Psychology 12

Course Outline
Instructor: Mr. Powell E-mail: tpowell@sd62.bc.ca Classroom: Portable #3 Website: http://powellsclassroom.weebly.com I use the website frequently! (a.k.a. every day) Twitter: @tpowell62 On it, under the Psychology 12 tab, you will find downloadable assignments (so that there are NO I left it at home! excuses), scheduled due dates for assignments, an assignment drop box and a schedule of events. I will require some, if not many of the assignments handed in via the drop box. This means that the assignments will need to be computer-generated (.doc or .docx files), or scanned. Also, there is a Contact Me tab, when you can email me directly. If you know that you will be absent for a class, please send me a quick note so that I know.

Course Description:
Welcome to Psychology 12. This is a course on human behaviour and basic concepts in modern psychology. The course covers some of the major psychological domains: Psychological Methodologies o Freud (Child Development/Psychosexual development) o Erikson (Stages of Psychosocial development) o Piaget (Cognitive development) o Gardner (Theory of Multiple Intelligences) Social Psychology o Idea of self (what is it & how is it developed) o Stereotypes (& why we have them) o Conformity & Social Norms (Is it possible to break them??) o Relationships (dyads vs. tetrads) o Stress (what it does to your brain & how to cope with it) Biopsychology (the sciency stuff) o Nervous System (parts of) o Brain (parts of) o Emotional Behaviours (umm, maybe some hormones) o Sensations (the 5 biggies & Synesthesia) o Drugs & Behaviour (and the impact on the Nervous System)

 Cognitive Psychology o Learning & Memory (and amnesia) o Psychological Disorders (Criminal Minds kinda stuff)

The course is designed for students who have an interest in psychology and are curious to learn how and why people think and act the way they do. The brain is a very mysterious thing, has a lot of going on, and can be affected by the most miniscule of things. It is really cool to know a bit about!! Once we get into the crux of the course and start to have a firm grasp on what is going on, we will enter in to what I call, In The Mind Of where I play videos introducing some of the most infamous and evil men and women in history (fictional and real), or videos of people who have some very obvious disorders. Can you figure out what is going on in their minds?? We will discuss these people, using them as a sort of case study. For example, what sort of mental disorder(s) does Hannibal Lecter have? What drove Vlad the Impaler to do what he did?

Instructional Philosophy:
I firmly believe that respect is one of the most important aspects of any classroom. This is why I have the word RESPECT posted at the front of the room. That respect needs to be all-encompassing (for yourself, for me, for the physical classroom, for each other). I think that I am flexible and fair, but I have high expectations from all students. I think that a subject such as Psychology needs to be discussed, talked about and dissected, in order to be effectively studied. This means that you should be prepared to discuss what you have learned and your opinions. This is one class which I WANT you to be chatty (granted, chatty on topic). I want to push the envelope, push the societal comfort level because some of what goes on in our brains can be a little uncomfortable to think about and talk about (from addiction to psycho-pathology and sensory perceptions). This is a project-based course, where I am going to be asking you do actually work WITH the subject matter. I dont like worksheets and this course doesnt use a textbook, so much of the information that we will be studying comes from a large variety of different sources. I also like to use technology to supplement what we are doing (such as blogging and Tweeting), so be ready for that.

Expectations for Students:

Come to class with all materials needed for that day (binder, choice novel, pen, pencil, etc.) I will not allow students to go to their locker after the bell had gone. I do have extra supplies for student use, but a shoe must be exchanged for it Students may eat/drink in class, but if I find a single piece of garbage on the floor or in a desk, this privilege will be removed immediately. Spills must be cleaned up!! Aaaaaand, energy drinks are NOT allowed in class. Students may listen to MP3 players and handhelds during individual work time, but devices must be removed from the ears and turned off until I give the green light. Texting is not permitted during class time... EVER. If a student is caught texting in class (and concentrating on your lap is a bit of a giveaway), I will confiscate the device and return it to the student at the end of the class. If it gets to be a real issue, I will take the device down to the office and the student can pick it up from an administrator. Facebook: Ah, the bane of every teachers classroom. Honestly, I dont mind it..outside of the classroom. Basically all of the projects will require some computer time, and it is your responsibility to stay focused and away from the dreaded FB. I dont include Twitter and other social media because there will be time when we use it. Oh, we will never use Instagram The Powell Negative S-Word Rule I have had this rule for my entire career, and in every school that I have taught in. I believe that people need to really THINK about what is coming out of their mouths in terms of communication. It is verbalizing who you are as an individual. As previously stated, be prepared to offer thoughts and opinions about the subject matter. This is a Grade 12 course, so I am expecting you to be responsible for your own learning, and to take ownership of your work. Basically, this means that I am not going to be holding your hand or spoon feeding you the information.

Course Assessment & Evaluation:

You will earn your marks through a wide variety of ways. The biggest thing is to be present (in mind and body!) and actively involved in the class and discussions. Other ways to earn marks are through worksheets, notes, assignments, group discussions, presentations, and projects. As you can see, there are no marks for tests/quizzes, and there is not a final exam However, there is a final project due in the last week of the course which is worth 20%. Assignments/Homework: Major Projects: Attendance and Participation: Final Project: 30% 40% 10% 20%

Letter Grade & Percentage: A 86 100% B 73 85% C+ 67 72% C 60 66% C50 59% F 0 49% It is your responsibility to keep track of due dates and your results on assignments in order to monitor your progress in this course. The website will provide you will a great resource to have on-hand and to use to make sure that you stay on top of things. Assignments MUST be handed in on time If you know you are going to be away or have an appointment on a due date, please arrange an extension with me before the date. Email conversations are acceptable. As you know, late assignments or projects are rarely done as well as those submitted on time.