Hello and welcome to the online Psychology 11 course.  If you are reading this, I assume you are enrolled or planning to enroll in the course.  I’m glad to have you and hope you will rise to the challenge of committing to the class. I look forward to our time together in cyberspace.

If you are enrolled in the course, you must read both pages of this Introduction.  This is your Introduction to the class, as if you were sitting in the classroom on Day 1.  You are responsible for following through on the information given here. 

One of the first things you should know is that this class is not easy.  A lot of students think they can write a simple opinionated paragraph every once in a while, and take an easy exam every once in a while, and they’ll earn a good grade.  If that is your expectation for this course, you will have a hard time.  In my classes, you will be evaluated for your understanding of the material, and you will be given several written assignments.  This class is UC and CSU transferable; as such, I insist on critical thinking – if you are not willing to put any thought into your writing, it will be reflected in your grades.

Here are a few things I want you to know if you take on this class:

• First of all, this class is not easy (I think I may have said this already – I must really mean it!).  Students are often surprised at their scores because I expect them to show they understand the material; most students will rise to the challenge, others will drop the course
• You are expected to login 2 or 3 times a week, maybe more; you are expected to keep up with the reading on a weekly basis and share your ideas on the material. 
• The online course is NOT SELF-PACED (yes, I am yelling!).  There are absolute deadlines for every assignment.  Late assignments are penalized and absences accrue as a result.  Late assignments/Absences will lead to being dropped.
• There are several written assignments that you will be working on throughout the semester; students who think they can do it the evening before it is due, do not score well.  I give these assignments to force you to learn the material without benefit of a lecture – you won’t be able to “get by” with a superficial understanding of the material.
• My writing assignments are detailed and clearly explain what I am looking for.  Good writers are often dismayed when they score poorly: your writing skills will not save you from a low score if you don’t follow the directions.
• If you are looking for an easy course, please don’t take this class – we will both be unhappy.  I don’t like giving failing grades, but I also don’t have a problem doing it.  Click on the link to read about one student''s experience with online courses; unfortunately, her story is not uncommon. City College’s online department also provides a mini-test to help you consider whether or not you are ready for an online course.

I realize that most of you have jobs and many other responsibilities; some students seem to think that online courses are made (should be made?) easier for the busy working student.  Alas, but that is not my philosophy:  If you choose to take a class with me, especially one that is transferable, I take the stance that you should learn the material and show that you can apply the principles.

Now if I have not yet scared you away, click on the following link (page 2) for information on getting into the course and what you need to do the first week:  Introduction to Psych 11.