Psychology 1 2012-2013 Mrs. Cynda Wood Room #119 Email: cynda.wood@owensborocatholic.

org Phone: (270) 684-3215 Course Overview: This course is designed as an introductory high school psychology course developed using the standards commissioned by the American Psychological Association. These standards identify what students should learn. Psychology is the scientific study of the mental process and behavior of organisms. This upper level course designated for juniors and seniors is designed for students interested in learning about the workings of the mind and body. Areas of study include: The Life Span (focusing on Developmental Psychology), Personality and Individuality, Adjustment and Breakdown, Psychological Disorders, and other topics within the field. Students will learn valuable information both about themselves and others through a wide variety of study, research and activities. Text: Understanding Psychology Supplies: Three-ring binder (or notebook, but if notebook is preferred please be sure to have a corresponding folder to put handouts in), loose-leaf notebook paper (preferably college ruled), pens and pencils, highlighter, art supplies when requested (or use what is provided), and an open mind Notebooks: You will be required to take notes in class, which should be included in your notebook. This notebook should also include information that I will give you, writing assignments through the year, and any other handouts that are given. These notebooks are subject to be graded at anytime especially students have not been bringing them to class or keeping their materials together. Each semester will be graded separately in the notebook. At the end of the semester, students will stop being responsible for those materials. Requirements: Each student will be required to follow directions at all times. There will be one written psychology report during the year and at LEAST one major psychology project throughout the year. Class will also require smaller experiments, other writing assignments, reading assignments, exams, tests, quizzes, projects, and essays throughout the year. Course Policies: Late work will not be accepted after a week, unless further arrangements are made. Each day it is late points will be deducted accordingly. All material assigned in class is subject to assessment. That does not mean that everything will be assessed. At times the merit of doing things is the knowledge, not the grade. You will have either a quiz, test, or project to be graded on each unit, possibly all three.

Not everything will be a graded assignment; some things will be participation, others just to check for learning. Cheating will be punished to the highest extent outlined in the handbook, including plagiarism. Turnitin.com will be used on major writing assignments.

Grading: Grading will be divided as follows; Tests and major projects: Homework Writing: Participation Quizzes 35% 35% 15% 10% 5%

Conduct: All rules of the student handbook apply. Above everything else, respect yourself, each other, and me in the classroom. Absences: It is the responsibility of the student to arrange for any make-up assignments, including tests. They will NOT be given during class time unless the student has a study hall that corresponds with one of my planning periods. They must make an appointment to make up their test after school. This must be done within a week of the student returning unless other arrangements have been made. If this is not done, the student will receive a zero for that assignment, which can be very harmful to their grade and more importantly their understanding of the course. Please return the bottom section during the next class.

My signature below indicates that I have read, understand, and agree to this syllabus and have been given a copy to keep.

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