Psychology syllabus

  • Contact: mccoins@gcsnc.com

     

    Supplies to bring to class daily: 

    • GCS Chromebook and power cord/charger (once issued by the school)
    • composition notebook – should have at least 100 pages
    • pens and highlighters – used often
    • optional: scissors, glue, colored pencils

     

    Canvas and PowerSchool

    Class information and assignments will be posted via Canvas, and grades will be posted in both Canvas and PowerSchool.

     

    Communication

    In addition to email, Mrs. McCoin uses the TalkingPoints app to communicate important information and reminders to your parent/guardian. They do not need to download the app to receive messages. Please ensure that Mrs. McCoin has their current phone number. A “welcome” text message will be sent within the first 2 weeks of school.

     

    Tutorial / Make-Up Work Times:  available after school upon request, contact Mrs. McCoin for an appointment

     

    Make-up Work and Time

    Missing work for this class receives a zero until it is turned in. Mrs. McCoin accepts missing or make-up work without a penalty to your grade as long as you turn it in before the end of each quarter. Any missing work turned in after 4:30pm on the last day of the quarter will remain a zero.

     

    Grade Weights

    Each quarter:

    • Process – 60% (includes classwork, homework, online learning activities in Canvas, etc.)
    • Product – 40% (includes quizzes, projects, and tests)

    For the semester:

    • Each quarter is 40% and the final exam is 20%.

     

    Classroom Rules – SHOW RESPECT, or in other words…

    • Follow the school & district policies. Including the 20/20 rule, having a signed hall pass, staying on campus unless a parent/guardian checks you out from school office, no drugs on campus, no smoking/vaping, etc.
    • Use only positive and acceptable language for the classroom. Your teacher has a pet peeve about negativity and profanity, especially cutting people down, because words matter and they affect the atmosphere for everyone present. Teaching and learning happen best when everyone feels respected and at ease, not tense and irritated.
    • Put away electronic devices “out of sight and sound” unless we are using them for a class activity. This includes cell phones, smart watches, ear buds, and headphones.

     

    Consequences for minor behavior issues

    • 1st time – reminder
    • 2nd time – one-on-one conversation
    • 3rd time – minor incident referral and home contact

    *Tardies – minor until Tardy #4, which is a referral (possible ISS/OSS)

     

    Major behavior issues result in immediate contact to the front office, a major incident referral, and home contact.

     

     

    Psychology Course Description

    Why do people think, feel, and act in the ways they do? In this course, you will explore the ideas, theories, and methods of the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. You’ll examine the concepts of psychology through reading and discussion and you’ll analyze data from psychological research studies.

     

    This course counts as a social studies elective towards a high school diploma in North Carolina. You need to pass at least 6 electives to graduate!

     

    Course Goals

    1. To “think like a psychologist” about thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and the theories which explain them
    2. To develop 21-century skills in inquiry, including to think critically, evaluate sources, use evidence, communicate, and solve problems

     

    Course Units

    Unit 1: Introduction to Psychology

    Unit 2: Research Methods

    Unit 3: Biological Bases of Behavior

    Unit 4: Sensation and Perception

    Unit 5: States of Consciousness

    Unit 6: Learning

    Unit 7: Memory

    Unit 8: Thinking and Language

    Unit 9: Intelligence

    Unit 10: Developmental Psychology

     

     

    NC Curriculum Standards for World History

    Research Methods: Understand the discipline of psychology using various perspectives and research methods.

    Biology: Understand the relationship between biology and behavior.

    Learning and Cognition: Understand how conditioning, learning, and cognition affect behavior.

    Sociocultural: Understand how interaction with others influences thoughts, feelings, perceptions, and behaviors.

    Human Development: Analyze human development throughout the lifespan.

    Differences: Understand human differences and strategies for coping when those differences create dysfunction.