Course+Expectations

Burlington High School

(781) 238 - 5333
Social Studies Department Course Expectations Handout 2017-2018

Teacher Name: Dr. Rachel Gould Course Number and Level: Social Studies 133 Course Title: Psychology (semester elective, dual enrollment with Middlesex Community College) Course Texts: NobaProject: Introduction to Psychology, etext Nevid. Psychology Concepts and Applications, Second Edition 2nd Edition.

Email: gould@bpsk12.org Phone: __781.270.2942__ Room Number: 401 Digital presence: http://psychologybhs.wikispaces.com
 * Teacher Contact information **

I. Course Overview This semester course is an introduction to and exploration of the study of how people behave and function. Topics covered include: physiology of the brain, memory, learning, language, perception, life-span changes, normality and abnormality, social interactions, group influence on individuals, and therapies. This course is a project based, with equal parts discussion and lecture in daily activities. Students are expected to complete out of class readings, view videos, complete group projects and activities in order to demonstrate mastery of content.

II Successful Learning In order to find success in this class you will have excellent attendance and bring: -Something to write with every day. -A three ring binder with plenty of notebook paper. You will be doing a lot of writing and receiving many handouts, a spiral will not suffice. -Your iPad (or other internet accessing device). -This course is project based and requires a large amount of verbal participation and a willingness to collaborate effectively with others. -A desire to learn and curiosity about the people surrounding you. This course is not required by the state. You chose to be here. With a positive attitude you will complete it successfully.

III. Expected Outcomes/Mastery Objectives By the end of this course, students will be able to: -Identify structures and functions of major parts of the brain -Cite sources in APA format when backing up arguments with evidence. -Understand and identify the stages of learning and development. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">-Identify flaws in research design and the basic principles of research. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">-Explain to peers why illicit drug use and multiple concussions are bad ideas for teenagers in particular. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">-Apply understanding of learning theories and memory research to personal study skills.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">IV. Topics/Course Content <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13.3333px; vertical-align: baseline;">Research Methods and Social Psychology: getting started with our foundations of psych and some foundational studies. -Everyday statistics project due: 9/18

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13.3333px; vertical-align: baseline;">The Brain: biological roots of behavior. And what happens in the brain when things go really really wrong (injuries, drug use, psychosurgeries) -Zombie brain project due 10/6

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13.3333px; vertical-align: baseline;">Sensations/the senses: sight, sound, taste, hearing, and touch. -Sensation carousel presentation and sensory deprivation exercise. Project due 10/13

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13.3333px; vertical-align: baseline;">Sleep/Dreams: This is not just "dream interpretation," but more about what you should be doing and what works best for your sleep cycles. -Sleep/Dream journal and sleep hygiene improvement plan due 10/21

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13.3333px; vertical-align: baseline;">Memory: How it works, how it can be improved, how things can go very wrong in the brain. (memory and learning project are combined, due 11/5

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13.3333px; vertical-align: baseline;">Learning: How it works (classical and operant conditioning), what the types of learning styles are, how to optimize your own learning potential. You will be training someone and exploring how we all have been taught. -Design the ideal school based upon the Memory and Learning Units (as we begin devt) 11/5

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13.3333px; vertical-align: baseline;">Development: what is typical, what isn't according to the experts in what children should be doing at various milestones. -Child Development scrapbook 11/18

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13.3333px; vertical-align: baseline;">Personality: You will be taking personality tests, debating the theories of personality, and collecting data. -Personality box project 11/24

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13.3333px; vertical-align: baseline;">Abnormal Psychology/Treatment Therapies: when the brain isn't working "typically." Prevalence and aspects of mental illnesses, exploring the DSM 5, and examining how those who have mentally illnesses are treated. -Case study and screenplay final writing project. 12/21 and 1/8

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">V. Assessing Progress <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">__Course Requirements__ <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">Course requirements for completing the course and receiving a grade: <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">Acceptable completion of one project per unit of study. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">*Please note that the teacher holds discretion over work above and beyond these basic requirements.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">__Class Requirements__ <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">There will be regular writings assignments, reading or viewing responses, quizzes, in class or homework assignments, class participation, and a final exam. All are monitored to determine your progress.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">__Formative Assessments__ <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.3333px; vertical-align: baseline;">Middlesex Community College follows the Carnegie Unit for credit. Students are expected to spend a minimum of 45 hours of work for each credit. The most common breakdown for one credit is one hour of class instruction and two hours of homework for 15 weeks each semester. A three credit course demands <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.3333px; vertical-align: baseline;">nine hours each week. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">Sometimes it will be more, sometimes less. It can take any number of formats but work will always be on the wiki. Please ask if you have questions about any assignment. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">Quizzes: Will be announced and vocabulary rich. They are worth 20pts. All quizzes will equal around two projects or in the neighborhood of 200 points.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">Writing: All writing assignments will vary in their point value depending on the difficulty of the assignment. All writing assignments will total up to around 200 points.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">Participation: Daily relevant and useful participation out-loud is required. Essentially, be prepared, be positive, participate regularly in ways that add to the learning environment, and respect everyone in the classroom. There will be projects that require speaking before the entire class, debates, discussions, etc. Everyone will listen to your point even if they disagree with you, so please share. Participation will be 100 points.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.3333px; vertical-align: baseline;">Any make up work will be discussed with me before or after class or school, never during class. Absences should be minimal and will follow the school handbook for make-up deadlines. You are responsible for your own make up work.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">Absence Policy: <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.3333px; vertical-align: baseline;">ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES Chapter 76, Section 1 of the Massachusetts General Laws states that all children between the ages of six and sixteen must attend school. A school district may excuse up to seven day sessions or fourteen half­-day sessions in any period of six months. In addition to this law, each school may have its own attendance policy with which parents and guardians should be familiar.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.3333px; vertical-align: baseline;">The administration and faculty believe that attendance by students at school is vitally important to a successful education. It is the responsibility of parents to insure that students attend school daily. Vacations and dismissals from school other than an emergency are not in the best interest of the student. Schoolwork missed for these reasons will be made up upon return to class. Students are responsible for arranging for makeup. Teachers will not be required to provide homework or assignments in advance.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.3333px; vertical-align: baseline;">For absences greater than two consecutive days, the Guidance Department will notify appropriate faculty and coordinate the collection of assignments, materials, etc. for the extended absence period as requested. Parents are asked to notify the guidance department with the anticipated length of the absence.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.3333px; vertical-align: baseline;">Examples of absences or tardiness that will be excused include: ∙ Documented illness, injury or medical appointment, Bereavement/family funeral, Major religious observances, Legal appearance, Extraordinary family circumstances (excused at the discretion of the principal). Examples of absences or tardiness that are unexcused include, but are not limited to: Repetitive or chronic absence or tardiness due to illness or injury not documented by a doctor. Family vacations.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.3333px; vertical-align: baseline;">Within 3 days of any unexcused absence, a letter will be generated from the Principal’s office, or the Principal’s designee, notifying the parent, in writing, of the student’s absence. Following the 5th absence, a letter will be generated from the Principal’s office, or the Principal’s designee, notifying the parent, in writing, of the student’s absence, and requesting a meeting with the parent to discuss the student’s attendance. The letter will direct the parent to contact the Principal’s office, or the Principal’s designee, within 5 school days to schedule a meeting. If the parent does not contact the Principal’s office or the Principal’s designee, within 5 school days, the Principal’s office, or the Principal’s designee, will call the parent for purposes of scheduling a meeting. At the meeting, the Principal, Assistant Principal or other designee, the parent and the student must develop action steps to address the student’s attendance. Other relevant school personnel and officials from public safety, health and human services, housing and nonprofit agencies, may offer input into the development of action steps.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.3333px; vertical-align: baseline;">__Absences from class:__ students must attend all classes and study halls to which they have been assigned.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.3333px; vertical-align: baseline;">Following any absence from a class, study hall or other period of the school day, the teacher will notify the Principal’s office, or the Principal’s designee, of the student’s absence.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.3333px; vertical-align: baseline;">Following the 4th absence from the same class, a letter will be generated from the Principal’s office, or the Principal’s designee, notifying the parent, in writing, of the student’s absences.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.3333px; vertical-align: baseline;">Absences that are excused by a physician’s note, field trip, result from a legal appearance, religious holiday, death in the family or suspension are excluded.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.3333px; vertical-align: baseline;">After six absences from class a student has failed for the semester, this is applied at the discretion of the teacher.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">*Note that your homework and in class notes will not be collected. It is assumed that you will do them. If you need help in how to organize notes, please see me. There is no homework grade, but without doing the readings, writing, reflection, viewing, etc. there is little chance of doing well in the class.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">__Summative Assessments__ <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">Tests: My hope is to not have to give any formal in-class written question and answer high stress forms of assessment. That is up to you, your participation and quiz grade average. If you and your class members are successful at demonstrating mastery of content at the quiz level, then we can tackle summative projects rather than tests.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">Projects: Projects will be done solo or in a group during every unit of study. They range in value but generally equal 100 points All projects will be assigned in conjunction with clear grading rubrics posted along with detailed instructions.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">Final Assessment: There will be a final assessment taken in class during Mid-Terms. This is a summative assessment that will focus on the entire semester and will include a portion to be completed outside of class prior to the exam. It is designed for you to demonstrate how much you have learned about psychology in our semester together. Grades for all Mid-Term exams are worth 20% of the Final Grade for the year.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">__Grading Policy/How a final mark is derived:__ <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">A point is a point is a point is a point, it all goes in the same big pot and the computer spits out a grade, no weighting, no scaling, no curve (the sample size is far too small as you know.) Follow along in Aspen daily and you will know exactly where you stand. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.6667px; vertical-align: baseline;">Overall course grades are determined as follows: A (93-100), A- (90-92), B+ (87-89), B (83-86), B- (80-82), C+ (77-79), C (73-76), C- (70-72), D (60-69), F (0-59).

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">When you have questions, email or come see me. The earlier the better.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">VI. Classroom Expectations <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">Students are expected to follow the rules in the BHS Student Handbook and the following classroom rules:
 * 1) Respect everyone, at all times.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">VII. Extra Help and Extra Credit <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">Please see me after school, the start of second lunch or during my study hall to ask any questions that directly relate to your own absences or grade. Other than that please ask questions in class; it will help your grade!

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">I occasionally will announce a few rare extra credit opportunities. This is something done out of a hope that you expand your horizons and general liking of students. Any asking for such opportunities will result in there being none.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">VIII. Addendum <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.3333px; vertical-align: baseline;">If you find yourself falling behind or there is some sort of issue in a group, please be in touch. No, all group members will not always earn the same grade, but also know that expecting that the world will always treat you fairly can be a warning sign of mental illness. Not much surprises me at this point, so be in touch with issues you are encountering. Please remember that a full class session is not always an appropriate time to discuss your personal experiences with illegal drugs or many other topics. Think of it this way, in a biology class studying the digestive system you would not share private details about your bowels, in psychology we strive to discuss very personal topics while remaining objective and respectful. Thank you for your respect and attention to this.