This course syllabus outlines a graduate level psychology course on learning and behavior analysis taught in fall 2012. The class will meet on Thursdays from 6:30-8:20 pm and be taught by Dr. Patricia D'Ateno. Students will learn about classical and operant conditioning principles, experimental analysis of behavior, schedules of reinforcement, and applied behavior analysis. Assessment includes four tests over three chapters each and a cumulative final exam. The required text is Behavior Analysis and Learning by Pierce and Cheney.

1. Fall 2012
Course Syllabus
Psychology 7913-01
Fall 2012
Course: Learning and Behavior Analysis
Instructor: Patricia D’Ateno, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Class Meets: Thursday 6:30-8:20 Powdermaker 112
Phone: 997-3200 (Psychology Office)
E-mail: Patricia.Dateno@qc.cuny.edu
Office Hours: After class and by appointment
Office Location: Razran 238
Course Description:
This course provides an introduction to the principles of behavior analysis, classical and operant
conditioning.
Learning Goals:
Students will demonstrate an introductory level of understanding of:
 The experimental analysis of behavior
 Reflexive behavior and respondent conditioning
 Basic principles of reinforcement & extinction
 Schedules of reinforcement
 Punishment
 Operant-Respondent interrelationships
 Stimulus control
 Choice & preference
 Conditioned reinforcement
 Imitation & rule-governed behavior
 Verbal behavior
 Applied behavior analysis
 Selection of behavior by consequences, culture, and biology
Students will demonstrate understanding in written format through:
 Tests and a Final Examination
Students will demonstrate the ability to orally convey their understanding of these concepts
through:
 Class discussions of these topics.
Required Text:
Pierce, W. D., & Cheney, C. D. (2008). Behavior analysis and learning (4th
edition). NY, NY:
Psychology Press. [ISBN: 978-0-8058-6260-7]

2. Fall 2012
Tests and Examination:
1. There will be 4 tests. Each test will cover the material from 3 chapters. Tests will be short
answer & multiple-choice format. You will be given 30- 40 minutes to complete each
test.
2. There will be a final examination that is cumulative. The material on the final
examination will be similar to the material from each of the tests.
Extra Credit:
Extra credit points are available for class participation. There are no other opportunities to earn
extra credit points.
Academic Dishonesty: Plagiarism and cheating are both forms of academic dishonesty.
Plagiarism includes plagiarizing published material as well as plagiarizing the work of your
fellow students. The consequence for academic dishonesty may range from a reduced grade on
the writing assignment/exam, to a failing grade (F) on either the written assignment or for the
course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Office of the Vice President for
Student Affairs. To access more information on the Student Disciplinary Process please see:
http://www.qc.cuny.edu/STUDENTLIFE/Pages/default.aspx
Attendance: Although attendance is not a component of your grade, it is important for you to
attend class. Your comprehension of the course material will be enhanced through your
participation in class discussions. Additionally, extra-credit points are available for class
participation, which is not possible if you are not in class.
ADA Statement:
Students who need academic accommodations should register with the Special Services Office.
The Special Services Office is located in Frese Hall Room 111 (phone: 718 997- 5870). Please
provide your instructor with the necessary information about testing accommodations in a timely
manner. The Special Services Office website can be found at:
http://sl.qc.cuny.edu/oss/index.php, or email questions to QC_SPSV@qc.cuny.edu
Grading: Students’ final grades will be comprised of the following components:
Four Tests: 50 points each
Final Examination: 100 points

3. Fall 2012
Final Grades:
Number of Points Earned / 300 * 100 = % in Class
Grade %
A+ 97-100
A 93-96
A- 90-92
B+ 87-89
B 83-86
B- 80-82
C+ 77-79
C 73-76
C- 70-72
F 0-69

4. Fall 2012
Class Topic Assignment Tests
8/30/12 Introduction/Course
Overview
9/6/12 Experimental Analysis of
Behavior
Chapters 1 & 2
9/13/12 Reflexive Behavior and
Respondent Conditioning
Chapter 3
9/20/12 Reinforcement &
Extinction of Operant
Behavior
Chapter 4 Test: Chapters
1, 2 & 3
9/27/12 Schedules of
Reinforcement
Chapter 5
10/4/12 Aversive Control of
Behavior
Chapter 6
10/11/12 Operant-Respondent
Interrelationships and the
Biological Context of
Conditioning
Chapter 7 Test: Chapters
4, 5, & 6
10/18/12 Stimulus Control Chapter 8
10/25/12 Choice and Preference Chapter 9
11/1/12 Conditioned
Reinforcement
Chapter 10 Test: Chapters
7, 8, & 9
11/8/12 Correspondence
Relations: Imitation and
Rule-governed behavior
Chapter 11
11/15/12 Verbal Behavior Chapter 12
11/22/12 NO CLASS NO CLASS
11/29/12 Applied Behavior
Analysis
Chapter 13 Test: Chapters
10, 11, & 12

5. Fall 2012
12/6/12 Three Levels of Selection:
Biology, Behavior, and
Culture
Chapter 14
12/20/12
6:30-8:30
FINAL EXAMINATION

6. Fall 2012