Shari Abbott
Psychology is everything you already know in words that you don’t understand - Ron Moyer
Psychology is a course that explores the "science of the mind." We will survey contemporary theories about a wide range of topics such as sensation, learning and group behavior. We will also focus on the critical evaluation of psychological evidence - how do investigators gather data about intangible phenomena like love, intelligence and sanity? Can we trust their conclusions?
COURSE ORGANIZATION
|
Units and Topics |
College Prep |
Honors |
|
Introduction: Research Methods and Social Psychology |
Chapter 1, 9 |
Chapter 1, 2, 8 |
|
Brain and Nervous System |
Chapter 4
|
Chapter 4 |
|
Development
|
Chapter 3
|
Chapter 14 |
|
Learning and Memory |
Chapter 8, 7
|
Chapter 7, 10 |
|
Theories of Personality |
Chapter 2
|
Chapter 14 |
|
Disorders and Therapies |
Chapter 10, 11
|
Chapter 16, 17 |
|
Sensation and Perception |
Chapter 5
|
Chapter 6 |
| Class Participation | 15% |
| Homework | 10% |
| Papers | 25% |
| Projects | 25% |
| Quizzes/Tests | 25% |
CLASS PREPARATION:
You will need a 3-ring binder and materials for taking notes during every lesson. I may check your notebook during the trimester for organization and completeness. Completed homework assignments are due at the beginning of the class period and are vital for classroom activities and your participation grade. I will try and inform you whenever I require your textbook in class.
***You receive three HW Passes -not to be used for writing drafts,
tests/quizzes or group work. Work is postponed one class, not excused forever
***Homework is due the beginning of class, so do not complete it as we go for credit. Depending on the assignment, you may qualify for ½ credit for later completion, unless you were excused absent.
This class is only as exciting as you help make it—class discussions are a large part of this course and will be interesting and engaging IF you participate. Come to class prepared and willing to share your unique insight and perceptions, and the class will be rewarding. I am looking forward to an excellent trimester!
When you are not here, you are missing out. You are responsible for making up all work missed when absent, so see me as soon as you return. Learn the Handbook policies on tardies and absences, as I do follow them.
I calculate grades electronically after about the second week, I will provide you with a written handout of your grade with a breakdown like that above. I am interested in meeting with you about your grade, in order to strategize how to maintain/improve your average. Late projects or essays without effective excuse will be penalized 10%/day. It is best to hand me late work directly; I cannot be responsible for work you leave in my room when I am not there.
USE ME AS A RESOURCE
I will be available most A period, D period, and usually after school. Please contact me at home rather than by the school phone. My home phone number is listed on the Course Expectation handout. Also feel free to email me with questions or concerns: abbotts@arps.org
Let know early about issue that will affect your ability to be successful. I will help you strategize how you will be successful in this class.
You should also demonstrate respect for yourself and your ability to learn. This means be in the class when the bell rings, ready to learn. This also means understanding and adhering to the plagiarism policy:
We will discuss academic integrity during the first week. It is vital that you understand the importance of giving credit when you use other people’s words or ideas. Research and group work require that you share ideas and depend on other people’s insights as well as your own; the crucial concept is that you should never present someone else’s work as if it were your own and that you understand how to cite sources accurately. Students who knowingly cheat or plagiarize will receive a zero for the assignment and I will notify home, your counselor, and an administrator.