sometimes)
office hours: 8:20-9:20 Mon & Wed (also online) and by appointment
web site: http://www.psychology.ilstu.edu/aehouse/
office telephone: 438-8508 (don't call, call my cell phone if you need to reach me: 309.826.3633)
e-mail: aehouse@ilstu.edu

Textbook: Reeve, Johnmarshall (2018), Understanding Motivation and Emotion, 7th edition. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

wk 1 intro; read ch. 1
wk 2 research in motivation; read ch. 2
wk 3 neurological foundations of motivation; read ch. 3
wk 4 physiological needs; read ch. 4
wk 5 intrensic and extrensic motivation; read ch. 5; test #1
wk 6 psychological needs; read ch. 6
wk 7 implicit motives; read ch. 7
wk 8 unconscious motivations; read ch. 16
wk 9 goals; read ch. 8
wk 10 mindsets: read ch 9; test #2
wk 11 personal control beliefs; read ch. 10
wk 12 emotions I; read ch. 12
wk 13 emotions II; read ch. 13
wk 14 emotions III; read ch. 14
wk 15 growth motivations; read ch. 16
test #3, final exam period

Psy 364 provides an overview of basic concepts, theories, and findings regarding motivation; principally in humans; and some discussion of ongoing qusetions and issues as well as the application of these ideas in various circumstances. 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 short answer questions.

Test #1 will be scheduled for:  approximately September something, 2020
Test #2 will be scheduled for:  approximately October someting, 2020
Test #3  will be scheduled for the final examination period for our class (it is a unit test, like the first two)

For weeks 1-15 I would like you to write one question you have about the issue/topic/question that is not answered by your textbook. Please send these in electronically.. Questions are due on the Monday (exept for our first week) and are worth 2 points each for a total of approximately 30 points.

There may be several in-class assignments and/or brief (usually one or two paragraphs) reaction papers due for the next class period. Point values are variable but will usually be about 2 points each for a total of approximately 50 points.

There will be an oral quiz at the end of most Wednesday classes, covering the week’s classes and reading assignment. Quizzes are worth 10 points for a total of approximately 120 points.

There are three extra credit projects/papers, one during each third of the class. Each is worth 10 points. These activities are optional and due not affect the base number of points. These will be described in class and are, if done, are due on the date of the exam for that period.

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%

Quizes and in-class assignments may not be made up (active class participation in the activity is part of the task). At the same time, I recognize that "stuff happens" (you wake up ill, have to attend a funeral, your computer dies, etc.), it does for me too. You may, therefore, "post" up to three classes and receive full credit for any activities that day. Note that this ammounts to approximately 10% of our classes, missing more than 10% of classes (regardless of reason) has historically predicted very poor performance and non-passing grades in my classes.

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.

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 Student Access and Accommodation Services (SAAS at 350 Fell Hall, 438-5853 (voice) or 438-8620 (TDD).

Illinois State University, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding affirmative action, nondiscrimination, and anti-harassment. Illinois State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, order of protection, gender identity and expression, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, unfavorable military discharge, or status as a veteran in employment, educational programs and activities, or admissions. Inquiries or complaints may be addressed by contacting the director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access by email at EqualOpportunity@IllinoisState.edu, by calling (309) 438-3383, or by mailing to the office at Illinois State University, Campus Box 1280, Normal, IL 61790.