Course Description

This course is designed to explore the scope and nature of psychology. As the course is an introduction to psychology, we will cover a vast spectrum of information within the field of psychology, thus discussing deep subjects and issues in a short amount of time. Each unit of study is a topic or subject to which psychologists devote their entire careers. For the purposes of this course, however, we will investigate each topic briefly in an effort to gain exposure and an understanding of the multiple areas and topics within psychology.

In this class we will use a college level textbook. Some of the topics for study are: principles of learning, improvement of memory, motives and emotions, human development, personality theories, intelligence, normal personality, abnormal behavior, human sexuality and social behavior. The course is aimed at stimulating your mind academically and increasing interpersonal communication skills, as well as assisting you in gaining a greater understanding for yourself and others.

Units Of Study

Introduction- What is Psychology?

Developmental Psychology

Memory

Learning

Intelligence

Personality

Motivation

Psychological Disorders

Textbook and Reading Materials

The textbook for this class is Charles Morris and Albert Maisto’s Psychology: An Introduction. Please cover your book and bring it to the next class. The text will serve as a useful introduction to the course while journal articles, newspaper clippings, and outside reading materials will be used to supplement your text reading.

Class Website

This is it!! This website was designed as a tool to aid you throughout the course. Writing guidelines, psychology research cites, bibliographic support, and other helpful materials can be found on-line. If you have any suggestions for additional resources or for website reconstruction, please let me know. This web page is for you, so make sure that it helps!

Class Notebook

I strongly recommend that each of you keep a binder to organize all class handouts, homework and notes, but you are seniors and can decide what works best for you! I will not have “notebook” checks but all class material is considered “fair game” for exams, tests and quizzes.

Grading System

Each graded piece will have a total possible point value, depending on the scope of the assignment:

         Tests and TGAs (Test Grade Assignments)            100 points
         Quizzes                                                                       30 points
         Homework                                                                  4-10 points

At the end of the term, I will add up your total points earned and divide this number by the total possible points to determine your final grade. A progress report will be given to each of you midway through each quarter to communicate your progress and to give you time to improve your performance.

Late Homework and Paper Policy

This policy will be followed throughout the year; however, if individuals have emergencies or personal matters please come and talk to me.

Homework: Homework is due at the beginning of the class. Any homework that is handed in late

(even at the end of the period or later in the day) will only receive half credit. Any homework not passed in on the day collected or due, will receive a zero.

Papers & The due date for papers and assignments will be strictly enforced. Late papers

Projects: or projects will be marked down a half a grade for each day they are late. Your name will be placed on the “make-up board” as a reminder and you will have one week to complete all missed assessments. Failure to makeup the work will result in a zero.

Tests & All tests and quizzes are to be taken as scheduled. If you are absent, your name

Quizzes: will be placed on the “make-up board” as a reminder and you will have one week to complete all missed assessments. Failure to makeup the work will result in a zero.

MAKE- UP If you are absent please stop by to pick up homework assignments or class handouts that you

may have missed. It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO PICK UP YOUR WORK!!

I will be available after school each Tuesday and Thursday until 3:15. In addition, I will often be after school on numerous days and have prep time in-between classes. My schedule is posted on-line and on the board so you can track me down. I encourage you all to talk to me about class or if you have any questions or concerns about the material covered. Communication is essential to learning!

I am assuming and expecting that you come to class on time and prepared, with necessary work completed. Also, a critical part of this course is participation. I cannot stress this enough. This is your class and you need to be an active part of it. That means not only speaking, but listening and being present! It is amazing how much you can miss in one day!

In conclusion, don’t hesitate to ask questions or ask for help. That’s what I’m here for!