Course Syllabus

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Honors Psychology/Sociology

Porter Ridge High School

Teacher: Mr. Wickham

jim.wickham@ucps.k12.nc.us

 

Course Outline

During the first three quarters of the course students will focus on psychological concepts and theories with an emphasis on the scientific study of human development, learning, motivation, and personality. 

During the last quarter of the course students will focus on sociological issues that concentrate on the systematic study of human society and human interaction.

 

The Curriculum will follow the standards and objectives put forth by the NC Dept. of Education.

 

Honors Psychology/Sociology is an honors level course. This course is also available in the Program of Studies at the College Preparatory level. Students earning credit for an Honors level course receive an elevated number of Quality Points for their Grade Point Average. Students choosing the Honors level course should be aware that this Honors level course will include:

• Required extension opportunities that are directly related to the Standard Course of Study. This includes additional content beyond that covered in the College Preparatory level.
• More challenging coursework and assessments. Students will be expected to demonstrate higher levels of understanding for grades.
• Projects and presentations will be more in depth.
• Students will have to focus and study regularly to master the content.
• The expectation that students can move through the coursework at an accelerated pace and students experiencing difficulty should quickly seek guidance from their teacher on how they can be more successful.

 

Textbooks

       Psychology: Principles in Practice published by Holt, Rinehart, and Winston in 2007

        Sociology: The Study of Human Relationships published by Holt, Rinehart, and Winston in   

        2007.

 

Grading System

                  55%     Assessments (Tests/Quizzes)

                  45%     Assignments (Homework, class work, and projects)

                 

The final grade will be an accumulation of 3 quarter grades and a final comprehensive semester exam.

Each quarter is worth 25% and the final is worth 25% =100%.

                                           

Require Materials

1. Notebook paper 8 ½ by 11
2. Colored pencils
3. Pen - Black or Blue only or Pencils; preferably mechanical pencils otherwise bring

                  your own pencil sharpener.

 

The content of the course will follow the text. We have a lot of material to cover so we’ll be moving rather swiftly.

You will need to stay on top of things.

 

Late Work

All late assignments will automatically drop to 60%. No late work will be accepted after the close of a chapter/unit. An assignment is considered late if it is turned in any time after it has already been collected by the teacher.

 

Incomplete work is unacceptable. It is better to turn in work late and receive a lower score than to turn in work incomplete and receive a zero.

 

Make-up Work

If you are absent you are responsible to come see me the day you return and find out what you missed and how you can make it up. I will not track you down. Schedule to make-up any missed tests or quizzes A.S.A.P.

 

Discipline Policy

1^st Offense = Warning (minor incident)

2^nd Offense = Parent Contact

3^rd Offense = After school or Saturday School Detention and Discipline Court

      If you do not show up = Suspension

 

Tardies – All tardy students will be locked out of the classroom and will have to go to the office to obtain a pass into class. The office will keep track of your tardies. Too many tardies will result in ISS or Saturday School

 

Rest Room – No one is allowed to leave the first 15 minutes or last 15 minutes of class. If you need to use the restroom, please do it during transitional times (i.e. transitioning from note taking to independent work.) You must sign-out when you leave the classroom – you will find the sign-out log on the clipboard by the door. DURING THIRD PERIOD, YOU ARE EXPECTED TO USE THE RESTROOM DURING LUNCH.

 

Academic Dishonesty

Plagiarism, Cheating, copying assignments (including any form of homework or classwork), or giving information about a test or assignment to members of other classes will result in a call to the parent, a zero for the assignment, and a referral to the office.

 

General Policy

Be on time. Be prepared. Be respectful. Be responsible. Be sure to review the student handbook or web site for policies.

 

If you or your parents have any concerns or questions please contact me by e-mail jim.wickham@ucps.k12.nc.us

 

General office hours are 3 to 4 pm Tues and Thursday.

If you find you need some help please contact me and we will work together to create a time and means to get you the help you need. My desire is for every student to succeed.             

 

School Resource

“EmpowerED Family Portal” (https://www.ucps.k12.nc.us/domain/2917) - this provides parents with links to online resources and apps that students can access.