Academy of Scientific Exploration
Intro to Psychology
Mrs. Mascolo
Course Syllabus
EMAIL: rachel.acosta@lausd.net
CLASS WEBSITE: http://tinyurl.com/p8n9jd9
Office Hours: Wednesdays 3:30-4:30 pm
or 7:10-8:30 am Monday - Friday
Course Description:
The AP Psychology course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. While considering the psychologists and studies that have shaped the field, students explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with such topics as the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation, developmental psychology, testing and individual differences, treatment of abnormal behavior, and social psychology. Throughout the course, students employ psychological research methods, including ethical considerations, as they use the scientific method, analyze bias, evaluate claims and evidence, and effectively communicate ideas. Students will demonstrate knowledge of these areas through class discussions, traditional assessments, and a number of writing assignments.
Course Objectives:
1. Students will have a strong, in-depth understanding of the study of Psychology, including its roots/history, major schools of thought, key concepts, key psychological figures, and the evolution of the science through the present.
2. Students will be able to research and discuss various psychological phenomena, and apply course concepts to their own life experiences.
3. Students will have the opportunity to reflect upon course concepts, and ask and answer questions about psychological phenomena affecting one another, as well as society at large.
4. Students will be fully prepared to succeed on the A.P. Psychology exam.
Major Themes of the Course:
· Unit I: History and Approaches
· Unit II: Social Psychology
· Unit VI: Developmental Psychology
· Unit VIII: Learning
· Unit XI: Motivation and Emotion
· Unit XIII: Abnormal Psychology
· Unit XIV: Treatment of Abnormal Behavior
Course Textbook:
Myers, D. G., & Dewall, N. C. (2015). Psychology (11th ed.). New York, NY: Worth.
Grading Policy:
Grades are on a point system and will be based on quizzes, tests, homework, research papers, projects, and presentations. Grades are weighted so that an “A” in the course signifies that the student has mastered the course material in all three grading categories.
Exams will reflect an entry level college course style, in which you will answer short writing prompts, analyze current events, and map out solutions to political issues discussed in class. Exams are structured in this manner so that you practice articulating your arguments using the formal writing skills that we will build in this course.
The student’s grade will be calculated at the end of each five week reporting period using the following grading scale:
A 90-100% Classwork/Homework 40%
B 80-89.99% Projects/Research Papers 30%
C 70-79.99% Tests/Quizzes 30%
D 60-69.99%
F 59.99% or below
ü Homework:
Students will be assigned homework throughout the week based on in class discussions and readings. This course moves fast, so it is pivotal that students keep up with reading assignments. Late work will be accepted for ½ credit no later than a week after it was initially due, no exceptions. Any student with a legally excused absence will be required to turn in their work on the day of their return. It is the student’s responsibility to ask a classmate if they missed an assignment due to an absence.
ü Projects:
Because I believe people can demonstrate knowledge in a variety of ways (not just through paper & pencil tests), you will have an opportunity to engage in several projects each semester. Sometimes these will be in class and will require working with a group, while others may be individual projects done outside of class.
ü Exam Makeup:
Students will have up to one week to make up a missed exam if their absence is excused. The student must set up a date with the instructor in advance. If the exam in not made up within a week of the students return, the student will receive a zero.
ü Academic Honesty:
Cheating or any form of plagiarism will not be tolerated. Being nice and allowing another student to copy your work will result in a zero for both students. Do not insult my intelligence by attempting to cheat, because it will result in strict disciplinary action following Los Angeles Unified School District guidelines.
Managing Absences
Because our class time is precious and limited, it is best to avoid being absent from class as much as possible. Realistically, however, there will likely be times when you will have to miss class due to illness or other unpreventable events. Your best strategies for making up missed work include:
ü Finding a “Study Buddy” in class who you can contact to ask questions about assignments, borrow notes from missed lectures, and get the “low down” on what is going on. Because the process of writing the notes helps you internalize (and remember) the information, I generally do not “print out” notes for students who have been absent, except for extended illnesses (3 or more days in a row).
ü Talk to Mrs. Mascolo upon your return. If we need to make a plan for getting your missed work (especially tests & quizzes) made up, we can do so. Office Hours is a great time to take care of this, as I may not have the time (or the concentration) to thoroughly discuss this with you as class is starting and students are filing into the room.
ü Consult the course webpage to get a general idea of what you might miss if you know you will be gone in advance, and talk to Mrs. Mascolo about arranging for make-up work. The course web page will give you a general idea of what we will be doing, but I always have to adjust my teaching in “real time” to accommodate students’ needs, so the lesson plans may or may not be 100% accurate for any given day.
Electronic Devices Expectations
Here are some special directions/procedures that may be unique to my classroom. I want you to be aware of them because they may be different from other teachers’ classroom policies.
ü Phones: Must be turned off when in the classroom and put away unless told otherwise. In general, this policy is to limit distractions so you can get the most out of your time in class. During tests and quizzes, using a cell phone (or any electronic device) compromises exam security and will earn you a zero. However, you will have chances to use your phone for some in-class activities, as directed by your teacher.
ü Ipods and music players: You are expected to be attentive and participate in class, and ipods are not conducive to that. If we have independent work time and I specifically tell you its okay, you might be allowed to use these. But in this class those times are rare, so just turn it off and put it away when you enter the room.
Rules and Expectations:
1. Be in the classroom prior to the tardy bell and working on your warm-up.
2. Come to class prepared and ready to learn.
3. Do not talk while the teacher or another student is talking.
4. No food or drinks are permitted in class, with the exception of water.
5. Do not pack up your things before the bell rings, unless advised to do so.
YOUR FIRST POINTS IN PSYCHOLOGY
Due: ________________________
20 Points (10 points for each task)
Complete the following tasks:
1. Bring your class materials, including: binder, 7 dividers, pencil, pen, highlighter, colored pencils, mini-scissors, glue stick, and covered textbook.
2. Review the “Course Description & Syllabus” with your parent(s) have them sign below. Don’t forget that you need to sign, too!
Note to Students and Parents:
Please be advised that this Psychology course is intended to mimic the content of a college introductory psychology course. As such, some of the topics addressed require maturity and a willingness to approach the subject matter in a critical, academic light. Psychology research related to human sexual behavior and attitudes will be discussed, as well as the evolutionary approach to psychology. Students or parents who have concerns about the topic matter discussed should direct them to Mrs. Mascolo.
We have read and discussed the Course Syllabus for Psychology. We are ready for the journey!
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