Course Title:  General Psychology

EXPLANATION/COURSE DESCRIPTION:
         General Psychology is a 2 semester College Preparatory elective course which satisfies UC Subject A-G requirements.
        This course will cover basic or general Psychology with an emphasis on the interaction between the mind and the body.  It will be a solid foundation for any college-level Psychology or Sociology course in addition to a better understanding of one's self, and surroundings. Click here for a detailed list of topics covered throughout the year.

Website Access:

         Almost all class information (assignments, explanations, due dates, etc.) can be found at the following web address: http://pfleischer.com (hey, you're already here!)

Instructional Materials/Methods:
         The required text is Thinking About Psychology ('19) by Blair-Broeker & Ernst. Instruction will consist of lectures, discussions, reading assignments, group & individual projects and activities, research papers, guest speakers, music & video analyses, and "real-life" observations in and out of the classroom.
         You will be required to bring to every class meeting your own...

*Psych Notebook (keep ALL notes/assignments; separate from other classes)
*Textbook *Non-red pen  *Agenda/Planner/Device to check and record due dates
*Paper *Red pen *Graph paper (at least a few sheets)
*Pencil *Journal
 *Open Mind


*Chromebook (District issued laptop)
        Additional supplies will be needed for particular labs/activities/projects and will be announced at that time.  All donated supplies are greatly appreciated and participation points will be awarded.

Assignments:  (Psychology/Sciences follow APA format)
        Turn in ALL assignments (homework, lab/activity write-ups, redone work, etc.) into assigned boxes ("In" Box/"Notes" Box) with the following format:

Re-done work:
        If you are not satisfied with the score you earned on an assignment, you may redo the assignment or a RELATED assignment to make up points but the decision on what to do is up to you.  Credit will be given ONLY IF the following are completed:
•Include an explanation about your corrections (i.e. HOW you changed it and what you did to make sure it is now correct-[what you learned]) *For tests, each corrected question must be accompanies by an explanation.
•Include the original "graded" assignment (no original=no new score)

Late Work:
        Turn in your work on the day it is due!!
(See absence policy)

Absence: (this one is VERY important)
         IF YOU ARE ABSENT... when you return you will have normal "due" time to turn in an assignment (the assignment will not be late, but you have the same amount of time everyone else had. Please note on the assignment that you were absent so I will not think it is "LATE"). Exceptions will be made for medical excuses for labs/activities that cannot be made up but it is YOUR responsibility to show me the note or verify the absence with me (this is posted/explained more in class [above my desk]).

        Upon your return, it is YOUR responsibility to get any missed assignments from the assignment calendar online/in class.

EXTRA CREDIT: 
        E. C. will ONLY be accepted if you have ALL assignments turned in. Please don’t ask me for extra work if you haven’t done what you were assigned in the first place. Redoing low scores is the best way to raise your grade.

GRADING:
        Your grade will be based on how well you demonstrate proficiency on the standards throughout the semester. This will be accomplished through lab reports, oral and written responses to activities/lessons, Cornell notes, and exams. Each standard is worth about 15% of your semester grade. There will be about 6 standards per semester and the remaining percentage (about 15%) of your grade will be based on participation, attendance, homework, journal entries, etc.
    Assignments will be scored based on the 0 – 4 system. (0: No work; 1: Below Basic; 2: Basic; 3: Proficient; 4: Advanced)          
A list of the standard topics is below and will also be handed out in class:
Background/History, Research Methods, Biological Bases of Behavior, Sensation and Perception, States of Consciousness, Learning, Memory & Thought, Intelligence, Motivation & Emotion, Developmental, Personality, Abnormal (Disorders), Social, Investigation/Experimentation

CLASS RULES:
        Demonstrate a sense of respect for others and yourself (including equipment and materials). Take responsibility for your own actions.  Follow rules from the Student Handbook.
Very Simple Class Rules (Posted in class)
Rule #1: Respect people, equipment, materials
Consequence: Student/Parent conference; pay for damaged items; suspension
Rule #2: No gum/food/drink (except water)
Consequence: Clean room (floor, desks, chairs)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/HELPFUL HINTS:

•Tardy policy: If you are not in class before the bell stops ringing, you are tardy. I will follow the school

tardy policy (you receive a referral for each tardy beginning with your third one)

•Participation helps! When you get involved, you learn more and the time goes by more quickly. Seriously!

•You need blood in your brain to think, not your bottom. If you need to get up and stretch or move around,

please do, but be respectful of others and do not disturb or distract them.

•Please raise your hand to ask a question (if you feel you’ll forget it, write it down). I will usually call on an individual to answer a question and if I do, it means I want to hear from THAT individual! Telling them the answer or yelling it out doesn’t help them learn and it shows a lack of self-control. Believe me, everyone will get a chance to talk.

•I want everyone to feel comfortable but challenged. If you don’t feel this way, please discuss it with me.

Sign/return this form for credit, and then keep it in your folder for reference throughout the year.

We have read and understand the above class procedures

Student  Signature                                                                                                       Date                           

Parent  Signature                                                                                                         Date