The focus of the Psychology course is to introduce students to the study of behavior and mental processes of human beings and animals; a modern definition would probably be the scientific study of both experience and behavior in order to understand human beings. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with the major sub-fields within psychology. They also learn about the methods psychologists use in their science and practice.
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The focus of the Sociology course is to introduce students to the studying of societies and social life and how these lead to various institutions around the world. We will examine group and organizational structures and how they lead to global stratification of class, race, ethnicity, sex, and gender; after considering populations inside these frameworks, we will delve into economic and global perspectives that impact the lives of its many citizens.
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Course Pacing and Expectations
Please note that I do understand these are college courses being taken by high school students; despite this fact, it is still a college level course, controlled at a college level pace, with college level expectations. Grades entered into the grade book for this college level class will be held at the county-required minimum, so grades entered will count heavily to the overall success of the students; it will be the student's responsibility to ensure they complete required readings, participate in class discussions, and prepare for assessments.
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Attendance
If previously informed, all tests, quizzes, projects, and assignments missed will be made up and turned in on the day returned. If not previously informed or assignment was given on day of absence, one additional day will be added for each day absent to have the assignment complete. All make-up work is the student's responsibility and should be completed in a reasonable time frame. Students choosing to “miss" class to go to the Choice Room for the period a project or an assignment is due is still required to turn the assignment in that day. In essence, make-up work is only for students who miss the school day...not the period. This is posted both in class and on this website, so it is the student's and parents' responsibility to know to avoid awkward conversations later.
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"Late" / "Re-do" Assignments
If a student is in class and fails to complete an assignment or homework for any number of reasons, the grade entered will be a "0" and no late work will be accepted; work turned in due to an absence will follow the above policy. With quarterly reports, online grade books, and opportunities to communicate with me as the instructor, students and parents are responsible for their grade monitoring. It is important that when students are in class, they are attentive and complete all necessary assignments on time. I'll repeat this since some students have confusion in understanding this guideline...it does not mean that within the last two weeks before grades are due that a student comes to me asking to turn in "late" or "re-do" work from the 9-weeks grading period because now he or she wants a higher grade...there will be no freebies or bailouts at the last minute to inflate a grade. This is posted both in class and on this website, so it is the student's and parents' responsibility to know to avoid awkward conversations later.
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Class Discussions / Additional Assignments
Much of the content of the course will be discussed in small and large class discussions where students will be required to frequently participate. Although discussions will be driven by questioning, students will also be expected to provide historical context, evolving concepts, as well as artist background. Projects and various other activities will be assigned throughout each nine-weeks; the content and value of these assignments will be given at my discretion. The student will be responsible for obtaining all materials for assigned projects on their own. All essays assigned will follow the essay writing guidelines handed out in class and will be the student’s responsibility to ensure all guidelines are met.
Supplies Required
-- Notebook - 1" hardcover 3-ring binder
-- Dividers w/ plastic tabs for notebook
-- Paper - college ruled loose sheets (NO WIDE RULED)
-- Pens - blue or black; red for peer evaluation and editing
(NO PINK, GREEN, PURPLE, or ANY OTHER FLUORESCENT PENS)
-- Flash drive or access to Cloud Storage
-- Phone / iPod with internet access (phones will be used as a valuable technological resource within class parameters; free use by students is not accepted)
-- One ream of paper (WHITE)
-- (Boxes of tissues are always appreciated)
** A note on supplies - I realize that not all students will have a phone or iPod with internet access; in these instances, I will ask students to work with others around them to make the most of the activity being conducted in class. While some teachers could look upon phones as distractions and recreation, I will attempt to incorporate them as frequently as possible for hands-on discussion-based resources for activities. It is, though, the student's responsibility to only be on the phone when appropriated by the instructor; should texting / streaming become a problem, then I will contact the parent and GJHS administration for disobedience.
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Year-Long Weekly Reading Assignments
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Literacy Lesson Guide (50 Myths of Popular Psychology)
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