Stress Management Syllabus

Course Syllabus

H &HP 4300 Spring 2006

Stress Management

Instructor: Dr. Gregg Steinberg

Office: 273 Dunn Center

Phone: 221-6113

Class Time: MWF 12:20-1:15

Office Hours: MW: 2:00-3:00 TuTh 11:15-12:45 Friday by appointment

Textbooks (required):

Blonna, R. Coping with Stress in a changing world (3rd Edition)

Course Description

This course is designed to give students an introductory background to the causes of stress and how stress affects our body. The course will also focus upon stress reducing techniques. The class is an interactive class with the students learning how to incorporate stress reducing techniques into their own lives.

Course level and Credit

Upper level course offering three semester hours of credit

Prerequisite

Upper level standing or permission of chairman

Course Objectives

At the completion of the course, the student should be able to:

1. Understand the intellectual and emotional basis of stress

2. Understand the effects of stress on the body

3. Develop the ability to reduce stress through relaxation techniques

4. Develop the ability to reduce stress with cognitive techniques

5. Understand the stress reduction by means of physical activity

6. Understand stress in adulthood and old age

Course Content (tentative)

Date Topic Assignment

Week 1 Introduction

• Chap. 1

• components of wellness

• GAS model of stress

Week 2

• physiological components of stress and your body

Week 3

• Chap 2

• Personality and stress

• perfectionism

• Irrational beliefs (REBT)

Week 4

• Chapt 4

• spirituality and stress

• assignment 1

Week 5 and 6

•  chapt 7

• optimism

• laughter

• happiness

Midterm

Week 7

• chapter 6

• stress and health

Week 8

• Chap. 9

• Relaxation strategies, biofeedback, meditation

Week 9 

• Chap. 8

• time management

• cognitive reduction strategies

Week 10 

•     chapter 13

• communication techniques

Week 11-14

• Student presentations

Week 15

Final 

Instructional Procedure

A variety of methods and techniques including lectures, assignments and videos will be used in this class. Each will be part of your evaluation in this class.

Course Evaluation

There will be two exams, one written assignment and one oral presentation will be counted toward your total points. Your final grade will be based on the following point totals:

Midterm 100 points

Final 100 points

Written assignment 30 points

Presentation 40 points

Pop Quizzes = 20 points

300 total points

Grades will be based on the following scale:

270 points and above = A

269-240 points = B

239-210 points = C

219-180 points = D

179 and below = F

Description of Grading Assignments

Exams: Midterm and final will be based on readings from the text, lectures and videos and activities presented in class. Exams will be multiple choice. Pop quizzes will be given periodically and each will count for 5 points. Make-up exams will be given only if student calls before test is given.

Written Assignment: There will be one written assignment. Further detail about assignment will be given during the semester.

 Presentations: Students are expected to demonstrate an stress reduction technique. Student will describe theoretical basis for technique and how to apply this technique. Grades will be based on knowledge of technique and presentational style. Further details will be given later in the semester.

Attendance: The following points will be deducted from your grade due to absences. There will be no excuses. Tardiness counts as an absence.

4 absences = 10 point deduction

5 absences= 30 point deduction

6 absences=50 point deduction

7 and more=100 point deduction

Disability Policy

Any student who has a disability that may affect his/her academic performance is encouraged to make an appointment with me to discuss the matter, or you may contact Disability Services; 221-6230

Academic and Classroom Misconduct

Minors In The Classroom:  According to APSU policy #3:032, Minors   (defined as those under the age of 18) are not allowed in classrooms.  While I recognize that extenuating circumstances occur and make it difficult for some students to attend without bringing children with them on occasion, I must enforce University policy and thus will deny any request for a child in my classroom.  You should also be aware that minors are not allowed in academic labs, computer labs, science labs, or the library.  Further, children cannot be left in halls outside classrooms.  Please be aware that the policy on unattended minors is for the purpose of ensuring that our classrooms are conducive to learning and for the safety and protection of minors.  For additional information on minors on campus, contact the Office of Student Affairs in the Morgan University Center.

                     Student use of a cell phone or pager during class is prohibited as is the ringing, etc. of a cell phone or the beep, etc. of a pager;  2)  Students are to place cell phones and beepers in purse, pocket, etc. during class sessions.