This is an honors class. Therefore it will include more work on your part. This class may be too advanced or fast-paced for some high school students. Or you may not have the time in your schedule for all the work necessary. At times this class will be relaxed, but other times it will be stressful. Honors Psych is a college prep course that will demand a lot from the student, but will be rewarding in the end. Either way, think about the consequences of taking this class. The keys to this class are as follows:
Research - You will be responsible for reading / researching about prominent thinkers in psychology, their theories and what impact this has made on our world. Some information will come from lecture, some from the book, but more in depth material will be found through library research.
Experimentation - There will be an attempt to make this as much of a “hands-on” class as possible. Like other science classes, learning is accomplished through trial and error. But unlike other science classes, many experiments are done on human beings. Laws and ethics preclude us from many experiments on human test subjects, though when appropriate, some may be performed in class. In other instances, self-analysis will be used to help us understand psychological concepts.
Writing - There are volumes written about the field of Psychology, whether about one person’s experiments or research on an entire field of study. You will be expected to properly write out the conclusions to your individual experiments as well as write one research paper for the end of the semester. You will be expected to use the proper style of notation adopted by the American Psychological Association (APA Style). You will also be expected to write at a much higher level than the average student at North. That includes NO grammatical, syntax or punctuation errors.
Independent Study - Much of the information learned from the textbook will be done on your own time and assignments will be due at various intervals in the semester. It will be your responsibility to keep up with all assignments. We will use the textbook as a resource to other materials. Some information in the book we will study in depth, other parts we will not.
Creative and Higher Order Thinking - The ability to engage in critical and creative thinking is important not only in this class but also in life. Attempt to see things in a unique perspective. When learning, ask questions. Try to stump me so that I will learn as well. But most important of all do not be afraid to take risks. When I ask questions, I will expect you to honestly attempt to figure out an answer even if you are not sure. The type of thinking known as scaffolding (thinking out loud) will be mandatory rather than the traditional “I don’t know.”
Since I have set the standards very high for this class, I will gladly help in any way possible to ensure that each student do well. This means that I will be available for you whenever possible. My free periods are 2nd, 4th and 7th - anyone wishing to see me then should come before school to get a pass to get out of study hall. After school I will see anyone by appointment. My voice mail number is 803-7666 and my email address is: tyedica@sheboygan.k12.wi.us I will be available via those as well. Additional help may be found through the class internet web site listed above. Whenever possible, I will update the site with information concerning assignments, due dates and links for research purposes.
Bring to class everyday: a pen or pencil, Psychology textbook, notebook or paper and a folder.
GRADES
- Grades will be posted on the back bulletin board and updated frequently. It will be the student’s responsibility to make up missed work and maintain a passing grade.
Assignments
Regular book assignments will be worth 10-20 points. Experiments and writings will range from 20-40 points. Tests will be worth 50-100 points (depending on the number of questions) and the final paper will be worth 200 points.
Participation Grade
Each student will receive 75 points at the beginning of the quarter as a participation grade. This is approximately 1/4 of your grade. Points will be deducted as follows:
-4 for an unexcused absence (or for any absence by an independent student)
-4 for being sent to the office
-3 for being late to class
-2 for missing assignments
-2 for annoying me
-10% per day for late work
If it becomes apparent that you have lost too many participation points and cannot pass the class, you will be removed.
Grading scale
100-92 A
91-90 A-
89-88 B+
87-82 B
81-80 B-
79-78 C+
77-72 C
71-70 C-
69-68 D+
67-62 D
61-60 D-
Anything below a 59 is a failure and will receive an F grade
Course Grades
Your final grade will be comprised of your quarter grades, final paper and final exam. The breakdown is as follows:
40% First Quarter
40% Second Quarter
10% Final Paper
10% Final Exam