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Professor: MaryLouise E. Kerwin,
Ph.D., BCBA
Office Location: First Floor, Robinson Hall, Psychology
Contact Info: kerwin@rowan.edu
(preferred) OR 856- 256- 4500 ext. 3521
Office Hours: Monday 2:00 pm -4:00 pm or by appointment
Course Description
This course is designed to
provide knowledge of applied behavior analysis. During the course of the semester, the
student will learn concepts underlying the theory of applied behavior
analysis; goal selection; defining, measuring and observing behavior, control
of behavior through antecedent manipulations; increasing and decreasing
behaviors; and assessing change in behavior. This course is one of the
foundational courses in the Specialization in Behavioral Techniques with
Children. (If you are interested in this specialization, please see me). The
ultimate objective of this course is to prepare the student to be competitive
for an entry-level job as a behavioral technician or programmer. This course
will emphasis both content and applied knowledge and skills. The majority of the course will be
conducted in didactic and discussion format.
Textbook
Cooper, Heron, & Heward (2007). Applied Behavior Analysis. 2nd
edition. Upper Saddle River,
New Jersey: Prentice-Hall.
Although the majority of readings for this course will come
from the textbook, additional readings will be assigned. They will be
available at the circulation desk on the first floor in the library or online
through the library web page as reserved readings.
Expectations
Students in this class
are expected to do the following:
1. Attend
all class meetings. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class
in accordance with University policies.
2. Read all materials assigned and be prepared to participate in informed
class discussion. I will be
supplementing some of the material from the text in an attempt to highlight
certain important points; therefore, if you have not read the book, you may
be confused.
3. Take all examinations when scheduled. No
make-up examinations will be given without written, valid documentation of a serious emergency
or illness. In the case of a documented emergency, a make-up examination will
be given prior to the next class period. You must contact me on the day of the
examination to schedule the make-up – it is your responsibility. If you fail
to take a scheduled examination without a documented, valid emergency, you
will be given a 0 for that examination.
4. Students are expected to adhere closely to any deadlines. Five points will be deducted for
assignments submitted one working day after the due date; one point for each
additional working day the assignment is late.
5. It is expected that students will take an active role in the learning
process. If you are experiencing any
trouble, you are responsible for asking for help by telling me before or
after class, phoning me, e-mailing me a message, or
coming to my office hours.
6. Please be
advised, I do not automatically give an "Incomplete" grade for the
course if the individual fails to complete each assignment and examination.
Your academic
success is important. If you have a documented disability that may have an impact upon your work in this class, please contact me.
Students must provide documentation of their disability to the Academic Success Center
in order to receive official University services and accommodations. The Academic Success
Center can be reached
at 856-256-4234. The Center is located on the 3rd floor of Savitz Hall. The staff is available to answer questions regarding accommodations or assist you in your pursuit of accommodations.
We look forward to working with you to meet your learning goals.
Academic
Misconduct: Cheating will not be tolerated and will result
in a score of 0 for that assignment or test.
Cheating includes looking at someone’s answer sheet or test during the
examination period, copying someone else’s work and handing it in as your own
work, and plagiarizing.
Assignments
Examinations: Two tests (scheduled for 2/26 and 4/9) and
a final examination (5/7) are scheduled for this course. Each test will consist of multiple choice
and short essay questions.
Summarizing & Critiquing JABA Article. You will be directed to read one article published in the
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
and asked to provide a summary and critique of the article with respect to
the concepts we discuss in class. This assignment is worth 10 points. Each is
due via e-mail by 3 pm on 4/16.
Behavior Plan. In addition to the final examination, a culminating
final experience will involve writing a comprehensive behavior plan. This
plan will be due on 4/30.
Homework: Throughout the semester, there are a total
of 7 homework assignments. Each assignment is designed for you to apply and
practice some of the concepts and theories discussed in class. Therefore, it
is to your advantage to complete and submit each assignment in a timely
manner. All assignments are worth 2 point each.
Grading
Your grade will be based on total points accumulated.
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Assignment
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Possible Points
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Test
1 (2/26)
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16
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Test
2 (4/9)
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20
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JABA
Article Summary & Questions (4/16)
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10
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Behavior
Plan (4/30)
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15
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Homework
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14
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Final
Examination (5/7)
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25
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TOTAL
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100
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At the end of the semester, the total points earned will
determine the letter grade.
> 92 A
89-91.9 A-
86-88.9 B+
82-85.9 B
79-81.9 B-
76-78.9 C+
72-75.9 C
69-71.9 C-
66-68.9 D+
62-65.9 D
59-61.9 D-
0 – 58.9 F
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