Psychology Syllabus

Psychology and Sociology
Spring 2009
Room 234 

Teacher: Mrs. Martinez	
Email: jmartine@nhcs.k12.nc.us	
						

Phone: 350-2089 ext 414

Mission for the Class:
	To encourage students to seek answers about human nature and our 
social system.

Procedures and Classroom Survival:
•	Come to class on time and prepared every day
•	All homework assignments should be completed prior to coming to class 
and should be turned in to the appropriate basket at the beginning of the 
class period, unless otherwise stated.
•	If you are absent, you are responsible for all work that you missed.  
There will be a folder in the front of the room in which you can retrieve any 
missed assignments.  However, I will not remind you to get these assignments; 
it will be your responsibility.  
o	Students are responsible for making up work within 5 days of their 
absence.  If a student knows in advance that he / she will be out, please 
contact the school (350-2089) to pick up student assignments.
•	Please remember that late work is late and that means a loss of 
points.  Keep in mind that late work is also easier for teachers to misplace…
so it is in your best interest to turn assignments in with the rest of your 
classmates.
•	Each student will be assigned a textbook. Textbook identification 
numbers are located inside the front cover.  Students are not to damage or 
deface the textbook.  Fines will be charged if textbooks are lost or 
damaged.  BOOK COVERS ARE MANDATORY.
•	Grades: Homework and Classwork will be scored with a value of 1/ to 
1/3 of Tests and Projects.  The proportion of value will be based on the 
number of assignments within each category.
•	Restricted Areas: Teacher’s file cabinets, desks, lockers, TV, VCR, 
and all technology equipment is off limits (unless expressed consent is 
given).
•	Fire Alarm / Drill – If the fire alarm goes off during class, 
students are to follow the instructions for exiting the classroom.  
Instructions are posted on a pink card to the left of the door.  Outside the 
students will stay with the teacher.  This will insure that an accurate head 
count of all students can be made.  Students will re-enter the building in an 
orderly manner.

Classroom Rules and Expectations:
Please read County and School Policies as outlined in Student Calendar and 
New Hanover County Information Book (Also can be found on www.nhcs.k12.nc.us)

	1.  Respect the teacher, each other and other’s property at all times.
	2.  Be ready to begin class when the bell rings.
	3.  Be attentive during the lesson and class activities.
	4.  Refrain from eating and drinking in the classroom.
	5.  Please ask permission BEFORE getting out of your seat.
	6.  Cell phones, I pods, etc. should NOT be visible in class. 
	7.  Treat others as you wish to be treated….

Supply List:
•	1 – 3 ring binder (2 inches)
•	1 – filler paper
•	Spiral Notebook*
•	Pens
•	Pencils

* If you would rather take notes on loose leaf paper and keep them organized 
within your binder, then you do not need a spiral notebook.

Syllabus:

The following is a list of topic that will be covered during the first nine 
weeks.

Week 1, Jan 21 – 25: NCSCOS Competency Goal 1: The learner will become 
familiar with the history and research methods of psychology
•	Intro to Psychology, Famous Psychologists, Careers in Psychology, and 
Scientific Method

Week 2, Jan 28 – Feb 1: NCSCOS Competency Goal 1: The learner will become 
familiar with the history and research methods of psychology and Goal 2: The 
learner will demonstrate an understanding of the biological bases of behavior.
•	Research Methods, Ethics, Statistics, Intro to Psych Test, Intro to 
Biology, and the Structure of a Neuron

Week 3, Feb 4-8: NCSCOS Competency Goal 2: The learner will demonstrate an 
understanding of the biological bases of behavior.
•	Nervous Systems, Brain Hemispheres, Parts of the Brain, Functions of 
the Brain, and the Endocrine System

Week 4, Feb 11-15: NCSCOS Competency Goal 2: The learner will demonstrate an 
understanding of the biological bases of behavior.
•	Hormones, Neurotransmitters, Brain Review, Brain Projects Due, and 
Presentations

Week 5, Feb 18-22: NCSCOS Competency Goal 4: The learner will explore the 
basic concepts of sensation and perception.
•	Intro to Sensation and Perception, Sensory Processes, Components of 
Vision, and Lab

Week 6, Feb 25-29: NCSCOS Competency Goal 4: The learner will explore the 
basic concepts of sensation and perception and Goal 5: The learner will 
analyze basic concepts of motivation and emotion
•	Sensation and Perception Lab, Theories of Motivation, and Physiology 
of Emotion

Week 7, Mar 3-7: NCSCOS Competency Goal 5: The learner will analyze basic 
concepts of motivation and emotion and Goal 9: The learner will analyze the 
differing states of consciousness
•	Motivation and Emotion Review and Test, Consciousness, Sleep Stages, 
Dream Theories, and Altered States of Consciousness

Week 8, Mar 10-14: NCSCOS Competency Goal 9: The learner will analyze the 
differing states of consciousness and Sociology Goal 1: The learner will 
develop a sociological point of view
•	Dreams Web Quest, Consciousness Test, Intro to Sociology, 
Understanding Human Society and Interaction, and Sociological Perspectives

Week 9, Mar 17-21: NCSCOS Competency Goal 1: The learner will develop a 
sociological point of view
•	Theories and Research Methods of Sociology, Society and Culture, 
Review, and Mid-Term