College Credit Psychology: How the Brain Influences Behavior

Course Information

Course: CSGS-0860 PSYC: Brain Influences Behavior

Term: Summer 2025 (Need a different term? Visit the syllabus archive.)

Faculty: Dick Dubbelde, Ph.D.

Course Location: https://app.georgetown.precollegeprograms.org/login/canvas

This course is taught asynchronously via video. There are no live meetings.

For academic help or questions: Contact your assigned Teaching Assistant through the course platform.

For other help, including tech support: Email the Pre-College Online Program team at support@precollegeonline.georgetown.edu.

Course Description:

This course will explore the science of psychology and its many applications. You will examine multiple psychological approaches to better understand human behavior, from neurobiological explanations to outside factors that motivate people to act in certain ways. You will get the opportunity to view the ways in which you interact with systems and products, how you remember and learn, and even how you socialize through a psychological lens. Ultimately, you will apply what you learn by using psychology to improve aspects of your own life.

The course is divided into an introduction to psychological science followed by three main segments, with common themes running throughout the course.

The first segment will focus on the brain and applications of neuroscience including understanding the reward system in the brain as well as how drugs affect the brain and behavior (psychopharmacology).
The second segment will focus on how we interact with our environment with a focus on perception, attention and learning, and memory.
Finally, we examine how we (and our brains) respond as part of a social structure including discussion of reward and social networking and how having an active social life is important.

Course Objectives:

Throughout this course, you will:

Explore the foundations of psychological science, what psychologists do, and how they do it.
Identify the parts of the human brain and the neurobiology associated with human behavior.
Define human factors and explain how psychology can contribute to the design of better products and systems.
Determine the factors that affect human memory and their correlation with how people learn.
Explain the ways in which humans benefit from social interaction.

Final Project:

The central theme of the module assignments and Final Project will be applying psychological science to your life. This will allow you to consider the material, its relevance to your daily life, and what you are passionate about. The Final Capstone Project will be a brief multimedia presentation, in which you will set two personal goals designed to improve your life using psychological principles. The first goal will represent a habit or routine that you want to implement in your life, and the second goal will be a habit or routine that you want to remove from your life. Once the goals are identified, you will make a plan based on what you've learned throughout the course and present that plan in a brief multimedia presentation.

Course Readings & Required Materials:

This course is delivered online using the Canvas LMS by Instructure. You must have internet access and a connected device that meets Instructure’s technical requirements throughout the course. Though the Canvas LMS and course content may be compatible with other devices, using a laptop or desktop computer is strongly recommended.

This course will utilize an open-source textbook, which can be accessed online or downloaded as a pdf: Psychology 2e OpenStax. No additional texts are required.

Time Expectations:

6-Weeks:

The estimated time needed for this course is 20-25 hours per week for 6-weeks. Although you may complete your work on your own schedule, it is strongly recommended to evenly pace your work as follows:

Week 1 - Getting Started & Module 1
Week 2 - Module 2
Week 3 - Module 3
Week 4 - Module 4
Week 5 - Module 5
Week 6 - Module 6 (includes Final Project)

9-Weeks:

The estimated time needed for this course is 13-16 hours per week for 9-weeks. Although you may complete your work on your own schedule, it is strongly recommended to evenly pace your work as follows:

Week 1 - Getting Started
Week 2 - Module 1
Weeks 3 - Module 2
Weeks 4 & 5 - Module 3
Weeks 6 - Module 4
Weeks 7 - Module 5
Week 8 - Module 6 (includes Final Project)
Week 9 - Final Project & any outstanding work

If you have less study time in a particular week or fall behind this pace, be sure to plan more time for the week(s) to follow so that you complete your work by the final deadline. The final deadline to complete all required work is your End Date (see the academic calendar), and there are no extensions per university policy. Please be sure to plan your study time and adjust as needed to stay on track.

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Psychological Science

Module Description:

In this module, you will learn about the diverse roles and responsibilities of psychologists across different areas of specialization. From diagnosing and treating mental health disorders to conducting research in academic settings, psychologists play integral roles in enhancing one’s understanding of human behavior and improving the well-being of individuals and communities. This module will also explore the nature of psychology as both an art and a science. By examining its applications, principles, and specializations, you will gain a deeper understanding of this dynamic field and its profound relevance to our lives. You will also explore the research methodologies used in psychological research including experimental and non-experimental research. You will learn how the scientific method is applied in psychology, and investigate considerations for minimizing bias in research.

Part 1: What is Psychology?

Learning Objectives:

Describe psychology as a field of study and explore its various applications.
Identify the key concepts and principles of psychology as a science.
Describe the work and responsibilities of psychologists in different areas of specialization.
Analyze and debate the nature of psychology as an art and a science.

Topics:

What is science?
What is psychology?
Psychology: art or science?
What do psychologists do?
Applications of psychology.
Historical foundations of psychological science.

Readings:

Complete textbook readings:

Chapter 1

Complete web resource readings:

Module Assignment:

Choose two major psychological perspectives that interest you. Conduct in-depth research on each selected perspective.

Part 1: Analysis of Two Psychological Perspectives: For each perspective, analyze its strengths and weaknesses. Reflect on how each perspective contributes to our understanding of human behavior and mental processes. Identify commonalities and differences in their approaches to understanding human behavior. Discuss how each perspective addresses key questions in psychology.
Part 2: Real-World Applications: Evaluate the real-world applications of each perspective. Provide examples of how each perspective has been applied in research, therapy, education, or other relevant domains. Consider the practical implications and ethical considerations associated with applying each perspective.
Part 3: Reflection and Conclusion: Write a conclusion summarizing your findings and insights. Discuss which perspective(s) you found most compelling and why. Reflect on the importance of considering multiple perspectives in the study of psychology. Consider how your understanding of psychology has evolved and deepened as a result of exploring different perspectives.

Submission: Your assignment should take the form of a written report, approximately 3pgs/ 750 words in length.

Part 2: Research Methods in Psychology

Learning Objectives:

Evaluate common research methods according to their advantages, disadvantages, and the data they provide.
Differentiate between experimental and non-experimental research methods
Identify and apply the steps of the scientific method.
Assess different ways of measuring and analyzing data.
Discuss the limitations and considerations of sampling.

Topics:

Introduction to psychological research.
Research methods in psychology.

Experimental designs vs.non-experimental designs

The scientific method.

Developing a hypothesis
Independent and dependent variables.

Sampling.
Measurement, collecting, and analyzing data.
The importance of careful measurement.
Surveys.

Readings:

Complete textbook readings:

Chapter 2

Complete web resource readings:

Module Assignment:

For your module assignment, you will apply the first three steps of the scientific method to design an experiment that would test a hypothesis based on your own observations of the world around you.

Part 1: Observation: Identify an aspect of human behavior to investigate. What factors are involved? What relationship between the factors have you observed? Provide at least one description or example of your observation. Who is involved? When does it happen? Where does it happen?
Part 2: Hypothesis: How do you explain the behavior that you have observed?
Part 3: Experimental Design: Design an experiment to test your hypothesis, identifying and explaining each of the following:

Participants - the types of people or groups of people who you would include
Independent Variable - the aspect that you would manipulate
Dependent Variable - what changes based on manipulation of the independent variable
Operational Definition - how you will measure the tested behavior
Methods - how you would construct the experiment

Reflect on your design: What would make this experiment successful? What would you expect to find? What other ways might you test the same hypothesis?

Submission: Your presentation can take any form, whether a written essay, a PowerPoint or Google Slides presentation, a short video, or any other media that allows you to address each of the assignment components.

Module 2: The Brain and Behavior

Module Description:

This module will focus on the intersection of biology and psychology in order to explain the relationship between the brain and behavior. First, you'll explore the foundations of neurobiology and identify the key components of the nervous system that serve as the foundation of the reward pathway. Then, you will examine the reward pathway's role in motivating behavior, including the ways in which drugs can affect the brain and, by extension, behavior.

Part 1: Neuroscience

Learning Objectives:

Identify and refute common misconceptions and myths about the brain.
Understand the structure and function of the nervous system, including its subdivisions and major components.
Identify key brain regions involved in regulating basic survival functions, emotions, and instinctual behaviors.
Analyze the role of the neocortex in higher-order cognitive processes, such as perception, language, decision-making, and problem-solving.

Topics:

Neuromyths.
Your primitive brain.
The neocortex.
The Nervous System.
Neurons and neurotransmission.
Psychology and the brain.

Readings:

Complete textbook readings:

Chapter 3

Complete web resource readings:

Module Assignment:

The purpose of this assignment is to deepen your understanding of the structure and function of the human brain, including the nervous system, neurons, neurotransmission, the primitive brain, and the neocortex.

Part 1: Nervous System Overview: Describe the structure and function of the nervous system. Include descriptions of its major subdivisions, such as the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. Explain how the different components of the nervous system work together to regulate bodily functions and respond to stimuli.
Part 2: Neurons and Neurotransmission: Create a visual presentation illustrating the structure of a neuron and the process of neurotransmission. Use diagrams, animations, or infographics to explain how neurons communicate with each other and how neurotransmitters are involved in this process.
Part 3: Your Brain: Describe the primitive brain structures and discuss how their functions contribute to the individual's behavior or response to stimuli. Choose one cortical area or lobe (e.g., frontal lobe, occipital lobe) and investigate its role in perception, cognition, or motor control.
Part 4: Integration and Reflection: Discuss how the various components of the human brain covered in the assignment (nervous system, neurons, primitive brain, neocortex) work together to facilitate human behavior and cognition. Reflect on the implications of this knowledge for understanding human experience and behavior.

Part 2: Motivated Behavior and the Reward Pathway

Learning Objectives:

Describe the connection between needs, drives, and behavior.
Analyze the role of motivated behavior, exploring the psychological mechanisms underlying the influence of rewards and punishments.
Describe how the reward pathway functions within the brain and its role in behavior.
Explain how drugs can impact both a person's brain and behavior.
Identify considerations associated with psychopharmacological research.

Topics:

Introduction to motivated behaviors.
Behavioral reinforcement.
The reward system.
Motivation and the reward system.
How drugs affect the reward system and behavior.
Research methods in psychopharmacology.

Readings:

Complete textbook readings:

Complete web resource readings:

Module Assignment:

Using your understanding of punishment and reward, you will create a presentation that examines the influence of reward and punishment on behavior, integrating research on the neuroscience of motivation.

Part 1: Identification of Reinforcement Situations: Identify a real-life situation that prompted reinforcement. Describe the context or scenario in which the reinforcement occurred. Specify the type of reinforcement (positive or negative) and explain how it was applied in the situation. What made the reinforcement an effective incentive?
Part 2: Identification of Punishment Situations: Identify a real-life situation that prompted punishment. Describe the context or scenario in which the punishment occurred. Specify the type of punishment (positive or negative) and explain its application in the situation. What made the punishment an effective deterrent?
Part 3: Effects of Drugs on Motivation and the Reward Pathway: Examine how drugs influence motivation and the reward pathway and analyze the implications of drug effects on motivation and the reward pathway for understanding addictive behavior, substance abuse disorders, and potential pharmacological interventions for modulating motivation.
Part 4: Reflection on Motivation: Is reinforcement, punishment, or drug-induced motivation more likely to influence one’s behavior in the future? Why?

Module 3: Human Factors and Your World

Module Description:

This module will explore how you interact with the world around you. You will identify human factors to understand the ways in which psychology informs the design of products, systems, and environments. You will also analyze perception, from the intake of sensory data to the ways in which you make sense of the world around you, in order to better understand how attention varies according to prevailing circumstances.

Part 1: Attention and Perception

Learning Objectives:

Identify the sensory system pathways that serve as the foundation for human perception.
Explore human perception and how it affects human interactions in and with the outside world.
Describe the different types of attention and how they function in various situations.
Describe various types of perception and attention disorders.

Topics:

How the world gets in your brain.
Perception and the brain.
Visual and auditory processing.
Olfactory and taste processing.
Differences in perception.
Researching perception.
Introduction to attention.
Disorders in perception & attention.

Readings:

Complete textbook readings:

Chapter 5

Complete web resource readings:

Module Assignment:

For this assignment, you will analyze how perception and attention influence behavior and decision-making in everyday situations.

Part 1: Perception Analysis: Select a real-life scenario from your daily life or observations where perception plays a significant role. Take notes on the scenario during or shortly after the experience. For the scenario: Describe what is happening with each of their senses and how each of those senses contributes to your interpretation of the situation.
Part 2: Attention Analysis: Continuing with the same real-life scenario: Analyze what things in the situation are driving your attention. What is capturing your attention? What holds your attention? When are they noticing your attention wandering? Next, focus on something in the situation that you haven’t really noticed yet. How does that change your perceptions? What new things do you notice?
Part 3: Integration and Reflection: Reflect on the overall role of perception and attention in shaping your experiences and behavior in everyday life. Compare and contrast the influence of perception and attention in the scenarios you analyzed. Discuss strategies for improving perceptual awareness and attentional control based on your insights.

Submission: Your assignment should take the form of a written report, approximately 3pgs/ 750 words in length.

Part 2: Human Factors

Learning Objectives:

Define human factors and explain their applications to the design of products, systems, and environments.
Explain the role and responsibilities of human factors psychologists in optimizing human-system interactions and enhancing overall performance and safety.
Describe the interrelationship between human factors psychology, perception, and attention, and their implications for human performance and safety.
Explain the fundamental principles of Fitts's law and signal detection theory and their applications to real-world situations.

Topics:

Introduction to human factors.
Fitts’ law & human factors.
Applications of human factors: visual processing.
Applications of human factors: attention.
Signal detection and attention.

Readings:

Complete textbook readings:

Chapter 13.4

Complete web resource readings:

Module Assignment:

For this assignment, you will think like a human factors psychologist to identify and improve a product or system to make it more efficient and intuitive. You will turn in a presentation that both explains the product and proposes specific ways to improve its design.

Part 1: Human Factors Observation and Analysis: Select a real-world setting or scenario where human factors play a significant role. Consider the impact of attention, perception, environmental, and any other noteworthy factors on human performance and behavior within the chosen setting.
Part 2: Design and Implementation Proposal: Based on your analysis, develop a proposal to address the identified human factors challenges. Consider innovative solutions that improve usability, safety, efficiency, and user experience. Create a visual representation (e.g., sketches, diagrams, mock-ups) of your proposed design changes or interventions.
Part 3: Reflection: Reflect on your experience conducting the human factors analysis and developing the design proposal. Consider what you have learned about the importance of considering human capabilities and limitations in design and decision-making processes.

Module 4: Memory and Learning

Module Description:

In this module, you will explore how people learn and remember. Starting with the science of memory, you will learn about the parts of the brain that relate to memory and how memory is defined. You will apply this knowledge to better understand the learning process, including strategies to make effective learning easier, as well as the various factors that influence memory and learning.

Part 1: Memory Retention and Retrieval

Learning Objectives:

Describe the key brain structures involved in memory formation and storage.
Explore the subdivisions of long-term memory, such as episodic memory, semantic memory, and procedural memory, and their respective functions.
Discuss the implications of memory encoding and retrieval processes for educational practices, cognitive interventions, and memory enhancement strategies.
Identify common learning disorders that impact memory, such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia.

Topics:

Memory mythbusters.
The neurobiology of memory.
Case study: Patient HM and amnesia.
Metamemory.
Memory retention and retrieval.
Memory and study strategies.
Learning strategically.
Learning disorders.

Readings:

Complete textbook readings:

Chapter 8

Complete web resource readings:

Module Assignment:

Using your understanding of learning and memory, you will create a presentation that identifies something you want to learn and a way to improve the process of learning it. Choose a new skill or subject area that you would like to learn or improve (e.g., playing a musical instrument, mastering a programming language, learning a new sport).

Part 1: Memory Encoding Strategies: Research and identify three memory encoding strategies that could be applied to facilitate the learning of your chosen skill. Describe each memory encoding strategy in detail and explain how it could enhance memory retention specifically for the selected skill.
Part 2: Studying and Practice Plan: Develop a detailed studying and practice plan outlining how you will approach learning the new skill over a designated period (e.g., one month) incorporating the evidence-based studying techniques you chose for part 1.
Part 3: Reflection: Reflect on your experience developing the plan in part 2. Why do you think your plan will be successful? Do you foresee any challenges implementing the plan? How does the plan compare to your current study habits?

Part 2: Factors Affecting Memory

Learning Objectives:

Analyze the impact of age and aging on memory encoding, retention, and retrieval processes to understand how cognitive functioning evolves as one ages.
Evaluate the significance of lifestyle factors, including diet, exercise, sleep patterns, stress management, and social engagement, on memory function and cognitive health across the lifespan.
Examinethe effects of stress and depression on memory function in order to develop strategies for mitigating the negative influence of these mental health factors on memory performance.

Topics:

Factors that influence memory:

Aging.
Aging and language acquisition.
Lifestyle.
Stress and depression.

Readings:

Complete web resource readings:

Module Assignment:

The objective of this assignment is to analyze various influencing factors affecting memory, including age and aging, lifestyle factors, stress, and depression.

Part 1: Age and Aging Analysis: Research and summarize key findings regarding the impact of age and aging on memory encoding, retention, and retrieval processes. Analyze how cognitive functioning evolves across the lifespan in relation to memory performance.
Part 2: Lifestyle Factors Analysis: Research and evaluate the significance of lifestyle factors, including diet, exercise, sleep patterns, stress, and social engagement, on memory function and cognitive health across the lifespan. Discuss how each lifestyle factor may influence memory processes and cognitive functioning based on research findings.

Part 3: Reflection and Strategy Development: Reflect on the insights gained from parts 1 and 2. What did you learn about the various influencing factors? What did you find surprising? Develop personalized strategies for optimizing memory performance, incorporating lifestyle modifications and stress management techniques.

Submission: Your assignment should take the form of a written essay, approx. 3 pages/ 750 words in length.

Module 5: The Social Brain

Module Description:

This module will explore the impact that your social environment has on your brain and behavior. You will examine the ways in which people fulfill the fundamental human need to belong, from curating self-identity to finding and interacting with social networks that affirm that identity.

Part 1: Social Interactions and the Reward Pathway

Learning Objectives:

Analyze the psychological concept of the "need to belong" exploring its significance in shaping individual behavior, attitudes, and well-being within social groups and relationships.
Examine how social interactions and relationships activate neural circuits associated with reward and motivation.
Discuss how virtual interactions and digital platforms influence social connectedness, identity formation, and psychological well-being in contemporary society.
Investigate the implications of online shopping and its effect on the brain's reward pathway, and how digital commerce utilizes psychological principles to stimulate reward centers.

Topics:

The fundamental need to belong.
Social neuroscience.
Physical proximity and the brain.
Social support and stress.
Online interactions.
Online shopping and the reward pathway.

Readings:

Complete textbook readings:

Chapter 12

Complete web resource readings:

Module Assignment:

In this assignment, you will investigate various aspects of social belonging, examining how both in-person interactions and online connections contribute to human well-being. You will also explore how online shopping activates the brain's reward pathway to influence consumer behavior.

Part 1: Investigation of Belonging and Socialization: Investigate the psychological and physiological effects of social isolation and the innate human need to belong. Explore the impact of social connectedness on mental and physical health, as well as its evolutionary significance. Reflect on personal experiences or observations of social interactions, considering the emotional and cognitive effects of belongingness on individual well-being.
Part 2: Comparative Analysis of Social Interaction Modes: Analyze the similarities and differences and advantages and limitations of in-person interactions and online connections. Identify key psychological mechanisms such as empathy, reciprocity, and social support, and discuss how they might manifest differently in the different environments. Analyze how online forums, or virtual communities facilitate social connection and provide opportunities for self-expression, social support, and identity formation. Discuss the evolving nature of social interaction in the digital age, considering both positive and negative outcomes.
Part 3: Consumer Behavior Analysis: Examine how e-commerce platforms leverage the brain's reward pathway to stimulate desire, anticipation, and pleasure. In your experience, which online shopping strategies do you find most effective in engaging the reward pathway and driving purchasing behavior? And why? Identify strategies for optimizing your online shopping behavior to maximize satisfaction and minimize impulsive or irrational decision-making.

Part 2: Social Media

Learning Objectives:

Analyze how social media usage can activate the brain's reward pathway and contribute to addictive behaviors and compulsive usage patterns.
Investigate self-presentation theory, exploring how individuals curate their online personas to manage impressions and shape perceptions among their social networks.
Discuss the benefits and potential drawbacks of participating in online communities, including social support, information sharing, anonymity, and potential risks to privacy and mental health.

Topics:

Social media.
Self-presentation theory and contrast effect.
Who are you online?
Online communities.
Finding community online

Readings:

Complete web resource readings:

Module Assignment:

In this assignment, you will dive into the dynamics of social media usage, examining its effects on the brain, identity, and community engagement. Your exploration will encompass three main components, each focusing on a different aspect of social media impact.

Part 1: Social Media and the Reward Pathway: Analyze the impact of social media usage on the brain's reward pathway. Address how features such as likes, comments, and notifications trigger dopamine release, contributing to addictive behaviors and compulsive usage patterns. Explore concepts such as social media addiction, problematic internet use, and the role of reinforcement and reward systems in driving compulsive use. Discuss evidence-based strategies for fostering healthy digital habits and mitigating the adverse effects of excessive social media consumption.
Part 2: Self-Presentation Theory: Investigate the relationship between social media usage and self-presentation theory. Explore how individuals curate their online personas to manage impressions and shape perceptions among their social networks. Discuss the psychological mechanisms underlying this phenomenon and its implications for self-esteem and identity formation. Reflect on the implications of self-presentation on offline behavior and interpersonal relationships, considering both positive and negative aspects.
Part 3: Online Communities: Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of participating in online communities. Consider factors such as social support, information sharing, anonymity, and potential risks to privacy and mental health. Explore the role of online communities in fostering a sense of belonging and connection, as well as their potential for exacerbating feelings of isolation and cyberbullying. Propose strategies for navigating online communities mindfully, balancing the benefits of virtual social interaction with the preservation of mental well-being.

Submission: Your assignment should take the form of a written essay, approx. 3 pages/ 750 words in length.

Module 6: Course Conclusion and Final Project

Topics:

Future of the field.
Careers and advice.
About Georgetown University.
Final project tips and directions.
Goodbyes & wrap-up.

Final Capstone Project Presentation:

For the course's final project, you will set two personal goals designed to improve your life using psychological principles. The first goal will represent a habit or routine that you want to implement in your life, and the second goal will be a habit or routine that you want to remove from your life. Once the goals are identified, you will make a plan based on what you've learned throughout the course and present that plan in a 5-10 minute multimedia presentation.

Part 1: Set Goals: Observe your own life to identify two goals, hypothesize how completing them can improve your life, and any challenges you anticipate facing to achieve the goals.
Part 2: Identify Incentives: Apply what you learned in Module 2, to identify the best ways to motivate yourself. For each goal, answer the following questions:

Will you use reward or punishment to help you reach the goal? What specific reward or punishment will you use? Why did you choose that specific reinforcement method?
When and how will you implement the reinforcement? How will you structure these strategies to maintain motivation over time?

Part 3: Outline a Plan: Determine how you can reach your goals. Identify the context surrounding each goal, any anticipated obstacles, and any environmental changes or modifications you will make to support your goal attainment.
Part 4: Curate Your Social Support: Apply what you learned in Module 5 to determine how you can use your existing social support to help you reach your goals. What type of support will you request from your social network to help you reach each goal? Identify 1–2 people who you can depend on to support you in reaching each goal

Submission: Your final project should take the form of a 5-10 minute multimedia presentation.

Grades

Grading Throughout the Course:

You will be graded on assignments, discussion posts, quizzes, and your final project. These grades will contribute to your final quality (letter) grade, which will appear on your Georgetown University transcript. Important: Assignments, quizzes, discussion posts, and the final project can be submitted only once. You will not be able to resubmit assignments, discussion posts, or projects or reattempt quizzes, so please review your work carefully before submitting.

Each graded component in the course will be assigned a point value as follows:

Assignments (written or project-based): 20 points each
Discussion board posts (as assigned): 3 points each
Quizzes: 5 points each
Final project: 20 points

Your assignments, discussion board posts, and final project will be scored according to rubrics, which you can view here. Your grade (%) on the assignment will be calculated as total points earned / total points possible.

Final Grades:

Your final grade will be calculated as follows:

Assignments - 50%
Discussion board posts (as assigned) - 20%
Quizzes - 10%
Final project - 20%

Once calculated, your final grade (%) will be converted to a letter grade according to the university’s grading scheme for undergraduate courses, as shown below. Note that there is no rounding, e.g. 93.9% is <94% and an A- rather than rounded up to 94% and an A.

Letter Grade	Range
A	94 to 100%	Excellent
A-	90 to <94%
B+	87% to < 90%
B	84% to < 87%	Good
B-	80% to < 84%
C+	77% to < 80%
C	74% to <77%	Adequate
C-	70% to <74%
D+	67% to <70%
D	61% to <67%	Minimum Passing
F	0% to <61%	Failure

Withdrawal (W Grades)

If you are unable to complete the course or are concerned about earning an unsatisfactory grade, please review the Withdrawal FAQ and refer to the academic calendar for deadlines.

Program and Class Policies

Academic Calendar:

Important dates and deadlines can be found here. Deadlines are firm in accordance with university policy. If you have or anticipate having an issue with these deadlines, please contact support@precollegeonline.georgetown.edu as early as possible to see what options may be available to you within university policy.

Accessibility & Accommodations:

We are committed to accessibility, inclusivity, and serving individuals with different abilities. To help make the course experience accessible and inclusive, all videos feature closed-captioning and variable playback speed with unlimited viewing; the platform and content are screen-reader-friendly; and quizzes and assignments are untimed. If you require accommodations, please contact support@precollegeonline.georgetown.edu so that the Pre-College Online Programs team may coordinate your accommodation request with the appropriate department(s). Please contact early and prior to your start date to allow time for the accommodations review process and implementation of any required accommodations.

Code of Conduct:

All students are expected to treat others, including other students, instructors, staff, and individuals appearing in the course, with dignity and respect at all times while participating in Programs and to be honest in all their dealings with the Program staff and the university. We may remove from any Program students whom we deem, in our sole discretion, to:

be disruptive to the learning environment or threatening or dangerous in any way to other students or staff;
have acted in a manner that shows a lack of dignity or respect for the university, students, staff, or others, including but not limited to behavior that could reasonably be considered harassment, bullying, sexual misconduct, or demonstration of bias against an individual or group because of their actual or perceived color, disability, ethnicity, sex, gender (including gender identification or expression), national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or other aspect of identity;
have lied or otherwise misrepresented facts to Program staff or the university;
have engaged in academic dishonesty, including cheating or plagiarism;
have violated any intellectual property rights or committed copyright infringement, including unauthorized sharing of account access or Program content (does not include sharing of Student’s own original work, which is permitted);
have violated the privacy, confidentiality, or legal rights of the university, students, or staff;
or have otherwise violated the Terms of Use governing their enrollment.

If you are removed from a College Credit Program for violation of this Code of Conduct, you may be subject to mandatory withdrawal (W grade, no grade points or credits) and, if so, will not receive any refund or other compensation. Students who are removed for such violations may also be subject to further sanctions and/or reported to relevant authorities.

Intellectual Property:

Programs are for your personal and non-commercial use only. Programs may not be shared, re-sold, reproduced, re-published, modified, transferred or distributed in any way without our prior written permission. All video, audio, text, animations, books, diagrams, images and other content that you receive or to which you have access during your Programs, regardless of medium or format, (collectively, “Program Content”), are protected by copyright law. You may not download, record, screenshot, copy or reproduce Program Content in any way. You may not make any audio and/or video recording of a class or any part of your Program. You may not attempt to decompile, reverse engineer, scrape or datamine Programs.

Faculty: Dick Dubbelde, Ph.D.

Course designed by: Dr. Paul Merritt, Ph.D.

The University reserves the right to modify the course and its policies as may become necessary.