Contents:

Course Description - goals, readings, attendance (& notes), grading, expectations, contact info.
Tentative Class Schedule

Relevant Articles (access limited to the UWSP Campus)
Grade Postings (Grading Code Collection Form)

Send Dr. Plonsky Email using a web form.
Dog Behavior & Training Site

A. GOALS

From the catalog course description, the course will deal with "Evolution, history, sensory abilities, social behavior, learning and methods of dog training. Behavior problems and ways dogs work with and help people." Thus, the goal of the course will be to gain an understanding of canine behavior with the primary emphasis on dogs. The scientific perspective will be stressed, since it is how I was trained. However, I also have a great deal of respect for folks working in the field, that is, trainers who most often have little knowledge of science. We will employ multimedia lectures, discussion, videos, & demonstrations.

B. READINGS
There are some relevant articles that are required reading. In addition, there are two textbooks available in the college bookstore:

Lindsay, S. R. (2000). Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training. Volume 1: Adaptation and Learning. IA: Iowa State University Press.

Baer, T. (1999). Communicating with Your Dog: A Humane Approach to Dog Training (Paperback). NY: Barron's Educational Series.

C. ATTENDANCE
While I do not formally take attendance, it is unlikely that you will do well in the course if your attendance is poor. This is due to the fact that the exams include some material only presented during class sessions. If you miss a class, it will be to your benefit to find out what occurred during that class from a classmate.

D. GRADING POLICY

• Four exams will be given. Each will consist of 50 multiple choice questions. Each exam will only cover material since the previous exam. Your grade is primarily determined by the average of these 4 exam scores.
• You will be responsible for both the assigned readings and the lecture material. Many students dislike the reading. I am sorry if you see it this way. Nevertheless, I must prepare you to learn independently. Reading about the material in all its detail is a necessary skill in this regard.
• I will post exam scores on the web a couple of days after each of the exams for students who give me a code to do so.
• Please bring a couple of Number 2 pencils for the exams. If you are wearing a hat with a brim, I will ask you to turn it around or take it off when taking exams.
• Cheating on an exam will lead to an automatic failure of that exam and possibly other penalties.
• Another way to fail an exam is to not show up for it. If you must miss an exam, it will be a lot easier if you let me know BEFORE the exam. If you don't, I will require written documentation of the emergency.
• If you wish to reschedule an exam, send me an email making the request in the week before the exam. I will then send you an email with the times that the psychology department has available for make-ups. Your reply to this email with the choice of a date & time will then serve as my reminder to make a test available to the appropriate proctor. You are allowed to reschedule an exam in this manner 1 time in a given semester before written documentation is required. Note that if your grade is less than a 'B', I do not recommend postponing an exam.
• There is no provision for "extra projects" to improve grades. However, I may increase your grade beyond that which is indicated by the arithmetic average of your test scores for any of the following reasons:
  • class participation
  • improvement over the semester
  • one test score that is significantly lower than the other three
• Concerning withdrawing from a class, it must be done in a timely manner in accordance with published deadlines.  Failure to do so could result in a failing grade or the loss of reimbursable tuition fees. 

E. EXPECTATIONS
What I expect from you:

1. That you have completed General Psychology (PSYC110) as a prerequisite for this class. If you have not, you will be dropped from this class..
2. To agree to study this syllabus carefully (ASAP) & refer to it when questions arise about the class.
3. To acknowledge that effort, by itself, is not enough to justify a worthy grade. In other words, you are graded primarily on the merit of your performance in the class rather than the amount of effort you put into the class.
4. To acknowledge that previous academic preparation (e.g., biology, math, etc.) matters. Those who are better prepared are likely to do better in the class.
5. To attend class & give your full attention to the material, as well as conduct yourself in an appropriate manner (e.g., not having personal conversations during lectures or performing other activities that disrupt the class).
6. To meet the obligations of the course (e.g., reading, assignments, etc.) and not make excuses for your failure to do so.
7. To treat everyone in class, including the professor, with respect.
8. To check your university email account several times per week. I will let you know when grades are posted & make other announcements via this medium (e.g., if I need to cancel a class, I will send an email early that morning).
9. To not plagiarize or otherwise steal the work of others.
10. To understand & adhere to the UWSP Student Rights & Responsibilities. 
11. To turn off or silence cell phones when in class.

What you can expect from me:

1. To manage the class in a professional manner. This may include educating you in appropriate classroom behavior.
2. To prepare carefully for each class & begin & end it on time.
3. To try to learn your name (if class size permits) & to recognize your individuality & treat you with respect, as well as to be honest with you.
4. To treat all students equally. Thus, I will not discriminate on the basis of your identity, appearance, gender, race, creed, color, viewpoints, disability, whether I like you or not, or anything else.
5. To have 3 office hours each week during which you are welcome to stop by (no appointment necessary). See contact info for more detail.
6. To give grades primarily based on the quality of your work.
7. To return your grades quickly (with your permission) & with detailed feedback. For example, I will provide you with an overall estimate of your grade prior to the 10th week of the semester drop deadline.
8. To be honest about what I know. If I do not know something, I will say so.
9. To treat any plagiarism, cheating, or other violations of academic integrity harshly.
10. To silence my cell phone when in class.

F. CONTACT INFORMATION
My office is located in Science B-341. I will have office hours from 1-2:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays as well as Mondays from 11:00 am - noon or you can arrange to see me by appointment. Note that my office hours do not require an appointment. You can see a visual of my schedule here. You can reach me at 346-3961 (and please leave a message if I'm not available) or through electronic mail at mplonsky@uwsp.edu. You can also send me email using a web form. Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.