Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Spring Semester 2026

Motivation and Emotion (Face-to-Face)

PSY 3270-01

Course: PSY 3270-01
Credits: 3
Term: Spring Semester 2026
Department: PSY
CRN: 12312

Course Description

Rational:

Psychology, broadly defined, is the scientific study of behavior, and mental processes. One poignant question that arises in the study of psychology is, “What motivates us to engage in appetitive or aversive behavior or to not act at all?” During this course, this question is explored by studying theories of motivation and emotion. This course exists to further develop your understanding of psychology as a scientific endeavor and to inform you of theories of motivation and emotion.

Catalog Description:

A survey of contemporary psychological models of human motivation. Sources of motivation will be explored: biological/evolutionary, internal psychological, and external. Emotions will be discussed as a unique source of motivation. (Fall [As Needed], Spring [As Needed]) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Prerequisite(s): PSY 1010

Required Texts

  • Required Textbook: Shiota, M.N., & Cavanagh, S.R. (2023). Emotion and motivation 4th ed. Oxford
  • Supplemental Readings: Posted Readings (on Canvas)

Learning Outcomes

Specific Learning OutcomeCourse Assignments and Evaluation MethodsCourse Assignments and Evaluation MethodsCourse Assignments and Evaluation Methods
By the end of this course, students should be able to:ExamsDiscussions and AssignmentsReadings and Quizzes
Describe general theories of emotion.XXX
Describe the functions of some specific emotions.XXX
Describe general theories of motivation.XXX
Describe and define interaction effects.XX
Set personal experience in context;XXX
Think more critically.XXX
Recognize interdependence.XX
Increase metacognitive skills.XX
Demonstrate an understanding of different perspectives.XX

Course Requirements

Evaluation and Grades

Weekly Quizzes: (Up to 20 points each). These quizzes at the beginning of each class will be based on your reading (or topic) for the week. These short quizzes are intended to encourage you to be prepared for class, to be current in your readings, and to be current in your studying.

Mid-Term Exam (Up to 100 points): Essay Exam

Final Exam (Up to 100 points): Essay Exam

Several days before the mid-term and final exams, I will provide you with a list of possible essay question and on the day of the exam (mid-term or final), two to four questions will appear on the exam. The final exam may be cumulative.

Assignments (points vary): Periodic assignments will be given to aid your critical thinking and critical writing abilities.

Attendance Quizzes (Up to 10 points each). To encourage attendance, in any given class period where attendance falls below 70%, an attendance quiz will be given.

Grade Breakdown: Grades will be determined and assigned based on the following percentages of points earned.

A = 92-100% B+ = 88-89% C+ = 78-79% D+ = 68-69% F= 0-59%
A- = 90-91% B = 82-87% C = 72-77% D = 62-67%
B- = 80-81% C- = 70-71% D- = 60-61%

Course Outline

Calendar (subject to change)
Calendar (subject to change)Calendar (subject to change)Calendar (subject to change)
DayTopicReading
7-JanDefining Emotion and MotivationChapter 01
14-JanThe Evolution of Emotion and MotivationChapter 02
21-JanCulture and EmotionChapter 03
28-JanWhat Activates Motivation and Emotion?Chapter 04
4-FebExpression in the Face, Posture, and VoiceChapter 05
11-FebEmotion, Motivation, and the Central Nervous SystemChapter 06
18-FebThe Physiology of Emotion and MotivationChapter 07
25-FebMid-term Exam (Chapters 1-7)
4-MarEmotion in Relationships and SocietyChapter 09
11-MarSpring Break
18-MarEmotion, Motivation, and CognitionChapter 10
25-MarThe Value of Negative EmotionsChapter 11
1-AprHappiness and the Positive EmotionsChapter 12
8-AprGoal Setting and Self-ControlChapter 14
15-AprEmotion RegulationChapter 15
22-AprFinal Exam

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Assignments and group work cannot be made-up unless arranged with instructor prior to missing the class period. Missed quizzes or exams cannot be made-up unless arranged with instructor prior to missing class.

Attendance Policy

You are expected to attend class. If you choose to not attend a particular class, you are responsible for finding out what material you missed. It is not my policy to hand-out my notes or PowerPoint slides. Additionally, exam material other than that which is contained within the textbook will be presented during class lectures; whether in class or not, you are responsible for this material. Exceptions will be made for exceptional circumstances.

Course Fees

There are no additional course fees.

Additional Policies and Resources

Canvas

Canvas site will be used for grade posting (except for the final grade), and syllabus, and possibility some assignments, etc. Assignments, quizzes, and exams will typically be given in class.

Class Format

Along with lectures, this will be an interactive class. That is, you are expected to ask questions and make comments. There will be occasions when you are asked to gather into small groups during class to discuss material, etc. You will be tested periodically throughout the semester (see the calendar for specific times; see grading section, for specific test breakdown and format). Please refrain from using your phones while in class. If your actions are disruptive during class, you will be asked to leave.

Permission to use Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Permission to use Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be specified on specific assignments where needed.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.