Course Syllabus
SYLLABUS
PSYCHOLOGY
Course Overview- This course is an introduction to psychology, the study of human behavior, and the mind. As a survey course for an entire topic; the curriculum is very broad! We will cover history and approaches, research methods, biological bases of behavior, developmental psychology, sensation, perception, states of consciousness, learning, cognition, testing and individual differences, motivation, emotion, personality, abnormal psychology, treatment, and social psychology.
Grading and Participation- This course will be an opportunity for you to challenge yourself as a student. Emphasis will be placed on:
reading especially primary source documents
writing to prove content absorption and express opinions
speaking in the forms of debate and discussion to grow confidence and clarity
listening as an active participant not a passive receptacle for information
group work and projects that will weave together the reading, writing, speaking, and listening portions of the class
It is my goal to help you advance the creation and communication of your own thoughts and opinions and to that end, this course is meant to broaden your horizons and help your understanding of your brain and how it functions, how to improve how it functions, and the challenges that confront individuals, (perhaps even yourself) when the brain doesn't function in the way(s) that most other brains do. It is expected that you attend class and engage with it. There is also homework that you must complete. You should expect grading of class participation, any assigned homework/projects, and you will also need to show content mastery when given quizzes and tests. There will be no testing final given in this class but there will be a final project worth 10% of the course's grade. Attendance is critical and graded as this course is not meant to be a correspondence course, please read the expectations section of this syllabus as I mean this very seriously.
Expectations– When it comes to how my room will run I like the ancient Greek idea of “arête”. This idea stresses that each person performs a task to the best of their ability in order not only to better their own lives but the lives of others in their society. Doing one's best is an obligation...not an option. There is joy and pride to be found in performing at the pinnacle of what is possible for you. You are important to the successful running of this course and you presence is missed when you are not in class.
So...Rules Of The Classroom
*Come to class on time and be prepared.
*Respect those around you - peers, ideas, and property. Be mindful of how you present yourself and your ideas.
*Have work ready to hand in on time and completed. Make-up work should be completed in a timely manner if you miss class. If you are absent with no note your work will not be accepted. Make sure Lydia is informed of your absence! You lose points you could earn for an assignment when it is handed in late. Most assignments are not accepted for any grade if they are not turned in within 3 days of their due date. That's days NOT classes...make a note of that!
*Participate in all classroom activates as much as you can! Learning is more than sitting and listening. Its debate, discussion, and interaction. If you miss class and it's a day with a graded activity, (most days are) you may lose some points due to your inability to "arete" for your classmates.
*Ask questions if you are confused about something and express your concerns in a constructive and responsible manner. (Be a respectful advocate for your education!)
*Come to class with a good attitude.
*Try to make this fun for yourself and your classmates.
*No food, no gum. Drinks are fine if people are responsible.
*Use of bathroom is at-will please stay downstairs.
*No cellphones...period. Put them in my holder at the beginning of class.
*Headphones and/or earbuds are put away.
*No names..."My friend Aster-y'know, in your period 3 class-says she sees purple insects crawling on walls all the time. Is she crazy?" Ask any question you want but leave names out of it unless you need to talk to me privately.
Materials Used in Class:
TEXTBOOK: None...I long ago decided that textbooks are difficult for classes that use as up-to-date materials as possible.
BOOKS: You will be reading one autobiography/biography dealing with a brain challenge of your choice. The books will be available in the GSA library. Excepts from numerous books will be used and available for you either via Canvas or hardcopy-depending on book.
PODCAST:
Hidden Brain
VIDEOS:
Too many to list in the syllabus but available to view on individual classwork days.
READINGS:
Too many to list in the syllabus but available to view on individual classwork days.
Supports Available-
*All classroom activities and assignments are on Canvas.
*All notes for teacher lectures are available if asked for, (please advocate for yourself)....I also often record lectures for you to view.
*You can see your grades online through Canvas.
*You can make an appointment to meet period 1, after school, or before school.
Expectations of Teacher-
I will treat each student as an individual and with respect at all times. I will provide you with high-quality instruction each and every day. I will grade your work fairly, equally, and promptly. I will assign relevant work in and out of class designed to prepare you to master the material. I will grade your work fairly, equally, promptly, and with feedback within a week of submission of the assignment. I will be available for assistance and will provide the support necessary to help you master content in the course and grow as a student.
Course Summary:
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