Psychology 40S: Course Outline
INSTRUCTOR:
EMAIL:
WEBSITE:
Alyssa Grant (BEd, BA, MFC)
agrant@sjsd.net
alyssagrantshc.weebly.com
Course Description
Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes. It uses the scientific
method to discover ways of understanding the complexities of human thought and behavior,
as well as differences among people. This course exposes students to the major topics
found in the field of psychology. It also emphasizes the issues that are of particular direct
interest and relevance to students completing high school. Students explore the scientific
methods upon which psychology is based. They can then apply what they learned to their
daily lives.
Topics of Study
This course consists of 5 major themes which are then broken down into one or more topics.
Under each topic are various specific learning outcomes (SLOs) students are expected to
demonstrate once they have completed Grade 12 Psychology.The 5 themes represent
broad content areas. They are:
1. Introduction and Research Methods
○ introduction
○ research methods
2. Biopsychology
○ biological bases of behaviour
○ sensation and perception
○ motivation and emotion
○ stress, coping, and health
3. Developmental Psychology
○ life span development
○ personality and assessment
4. Cognitive Psychology
○ learning
○ memory
○ thinking and language
○ states of consciousness
○ individual differences
5. Variations in Individual and Group Behaviour
○ psychological disorders and treatments
○ social and cultural dimensions of behaviour
Assessment
Tests and Quizzes (30%)
Throughout the semester we will be covering a number of topics that will be assessed with
quizzes and unit tests. Quizzes will be weighted at 5% of your total grade, unit tests will be
weighted at 25%.
Assignments (30%)
Including major worksheets, presentations and projects.
Daily Work/Participation (20%)
This course requires students to engage in discussion and reflection on a daily basis. This
portion of your grade will come from daily in-class activities including group discussions,
reflective writing, case study analysis and responses to media shown in class. Unexcused
absences may have a negative effect on this mark.
Final Exam (20%)
Date TBA, during exam week in January.
Expectations
As a class we will go over some basic class rules and expectations during our first week in
the course. Aside from that I expect all students to:
1. Be prepared - Be on time and be sure to have all the necessary materials and
homework with you that you need for class. If you have missed any class time, get
notes from a friend and pick up any missed handouts from the outbox.
2. Show respect - For yourself, your classmates, your teacher, and the school. This
includes listening attentively to speakers and respecting the thoughts and opinions of
others. This course involves a great deal of discussion and can deal with sensitive
topics at times. It is important that everyone feels safe speaking up in class.
3. Stay engaged - Whether we are taking notes, working on an assignment, or having
a discussion you are expected to be actively engaged in this class. Phones should
only be used if it is class related.