Psychology North Paulding High School 2013-2014

Instructor: Shannon Ammons Room: 1114 Email: sammons@paulding.k12.ga.us or svammons@gmail.com Website: http://sammonpsych.weebly.com Textbook: Kasschau, Richard A. Understanding Psychology: $ 60.99 Materials Needed: Notebook and pencil/pen. Students will be responsible for having materials every day or he/she is responsible for the work missed due to lack of materials. Course Description/Rationale: This course covers core concepts in psychology beginning with the use of the scientific method in research and the physiological basis for behavior. Topics covered include social psychology, perception, states of consciousness, memory and learning, human growth and development, personality, stress and adjustment, and ends with a unit on abnormal behavior, treatments, and therapy. The purpose of this course in psychology is to introduce students to core concepts and content areas in the field. The course introduces students to the methods of inquiry and evaluation used by psychologists. The content of the course provides students with information about issues that all individuals encounter not only concerning themselves but in their relationships with friends, family, and acquaintances. Studying psychology should lead students to an appreciation of and tolerance for individual differences. Students should acquire insight into the complex determinants underlying individual and group behavior. Finally students should be prepared to be intelligent consumers of psychological services. Course Objectives: Students should be able to: define key terms and use them in their everyday vocabulary compare and contrast major theories in psychology devise simple research projects, interpret and generalize from results, and evaluate the validity of the data apply psychological concepts to their own lives; be able to recognize psychological principles in everyday situations learn about the ethical standards psychologist and psychiatrists maintain be sensitive in applying psychological principles to themselves and other people Methodology: The variety of methods used in psychology is designed to involve students actively in the learning process and to promote both their intellectual and psychological development. These include lectures, class discussions, class experiments and demonstrations, working in groups, case study analyses, and audiovisual presentations. Class Expectations: Students are expected to: 1. respect themselves and others. 2. be responsible for their actions. 3. take an active role in class discussions. 4. maintain a positive attitude. 5. be prepared for class. (pen, paper, assignment completed)

6. hand in assignments on time. 7. use appropriate language. Disciplinary progression: 1. Warning 2. Student conference/contact parent 3. Detention 4. Discipline referral *Please note: in the case of severe disruption (fighting, use of profanity, destruction of school property,

disrespect shown to anyone, etc.) the student will be sent to an administrator immediately.

Class Policies: You are expected to be in class daily. If you should be out of class, it is your responsibility to get your make-up work. There is a five school day limit for making up tests and quizzes. Ten points will be deducted from grade each day assignment is late up to 50 points. You should follow all guidelines and classroom rules. You should always be respectful, responsible, prompt, and prepared. Tutoring: will be offered on Tuesday/Thursday mornings from 8:00-8:30.. Please let me know one day in advance if you will be attending tutoring so I can plan accordingly. Handbook/ Dress Code: All county and North Paulding High School policies (including dress code, tardies, and electronics use) will be enforced. Grading Policy Paulding Co. Schools 100-90 A 89-80 B 79-70 C 69 & below F Class Percentages Summative Assessments 60% Formative Assessments 20% Comprehensive Final/EOCT 20%

Psychology Pacing Guide

Unit 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Time Frame 2 weeks 2.5 weeks 2.5 weeks 3 weeks 2.5 weeks 3 weeks 2 weeks Tentative Quiz/Test Aug. 15 Sept. 4 Sept. 20 Oct. 21 Nov. 7 Dec. 5 Dec. 19 Unit Focus Introduction to Psychology Biological Foundations Lifespan Development Learning & Cognitive Processes Personality & Individuality Stress, Psychological Disorders, & Therapy Social Psychology Standards
SSPFR:1 & 2 SSPBF: 1, 2, & 4 SSPBC: 3 SSPBC: 1 & 2, SSPBF: 5 SSPVB: 1 & 2 SSPBF: 3, SSPVB: 3 SSPSP: 1

*Tentative Schedule, Syllabus subject to change at teachers discretion

Psychology North Paulding High School 2013-2014

I have received a copy of Mrs. Ammons Psychology syllabus and acknowledge all course objectives and class expectations. I understand that the Pacing Guide is a tentative schedule and that due to unforeseen circumstances may vary from day to day. This syllabus can also be viewed at any time on Mrs. Ammons Psychology website; http://sammonspsychology.weebly.com Please return this signed copy to Mrs. Ammons by Monday, August 5, 2013. ________________________________________________________ Students Name (Print) ________________________________________________________ Students Signature _______________ Date

________________________________________________________ Parent/Legal Guardians Name (Print) ________________________________________________________ Parent Legal Guardians Signature

________________ Date

______________________________________________________________________________ Parent email address __________________________ Home phone _______________________ Parent cell _____________________ Parent cell