Spring 2026 Course Syllabus Course: PSYC-1300 (Section: 2C, CRN: 11644) Learning Framework

Instructor Information
Instructor	Sonya Briscoe
Email	briscoesy@lamarpa.edu
Phone	(409) 984-6330
Office	Educational I - Room: 133
Office Hours	None
Additional Contact Information	Student meetings may be set directly before or after class by appointment. Contact thru Education Dept.
Course Information
Description	Study of the 1) research and theory in the psychology of learning, cognition and motivation; 2) factors that impact learning; and 3) application of learning strategies. Students use assessment instruments (learning inventories) to identify their strengths and weaknesses as learners. Develops skills and techniques necessary for success in college including memory development, note-taking, test preparation, study skills and time management. Assists the student in making adequate social and persona
Required Textbooks	Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer. Textbook Title: On Course: Strategies for Success in College (9th ed), Career, and Life. Cengage Publishing. Authors: Skip Downing and Jonathan Brennan (2020)
Additional Materials/Resources	Notebook paper, pens, pencils
Corequisites/Prerequisites	None
Learning Outcomes	Demonstrate the ability to analyze and interpret assigned reading materials and written instructions from both the textbook and instructor measured by pretest, posttest, written and oral class exercises. Demonstrate the ability to communicate orally in clear, coherent, and persuasive language appropriate to purpose, occasion, and audience measured by class exercises and rubric  Identify and demonstrate the ability to apply standards and elements of critical thinking measured by class exercises.
Core Objectives	* Communication skills: Students will demonstrate effective written, oral and/or visual communication. * Critical Thinking Skills: Students will engage in creative and/or innovative thinking, and/or inquiry, analysis, evaluation, synthesis of information, organizing concepts and constructing solutions.   * Social Responsibility: Students will demonstrate intercultural competency and civic knowledge by engaging effectively in local, regional, national and/or global communities. * Personal Responsibility: Students will demonstrate the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making.
Lecture Topics Outline	LECTURE TOPICS                  Introduction, Orientation, Syllabus Review                Getting on Course to Success                                     Accepting Personal Responsibility                Discovering Self-Motivation                              Mastering Self-Management                              Employing Interdependence                Gaining Self-Awareness                Adopting Lifelong Learning                Developing Emotional Intelligence                Staying on Course to Success                Career Development                Personal Responsibility
Major Assignments Schedule	Week 1:                 Introduction, Orientation, Syllabus Review                Reading: Ch1 Getting on Course to Success Week 2:                 Discussion Chapter 1                In Class Review/Activities                Reading: Ch2 Accepting Personal Responsibility   Week 3:                 Discussion Chapter 2                Reading: Ch3 Discovering Self-Motivation                Due: Exam 1 (Ch1-2)                Worksheet 1 Check-In                Week 4:                 Discussion Chapter 3                In Class Review/Activities                 Reading: Ch4 Mastering Self-Management                Worksheet 1 Check-In                Week 5:                Discussion Chapter 4               In Class Review/Activities               Reading: Ch5 Employing Interdependence Week 6:                 Discussion Chapter 5                Due: Exam 2 (Ch3-5)                Worksheet 2 Check-In   Week 7:                 In Class Journal Entry Reviews                Prep for Midterm - Begin Growth Scavenger Hunt Assignment                     SPRING BREAK – March 9 - 15          Week 8:                 Continue Work on Midterm/Scavenger Hunt                 Reading: Ch6 Gaining Self-Awareness                Worksheet 2 Check-In   Week 9:                 Discussion Chapter 6                In Class Review/Activities                Reading: Ch7 Adopting Lifelong Learning Week 10:                 Discussion Chapter 7                In Class Review/Activities                Reading: Ch8 Developing Emotional Intelligence                Due: Exam 3 (Ch6-7)                     Worksheet 2 Check-In            Week 11:                 Discussion Chapter 8                In Class Review/Activities                Reading: Ch9 Staying on Course to Success                (Should be working on your final project and presentation)   Week 12:                 Discussion Chapter 9                In Class Review/Activities                Due: Exam 4 (Ch8-9)   Week 13:                Career Development Week                Personal Responsibility Week               Continued Work on Final Project Assignment   Week 14:                   Continued Work on Final Project Assignment               Final Project - Begin In-Class Presentations   Week 15:                  Final Project – In Class Presentations
Final Exam Date	May 7, 2026 - 5:30 PM   Through  May 7, 2026 - 8:30 PM
Grading Scale	90 - 100 = A     80 - 89 = B     70 - 79 = C     60 - 69 = D     Below 59 = F
Determination of Final Grade	Exams - 40% Attendance, Class Participation, Journaling, In-Class Assignments - 20% Growth Scavenger Hunt Project / Worksheets – 20% Personal Growth Leads to Success/ In-Class Presentation - 20%
Course Policies
Instructor Policies	If you have any questions and/or concerns, please make me aware of them.   If you need to speak to me in person, please see me after class or make an appointment for longer conversations.  Such appointments will be immediately following class.  If you need to schedule for something more detailed, please try to present two possible days to select from in case of scheduling conflicts).   Don’t wait until you have fallen far behind to seek help.  I want you to succeed, I am here to assist you in your academic success.   Be aware that I will not discuss your grades with other students standing around.  It invades your right to privacy. If you want to discuss your grades in more detail, reach out to the Education Director or Officers, or contact Correctional Education Dept at LSCPA.
Attendance Policy	Research has shown a cause and effect relationship between attendance and college success. More than 4 unexcused absences will result in withdrawal from the course, regardless of the student's performance in class to that time. Excused absences include documentable illness, hospitalization, facility-related absences, or a religious holy day. With the exception of hospitalizations (or absolute emergencies) prior notification and approval is required. Documentation of hospitalization, events, illness from facility is required.  Reminder:  Without documentation, LATE WORK IS UNACCEPTABLE.
Additional Information	No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Respectful behavior:  Be respectful of instructors, fellow students and the academic environment.  Instructors have NO obligation to tolerate disruptive behaviors of any kind.  This includes excessive/disruptive talking.  Problematic behavior may result in you being asked to exit the classroom and/or dismissal from the course. Sleeping in class:  Please be aware that attendance requires not just your presence but your attention.  If you sleep in class you will be asked to leave and counted absent for the day.  NOTE:  In accordance with the attendance policy, five (4) absences can result in administrative removal from the course. Please be mindful of students with disabilities:  Some may be visible and others may not.  Most of us are extremely considerate of disabilities we recognize, but less aware and thus less sensitive to those we cannot see.  Invisible disabilities may include such conditions as (ADHD, asthmas, allergies, chronic pain, hearing impairments, migraines, seizures, vision impairments, and many more).  Something as simple as body sprays and fragrances may affect/trigger asthma or migraines.  Lighting or excessive noise can become problems for those with hearing disorders or epilepsy.  Let us all keep these things in mind, and BE CONSIDERATE OF THE NEEDS OF THOSE AROUND US.
Institutional Policies
MyLSCPA	Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.
Academic Honesty	Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
ADA Considerations	The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Room 117, in the Student Sucess Center. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
COVID 19 Information	The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition directly to their local health department. Students should also contact their course faculty to report their quarantine status. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings when directly exposed to COVID 19 in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website.
Facility Policies	No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
HB 2504	This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect	As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct	LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.
Clery Act Crime Reporting	For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.
Grievance / Complaint / Concern	If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.
Department Information	Inmate Instruction Chair: Dr. Steven Zani Email: zanisj@lamarpa.edu Phone: (409) 984-6431