Psychology+course+info

= Psychology course info (2006-2007)=

College Prep (CP) Psychology is an elective Social Studies course that provides useful insight into human behavior. The course will stress learning and cognitive processes, the workings of mind and body, human life experiences, personality and individuality, human relations, and psychological abnormalities and treatment.


 * Course Goals:**

Knowledge:

1. Comprehend the principles of learning, memory and thought. 2. Understand how humans develop mentally and physically during the human life span. 3. Learn how theorists view the development of personality and individuality. 4. Recognize abnormal human behaviors and the methods used to correct them. 5. Discover methods to identify and deal with life’s stresses personally and in others

Skills:

1. Improve critical reading, writing and thinking abilities. 2. Increase ability to effectively deal with others that may be different socially or psychologically. 3. Strengthen capability to investigate multiple sides of a social issue and apply this to modern life. 4. Enhance ability to analyze human behavior in relation to various local and world cultures. 5. Understand the workings of mind and body and their impact on personality and individuality.


 * Evaluation:** Students are graded on a cumulative point basis. Points are assigned to each activity such as tests, quizzes, projects, homework assignments, and class activities. Each quarter’s grade will be calculated by dividing total points available by total points earned to determine a percentage grade. Graded assignments turned in late will normally receive a 10% penalty for each day late up to 5 days after which the assignment will not be accepted.

Cumulative point grade will be converted to a percentage, then based on the 10-point grading scale established by the Christina School Distirct in 2005. Each marking period is worth 20% of the final grade in the class. The Midterm Exam grade will count as 10% of the final course grade and will cover material from the beginning of the year to January. The Final Exam will also count as 10% of the final course grade, coving material from January onward.

BOTH EXAMS ARE REQUIRED OF ALL STUDENTS REGUARDLESS OF GRADE IN THE CLASS OR GRADE LEVEL.


 * What you need to succeed:**
 * **Textbook:** //Understanding Psychology, 5th Edition//


 * **Binder w/ paper:** This should be used to gather handouts and record important material from lectures, activities, and other assignments that take place in and outside of class. Students may be allowed to refer to //__their own individual handwritten__// notes (no sharing) on quizzes. Notes, however, will not be allowed on chapter tests. Your binder should have the following sections in it:


 * **Psych-out:** Daily observation activity (record date, question, and response)
 * **Class notes:** Notes copied in class with the most recent Unit in front
 * **Fresh Notes:** Chapter notes from Unit with the most recent in front
 * **Activities:**Any classwork that does not involve taking notes (often mind games or reflections)


 * **Student Expectations:** Come to class alert, with all necessary materials, and have assigned work completed when due. Poor academic performance, inattentiveness, doing other class work or inappropriate, disruptive/disrespectful behavior, or high absenteeism may negatively impact performance. This is a HIGHLY desired __elective course__, so if you are not pulling your weight you will be removed in order to make way for someone who wants to be in here. Due to the sensitive nature of some of the course material, a high level of individual maturity is also requirement for success in this course. Students who do not demonstrate this level of maturity may be removed from the course prior to completion.


 * **Attendance/Participation**: Attending class and being //positively// engaged in classroom activities is an integral part of a student’s chance for success in the class. At the end of each quarter extra credit //__may__// be given (at the instructor’s discretion) to students who best demonstrate these behaviors.


 * **Supplemental Assistance:** Students requiring supplemental assistance or making up work due to an excused absence may come in before/after school or during my planning period. I recommend making an appointment to confirm my availability but walk-ins will normally be accepted.


 * No couches in here!** Mr. Freccia is NOT a trained Psychologist – this is an academic examination of the human experience that //will// feature discussions about generalizations established by scientific study and/or theory. While this course may reveal new reflections about how you may operate, it is not a personal counseling session.