Special Topics: Ethics in Psychology

50:830:459: Sec. 40:66849

Spring 08: T, Th: 7:30-8:50pm

Joseph F. Joiner, Ph.D.

 joiner@camden.rutgers.edu

OnLine Course Information: http://sakai.rutgers.edu

Office: 459 Armitage Hall

Office Hours: M, W:11:20am-12:00pm; T, Th: 6:00-7:00pm

          SYLLABUS

Course Description: Explores the role of ethical behavior and decision in the field of psychology.

Course Texts:

* Morris, Michael. (Ed.). (2008). Evaluation ethics for best practice: Cases and commentaries. New York: The Guilford Press. ISBN# 13-978-1-59385-569-7

* Rave, Elizabeth J., & Larsen, Carolyn C. (Eds.). (1995). Ethical decision making in therapy: Feminist perspective. New York: The Guilford Press.

          ISBN# 0-89862-089-9

* Ruggiero, Vincent R. (2008). Thinking critically about ethical issues (7th. ed). New York: McGraw Hill. ISBN# 139780073535685.

Paper Grading Reference:

American Psychological Association. (2003). Publication manual of the American psychological association (5th. ed.). Author: Washington, D.C.

Sakai Information:

1.) Syllabus

2) Classnotes

3.) Paper Criteria

4.) APA Formatting

5.) General Paper/APA-Formatting Questions Discussion

6.) On-Going Course Announcements

E-Mail Communication:

1.) Please write “Ethics” as subject.

2.) No grade information via E-Mail.

3.) No General Paper/APA Formatting Questions via E-mail.

Class Attendance & Participation:

1.) Attendance is mandatory, and roll will be taken each class session.

2.) After roll has been taken, student will be considered late.

3.) Student must remain in class for the entire time period to receive full credit for the period.

4.) Student arriving late is responsible for notifying instructor of presence at the end of the session.

5.) Students will only be allowed two excused absences for the entire semester.

6.) Perfect class attendance does not constitute a final Class Attendance/Participation “A” letter grade without class participation.

7.) This is a childcare-friendly course

 Three Exams:

1.) Essay Format

2.) Make-Up Exams:

          * Student must have paper-documented, instructor-approved absence.

          * Student must take exam on date scheduled without exception.

          * Make-Up Exam(s) Date: 13May08

Written Paper:

* A five-eight page main body APA–formatted paper will be due immediately following roll on 4/15/08. No paper will be accepted after end of class. Criteria for the paper will be discussed during class on 4/15/08.

* WARNING: “F” Letter-Grade Paper receives Zero (0) points toward final course grade.

Final Grading Criteria:

1.) Attendance/Participation: 20%

          * Late to/leaving early: -25% of daily class total

2.) Exams: 55% Total

3.) Paper: 25%

          * “F” Letter-Grade Paper receives zero (0) points toward final course grade.

4.)Individual-Exam/Paper Numerical Scoring:

                   A = 92-100%                  C+ = 76-79%

                   B+ = 86-91%                  C = 70-75%

                   B = 80-85%                    D = 60-69%

5.) Individual Attendance, Exam, and Paper Grades discussed with student during Instructor’s office hours only.

Electronics:

1.) Students are expected to refrain from non-class related electronic communication, entertainment, internet device disruption and/or usage during class time. At the beginning of each class period, please place cell phones, pagers, etc. on silent mode and store entertainment devices. Please address communication/entertainment concerns, prior to and after class. Failure to comply will result in class participation grade deduction. I appreciate your help with matter.

2.) Electronic reproduction of lectures in any form prohibited.

Students with Learning Disabilities/Behavioral Health Diagnosis:

To be given academic consideration befitting a specific Learning Disability/Behavioral Health diagnosis, the student’s diagnosis must be documented with the Rutgers Office of Student Affairs.

ESL Students:

Please see me during my office hours for any needed resource information.

Addendums:

Students responsible for written/oral addendums to the syllabus. Generally, I will notify class of addendums following roll at the beginning of class.

DAILY CLASS SCHEDULE

Special Dates:

* 26Feb08: First Exam

* 28Feb08: APA Formatting Class

* 3April08: Second Exam

* 15April08: Paper Due

* 13May08: Final Exam; Make–Up Exam

Lecture Block One:

* 22Jan08-21Feb08

          Readings: Ruggerio All Chaps.

          Exam: 26Feb08

Lecture Block Two:

* 1Mar08-31Mar08

          Readings: Morris All Chaps.

          Exam: 3April08

Lecture Block Three:

* 8April08-1May08

          Readings: Rave & Larsen All Chaps.

          Exam: 13 May08