SCHOOL:  SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL                                                      

COURSE TITLE:  PSYCHOLOGY A/B

INSTRUCTOR:  CALBI                                                                                                    

SEMESTER/YEAR:  FALL 07/SPRING 08

 

COURSE EMPHASIS AND OBJECTIVES:

 

In this course, students are introduced to psychology, with a focus on the scientific study of human development learning, motivation, and personality.  Students will develop some basic concepts of psychology and a historical perspective on psychology as the study of individual behavior.  They will read about the contribution of the major scholars in the field such as Sigmund Freud, Abram Maslow, Ivan Pavlov, Carl Rogers, and B.F. Skinner.  Students will have opportunities to explore implications for everyday life of a scientific perspective on human behavior, and will learn about the various careers associated with this field of study.

 

COURSE OUTLINE

 

I.                     Introduction to Psychology

   A.       The Field of Psychology and Present-day Theories/Approaches

1.  Biological     2.  Cognitive      3.  Humanistic    4.  Psychoanalytic        5.  Learning and Sociocultural

   B.       Methods of Psychology:  Research and Experimental Methods

II.                    Development

   A.  Infancy and Childhood     B. Adolescence      C. Adulthood      D.  Death and Dying

III.                  Principles of Learning and Cognition

IV.                  Body and Mind

A.      Biology and Behavior:  The Brain and Nervous System

B.       Sensation and Perception

C.       States of Consciousness:  Sleep and Dreams

V.                   Personality

                A.  Motivation & Emotion      B.  Theories of Personality     C.  Psychological Tests    D.  Gender Roles

VI.                  Health and Adjustment

A.      Stress and Health

B.       Psychological Disorders and Methods of Therapy

VII.                Social Psychology

A.     Social Psychology   B.  Social Interaction

 

 

TEXTBOOK:  PSYCHOLOGY:  Principles and Practice  Rathus

 

 

INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES:

 

-          -          Individual student completion of textbook reading and identifying key terms, and their significance

-          -          Interpretation of information and application to current events in class discussions and written critiques

-          -          Observation, creation, participation, and analysis of psychological experimentation

-          -          Active participation in class discussion and in peer instruction

-          -          Use of appropriate videos, slides, computer software, and guest speakers

-          -          Use of computer lab and internet for research, integration and application

 

ASSESMENT

 

Quizzes, Tests, Projects, Assignments, Academic and Citizenship Reports

 

HOMEWORK

 

-          Students are expected to have reading and written work prepared to hand in or use in class discussions

-          Completed work is due at the BEGINNING of class when the bell rings

-          Late work will be marked down 10% each day

-          Class presentations can NOT be made up

 

MAKE-UP / EXTRA CREDIT / HELP

-          Students have three days to make-up work following an LEGAL absence; students will receive a “0” grade for failure to make up work in the designated time        unless other arrangements have been made.

-          It is the student’s responsibility to acquire missed work from teacher or classmates.

-          NO make-ups for truant absences.

-          Students with Activity passes must turn in work prior to or on the due date.

-          Make-up work for illegal absences is due prior to the absence or on the 1st day of return.

-          Student/Parent-Teacher conferences or phone call returns will be 7:00-7:45 a.m. or after 3:00 p.m. on school days.

-          Extra credit will be available throughout semester.

 

GRADING POLICY

 

                Grade scale:            90-100%  = A                                          Grade Construction:

                                                80-89.9% = B                                                                                          Sem Final:               20%

                                70-79.9% = C                                                                                         Assignments:            25%

                                60-69.9% = D                                                                                         Tests:                       35%

                                < 59.9%   = F                                                                                          Notebook:                10%

                                                                                                                                                Participation:            10%                                                                                                                                                       

 

ATTENDANCE AND TARDIES

 

School policy is followed regarding attendance and tardies.  Student is considered tardy if they are not seated QUIETLY at their desk (with their card) when the bell rings.  Assignment will be on board.  Students should be ready to work immediately.

 

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

 

*Students are responsible for keeping an updated 3-ring notebook, complete with all class notes and assignments.

-          Students may not bring food or drinks into the class.  Water is O.K.

-          Student is responsible for using restroom facilities during class breaks, snack, and lunch.  Bathroom pass will be issued on a limited / emergency basis only.

-          Students are expected to dress and behave in a respectful manner.  Profanity is not acceptable under any circumstances.   Visible undergarments, bare midriffs, short skirts/shorts/dresses, strapless and/or low cut tops are not considered appropriate dress for the learning environment.

-          NO electronic devices (games, ipods, cell phones) EVER!

 

CLASS MATERIALS

 

-          Textbook, Notebook, &  two #2 pencils are required EVERYDAY

 

 

NOTE TO PARENTS

 

Thanks to those of you who have sent in books, resources, ideas, and offered to share your expertise in our studies.   YOUR INPUT IS ALWAYS WELCOME and has already greatly enhanced our learning process in psychology.  Thank you for your interest and please feel free to contact me at  Jillybeans63@hotmail.com with questions or concerns regarding you son’s or daughter’s progress in class.

 

Jill Calbi