Mrs.

Scears
Psychology
Homework Hotline #6376
Voicemail # 6280
Homeroom 228



Class Overview
Psychology is the scientific study of human behavior. This course is designed as an introduction to the
various topics covered in the field of psychology. After a brief introduction to the general topic of
psychology, we will then study learning principles and applications. Next we will concentrate on memory and
thought as well as altered states of consciousness. We will then look at how sensation and perception
impact how we interpret our surroundings. We will then turn our attention to the development of
personality, psychological testing, and psychological disorders. Finally we will focus on personality
development from infancy through adolescence.

Classroom Rules
1. All rules in the student handbook must be followed.
2. Be respectful. This includes the teacher, others, the school and yourself.
3. Be prepared. Bring your notebook, writing utensil, and book EVERYDAY as well as any assignments
that are due.
4. Be responsible. This includes both your words and your actions. We will be talking about some
sensitive issues in this class. Please remember to think before you speak. You are always entitled
to have an opinion, however, you are not always entitled to express it!
5. GumI dont care if you chew it, but I do NOT want to see it or hear it! Please use the waste can
to dispose of any unwanted gum.
6. Student absencesit is YOUR responsibility to ask me what you missed. I will NOT track you down!
You can also call the homework hotline, it is updated every day. Any assignments not made up will
result in a zero for that assignment. Any work that will be missed due to a school field trip,
athletic event, or any other school business MUST be picked up PRIOR to you leaving. Anything not
picked up will be given a ZERO. All work will be turned in at the beginning of class the following
day.

** Breaking any of the above rules will result in the loss of participation points, as well as a teacher
detention when appropriate. Additionally, parents, and/or guardians may be called and a conference
with the teacher, student and parent may be set up.
Grading
1. Teststests will consist of multiple choice, true and false, matching, and completion items.
Additionally, each test will also include at least one formal essay. Essays WILL be graded on
grammar and proper writing techniques as well as content. This will be discussed at greater length
prior to the first test. Make up test may be given as all fill-in-the-blank.
2. Projects/Presentationsthese will be both written and oral in nature. You will be graded on the
information you present as well as the manner in which you present it. There will be both individual
and group projects/presentations. Group projects/presentations will contain both a group grade
and an individual grade. Please keep this in mind while choosing your group members!
3. Pop Quizzesthese will be UNANNOUNCED and will consist of 5-10 short answer questions as well
as a bonus question. No word bank!!!!
4. Homeworkthis includes any written or reading assignments given by the teacher that are to be
completed either in class or at home. You can expect to receive homework approximately three
times a week. All homework is due at the BEGINNING of class. NO EXCEPTIONS! Late
homework will be accepted the next day for half credit. Major project or homework in excess of
20 points will lose 5 points per day that are late unless otherwise noted.
5. Extra Creditis not an option. Dont ask, it wont happen! Worry about your grade from day one!
There will be opportunities on both quizzes and during review games to earn bonus points.










Grading Scale

100-90% = A
89-80% = B
79-70% = C
69-60% = D
<59% = F
* Rounding occurs at .99 or higher ONLY!
General Course Outline

Unit 1: Introduction to Psychology
- Ch. 1 (p. 6-33)

Unit 2: Learning Principles and Applications
- Ch. 9 (p. 240-271)

Unit 3: Memory and Thought
- Ch. 10 (p. 272-293)

Unit 4: Altered States of Consciousness
- Ch. 7(p. 182-205)

Unit 5: Sensation and Perception
- Ch. 8 (p. 206-237)

Unit 6: Personality
- Ch. 14 (p. 374-409)

Unit 7: Psychological Testing
- Ch. 13 (p. 342-373)

Unit 8: Psychological Disorders
- Ch. 16 (p. 446-483)

Unit 9: Infancy and Childhood
- Ch. 3 (p. 60-91)

Unit 10: Adolescence
- Ch. 4 (p. 92-127)