Faculty of Health

Department of Psychology
PSYC 2010 3.0 E: WRITING IN PSYCHOLOGY
Thursday/7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m./Online
Fall 2024

CONTACT INFORMATION
Course Instructor: Dr. J. Varghese
Office Hours: By appointment
Email: [email protected]
T.A. Group Email Office Hour
Students with last names
beginning with A - K [email protected] Thursday 8:00-9:00 p.m.
Adina Levi
Via Zoom

Students with last names

beginning with L - Z [email protected] Thursday 8:00-9:00 p.m.
Theresa Waclawek
Via Zoom

COURSE PREREQUISITE(S)
Course prerequisites are strictly enforced.
HH/PSYC 1010 6.00 (Introduction to Psychology)

COURSE CREDIT EXCLUSIONS

Please refer to York Courses Website for a listing of any course credit exclusions.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR TAKING THE COURSE

All assignments will be submitted online on eClass.

COURSE WEBSITE
All course materials will be posted on eClass, unless otherwise indicated by the course
instructor. The site will be your central access point for course materials.
Course Materials Copyright Information:
These course materials are designed for use as part of the HH/PSYC 2010 3.0 E F2024 course at
York University and are the property of the instructor unless otherwise stated. Third party
copyrighted materials (such as book chapters, journal articles, music, videos, etc.) have either
been licensed for use in this course or fall under an exception or limitation in Canadian
Copyright law. Copying this material for distribution (e.g. uploading material to a commercial
third-party website) may lead to a violation of Copyright law. Intellectual Property Rights
Statement.
Please note that 1) the lecture slides and recordings should be used for educational
purposes of PSYC 2010.03 E F2024 only and as a means for enhancing accessibility; 2) students
do not have permission to duplicate, copy and/or distribute the lecture slides and recordings

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outside of the class (these acts can violate not only copyright laws but also FIPPA and
intellectual property rights).

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course develops university-level writing and communication ability. Students will write
about psychological content. However, this course aims to develop general written
communication skills that are broadly transferable. Emphasis will be placed on learning to write
coherent arguments and explanations. Students will learn how psychological texts present
information to effectively communicate with a reader. Students will develop the capacity to
critique and improve their own writing. Critical thinking and logical reasoning skills are taught
and practiced for the purpose of improving written communication. By analyzing psychological
writing, students will discover the form and structure of effective writing in Psychology.
Readings and discussions will increase understanding of how to write effectively. Writing
exercises will be used to practice principles and ideas discussed. Providing feedback on the
writing of peers will increase students’ capacity to reflect on and improve their own writing.
Students will be guided, step-by-step, through the process of completing a larger writing
assignment. Extensive feedback will be provided and multiple drafts of writing assignments will
be completed. This course will prepare students for advanced writing assignments in upper-
year university courses and contribute to overall progress towards the advanced level of
literacy expected of an educated citizen. At the end of the course, students will be able to
develop a written argument on a controversial issue in psychology.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the basics of scientific writing
2. Demonstrate effective written communication
3. Demonstrate the ability to think critically about written communication
4. Demonstrate an ability to locate and identify valid, credible, and rigorous psychological
research
5. Demonstrate knowledge of the basics of referencing using APA style

Specific Learning Objectives

1. Demonstrate ability to cite sources appropriately according to APA standards
2. Place a claim into context within the relevant academic literature
3. Distinguish and effectively use different types of research literature (i.e. reviews, meta-
analyses, individual studies etc.) to support an argument
4. Demonstrate proficiency with spelling, punctuation, grammar and sentence structure
5. Demonstrate ability to adhere to the conventions of academic writing in psychology
6. Develop a clear written claim statement and provide evidence from scholarly sources to
support it
7. Structure academic writing to effectively communicate a claim and supporting detail with
logical flow
8. Explore, consider, and refute alternative points of view in academic prose
9. Consider and communicate the implications of a claim

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10. Give and receive peer feedback as part of a regular revision process
11. Appreciate the difference between conjecture and interpretation of data

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK
There is no required textbook for the course. Required readings will be posted on eClass.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND ASSESSMENTS

Assessment Date of Evaluation (if known) Weighting

Course Engagement Weekly on various dates; due 20%
a) Mini-reflections (10 for 10 marks) dates are specified in the course
b) Writing Exercises (7 for 21 marks) outline, on eClass and in the
c) Essay Components (9 for 9 marks) calendar of due dates
Total = 40 marks
All students will begin with 3 bonus marks
to compensate for some missed work;
there are no make-up opportunities or
late submissions for any of the
engagement assignments; this rule applies
to all students enrolled in the course
Essay Components 1-4 Assignment October 3 20%
Essay Components 1-6 Assignment October 31 20%
Best Writing Exercise November 21 10%
Final Essay November 28 30%
Total 100%

DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENTS
1) Mini-reflections
Mini-reflections must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on lecture dates from Week 2 to
Week 11. These reflections will be based on questions regarding your learning
experience throughout the course. There are no make-up opportunities or late
submissions for the mini-reflections. All of the due dates are indicated in the course
schedule at the end of this course outline, on eClass and in the calendar of due dates
(posted on eClass).

2) Writing Exercises
From Week 2 to Week 10, you will be writing on a topic related to the lecture. Your first
draft must be uploaded to eClass by 11:59 p.m. each Friday. Submission will be through
a discussion forum. You will then read a peer’s first draft and provide critical feedback.
Your feedback must be uploaded to eClass by 11:59 p.m. the following Friday. Finally,
you must submit a final draft of each writing exercise by 11:59 p.m. each Wednesday.
The deadlines for uploading drafts and feedback are fixed and cannot be extended.
Therefore, there are no make-up opportunities for any of the writing exercises. All of
the due dates are indicated in the course schedule at the end of this course outline, on

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 eClass and in the calendar of due dates. For further information about the writing
exercises and deadlines, see Writing Exercises Guide posted on eClass.

3) Essay Components
Over the duration of the course, you will write an argumentative essay on a
controversial issue in psychology. The work for this essay will be broken down into
smaller assignments (Essay Components) that together will build to form the final essay.
From Week 2 to Week 10, you will be expected to submit a particular component of
your essay on eClass. In addition, you will have the opportunity to share your work on
these components in small groups in order to receive peer feedback. Essay Components
are due by 6:00 p.m. on lecture dates. The deadlines for essay components are fixed and
cannot be extended. Therefore, there are no late submissions or make-up opportunities
for any of the individual essay components. All of the due dates are indicated in the
course schedule at the end of this course outline, on eClass and in the calendar of due
dates. For further information about the essay components and deadlines, see Essay
Components Guide on eClass.

4) Essay Bundle Assignments

Essay components will also be submitted via eClass for T.A. feedback and graded credit
on two occasions:
• Essay components 1-4 Bundle Assignment
• Essay components 1-6 Bundle Assignment

5) Best Writing Exercise

At the end of the course, you will be asked to select your Best Writing Exercise, make
any final revisions and submit it for evaluation.

6) Final Essay
The final essay builds on the work and feedback from the individual essay components
and the 1-4 and 1-6 essay components bundle assignments.

CLASS FORMAT AND ATTENDANCE POLICY

This course will be delivered mostly in an asynchronous format with synchronous sessions to
receive peer feedback for the individual essay components.

The synchronous sessions will take place from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. each lecture date,
beginning on Thursday, September 12th. As the lectures are pre-recorded and posted on
eClass, no new lecture material will be presented during the synchronous sessions. However, a
short review of the lecture topics for the day will be presented. The primary activity of the
synchronous sessions is small-group work to seek and provide peer feedback for essay
components. As the essay components are marked on a pass/fail basis, T.A.s will not provide
written feedback for these assignments. The T.A.s will only provide written feedback for the
essay components when grading the bundle assignments (1-4 and 1-6). The way to receive
feedback for the individual essay components is to take part in the small-group work. The

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synchronous sessions also provide opportunities for students to seek clarification and support
for any of the course assignments. The T.A.s will hold their office hour during the second hour
of the lecture slot (8:00-9:00 p.m.). The teaching team will be available throughout the lecture
slot, via email, to answer any questions or provide clarification of course materials.

GRADING AS PER SENATE POLICY

The grading scheme for the course conforms to the 9-point grading system used in
undergraduate programs at York (e.g., A+ = 9, A = 8, B+ = 7, C+ = 5, etc.). Assignments and
tests* will bear either a letter grade designation or a corresponding number grade (e.g. A+ = 90
to 100, A = 80 to 89, B+ = 75 to 79, etc.). For a full description of York grading system see the
York University Undergraduate Calendar – Grading Scheme for 2024-25

MISSED TESTS/EXAMS/ASSIGNMENTS
For any missed quiz or late assignment, students MUST complete the following online form
which will be received and reviewed in the Psychology undergraduate office.
HH PSYC: Missed Tests/Exams Form. Students must complete the form and contact the course
instructor within 48 hours of the original deadline.

There are no late submissions allowed for any of the engagement assignments (essay
components, writing exercises and mini-reflections). Late submissions may be allowed for the
major assignments (1-4 Bundle Assignment, 1-6 Bundle Assignment, the Best Writing Exercise
and the final essay) with a late penalty of 10% per day (including weekends). In special
circumstances, deadlines for submission of these major assignments can be extended. Please
contact the course instructor within 48 hours of the deadline for permission and extension.
Students with academic accommodations may request to have their accommodations applied
to any of the major assignments.

ADD/DROP DEADLINES
For a list of all important dates please refer to Undergraduate Fall/Winter 2024-2025
Important Dates
Fall (Term F) Year (Term Y) Winter (Term W)
Last date to add a course without permission
September 18 September 18 January 20
of instructor (also see Financial Deadlines)
Last date to add a course with permission of
October 2 October 16 January 31
instructor (also see Financial Deadlines)
Drop deadline: Last date to drop a course
without receiving a grade (also see Financial November 8 February 7 March 14
Deadlines)
Course Withdrawal Period (withdraw from a
November 9 – February 8-
course and receive a grade of “W” on March 15 -April 4
December 3 April 4
transcript – see note below)

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Add and Drop Deadline Information
There are deadlines for adding and dropping courses, both academic and financial. Since, for
the most part, the dates are different, be sure to read the information carefully so that you
understand the differences between the sessional dates below and the Refund Tables.
You are strongly advised to pay close attention to the "Last date to enrol without permission of
course instructor" deadlines. These deadlines represent the last date students have
unrestricted access to the registration and enrolment system. After that date, you must contact
the professor/department offering the course to arrange permission.

You can drop courses using the registration and enrolment system up until the last date to drop
a course without receiving a grade (drop deadline).

You may withdraw from a course using the registration and enrolment system after the drop
deadline until the last day of class for the term associated with the course. When you withdraw
from a course, the course remains on your transcript without a grade and is notated as 'W'. The
withdrawal will not affect your grade point average or count towards the credits required for
your degree.

INFORMATION ON PLAGIARISM DETECTION

All major assignments will be submitted via Turnitin. The similarity percentage should be less
than 40%. It is students’ responsibility to make sure that they upload the correct file for any of
the major assignments. If you upload an incorrect file (or no file) and then need to upload the
correct one after the deadline, the assignment will be considered late and a late penalty will be
applied (no exceptions).

ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY

Phones should be turned off or set to silent during the lecture. Please leave the lecture hall to
make calls. The use of electronic devices should be limited to note-taking and accessing course
material so as not to distract other students.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY FOR STUDENTS

York University takes academic integrity very seriously; please familiarize yourself with
Information about the Senate Policy on Academic Honesty.
It is recommended that you review Academic Integrity by completing the Academic Integrity
Tutorial and Academic Honesty Quiz

No Use of Generative AI Permitted

The use of generative AI tools in the preparation or completion of homework, assignments,
tests, exams or any other form of assessment in this course is prohibited. Using such tools for
any part of an assessment may be treated as a breach of cheating as outlined in York
University’s Senate-approved Academic Conduct Policy and Procedures.

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Test Banks
The offering for sale of, buying of, and attempting to sell or buy test banks (banks of test
questions and/or answers), or any course specific test questions/answers or essays is not
permitted in the Faculty of Health. Any student found to be doing this may be considered to
have breached the Senate Policy on Academic Honesty. In particular, buying and attempting to
sell banks of test questions and/or answers or essays may be considered as “Cheating in an
attempt to gain an improper advantage in an academic evaluation” (article 2.1.1 from the
Senate Policy) and/or “encouraging, enabling or causing others” (article 2.1.10 from the Senate
Policy) to cheat.

ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATION FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

While all individuals are expected to satisfy the requirements of their program of study and to
aspire to do so at a level of excellence, the university recognizes that persons with disabilities
may require reasonable accommodation to enable them to do so. The university encourages
students with disabilities to register with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) to discuss their
accommodation needs as early as possible in the term to establish the recommended academic
accommodations that will be communicated to Course Directors as necessary. Please let me
know as early as possible in the term if you anticipate requiring academic accommodation so
that we can discuss how to consider your accommodation needs within the context of this
course.
https://accessibility.students.yorku.ca/
Excerpt from Senate Policy on Academic Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
1. Pursuant to its commitment to sustaining an inclusive, equitable community in which all
members are treated with respect and dignity, and consistent with applicable
accessibility legislation, York University shall make reasonable and appropriate
accommodations in order to promote the ability of students with disabilities to fulfill the
academic requirements of their programs. This policy aims to eliminate systemic
barriers to participation in academic activities by students with disabilities.
All students are expected to satisfy the essential learning outcomes of courses.
Accommodations shall be consistent with, support and preserve the academic integrity of the
curriculum and the academic standards of courses and programs. For further information
please refer to: York University Academic Accommodation for Students with Disabilities Policy.

EMAIL COMMUNICATION
Please use your York email address when communicating with the course instructor and T.A.s
as messages from other addresses may not always be received and it is your responsibility to
ensure that we receive your messages. You should also save a copy of any message sent to the
course instructor and/or T.A.s. Please follow appropriate email etiquette (indicate the course
number and section in the subject field or within the message, include a formal greeting and
sign with your full name). You should receive a response within 48 hours. If you do not receive a
response within 48 hours, please check your junk-mail folder and follow up with us.

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 COURSE SCHEDULE

DATE TOPIC WORK DUE

L1: Week of Thursday,

September 5 • Introduction to PSYC 2010
• Prewriting
No group work • Planning to Write

L2: Week of Thursday, Thursday:

September 12 • Conducting research • EC 1
• APA style • Mini-reflection 1
Group Work begins • Paraphrasing
• Library Resources Friday
• WE 1 – First draft

L3: Week of Thursday, Thursday:

September 19 • Evaluating Sources • EC 2
• Context • Mini-reflection 2
• Key Definitions
• Summarizing Friday:
• WE 1 – Peer Feedback
• WE 2 – First Draft

L4: Week of Thursday, Wednesday:

September 26 • Making a Claim • WE 1 - Final Draft
• Comparing Points of View
Thursday:
• EC 3
• Mini-reflection 3

Friday:
• WE 2 – Peer Feedback
• WE 3 - First Draft

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 • Support for Claims Wednesday:
L5: Week of Thursday, • WE 2 – final draft
October 3
Thursday:
• EC 4
• 1-4 Bundle Assignment
• Mini-reflection 4

Friday:
• WE 3 – Peer Feedback
• WE 4 – First Draft

L6: Week of Thursday, Wednesday:

October 10 • Constructing an Argument • WE 3 – Final Draft
• Counterclaim & Rebuttal
Thursday:
• EC 5
• Mini-reflection 5
Friday:
• WE 4 – Peer Feedback
• WE 5 – First Draft

Reading Week (October

14-18) No Class No Assignments Due

L7: Week of Thursday, Wednesday:

October 24 • Structure of Essay • WE 4 - Final Draft
• Conclusions
Thursday:
• EC 6
• Mini-reflection 6

Friday:
• WE 5 – Peer Feedback
• WE 6 – First Draft

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L8: Week of Thursday, Wednesday:
October 31 • Organizational Structure WE 5 – Final Draft
• First Draft
Thursday:
• EC 1-6 Assignment
• EC 7
• Mini-reflection 7

Friday:
• WE 6 – Peer Feedback
• WE 7 – First Draft

L9: Week of Thursday, Wednesday:

November 7 • Revision & Editing • WE 6 – Final Draft
• Second Draft
Thursday:
• EC 8
• Mini-reflection 8

Friday:
• WE 7 – Peer Feedback

L10: Week of Thursday, Wednesday:

November 14 • Revision & Editing • WE 7 – Final Draft

Thursday:
• EC 9
• Mini-reflection 9

L11: Week of Thursday, Thursday:

November 21 • Revision & Editing • Mini-reflection 10
• Best Writing Exercise

L12: Week of Tuesday, Thursday:

November 28 • Proofreading & Final • Final Essay
Checklist

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