Psychology



Psychology

Social Studies Department

Course Syllabus: 2016-2017 (Semester 1)

Teacher: Ms. Nash

E-mail: Ashton.nash@henry.k12.ga.us

General Description:

Psychology is a one semester, intellectual, survey course designed for students who would like to explore human nature from a combined cultural-biological viewpoint. Basic terms, concepts, and principles of psychology are introduced as well as contradicting viewpoints as to how these basic factors can be interpreted. Topics such as emotion, experience, meaning, perception, learning, behavior, personality, and self-concept are reviewed through discussion, lecture, introspection, journal writing, observation, case studies, handouts, a basic text, movies, and field projects. It is expected that students electing this course would be willing to make a strong individual preparation in order to share their ideas and, on occasion, engage in group learning tasks. A major goal of the course is to expand our basic curiosity to a point where we can make legitimate evaluative statements about socially significant behavior and the psychological implications for issues now confronting society. The course is open to juniors and seniors only, and is offered as a regular class.

Text:

Kasschau, R. (2003). Understanding Psychology. New York: Glencoe McGraw-Hill.

Online Textbook:



User Name: PSYCH03

Password: wr9Drecrec

Online Textbook Activities/Practice Quizzes:



Units of Study:

Unit 1: Approaches to Psychology

• Chapter 1: Introducing Psychology

• Chapter 2: Psychological Research Methods

Unit 2: Development & Theories of Personality

• Chapter 3: Infancy & Childhood

• Chapter 4: Adolescence

• Chapter 5: Adulthood & Old Age

• Chapter 14: Theories of Personality

Interim Unit: Optimism & Positive Thinking

Unit 3: Consciousness & Perception

• Chapter 7: Altered States of Consciousness

• Chapter 8: Sensation & Perception

Unit 4: Learning & Memory

• Chapter 9: Learning: Principles & Applications

• Chapter 10: Memory & Thought

Unit 5: Psychological Disorders

• Chapter 16: Psychological Disorders

*Units may not necessarily correspond entirely with textbook chapters, although textbook will be used as a reference

Grading:

All graded assignments will be graded using a point system. Point values for assignments may vary throughout the semester. Typically, tests will be worth approximately 100 points each, papers and projects will be worth approximately 50-100 points each, quizzes will be worth approximately 20 points each, class work and homework assignments will be worth approximately 5-20 points each, and journal entries/“do now” assignments will be worth approximately 20 points in total.

Class Work/Homework:

Students will receive various class work and homework assignments throughout the course of the semester. Such assignments will include, but are not limited to, textbook readings/questions, note-taking, hand-outs, participation in internet discussion forums, and case studies.

Tests:

Following each unit of study (often a duration of 2-4 weeks), students will be formally assessed through unit tests. Unit tests will consist of matching, multiple choice, short answer, and/or essay questions. Students will be responsible for all unit material discussed in class and assigned for homework, as such are subject to inclusion on unit tests.

Papers/Projects/Presentations:

Throughout the course of the semester, students will be assigned papers, projects, and presentations (group and/or individual). Such assignments will be assessed through content, as well as grammar, organization, structure, and neatness. All papers are to be written in American Psychological Association (APA) format.

Quizzes:

Students will be formally assessed regularly through quizzes, which will serve as “benchmarks” to monitor student learning. Quizzes will often consist of multiple choice and short-answer questions. Students will be responsible for reviewing designated course material, as such will be included in each quiz. Students will have the option to drop their lowest earned quiz grade.

Journal Responses/Do-Now’s:

As Psychology is a course that allows students to reflect on their own experiences, students will keep a journal throughout the duration of the course. On various occasions, time will be designated at the beginning of class for students to respond to reflective questions in their journals.

In addition, students will frequently be required to respond to “Do-Now” questions in their journals at the beginning of the class period. “Do-Now” questions will serve as an opportunity for students to anticipate the current day’s lesson, as well as review and be evaluated on prior material.

Participation:

Students are also responsible for participating in class. Class participation includes, but is not limited to, arriving to class on time, being prepared (having their textbook, notebook, folder, assignments, pens, pencils), partaking in classroom activities and assignments, asking and answering questions, and being actively involved in class discussions.

Materials:

• Journal (spiral notebook or non with >80 pages)

• Psychology Folder

• Pens/Pencils

• Textbook: Understanding Psychology

• Course Syllabus

Handing In and Taking Back Assignments:

Students are responsible for handing in all assignments, unless otherwise announced by teacher, via the “Student Mailbox” located in the classroom. Students must place assignments requiring submission in the “In-Going” folder for their class/period, at the beginning of the class period (before the bell rings or within one minute after the bell rings). Any assignments not submitted at the beginning of the class period on the due date are considered late.

Students are also responsible for taking back graded assignments, unless otherwise announced by teacher, via the “Student Mailbox.” Students may find their graded assignments in the “Out-Going” folder for their class/period. Students may collect graded work at any point before class, after class, during lunch, etc. However, tests, papers, and other large-scale assignments will be handed back personally to students.

Absence/Tardiness:

Students who are missing work due to absence or tardiness are responsible for acquiring all work that they have missed. Students may contact their teacher via e-mail, or may meet during the conference session.

All materials will be available on Mr. McCormick’s section of the South Orange-Maplewood School District website. In order to access materials when absent, visit the URL below and choose the “Psychology” section:



All work must be submitted within two days following students’ return.

Late Work:

In order to receive full credit, students are expected and required to submit all assignments when they are due.

If assignments are not submitted when due, students will receive partial credit. For one day late, the assignment grade will drop 50%. After more than one day late, students will not receive credit for their assignment.

Final Exam:

At the conclusion of the course, students will be required to take a cumulative Final Exam. The Final Exam will consist of Matching, Multiple Choice, and Short Answer questions, and will account for 10% students’ final grade. Seniors who have a cumulative grade of A- (90) or higher, and have no outstanding cuts for this class may be eligible for exemption.

A.P. Psychology Pre-Requisites:

Students currently taking Psychology may elect to take A.P. Psychology next year. A.P. Psychology is a one-year introductory course, designed to provide students with a learning experience equivalent to that of a college level Psychology course, and to prepare students for the A.P. Psychology Exam. Pre-requisites for A.P. Psychology include taking the Psychology elective and attaining final grade of 90 (A-) or higher in Psychology, as well as completion of a summer assignment.

Conferencing:

Communication is critical, both inside and outside of the classroom. Students who wish to meet with me outside of class, as well as parents, may schedule an appointment at another time. Students and parents may reach out to contact me via e-mail at Ashton.nash@henry.k12.ga.us.

Good luck and have a great semester!

-Ms. Nash

*All items on syllabus are subject to change

Classroom Rules

Ms. Nash

(Teacher of Social Studies and Psychology)

1. All Columbia High School formal school rules, policies, and procedures apply.

2. All encounters are based upon the foundation of respect. All students are to respect their peers, teachers, the classroom environment, as well as themselves.

3. Raise your hand to speak, and do not speak while others are speaking.

4. Work hard and individually. Do not cheat or plagiarize!

5. Arrive on time and prepared to learn. Be sure to bring your textbook, notebook, pens/pencils, and folder to class everyday (unless notified otherwise by teacher).

6. No food or drink, with the exception of water, is permitted in the classroom.

7. Submit all assignments at the time that they are due (or earlier).

8. If absent or tardy, find out what work you are missing, and submit it within two days following your return.

9. Keep cell phones, electronics, hats, sunglasses, and all other potential distractions turned off and stored away during class.

10. Think positively, and try your best at all times!

Please detach, sign, and return to Ms. Nash.

I (student) have read and acknowledged the attached Psychology course syllabus and classroom rules and policies. I agree to uphold all classroom rules and policies.

______________________________________

Student (Print Name)

______________________________________ ____________

Student (Signature) Date

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