HARRELLS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Honors Psychology Course Syllabus

 

Credit(s )- 1 unit

Grade Level - 12

Course Description -

This course includes extensive coverage of the content standards developed by a coalition of psychologists and educators that includes the Task Force for the Development of National High School Psychological Standards and the American Psychological Association. Content domains for the National High School Psychological Standards include Methods, Sociocultural, Developmental, Cognitive, and Biopsychological. For complete and detailed discussion of the psychological standards, visit www.apa.org or contact the National Standards for the Teaching of High School Psychology.

Textbook -

Understanding Psychology by Richard Kasschau, Ph.D

Copyright 2008

Instructor -

Mrs. Ann Howard

910-532-4575 School

910-592-7695 Home

Required Materials -

Pens and pencils

Journal (lined paper required)

Composition book

Access to a computer and printer

Internet access

Major Course Objectives -

Understanding of psychology as a social and natural science

Comprehension of basic psychological research studies

Analysis and interpretation of research data

Ability to conduct basic psychological research using the scientific method

Attendance -

I want you in my class every day, and I want you to be on time. Students are marked as tardy once the tardy bell rings. Procedures for handling a tardy are outlined in the HCA handbook. Absences will occur. There will be no make-up work for unexcused absences. Procedures for handling absences are also outlined in the HCA handbook. After an absence, it is the student’s responsibility to obtain class notes and assignments from a classmate or me. If a quiz or test is missed, students will need to make arrangements with me to make it up at MY convenience.

 Class Participation -

Ask intelligent questions. Make efforts to challenge yourself each day in my class. Most class discussions require hypothetical and critical thinking skills. Each person must contribute to class discussion to optimize learning skills.

 

Take notes and get organized. I will repeat important information and notify students of “must know” material. Note-taking during class and writing assignments on an agenda will greatly improve your study skills and retention of knowledge.

Mark your calendars and agendas to indicate test dates, project due dates, homework assignments, and research assignments dates.

 

Think out of the box. It is imperative that psychology students allow themselves to think about topics and/or situations that are out of their comfort zones. Students will practice how to think as sympathetic, empathetic, and apathetic learners.

 

Personal Conduct -

Harrells Christian Academy is a school where our actions are guided by a code of honor. Always expect respect and confidentiality in my class. As we study behavior, we must be acutely aware of our own behavior toward one another. We will treat each other with kindness, and we will encourage other at all times. I take the HCA Honor Code seriously, and each student is expected to exemplify it.

 

Course Grading -

Tests and research projects/papers

50% of grade

Fall and spring exams

25% each

Quizzes, homework, and journal entries

15%

Class Participation

10%

 

As an ECU graduate with a major in education and minor in psychology, I am thrilled to have an opportunity to teach high school psychology. My expectations for each student will always be the highest possible. We will work to our highest individual potentials. We will celebrate both individual and group achievements, and we will encourage each other in times of need.