COURSE SYLLABUS
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YEAR COURSE OFFERED:
2020
SEMESTER COURSE OFFERED:
Spring
DEPARTMENT:
Human Development & Consumer Sciences
COURSE NUMBER:
HDCS 1300
NAME OF COURSE:
Human Ecosystems and Technological Change
NAME OF INSTRUCTOR:
Dr. Beverly Gatterson
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The information contained in this class syllabus is subject to change without
notice. Students are expected to be aware of any additional course policies
presented by the instructor during the course.
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COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is an introduction to the study of human and consumer needs, values, and goals in
relationship to natural, man-made, and behavioral systems within the context of dynamic
technological change.
The Prerequisite is ENGL 1304 or equivalent.
This is a writing intensive course across the disciplines of social sciences, retail and consumer
science, and technological change. One major paper and several shorter papers are required in
response to the issues and ideas presented. Research principles are emphasized and required as
part of the course.
Learning Objectives
HDCS 1300 introduces the student to research techniques and lays the foundation for the student
to conduct research in the social sciences, or any other field. To this end, the student will learn
to:
1. Recognize issues that impact the relationships and interactions between human beings and
essential social interfaces such as the family, the workplace, education systems, and the global
economy.
2. Develop and express ideas clearly regarding current human-related issues.
3. Persuasively communicate a position regarding current human-related issues, while helping
the audience understand the issue.
4. Analyze opposing views (the pros and cons) of theoretical and practical solutions
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COURSE SYLLABUS
regarding current human-related issues.
5. Examine current human-related issues from positions of neutrality and speak to the soundness
of the positions, through the use of analysis and critique skills.
6. Support and defend their positions regarding current human-related issues through research
and resource identification.
7. Demonstrate sound research techniques, exposition, and persuasive skills through written
papers while focusing on current human-related issues. To this end, the student will learn to:
 Formulate a research question or problem
 Identify basic principles and knowledge related to their research question
 Develop a research plan to address the question
 Collect information to resolve the question or problem
 Demonstrate awareness of responsible conduct for research
 Articulate findings through written presentations
8.
Present ideas via oral, written, and visual means that are appropriate to the exchange of
messages regarding current human-related issues.
Major Assignments
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Writing Assignments
There will be three writing assignments, one of which is a longer research paper, and a
final analytical paper. All assignments MUST be submitted using the provided link for
turnitin.com. All papers and assignments submitted in this class must use APA style
throughout, including parenthetical references and bibliographical information.
Papers not following directions and not using APA will not be accepted and will be
given an automatic 0.
Please NOTE: LATE PAPERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!
Papers are due on the date and at the time prescribed on the Assignment link on Blackboard.
Be sure to familiarize yourself with Blackboard and its functions, to make sure that you
have no difficulty upon the required posting of the first paper.
APA
When writing at the college level, you must utilize sources to present credibility and learn
how to adequately cite your sources using the methods given by the American
Psychological Association (APA).
Papers that do not adequately incorporate APA will not be accepted in this class. There is
a PowerPoint Presentation that provides many useful tips on the basics of APA available
on Blackboard, as well as the APA Manual (5th edition).
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Plagiarism
Plagiarism is a serious offence not taken lightly in this class. Please be extra careful to
ensure that you have cited any and all material in the proper APA style. Falsely
representing the work, ideas, or phrasing of another person as your own is dishonest and
will not be tolerated. Acts of plagiarism, whether deliberate or though carelessness, must
be reported to the University and will have serious academic repercussions. You have
been warned. Please consult the University Student Academic Honesty Code for a more
detailed description of what constitutes plagiarism, this is located in undergraduate
Catalog. If you are still confused, please don’t hesitate to ask me before you hand in the
assignment.
Other Assignments and Lectures
A Blackboard Practice Assignment may be given to assure that you are familiar with Blackboard
and how to submit assignments. You will also need to make sure you view all course material and
Lectures posted by the instructor. These are generally found in the Lectures folder in Blackboard.
Participation and Online Discussion
(Please read carefully, as this is worth a large portion of your grade! See grade breakdown) Your
participation grade will be derived from participation in the online discussions. Your comments
will show your knowledge and understanding of the articles you will have read and your grade
will be based on your ability to digest and analyze the text’s issues and their corresponding
arguments in response to the initial discussion question. Do not underestimate the value of these
discussions, they can and do have a massive impact on your overall grade!
A discussion question will be posted for each module. There is a finite period of time during which
you can respond to the questions. Discussions begin when the module begins and end at 11:59
p.m. the night the module is scheduled to end. They will not remain open the entire semester, but
will only be open on scheduled dates (see syllabi calendar). Each student is expected to respond
critically and intelligently to at least two of the four issues from each module, unless otherwise
specified. Total points will equal your discussion grade. Responses must be substantial in order
to be given credit, i.e. “yeah, I agree” does not qualify for participation points. Additional
discussion is encouraged. If you like, you may respond to others’ responses as well. Again, only
substantial responses are credit worthy.
Writing Assignments
There will be three writing assignments, one of which is a longer research paper, and a final
analytical paper.
Participation and Online Discussions
Your participation grade will be derived from participation in the online discussions. A
discussion question will be posted for each module. Each student is expected to respond
critically and intelligently to at least two of the four issues from each module, unless otherwise
specified. Total points will equal your discussion grade.
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COURSE SYLLABUS
The coursework contains:
Module Discussions
Papers
Paper 1
Paper 2
Research Paper
Final Analysis
30%
15%
15%
25%
15%
100%
The overall grade consists of your accomplishments in several areas.
Learning Activities
Points
Module Discussions - Online (7 @ 10 points)
70 points
Paper 1
35 points
Paper 2
35 points
Research Paper
65 points
Final Analysis
Total Points
35 points
240 Points
Required Reading
TEXTS
Required:
Human Ecosystems and Technological Change, 8th edition
Author: Ezell at al., Published by MCG CUSTOM
ISBN: 9781264149759
*This book has the above title on the cover, but is listed with the following title at
the UH Bookstore: HDCS 1300: TAKING SIDES MODULES AND AUTHOR
MATERIAL. Author: Finterbusch, 7th edition
Recommended Reading
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, current edition
List of discussion/lecture topics
Course Topics:
 Writing Matters
 APA Lecture
 Individuals and Families
 Social and Behavioral Sciences Perspective
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




National and International Political Perspective
Economics and Business and Societal Dilemmas
Science and Technology: Igniting Change
Emerging Social Science Issues
Learning Within the Global Society
ACADEMIC HONESTY
The University’s Honor Code states, “We will be honest in all our academic activities and will not
tolerate dishonesty.” Students are expected to do original work. Penalties include failure of the
entire assignment (zero points) and referral to the department chair for consideration of additional
action.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Students who require individualized accommodations for this course must inform the professor in
order that appropriate arrangements can be made. For information about services provided by The
Center for Students with Disabilities, please call 713-743-5480.
LEARNING SUPPORT SERVICES
Learning Support Services, a part of the Counseling and Testing Service, provides small group
and individualized peer-tutorial instruction. This is designed to assist students in their academic
work. Workshops are offered in both study and college survival skills. These services, supported
by student service fees, are located in the Cougar Village – Building 563. For specific information,
call 713-743-5411.
BLACKBOARD
This online classroom will be an integral part of this class. You will be required to log on several
times a week to check for additional information or changes to the syllabus or your group. All
assignments will be turned in online. Be aware that your progress and attendance to Blackboard
will be monitored. This will be a part of your participation grade.
A Note Regarding Online Communications: Any communications made on Web CT should be of
a purely academic nature. Any communication not maintaining this standard will be unacceptable.
This translates to mean that you may not use contemporary computer abbreviations, such as letters
and numbers for words and non-standard acronyms. Additionally, you must capitalize the first
person personal pronoun, I. Please realize this is an academic environment and you may not use
the colloquial abbreviated language you use to create text messages and chat messages.
Blackboard Support is available:
1. In person in Room 116-PGH on the main campus, Monday-Friday, 8 am to 8 pm (except
University holidays).
2. By phone at 713-743-1411, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except University holidays).
COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE INSTRUCTOR
All written communications with the instructor are expected to use Standard English with the
associated conventions. (This is particularly applicable to the capitalization of the first person
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COURSE SYLLABUS
pronoun!) Also, please keep in mind that emails will might not be answered on Saturdays or
Sundays.
Please be advised that this is a tentative course syllabus/calendar. This syllabus is subject to
change. It is your responsibility, as a student, to make sure that you are informed about any
changes. Students may be informed about changes through either verbal or written means. Also,
additional information or reading material may be assigned, either verbally or in written form,
throughout the course of the semester. You, as the student, are responsible for making sure that
you have this information or material.
University Grading Scale
93 – 100%
90 – 92
87 – 89
83 – 88
80 – 82
77 – 79
73 – 76
70 – 72
67 – 69
63 – 66
60 – 62
Below 60
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
UH CAPS Statement
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) can help students who are having difficulties managing
stress, adjusting to college, or feeling sad and hopeless. You can reach CAPS (www.uh.edu/caps) by
calling 713-743-5454 during and after business hours for routine appointments or if you or someone you
know is in crisis. No appointment is necessary for the “Let's Talk” program, a drop-in consultation service
at convenient locations and hours around campus.
http://www.uh.edu/caps/outreach/lets_talk.html http://www.uh.edu/dsaes/uhsugarland/
RCS Text Messages
RCS recently introduced a new way for you to receive HDCS department and RCS program
information – through text messaging. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to get important
program and event information and reminders sent conveniently to your phone! Simply by
texting the keyword UHRCS to 41411, you will be set up on our text list and ready to begin
receiving updates!
*There is no charge for subscribing and you can expect an average of no more than one message
per week. To stop receiving the messages, you will simply need to reply STOP. Your number
will never be shared or sold.
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In the Event of an Emergency or UH Closure
In the event of an emergency and/or campus closure, students should visit uh.edu/emergency for
updates on campus closures and other emergency situations. For students who are not
accustomed to hurricane preparedness, information can be found at
http://www.uh.edu/af/news/press-releases/pr-hurricane-preparedness-2018.htm.
Students should also make sure that contact information is correct on the University contact site,
UH ALERT Emergency Notification System, at http://alerts.uh.edu/update-contact-information/.
Up to date contact information ensures that you will be notified in all the ways that alert
information is communicated (email, land line, cell, etc.).
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