2014-2015
Psychology
Ms. Barnes
barnesja@rcschools.net
The Psychology course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of
the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to
the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields
within psychology. They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their
science and practice.
Course Objectives:
1. Students will study the fundamental concepts and theories of psychology.
2. Students will learn the basic skills of psychological research.
3. Students will develop critical thinking skills and build their reading, writing, and discussion skills.
4. Students will be able to recognize psychological principles in their own life.
5. Students develop the ability to examine their decisions and relationships and a reflective and
sensitive manner.
Primary Textbook:
Rathus, Spencer A. (2007). Psychology: Principles in Practice. Austin, TX: Holt, Rinehart and
Winston.
http://go.hrw.com/gopages/ss.html
Grading Policy:
Grades are weighted according to the following scale:
35% -- Homework, Classwork, and Class Participation
40% -- Quizzes/Projects
25% -- Final Exam
Late Policy:
Absences: All students are responsible for getting missed assignments before a planned absence or
immediately following an unplanned absence. All work is due immediately upon your return. If
you are absent on the day of a test, you will make it up on the next available day we have
Directed Studies. If you are absent the day before a test, you will still be required to take the test
even though you missed the review session. If you are absent the day of a quiz, you must make
it up the day you return (your responsibility, not mine) or else you will receive a zero.
Assignments: You are expected to come to class 100% prepared each day. You will have 5 school
days to make up missed assignments.
Academic Integrity:
All work on individual writing assignments, projects, and tests must be written in your own
words. I will not tolerate plagiarism; you will earn a zero for any assignment that is plagiarized
without the opportunity to re-do it.
2014-2015
Outline of Course Material:
Unit 1: Introducing Psychology – Chapter 1 & 2
A. Logic, Philosophy, and History of Science
B. Research Methods: Observation, Survey, Case Studies, Correlational, Experimental
C. Areas of Specialization
Quiz 1
Unit 2: Sensation and Perception – Chapter 4
A. Sensation and Perception Basics
B. Vision and Hearing
C. Other Senses
Quiz 2
Unit 3: States of Consciousness – Chapter 5
A. Sleep and Dreams
B. Meditation, Biofeedback, Hypnosis
Quiz 3
Unit 4: Learning – Chapter 6
A. Classical Conditioning
B. Operant Conditioning
Quiz 4
Unit 5: Memory – Chapter 7
A. Three Kinds, Processes and Stages of Memory
B. Forgetting and Memory Improvement
Quiz 5
Unit 8: Theories of Personality – Chapter 14
A. Trait, Psychoanalytic, Learning, Humanistic and Sociocultural Approaches
Quiz 6
Unit 11: Psychological Disorders – Chapter 18
A. What Are Psychological Disorders
B. Anxiety, Dissociative, Mood and Personality Disorders
C. Schizophrenia
Quiz 7
Unit 12: Social Cognition/Interaction – Chapter 20 & 21
A. Attitudes, Persuasion, Prejudice, and Attraction
B. Group Behavior (Conformity, Obedience)
C. Aggression
D. Altruism
Quiz 8
Midterm/Final Exam (ALL UNITS)