Piper High School
Psychology Syllabus 2014
Mr. Javorsky
ejavorsky@piperschools.com
Room 209
First of all, welcome to an introduction to Psychology. I am excited for this semester and
to getting to know everyone. I look forward to teaching you this year and hope you are
ready to learn.
Quick Introduction
The study of psychology looks at what makes people “themselves” and looks to
understand why people act and react differently to various situations. This course will
involve higher-level reading and thinking as we explore the various disciplines in
psychology. To achieve this we will analyze psychological case studies, annotate and
discuss articles discussing issues of psychology, conduct academic research and write
essays with citations, conduct psychological experiments, and partake in various
psychological evaluations.
Course Description:
This class will focus on the study of individual behavior, motivation, mental processes &
emotional responses. As a class we will explore the various aspects and disciplines of
psychology including the history of psychology, the biology of behavior, sensory input
and perception, understanding intelligences, memory & cognition, abnormal
psychology, gender identity & nature vs. nurture. Depending on time constraints this list
may be modified as needed. We will be using the textbook Psychology 10th edition by
David Myers
Class expectations:
This is an exciting and challenging subject matter that involves a lot of discussion,
participation, college level reading, and critical analysis. I expect all students to give
their best effort and to be active and engaged throughout class. I expect all students to
treat each other and myself with respect and to work together to create positive
learning environment. Students will assist the teacher in creating the class rules and
expectations but the teacher reserves the right to make any changes to the classroom
rules as deemed necessary.
Materials:
3 ring binder with dividers
1 college ruled notebook
Pencil & Pen
Course Schedule
This is the schedule as of right now but is subject to change. I will notify you if the
schedule does change with the Reminder App as well as on the website and through
email.
 Prologue & Chapter 1- Introduction & History of Psychology
 Chapter 2- Biology of the Mind
 Chapter 5- Developing Through the Life Span
 Chapter 7- Learning
 Chapter 4 Nature, Nuture, and Human Diversity
 Mid Term
 Chapter 6 Sensation and Perception
 Chapter 8 Memory
 Chapter 10 Intelligence
 Chapter 12 Emotions, Stress, and Health
 Chapter 15 Psychological Disorders
 Chapter 13 Personality
 Final
Communication
I will have my page on the school’s website updated with all of the assignments, power
points, and notes. I will also use the Reminder app for students and parents to text
message upcoming assignments and tests. I can be contacted the easiest though the
school’s email ejavorsky@piperschools.com. Please feel free to contact me if you have
any questions or arrange to meet me before or after school.
Cellphones:
During class we will frequently be utilizing technology including cellphones during
specified times. This is a privilege and if abused will removed from the lesson plans.
Cellphones are to be in your backpacks unless asked to use them.
Grading Policy
The class grade will be based on the following:
 In class participation
 Chapter tests
 Homework
 Projects
 Midterm
 Final
Late assignments will be worth 50% of the points offered unless the office excused the
absence. It is the student’s responsibility to find out what assignments they missed
during an absence.
All other classroom and school rules can be found in your student handbook as well as
the consequences for disobeying them. All rules in the student handbook will be
enforced as deemed necessary by the teacher.