Psychology is the study of human behavior and mental processes. Through selected readings, videos, activities, projects, and discussion, students focus on how the brain and the mind work, how information is acquired and processed, the stages of human growth and development, emotions, motivation, memory, and the learning process. We also look at some of the challenges faced by people who have psychological and physiological differences. Students will gain a greater understanding of why people behave the way they do and how knowledge of psychology can help them in their own lives.
Thematic Framework:
Truth, Choices, Systems, and Change are the linchpins of Rivendell Academy’s social studies courses. Developing the skills of historical thinking leads to the understanding of what constitutes historical truth. The study of the social sciences is full of social, political, economic, geographic, cultural, philosophical, and economic choices for students to analyze given the context of time and place. Choices lead to the development of a variety of systems including economic, political, and social systems. All systems change over time due to a variety of factors.
Enduring Understandings:
Human behavior is a result of both heredity and environment
Sensation and Perception work together to determine how we understand the world around us
Human growth and development follow specific stages
Learning is any relevant change in thoughts and behavior
Why do we behave the way we do?
How does our environment influence our development?
How does the way we learn influence how much we learn?
How does understanding others and ourselves help us to lead more fulfilling lives?
Major Concepts:
Our brain and mind work together to determine our thoughts and behaviors.
Understanding our biology helps us to understand how the choices we do have impact our health and well-being.
Nature and nurture work together to determine our behavior.
Major Content:
Psychological monism vs. dualism
Parts of the Brain
Phineas Gage
Endocrine system
Nervous system
Neurotransmitters, hormones, addiction
Schizophrenia
Parkinson’s
Prosopagnosia
Cap Grass Syndrome
Autism
Projects/Assessment:
Parts of the Brain posters
Fill in the blanks and short answer essay exam
Major Concepts:
Perception and sensation work together to determine how we experience the world.
We can change how we perceive a situation.
Metacognition helps us change our behavior.
Major Content:
How the five senses function
Transduction
Absolute and difference thresholds
Sensory adaptation
States of consciousness, sleep disorders
Emotional intelligence
Emotional regulation
Theories of motivation
How memory works.
Projects/Assessment:
Retrieval Guides
Create a Comic Strip
Perceptual analysis of a painting
Multiple choice/short answer essay test
Major Concepts:
Human development follows a specific pattern.
Morals and values are impacted by both biology and culture.
Observation as a scientific method has limitations.
Learning takes place in many different ways.
Major Content:
Piaget, Kohlberg, Vygotsky
Classical conditioning
Operant Conditioning
Social Learning Theory
Internal vs. External locus of control
Self-esteem and self-efficacy
Projects/Assessment:
Quizzes
Create a meme
Short answer/multiple choice test
Major Concepts:
Personality traits evolve from biological and environmental factors.
Labels can provide us with insights but can also confine us.
Identity formation is an important task of adolescence.
Various factors influence your sense of self.
Society and culture determine what we consider normal behavior.
Major Content:
Consciousness
Freud
Defense mechanisms
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
Erikson, Identity Formation
Big Five Personality Traits
Types of Bias
Group Dynamics
Psychological Disorders
Projects/Assessment:
Quizzes
Fill in the blanks
Final Exam:
Multiple choice
Fill in the blanks
Short answer essay questions