Spring 2018 - PSYC 391 D200
Selected Topics in Psychology (3)
Class Number: 12893
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Tue, 8:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Matthew Sigal
msigal@sfu.ca
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Prerequisites:
PSYC 201. Other prerequisites vary by topic offering.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Course can be repeated for credit. Students may not take this course for further credit if similar topics are covered. See Psychology department website for course description.
COURSE DETAILS:
PSYC 391/715: Special Topics in Psychology – Data Communication
Data literacy and communication is a critical aspect of modern living. From journal publications to infographics, it is essential that our data be conveyed efficiently and accurately. This course will focus on methods for improving aspects of data communication, including techniques and standards for graphic design, methods for summarizing statistical results, and for the presentation of such findings in a variety of forums. Students will come away understanding basic data types and their appropriate visual mappings, be able to discuss design guidelines and strategies for effective displays, and critically analyze published displays.
Grading
- Assignments: 30%
- Final Exam: 30%
- Term Project: 40%
NOTES:
Class Attendance: While attendance is not computed as part of your class grade, regular and punctual attendance at all class meetings is expected. The course staff will not provide supplemental notes, other than that which is generally distributed, to students who miss class.
Cumulative Final Exam: The final exam will cover the lectures, textbook readings, handouts, and materials presented during class. Questions will be constructed using a combination of conceptual and applied items and consist of multiple-choice and short answer/analysis based questions.
Missed Exams: Failure to take any test as scheduled will result in a score of zero. Special arrangements are granted at the discretion of the instructor for personal medical emergencies with proper documentation, however you must contact the instructor and your teaching assistant within 48 hours of the exam. Until official documentation is submitted, special arrangements will not be made and a grade of zero will be recorded for that course component. A “Certificate of Illness” is required for students requesting accommodation for medical reasons:
https://www.sfu.ca/content/dam/sfu/students/pdf/healthcare-statement-general.pdf
Late Assignments: No late assignments will be accepted. Assignments received after the due date/time will receive a grade of 0 unless accompanied by legitimate documentation
Final Grades: Final letter grades will be assigned based upon the official SFU Grading System. The range of values listed below reflect anticipated values for letter assignments only; the actual values may vary depending on the performance of the class and final grades will be scaled if necessary.
A-/A/A+ = 80+; B-/B/B+ = 70-79; C-/C/C+ = 55-69; D = 49-54; F = 0-4
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Few, S. (2009). Now You See It: Simple Visualization Techniques for Quantitative Analysis. Analytic Press.
Registrar Notes:
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS