Psychology
Social Studies Department
Columbia High School
Maplewood, NJ
Course Syllabus: 2014-2015 (Semester 1)
Teacher: Mr. McCormick
E-mail: pmccormi@somsd.k12.nj.us
Voicemail: 973-762-5600 (ext. 1639)
Conference Session: 2:12-2:39 (A)
Conference Location: D-110
Course Locations:
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Period 2: D-110
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Period 5: D-110
o
Period 6: D-110
General Description:
Psychology is a one semester, intellectual, survey course designed for students who would
like to explore human nature from a combined cultural-biological viewpoint. Basic terms,
concepts, and principles of psychology are introduced as well as contradicting viewpoints as
to how these basic factors can be interpreted. Topics such as emotion, experience,
meaning, perception, learning, behavior, personality, and self-concept are reviewed through
discussion, lecture, introspection, journal writing, observation, case studies, handouts, a
basic text, movies, and field projects. It is expected that students electing this course would
be willing to make a strong individual preparation in order to share their ideas and, on
occasion, engage in group learning tasks. A major goal of the course is to expand our basic
curiosity to a point where we can make legitimate evaluative statements about socially
significant behavior and the psychological implications for issues now confronting society.
The course is open to juniors and seniors only, and is offered as a level 4 (honors) class.
(Columbia High School Curriculum)
Text:
Kasschau, R. (2003). Understanding Psychology. New York: Glencoe McGraw-Hill.
Online Textbook:
http://www.glencoe.com/sites/common_assets/socialstudies/ose/national.html
User Name: PSYCH03
Password: wr9Drecrec
Online Textbook Activities/Practice Quizzes:
http://www.glencoe.com/sec/socialstudies/psychology/psych2001/index.php
Units of Study:
Unit 1: Approaches to Psychology
 Chapter 1: Introducing Psychology
 Chapter 2: Psychological Research Methods
Unit 2: Development & Theories of Personality
 Chapter 3: Infancy & Childhood
 Chapter 4: Adolescence
 Chapter 5: Adulthood & Old Age
 Chapter 14: Theories of Personality
Interim Unit: Optimism & Positive Thinking
Unit 3: Consciousness & Perception
 Chapter 7: Altered States of Consciousness
 Chapter 8: Sensation & Perception
Unit 4: Learning & Memory
 Chapter 9: Learning: Principles & Applications
 Chapter 10: Memory & Thought
Unit 5: Psychological Disorders
 Chapter 16: Psychological Disorders
*Units may not necessarily correspond entirely with textbook chapters, although textbook
will be used as a reference
Grading:
Student grades are available and updated regularly on PowerSchool. In order to access
student grades, visit the URL below:
http://www.powerschool.somsd.k12.nj.us
All graded assignments will be graded using a point system. Point values for assignments
may vary throughout the semester. Typically, tests will be worth approximately 100 points
each, papers and projects will be worth approximately 50-100 points each, quizzes will be
worth approximately 20 points each, class work and homework assignments will be worth
approximately 5-20 points each, and journal entries/“do now” assignments will be worth
approximately 20 points in total.
Class Work/Homework:
Students will receive various class work and homework assignments throughout the course
of the semester. Such assignments will include, but are not limited to, textbook
readings/questions, note-taking, hand-outs, participation in internet discussion forums, and
case studies.
Tests:
Following each unit of study (often a duration of 2-4 weeks), students will be formally
assessed through unit tests. Unit tests will consist of matching, multiple choice, short
answer, and/or essay questions. Students will be responsible for all unit material discussed
in class and assigned for homework, as such are subject to inclusion on unit tests.
Papers/Projects/Presentations:
Throughout the course of the semester, students will be assigned papers, projects, and
presentations (group and/or individual). Such assignments will be assessed through
content, as well as grammar, organization, structure, and neatness. All papers are to be
written in American Psychological Association (APA) format.
Quizzes:
Students will be formally assessed regularly through quizzes, which will serve as
“benchmarks” to monitor student learning. Quizzes will often consist of multiple choice and
short-answer questions. Students will be responsible for reviewing designated course
material, as such will be included in each quiz. Students will have the option to drop their
lowest earned quiz grade.
Journal Responses/Do-Now’s:
As Psychology is a course that allows students to reflect on their own experiences, students
will keep a journal throughout the duration of the course. On various occasions, time will be
designated at the beginning of class for students to respond to reflective questions in their
journals.
In addition, students will frequently be required to respond to “Do-Now” questions in their
journals at the beginning of the class period. “Do-Now” questions will serve as an
opportunity for students to anticipate the current day’s lesson, as well as review and be
evaluated on prior material.
Participation:
Students are also responsible for participating in class. Class participation includes, but is
not limited to, arriving to class on time, being prepared (having their textbook, notebook,
folder, assignments, pens, pencils), partaking in classroom activities and assignments,
asking and answering questions, and being actively involved in class discussions.
Materials:
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Two-Subject Notebook:
o Class Notes
o Journal
Psychology Folder
Pens/Pencils
Textbook: Understanding Psychology
Course Syllabus
Handing In and Taking Back Assignments:
Students are responsible for handing in all assignments, unless otherwise announced by
teacher, via the “Student Mailbox” located in the classroom. Students must place
assignments requiring submission in the “In-Going” folder for their class/period, at the
beginning of the class period (before the bell rings or within one minute after the bell rings).
Any assignments not submitted at the beginning of the class period on the due date are
considered late.
Students are also responsible for taking back graded assignments, unless otherwise
announced by teacher, via the “Student Mailbox.” Students may find their graded
assignments in the “Out-Going” folder for their class/period. Students may collect graded
work at any point before class, after class, during lunch, etc. However, tests, papers, and
other large-scale assignments will be handed back personally to students.
Absence/Tardiness:
Students who are missing work due to absence or tardiness are responsible for acquiring all
work that they have missed. Students may contact their teacher via e-mail, or may meet
during the conference session.
All materials will be available on Mr. McCormick’s section of the South Orange-Maplewood
School District website. In order to access materials when absent, visit the URL below and
choose the “Psychology” section:
http://www.somsd.k12.nj.us//Domain/218
All work must be submitted within two days following students’ return.
Late Work:
In order to receive full credit, students are expected and required to submit all assignments
when they are due.
If assignments are not submitted when due, students will receive partial credit. For one day
late, the assignment grade will drop 50%. After more than one day late, students will not
receive credit for their assignment.
Final Exam:
At the conclusion of the course, students will be required to take a cumulative Final Exam.
The Final Exam will consist of Matching, Multiple Choice, and Short Answer questions, and
will account for 10% students’ final grade. Seniors who have a cumulative grade of A- (90)
or higher, and have no outstanding cuts for this class may be eligible for exemption.
A.P. Psychology Pre-Requisites:
Students currently taking Psychology may elect to take A.P. Psychology next year. A.P.
Psychology is a one-year introductory course, designed to provide students with a learning
experience equivalent to that of a college level Psychology course, and to prepare students
for the A.P. Psychology Exam. Pre-requisites for A.P. Psychology include taking the
Psychology elective and attaining final grade of 90 (A-) or higher in Psychology, as well as
completion of a summer assignment. A.P. Psychology is open to seniors only.
Conferencing:
Communication is critical, both inside and outside of the classroom. Students who wish to
meet with me outside of class, as well as parents, are encouraged to meet during my
conference session (2:12-2:39), or may schedule an appointment at another time.
Students and parents may reach out to contact me via e-mail at
pmccormi@somsd.k12.nj.us. In addition, parents may contact me via voicemail at 973762-5600 (ext. 1639).
Good luck and have a great semester!
-Mr. McCormick
*All items on syllabus are subject to change
Classroom Rules
Mr. McCormick
(Teacher of Social Studies and Psychology)
1. All Columbia High School formal school rules, policies, and procedures apply.
2. All encounters are based upon the foundation of respect. All students are to respect
their peers, teachers, the classroom environment, as well as themselves.
3. Raise your hand to speak, and do not speak while others are speaking.
4. Work hard and individually. Do not cheat or plagiarize!
5. Arrive on time and prepared to learn. Be sure to bring your textbook, notebook,
pens/pencils, and folder to class everyday (unless notified otherwise by teacher).
6. No food or drink, with the exception of water, is permitted in the classroom.
7. Submit all assignments at the time that they are due (or earlier).
8. If absent or tardy, find out what work you are missing, and submit it within two days
following your return.
9. Keep cell phones, electronics, hats, sunglasses, and all other potential distractions
turned off and stored away during class.
10. Think positively, and try your best at all times!
Please detach, sign, and return to Mr. McCormick.
I (student) have read and acknowledged the attached Psychology course syllabus and
classroom rules and policies. I agree to uphold all classroom rules and policies.
______________________________________
Student (Print Name)
______________________________________
Student (Signature)
____________
Date