What should I expect to learn in Psychology?

    • During the first three marking periods, you will study the Three Core Topics - Biological, Cognitive, and Sociocultural.  Each topic represents a different approach to understanding behavior, and combining these approaches provides the most holistic view of human psychology.
    • Also, during the third marking period, you will study One Option from a list of four - Relationships, Abnormal, Developmental, and Health.  These options will involve greater in-depth study of some of the key areas in Psychology.
    • Throughout the course, you will also study Research Methods - the different ways that Psychologists carry out scientific investigations, in order to answer the burning questions about human behavior.  You will also get an idea of what it's like to carry out research yourself - by replicating a famous Psychology study for your IA.
    • Class Participation/Attendance: It is the student’s responsibility to be on time and attend every class unless there is a valid emergency/reason. Unexcused absences/lateness will impact your grade. Class participation/attendance is a segment of the student’s grade.  Being in attendance alone does not mean that the student will receive full credit; the student must also be an active and constructive participant in discussions, role-plays and group projects. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and will impact the student’s grade negatively. Should the student be aware of any absence ahead of time he/she is welcome to ask for assignments to be completed during the time out of school. No electronic devices can be used in class, unless directed to do so by the teacher.  By using these devices it is the student’s choice to become an inactive member in the classroom and the student’s grade will reflect their choices.
    • Missed Exams/Assignments:   Schoology.com  will be used to post assignments, presentation dates, test dates, etc. Students are responsible for the timeliness of their assignments. Missing/late work will affect the student’s grade. Should the student be absent from class they may look to Schoology for their assignments.  Should the student miss a presentation date he/she is responsible to schedule an appointment with the teacher to discuss options. Should the student miss an exam it is the student’s responsibility to request a make-up. Extra credit will be available at the discretion of the teacher. Assignments may vary.
    • Academic Dishonesty:  Cheating, fabrication, plagiarism and helping others to commit these acts are all forms of academic dishonesty.  Each student assumes the responsibilities of an active participant in a scholarly community in which everyone’s academic work and behavior are held to the highest standards of honesty.  This means that all written work (including presentations) which are submitted by students must be their own.  If you include facts or concepts from another scholar’s work it must be properly referenced.  Reference requirements and methods will be discussed in class.  By committing academic dishonesty the student risks failure of that assignment.  A parent conference will also be held to discuss the matter.