Instructor:  Steven W Brown, Ph.D  

     Office:  Van Ackeren 422a
    Phone:   (816) 501-4039

     Email:    steven.brown@rockhurst.edu  

        Fax:    (816) 501-4169

 

 
 Office Hours:

  Monday, Wednesday and Friday  11:00 – 12:00

  Tuesday, Thursday 11:00 – 12:00

 

 I am also happy to meet with you by appointment.  Call or email and let me know when you are available.
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

Text:
 

   Franken, R.E. (2002). Human Motivation.  Belmont CA : Wadsworth

 

 

Course Content:

Motivation is a multifaceted construct that encompasses the underlying processes believed to initiate and direct behavior.  Some psychologists maintain the study of motivation is the study of all determinants of action, a position that equates motivation with the entire field of psychology.  This course will examine the diverse ways the construct of motivation has been used to explain and predict the behavior of humans.  We will use these various perspectives on motivation to examine a variety of motivated behaviors.  Emphasis will be placed on developing a theoretical foundation to explain motivated behavior as well as application of motivational principles to everyday life.
 
 
                                                                                        

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Course Description:
 
 The format of the course will be primarily lecture/discussion.  We will also incorporate application exercises, video, computer projects and various in class group activities from time to time.
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Learning Objectives:
 
 Specific learning outcomes will be provided before we begin particular assignments and projects, however at this time I would like to share several global objectives I have for the course.  I believe a student completing a course in motivation should:

Be familiar with the contributions various components of motivation make to motivated behavior ( e.g. biological, cognitive emotional, etc.)
Understand basic constructs used to explain motivated behavior
Have a working understanding of several prominent theories of motivation and emotion
Be capable of using theory guided thinking to delineate explanations for particular behaviors
Apply motivational principles both to enhance personal motivation, and foster motivation in others
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grading       
 

                                                                                                                                               
Basically, five components will be used to determine your final grade in this course.  These include exams, research paper development, your research paper, exercises/homework and attendance

 

Exams
There will be three non-comprehensive exams during the course of the semester as well as a comprehensive final exam.   If you miss an exam it is your responsibility to contact me before the following class meeting to arrange a make-up exam.

 

Library Research Paper
The papers must be typed and adhere to APA stylistic guidelines. The paper should be approximately 10 double spaced pages in length.  I will propose several topics for the research paper in class and you will be allowed to choose the topic you find most interesting.  The process of developing your paper will be divided into several components and each of these components will be graded (see calendar for deadlines).  Because part of writing is learning to meet deadlines, there will be a penalty for late papers.  It is also your responsibility to keep a copy of your research paper on file in case the original paper is misplaced.

 

Homework
It is critical that you have familiarized yourself with the course material before class so that you will be able to contribute to class discussion.  To assist your preparation, I will assign questions related to your reading assignments that will be turned into me and graded. A variety of other short assignments will also be included in the homework portion of your grade.

 

 

Attendance

I will formally evaluate attendance as a component of your final grade.  Your attendance grade will be the number of class periods you attend divided by the total number of class periods.

 

Rational Underlying the Assignments
1.      The homework is designed to motivate you to complete reading assignments on time and help you focus on aspects of the reading I consider most important.

2.      The exams allow me to assess how well you understand the reading and lecture/discussions.

3.      The various assignments related to the research paper are designed to encourage you to distribute your library research, reading and writing over the course of the semester.  The assignments also allow me to provide feedback on your paper as it is developed.

4.      The Research Paper is an opportunity for you to read in detail about a particular topic in motivation that might interest you and examine the topic from various motivational perspectives. 

5.      The final exam allows me to evaluate your retention of course content.

 

 
 
 

 

 

Final Grades
 

Grades will be calculated as follows:

 

Exams ……………………...45% (15% each)

Research Paper development .. 5%

Research Paper 1st draft ……10%

Research Paper 2nd  draft .….10%

Homework  ………………...  5%

Attendance …………………. 5%

Final exam …………………..20%

 

The following grading scale will be used:

 

93-100% = A

90- 92%  = A-

87- 89%  = B+

83- 86%  = B

80- 82%  = B-

77- 79%  = C+

70- 76%  = C

67- 69%  = D+

60- 66%  = D

         Below 59% = F

 

 

Students with Disabilities:

 
 If you have a disability that might affect your work (in or out of class) it is your responsibility to contact :     

                    Mike Anderson

                    Director, Access Office

                    109 Massman Hall

                    (816) 501-4856

 

This office works with students and faculty in planning necessary accommodations.