Northwest Career and Technical Academy Course Expectations 2012-2013 Introduction to Psychology Mr. Anghilante [email protected] website: Mr. A's Psychology Website (http://teacherweb.com/NV/NWCTA/MrAnghilante/apt1.aspx)

Course Description This one-year course will introduce students to the study of psychology: the study of the mind and behavior. Psychology embraces all aspects of the human experience: from the functions of the brain to the environments in which humans interact, from child development to aging. Students will learn that psychology is a science based on a large body of social and behavioral science research, which is expanding its boundaries to overlap with neuroscience and health science. This course will survey major concepts and trends in psychology and presupposes no prior study of the subject. Students find psychology a fascinating subject. In line with NWCTA’s technical and career orientation, hands-on projects will stimulate thinking and create an enjoyable learning environment. Students will gain practical knowledge and insight about themselves and their own thinking, learning, and behavior.

Course Goals Upon completion of this course, the students will: 1) Understand the history of psychology and its connection to both the social sciences and the natural sciences. 2) Identify the stages of human development—infancy and childhood, adolescence, and adulthood and old age—and understand the theories of how humans acquire cognitive and behavioral abilities. 3) Understand the process of experimental design by which researchers expand their knowledge of psychological processes and behaviors. 4) Understand the principles of psychological testing, including measurements of intelligence and cognitive abilities. 5) Appreciate the complex relationship between the workings of the body and the mind. 6) Understand the impact of physiological sensations and perceptions on behavior, cognition, and human development. 7) Identify the characteristics of healthy human functioning and distinguish them from abnormal behavioral or developmental traits. 8) Distinguish between the many approaches to therapy and psychological treatment. 9) Understand the dynamic forces that influence attitude, socialization, and character and moral formation. 10) Understand the role of the psychologist in treating psychological and behavioral disorders.

Textbook Understanding Psychology by Richard A. Kasschau, (ISBN: 978-0-07-874517-1) will be the primary text for this course. If lost, the student will be responsible for an $85 replacement fee. Other written materials and handouts will be provided throughout the course.

Additional Resources Students will make frequent use of online computer resources as adjuncts to the text and as sources of information for projects and presentations. Videos from PBS, Discovery Channel, and other educational sources will be shown.

Materials The following materials will be required: 1) 5-section spiral notebook with at least 80-100 pages devoted entirely to this psychology class. 2) Colored pencils and highlighters to illustrate the interactive notebook. 3) glue or glue sticks

Course Outline/ Benchmarks* The following topics will be studied: Topic National Standards for High School Psychology Curricula*

Intro to Psychology Infancy and Childhood Adolescence Adulthood and Old Age Altered States of Consciousness Learning: Principles and Applications Memory and Thought Thinking and Language Psychological Testing Psychological Disorders School wide PBL (various) Therapy and Change Individual Interaction Group Interaction Attitudes and Social Influences

IA-6.1 IIIA IIIA IIIA IVD IVA-1 IVB IVC IVE VA VB VC-3.1 VC-3.2 VC-3.1

Controversial Issues: Psychology involves the study of abnormal psychology and social behavior, aspects of which have become issues debated in the public forum. These issues may be referenced in passing but are not explored in depth. Students will use correct anatomical and behavioral terms related to the biological aspects of developmental psychology. CCSD 6124.2 Objective study in the classroom of controversial issues is a responsibility of the public schools. The teacher, as impartial moderator, will inform the school administrator of potentially controversial issues before they occur.

Technology Applications Many of the daily activities will be based on technology intended to keep students involved in the discussion (audio, video, power point). Students may be asked to create their presentations using school equipment or their own equipment (if available).

* National Standards for High School Psychology Curricula, August 2005. These standards can be found at the following website: http://www.apa.org/ed/natlstandards.html

Grading Policy - Grading Scale Letter grades will be determined on the following scale: A 90% - 100% B 80% - 89% C 70% - 79% D 60% - 69% F below 60% The teacher will contact the parents of students who are in danger of failing any grading period.

Class/Grading Procedures 1. Attendance/Daily log Students are expected to attend class at all times and must receive permission from the teacher or a school administrator if they want to be excused for a related school activity. Students must come prepared to learn by bringing their textbook, notebook, pens. An absent student must find out what assignments or notes were missed and enter the information into their interactive notebook on their own time. 2. Tardiness According to CCSD 5113: "A student enrolled in grades six through twelve in a secondary school who is not physically present in the classroom at the start of the instructional period but reports to the classroom after that time is to be marked tardy." 3 Interactive notebook Each student will be required to construct and maintain an interactive notebook. An interactive notebook is designed to keep a record of all concepts, reflections, and material from the course. Students must bring their interactive notebook and textbook every day so they can record their daily work. At a minimum, students will list what they learned that day. Parents are encouraged to review their student’s interactive notebook. 4 Homework/Projects Students will have either homework or a project to work every evening. Each chapter in the textbook will end with an assessment or a project as the substantial grade. As often as possible, students will have choices for their assessments. Homework/projects will include reading or research (using a computer), but may include activities such as interviews, observations and activities related to observing human behavior, posters, and videos. 5. Spelling, grammar and neatness All writing assignments will conform to a writing rubric adopted by the Social Studies and Language Arts Departments. Students are expected to use Standard English grammar and to spell-check all work. The written portions of all projects are to be word-processed. Handwritten is acceptable on tests, quizzes, and notes, but must be legible to the teacher. 5. Extra credit policy and procedures There are always extra credit opportunities. Students who excel in academic work, class participation, thinking, or projects may receive extra credit.

Basis for Quarter and Semester Grades Quarter grades will be calculated as follows: Tests & quizzes 25% Interactive notebook 30% Project 35% Participation 10%

1-2 per quarter daily 2 per quarter

Semester grades will be calculated as follows: 1st Q 2nd Q Semester Exam

40% 40% 20%

Make-Up/ Late Work Procedures After any absence, the student is required to initiate contact with instructor to obtain appropriate make up work within three (3) school days directly following the student's return. No late work will be accepted.

Basis for Citizenship Grade Students must not exhibit behavior that interferes with the teaching/learning process. O - Outstanding: student attends class without unexcused absences or tardiness, submits work on time, is always respectful, cooperative, and non-disruptive of the teaching/learning process and follows all class/school rules. This student is a positive classroom participant. S - Satisfactory: student attends class with two (or less) unexcused absences or tardiness, submits work on time, is always respectful, cooperative, and non-disruptive of the teaching/learning process and follows all class/school rules. N - Needs Improvement: student has 3-5 unexcused absences or three unexcused tardiness, some of the work is missing or late, needs occasional reminders to be respectful, cooperative, and/or non-disruptive of the teaching/learning process, and needs occasional reminders of class/school rules. U - Unsatisfactory: student has five or more unexcused absences or four or more unexcused tardiness, the work is often missing or submitted late, student needs frequent reminders to be respectful, cooperative, and/or non-disruptive of the teaching/learning process, needs frequent reminders of class/school rules, or is engaged in academic dishonesty.

Class Rules: 1. Food/Drink/Gum/Candy are NOT permissible. Water is acceptable. 2. NWCTA Hall Passes must be properly issued to leave the classroom. No passes to cars will be issued. 3. School Rules - All school rules listed in the NWCTA Handbook will be strictly enforced within the classroom, including but not limited to: a. Proper Use of Computers b. Proper use of Internet c. Tardiness 4. Academic Integrity- All students involved in copying, copying & pasting from internet sources without citation, plagiarizing, or cheating of any kind will receive a zero on the assignment and a "U" in citizenship. In addition, students may face additional consequences based on the severity of the incident. Please see attached academic honor code for further clarification.

Classroom Progressive Discipline: Certain actions including insubordination, violence, and harassment will warrant immediate referral to the Dean. Cell phone use, texting, iPods, and electronic games or devices not used for academic purposes are strictly forbidden and will be confiscated and sent to the Deans’ Office. Students who choose not to follow the classroom and school rules listed above will face a progressive discipline policy including warning, teacher contact with the parent and referral to the Dean.

Office Hours I am typically available before and after school for make-up work and questions. Generally, my hours will be 6:30 am - 2:00 pm in room 523. Students may come to my classroom during 2nd and 5th periods which are usually set aside for course planning I encourage students to meet with me to discuss any aspect of the course, the subject matter, classroom issues, or grading, as well as obstacles to learning. Students can air disagreements respectfully if there is a sincere desire to seek a resolution.

NORTHWEST CAREER AND TECHNICAL ACADEMY ACADEMIC HONOR CODE Students are expected to demonstrate honesty and integrity while in attendance at the Northwest Career and Technical Academy. Each student is expected to do his or her own work, including homework, test-taking, class and computer lab assignments, and the creation of essays, compositions, term papers, computer presentations and scientific research. There is no distinction between giving or receiving unauthorized help; one who helps another to cheat is as guilty as one who benefits from cheating. The following actions are considered cheating: 1. Claiming credit for work that is not the product of one's own honest effort. 2. Providing unwarranted access to materials or information so that credit may be dishonestly claimed by oneself or others. 3. Submitting work to more than one teacher for course credit without prior approval. 4. Forging or falsifying of any school records or forms. 5. Knowledge of and toleration of any of the foregoing. 6. Any behavior, which can be defined as cheating, represents a violation of mutual trust and respect essential to education at the Northwest Career and technical Academy. Students who cheat should expect to be confronted by their teacher, staff member, or administrator observing this behavior and be subject to one or more of the following consequences: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Zero/no credit on the assignment. Notification of parents/guardian. Documentation on Discipline Record. Required Parent Conference Signing of a behavior contract to be placed in the student discipline record. Honor Code Probation. Exclusion from school activities such as dances, activities, athletics, field trips, and graduation Loss of college recommendation letters.

All students who have computer access should be aware of the Acceptable Use Policy for computer usage and follow it.

Northwest Career and Technical Academy Course Expectations Agreement 2012-2013

Psychology

Mr. Anghilante

Student Name: (print) _______________________________

Grade:

Student Number:

Period:

I HAVE READ THE COURSE EXPECTATIONS FOR __________________ . I UNDERSTAND WHAT WILL BE EXPECTED FOR ALL STUDENTS AND MYSELF. I AGREE TO FOLLOW THE RULES OF THE CLASS AND UNDERSTAND THE CONSEQUENCES IF THEY ARE BROKEN. Student Signature: ______________________________

Date: __________

Parent Signature: _______________________________

Date: __________