Topics in Psychology

Psychology - Topics

Mr. Fuller – Room 500

Rooms 500

Course Description:

This half-year course addresses several areas of psychology. The scope of psychology is broad; therefore this course serves as an introduction to the theories, methodology, biological bases, research and leading pioneers and researchers in a variety of fields of psychology. Our topics course requires you to apply previous learning in psychology to a variety of areas of focus including motivation, social issues such as obedience to authority, personality development, lifespan development, disorders, and treatment. This course is designed to encourage and maintain interest in psychology while preparing students for future course work at the college level.

Course Objectives:

To learn about psychology and critical thinking
To become familiar with the several topics in psychology including:
Motivation
Lifespan development
Personality and individuality
Stress and health
Abnormal behavior
Human interaction
Attitudes and social influence
To encourage thinking about learning and the continual process of human cognitive and personality development.
To identify personal strengths and weaknesses and discover ways to maximize strengths and compensate for weaknesses
To encourage students to recognize, tolerate, respect, and celebrate individual differences in personality, learning, and behavior
To foster a greater understanding of human responses to situations and stress
To participate in worthwhile activities and discussions along the way
To complete a research project involving an examination of a psychological topic such as a disorder, abnormal behavior, therapy methods, or an analysis of research or experiments not addressed in this courses.

Mutual Respect:

This course will revolve around a considerable amount of discussion and activity work. Do to the nature of the methods used and topics discussed, along with rather large class size; it is vital that all participants follow a policy of mutual respect. Most of you made it through the introductory part of the course with me. That course involved lots of chaos, discussion, and hopefully learning and fun. Topics will continue in much the same manner, but will require a higher level of cooperation, kindness, and understanding. Discussions in our class will involve sensitive topics that must be dealt with honestly, openly, and with care. I welcome all comments, questions, and debates, but I insist on awareness of one’s actions, the impact of comments, and overall kindness.

The key component necessary for an orderly, enjoyable, and efficient class with effective instruction and student involvement is respect. I respect my students as individuals who should be treated with kindness and in a proper manner. In return I expect good behavior, cooperation and to be treated with kindness. Living up to a few responsibilities and guidelines will benefit both the individual student and the class as a whole.

My Responsibilities As Your Teacher:

To treat you with respect and care as an individual
To provide the appropriate motivation and encouragement
To teach you the required content
To provide you with an orderly classroom environment
To openly communicate with students and parent regarding progress and behavior
To provide the necessary discipline

Your Responsibilities As My Students:

To treat me, your classmates, and yourself with respect and care as individuals
To attend classes regularly and on time
No late to class nonsense!!
Missed assignments are the students responsibility to get and make up
If you don’t want do be here, fine… drop the course… I promise I won’t be offended
Participate in discussions and complete all assignments on time
To be cooperative and minimize disruptions
To learn and master the content of the course
Maintain an organized binder or notebook and folder of class materials

Grading Policy:

33.3% Tests and quizzes

33.3% Papers and projects

33.3% Participation – includes participation in discussions and activities,

attendance, homework, and class work

4^th quarter – El Projecto Grande Dos will count as both a test and project grade and therefore will make up a significant portion of the grade. This project will be individual only and will require in depth research, class presentation, and leading a discussion on issues related to your chosen topic.

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