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Canyon College

online Learning Theories course at Canyon College

COURSE SYLLABUS: LEARNING THEORIES


Course Title:
Department:
Instructor:
Learning Theories
Forensic Psychology
Ann Ingman, Ed.D., M.A. E-Mail -- Vita




COURSE OVERVIEW:

This course is designed to assist the student in defining learning and to show how the learning process is studied through the comprehensive text, B.R. Herenhahn’s Theories of Learning. After completing the course, the student will be able to:

COURSE TEXTBOOK: - Online Bookstore

An Introduction to Theories of Learning. Sixth Edition by B.R. Hergenhahn and Matthew H. Olson.
ISBN #: 0130167355


HOW TO CONTACT YOUR INSTRUCTOR:

I can be contacted by e-mail through my personal e-mail address above. I will usually respond within 24 hours. If I will be away for a longer period of time, I will post my return date on the Forum Board ahead of time. I will also be checking in at the Forum Board several times a week to answer any questions that have been posted there by students. Please check the Forum Board before e-mailing your questions. Often a previous student has asked the same question and the answer is posted for all to see. The messages will stay on the Forum Board throughout your course. The Forum Board is also an excellent way to get feedback or to have questions answered by your fellow classmates. Please check it often.

You may be interested in Forensic Psychology but differ in experience and background. While you are at the Forum Board, if you see a question that is in your area of expertise, or you just happen to know the answer, please share what you know. You are all in this together, so make it as easy on yourself and your classmates as you can! I look forward to working with each of you, and I am always happy to help.

Special Assignment

DUE THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASS


I find it helpful for us to know a little bit about each other before the start of our busy weeks together. I have begun the process with my personal biography. Please read my biography posted on the Forum Board and respond with your biography. You can use mine as a model of what to include. Please be sure to tell us if this is your first online class or if you have experienced this environment before. Please respond to other students’ biographies with a welcome note or a personal response to their content. I will respond to each of you personally on the board, so please check back periodically. See you there!


WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS



Week 1
Readings
Part one: Introduction to Learning


Ch. 1: What is Learning?
Ch. 2: Approaches to the Study of Learning
Ch. 3: Early Notions About Learning

Assignments
Week 2
Readings
Part two: Predominantly Functionalistic Theories


Ch. 4: Edward Lee Thorndike
Ch. 5: Burrhus Frederick Skinner
Ch. 6: Clark Leonard Hull

Assignments
Week 3
Readings
Part Three: Predominantly Associationistic Theories


Ch. 7: Ivan Petrovich Pavlov
Ch. 8: Edwin Ray Guthrie
Ch. 9: William Kaye Estes

Assignments
Week 4
Readings
Part Four: Predominantly Cognitive Theories


Ch. 10: Gestalt Theory
Ch. 11: Jean Piaget
Ch. 12: Edward Chace tolman
Ch. 13: Albert Bandura

Assignments
Week 5
Readings
Part Five: Predominantly Neurophysiological Theories


Ch. 14: Donald Olding Herb

Assignments
Week 6
Readings
Part Six: An Evolutionary Theory


Ch. 15: Robert C. Bolles and Evolutionary Psycholgy

Assignments
Week 7
Readings
Part Seven: Some Final Thoughts


Ch. 16: Implications of Education
Ch. 17 A Final Word

Assignments
Week 8
Assignments


Grading

Discussion Questions
Discussion Questions will be posted at the end of each Lecture. It is your responsibility to read the question and respond substantively to the Message Room. You will receive points for participation as well as for the quality of your answers. Other students’ answers will be already posted in the Message Room. You may look at other responses but be certain to formulate your own answers. All 8 Discussion Questions are worth 25 % of your grade = 100 points

Brief Papers
There are two brief papers 500 to 800 words in length. Together they are worth 25 % of your grade = 100 points. The first paper is due before the end of the fourth week and the second paper is due at the end of the eighth week. The assignment for the papers is as follows:
#1 Recall a time where you learned something or observed someone else learning something and apply one of the theories covered in the text to explain how the person learned the particular information or task. Your explanation should include observations and references to the text, indicating why you believe that you are observing the particular learning processes you identify.

#2 Recall a time where you learned an inappropriate, deviant or unwanted bhehavior or observed someone else learning as such and apply one of the theories covered in the text to explain how the person learned the particular information or behavior. Your explanation should include observations and references to the text, indicating why you believe that you are observing the particular learning processes you identify.

Mid Term Exam and Final Exam
The mid-term will be posted in the Exam Room at the beginning of Week 4. The Final will be posted at the beginning of Week 8.You may only enter the Exam Room once and you have 2 hours to complete it. Once in a while a student may be knocked out in the middle of an exam. If this happens please e-mail me immediately. Both Exams are worth 25 % of your grade = 100 points.

Total 400 points
A = 360 - 400
B = 320 - 360
C = 280 - 320
D = 240 - 280
An additional 10 bonus points will be awarded for personal biography and welcome responses.
All Students are expected to earn a “C” grade or better.


What To Do First: