Psychology 2011-2012 Course Syllabus & Objectives Debra Baker (email) debra.baker@cherokee.k12.ga.us Course Description: Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes that provides tools to help us gain insight into our own behavior, as well as our relationships with others. As a social science, Psychology looks for biological explanations for human behavior. Using the scientific method helps students think critically and objectively when applying psychological principles to everyday issues, people and problems. Objectives followed by Georgia State Standards Students Will: Explain selected historical and contemporary perspectives and practices of psychologists. SSPFR1 Explain the research methods and the type of statistics used in the field of psychology. SSPFR2 Explain the development, structure, and function of biological systems and their role in behavior, cognition, and emotion. SSPBF1 Compare different states of consciousness. SSPBF2 Discuss the components of stress. SSPBF3 Identify the characteristics of and major approaches to learning. SSPBC1 Describe behavioral, social, and cognitive changes from the prenatal period throughout the life span. SSPBC3 Analyze concepts related to the measurement and nature of intelligence. SSPVB1 Evaluate assessment tools and theories in personality. SSPVB2 Identify abnormal behavior and treatment. SSPVB3 Analyze the impact of the social environment on behaviors and attitudes. SSPSP1 Student Requirements: 1” 3 ring binder; 1 spiral notebook to keep in class for journals, Writing to Win, and various in-class writing assignments. Flash drive for integration of technology. All assignments must be completed in blue or black ink. No neon colors will be accepted. Always remember to bring pens/pencils to class. Participate in all class discussions. Utilize media center resources, technology and other references to complete assignments. Please note that the bar code on textbooks that have been issued to you may not be defaced in any manner or removed from the textbook. If you deface the bar code or remove it from the textbook, you will be charged the cost of replacing the book, as we will be unable to verify that the textbook was issued to you. Text Understanding Psychology (Glencoe, McGraw-Hill ) Websites psychology.glencoe.com - companion website to textbook. apa.org – psychology topics, information about the American Psychological Society, research, careers, etc. alleydog.com – specifically for psychology students; definitions, articles, etc. psychwww.com (and no, the www is not in the wrong place) – scholarly resources, APA documentation style guide, lots of information. psychology.org – many web links and resources. Psychcentral.com Mentalhealth.com Mentalhelp.net Medicinenet.com Medicalnewstoday.com Medtv.com Nami.org Grading Policy and Test Days: Test days for Social Studies will be Monday and Wednesday Major tests and Projects – 40% Quizzes, Class/Homework, Journals, WTW – 35% Mid-Term – 10% Final Exam – 15% Homework Policy: Homework will not always be assigned, but when it is, students are expected to treat those assignments with the same diligence required during class. Homework will reinforce principles, skills, concepts, and information taught in the classroom and stimulate creative, logical, and critical thought. Attendance and make up work policy: Any student who misses 7 or more days of this course, excused or unexcused absences, will not receive credit for this course. All work missed due to an absence must be made up. Make-up work for unexcused absences will not earn full credit; it may only count up to 70%. The responsibility for arranging to complete make-up work is to be assumed by the student and parent in conjunction with the teacher. Make-up work is to be completed within the time specified by the teacher. The time is not to exceed ten (10) days. If the make-up work is not completed within the allotted time, the student is to receive a zero for the work not made-up. The 10 day rule does not apply to long standing/long range assignments such as term papers, research papers, longrange projects, etc. In these cases, the assignments/projects must be turned in on or before the due date or the assignments will not be accepted. The student will receive a zero for the assignment. Students and their parents assume responsibility for delivering or emailing assignment/project by 3:30 on the due date. A student who completes make-up work because he/she was on OSS is to receive only 70% of the grade for the assignment, test, etc. No OSS make-up work will receive a grade higher than 70. Class Rules and Procedures: Take care of personal needs before the tardy bell rings. Be prompt and prepared for class. Be courteous. Please do not talk while I am speaking, and never be disrespectful of your peers or me. Do NOT line up at the door before the bell rings. Keep your seat until class is dismissed. IMPORTANT! Plagiarism will not be tolerated and will result in a zero for the assignment. Course Syllabus Signature Page I have read the course syllabus including rules and requirements. I understand that my cooperation will help create an enjoyable atmosphere for learning. Student Signature____________________________________________Date______________ Parent Signature____________________________________________Date______________ Optional: Parent email address (this is the easiest way for me to contact you). ______________________________________________________________________ Phone#_______________________________________________________________