Course Syllabus

                  

 

 

      CLASSROOM SYLLABUS & EXPECTATIONS

Psychology/Sociology

EMAIL:  Rebecca.Craig@ucps.k12.nc.us

Room: G205

704-292-7662 

As a combination course, Psychology/Sociology covers a broad range of topics in this field. During the first half of the semester, we will focus on psychological concepts and theories including current issues in this field. During the second half of the semester we will focus on sociological issues including minority and women’s studies.  We will follow the North Carolina Standard Course of Study requirements for Psychology and Sociology and these requirements are set in goal form consisting of 6 goals for Psychology and 2 goals for Sociology. These goals can be found using the following links.

Psychology: http://www.ncpublicschools.org/docs/curriculum/socialstudies/scos/psychology.pdf (Links to an external site.)

Sociology: http://www.ncpublicschools.org/docs/curriculum/socialstudies/scos/sociology.pdf (Links to an external site.)

Honors:

Psychology/Sociology HN 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.

 

Examples of Honors Differentiation in this Course

Below is a sample of how the Honors level objectives may differ from those in the College Preparatory level: HONORS level objective	COLLEGE PREP level objective
Bio. Example Bio.1.2.3 Analyze how specific cell adaptations help cells survive in particular environments (focus on unicellular organisms and specific cell types in multicellular organisms).	Bio. Example.1.2.3 Explain how specific cell adaptations help cells survive in particular environments (focus on unicellular organisms).
Am. History Example AH1.H.2.2 Evaluate key turning points from colonization through Reconstruction in terms of their lasting impact (e.g., conflicts, legislation, elections, innovations, leadership, movements, Supreme Court decisions, etc.), project how these issues may influence current or future events.	Am. History Example AH1.H.2.2 Evaluate key turning points from colonization through Reconstruction in terms of their lasting impact (e.g., conflicts, legislation, elections, innovations, leadership, movements, Supreme Court decisions, etc.).

Schedule:

First Six Weeks (Psychology)

 Unit 1: Introduction to Psychology

Unit 2: Body & Mind

Unit 3: Learning & Cognition

Second Six Weeks

The second six weeks will be a combination of Psychology and Sociology. The first 3 weeks will be spent on Psychology and the second 3 weeks we will begin our study of Sociology.

Unit 5: Personality

Unit 7: Social Psychology

Unit 1: Culture & Social Structure

Third Six Weeks (Sociology)

Unit 2: The Individual & Society

Unit 3 & 4: Social Inequalities & Social Institutions

Unit 5: The Changing Social World

Materials Needed:

• Pens (no red ink)/Pencils
• 3 ring notebook with dividers
• Loose leaf paper
• Flash Drive
• Colored pencils/markers/crayons (if available)
• Computer ( provided by Porter Ridge High School )

Laptops

Bring laptops to class daily, unless otherwise directed.  When laptops are brought to class, they should be charged and ready to use.  When every student needs to plug in their laptops, it causes a tripping hazard.  During times when the whole class is using laptops, students should remain on task and only on appropriate websites.  If the teacher asks students to lower their screens or shut computers, students should save their work and do so immediately.  If a student does not have their laptop in class, for whatever reason, they are still responsible for the work.  Most assignments can easily be done on paper.      

Grading:

Grading is based on a percentage system. The final grade every six weeks will be comprised of the following two items.

1. Test 60%
2. Assignments 40%

 The final grade for the semester will comprise of the following four items

1. First Six weeks final average – 25%
2. Second Six weeks final average – 25%
3. Third Six weeks final average – 25%
4. Exam- 25%

Tests will be done via canvas: 

Resources: Students and Parents can access EmpowerED Family Portal at the following link https://www.ucps.k12.nc.us/domain/2917 (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.. EmpowerED provides students and parents with useful links and apps that may help them in this and other courses here in Union County.

Online Learning Platform: Canvas The majority of assignments not completed on paper will be submitted on our learning platform, Canvas. Assignments can be submitted a variety of ways including, uploading files, typing into text boxes, and sharing Google documents/presentations. Students will be shown how to submit assignments on Canvas as needed. Individual assignments will indicate which method of submission on Canvas is expected. If students need a refresher or have questions, they can access the Canvas Student Guide for specific instructions. It is the student's responsibility to ensure assignments are submitted on time and to contact the instructor if there is a problem. Please note that student activity is logged while in Canvas so instructors will be able to see if the student opened the assignment, if there was any activity including a log of student activities during on-line tests and quizzes. Students are not allowed to leave the testing window during assessments. Doing so is considered cheating and will be handled as set forth in the Porter Ridge HS handbook.

NOTICE: Although many assignments are submitted and graded in our learning platform, Canvas, the "final" grades shown may not be properly weighted and do not contain assignments that were not graded in Canvas. For the student's official grades, please continue to access the parent portal through Powerschool. Login information is usually sent

*** We will be moving through the units at a very fast pace. Testing for this course will occur every 1.5 -2 weeks. It is imperative that we study daily and keep up with class work. Bring all materials to class and come prepared ready to learn every day! If we fall behind, it is crucial to our success so we can catch up.***

Late Work:

It is your responsibility to see me and receive all missed work after being absent as well as to turn in any assignments or make up any tests/quizzes that were due the day of your absence. All missed tests, quizzes, notebook checks, homework, and class work will receive a grade of a zero (0) until the assignment is made up. If you miss any tests or quizzes due to an absence you must make them up before or after school.

It is the student’s responsibility to obtain make-up assignments from his/her teacher.

All late homework/classwork will automatically be penalized 50% of the total possible score on that assignment. (Example: If a homework assignment worth 20 points is turned in late it will only be worth a maximum of 10 points) An assignment is considered late if it is turned in any time after the specific time it is taken up by me.

Cheating and Plagiarism

Cheating and Plagiarism is a serious offense that will carry heavy consequences. Anyone suspected of giving answers on class work, homework, tests, or quizzes will automatically be given only 50 percent credit for that assignment. Any subsequent infraction will result in a 0 and parental/guardian contact. This is my pet peeve. It shows disrespect not only to me, but your classmates who did it the right way and did not take the easy way out. This is one of my few non-negotiables.

Tutoring

All of you have the opportunity to see me before/after school for tutoring 

• Before School Mon-Fri 7:30-7:50 (please see me first to get a note)
• After School – By Appointment

Extra credit is not given in this class, I do not believe in it. I believe that you can earn a satisfactory grade the first time without extra credit.

Tardies and Classroom Management:

• This class will follow school guidelines regarding tardiness.
• Minor infractions including but not limited to: Disruptive behavior, unauthorized cell phone or computer use, talking etc. will also follow school guidelines.

            1^st infraction: verbal warning

            2^nd infraction: parent contact:           

            3^rd infraction: potential afterschool or Saturday dentention

            4^th infraction: potential Out of School suspension

Procedures:

For beginning of the class:

• Arrive to class on time, sit in assigned seat
• Have materials ready at the start of class and begin bell work.
• Failure to be on task at the start of the class, may result in a zero for the assignment.

During Class:

• Raise your hand before speaking
• If you need to leave the class for any reason, you MUST raise your hand and ask permission. Please avoid raising your hand during instructional time, unless it is an emergency. Sign out and take a pass, with you, no exceptions. This includes going to (bathroom, water fountain, health office, front office, guidance office, media center.)  Students must also sign out when leaving and sign in when returning.

At the end of class:     

• Clean up your area.
• Straighten desks.
• Place any and all textbooks back under the desk.
• Do not line up at the door, Remember, the bell does not dismiss you the teacher does.

*** In response to changing needs, I reserve the right to change any policies/procedures as needed throughout the semester***

Plagiarism and Academic Code of Conduct:

Porter Ridge High School has adopted an Honor Code.  Students will refrain from copying, using, or otherwise claiming work of others to be their own.  Students shall not cheat on tests/examinations, copy the work of another, or complete any type of academic assignment in a dishonest or deceptive manner.  Students shall not forge parents/ guardians/teachers signatures or make fraudulent use of official school documents. Forgery, cheating or plagiarism will result in an academic consequence assigned by the student’s teacher, and may result in the removal from honor or recognition based groups on campus (ie. NHS, NEHS, NAHS, etc.)  Additionally, students may be referred to the administration for Cheating or Plagiarism. Canvas

Students will use my Canvas page to access information such as class notes, upcoming important dates, readings and assignments.  In the event of an absence students can refer to that days announcement and find notes and assignments they have missed.  Not all assignments will be turned in online, however, the instructions for them will be there.

Students should feel free to contact me via email with any questions.

Cell Phones/Electronics/Earbuds etc.

                All students must follow the county/school guidelines regarding electronics.  No student is to have earbuds out during direct teacher instruction. If you cannot hear me explaining concepts/directions to you, you will miss important information.

AUDIO/VIDEO TAPING: Since the courts have ruled that an instructor’s voice and physical image are their personal property, the prerogative of the audio taping and/or video recording of lectures is a right specifically reserved to faculty. Should you wish to record using any device you must obtain the permission of the respective instructor in all classes.

Final Note: This is going to be a great semester! I am really looking forward to working together with all of you. If we follow these rules and procedures and expectations we will all have a great class where learning, positivity, and fun are present.

*** In response to changing needs, I reserve the right to change any policies/procedures as needed throughout the semester***

Student Name:

I have read and understand the requirements, expectations and procedures for this course.

To be completed by the parent/guardian

Please Read and initial each statement below:

 

1. I know that my child receives progress reports every three weeks, and I should contact Ms. Craig immediately if I am not receiving progress reports. _________________
2. I have read and discussed the rules and procedures with my child. I understand and agree to encourage my child to abide by these rules and procedures. I understand the consequences that my child will incur if he/she does not abide by the classroom rules and procedures. ___________________

                                                                                                        

Student Signature_________________________________________________________________                                                                                                 

Parent/Guardian Name:_________________________________________________________________                                                                                                                       

Parent/ Guardian Signature_________________________________________________________________         

Parent/guardian Email_________________________________________________________________                                                                                                                       

Parent/guardian Phone number_____________________________________________________________