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Class Syllabus:
12 Grade Honors Psychology
th
Mr. Genther Room 819
Strongsville High School
Office: Mezzanine
Email: [email protected]
Website: TBA
School Phone: (440) 268-7100
Course Summery and Description:
Welcome to Psychology! This class will serve as an introductory course to the scientific
study of psychology. Psychology is a senior-only, elective course intended to acquaint the
student with the nature of self, the scientific method, the psychology of behavior, altered
states of consciousness, learning theories, memory, cognitive processing, human
development, stress management, personality, and abnormal and social behavior.
Semester Goals:
The following are the goals set forth by the teacher for this semester course of study:
 To be introduced and acquainted to the major theories, ideology, people, terms,
and main ideas included in the field of psychology.
 To spark an interest (or an elevated interested) in the field of psychology.
 To encourage students after high school to take additional psychology classes in
college and/or minor or even major in psychology.
The following topics will be covered examined:

History of Psychology

Research and Methodology
Physiology & Biology and Behavior

(nervous system, endocrine system)
Neurology and the Brain (left/right
brain, brain structure and function)

Altered States of Consciousness


(sleep/dream/wake cycle, hypnosis,
meditation, biofeedback, sensory
deprivation)
Learning Theories (classical and
operant conditioning, modeling,
behavior modification)
Memory (encoding, central processing,
storage, long & short term memory,
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mnemonic devices, theories of
forgetting)
Cognition (problem-solving, decision
making, creative thinking,
metacognition, logic)
Human Development (life-span,
theories/norms/stages of development)
Stress and health psychology
(components, physiology, conflict,
tolerance, environmental stressors,
coping strategies)
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Abnormal psychology and
psychological disorders
Personality and social psychology
Materials:
Each student is required to have the following in class:

Notebook or Binder

Psychology Textbook
 Pencil(s) and Pen(s)
 Highlighter(s)
Absences:
Students who have an excused absence are eligible to make up missed class work. It is
the student’s responsibility to make arrangements to make up any missed work.
Unexcused absences will result in no credit for any and all missed class work.
Incomplete Work:
Late assignments will be accepted up to 24 hours after an assignment was due and will
receive half credit. Any assignments turned in after that point will not be accepted.
Tardy Policy:
Strongsville High School tardy policy will be followed and enforced (see SHS handbook).
Evaluation:
The following will give an idea of what grades will be based upon:

Homework

Projects (In & Out)

Discussions/Debates

Quizzes & Tests

Reflection Papers

Semester Exam*
Grading Scale:
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100%-90% of the total possible points = A,
89%-80% of the total possible points = B,
79%-70% of the total possible points = C,
69%-60% of the total possible points = D,
59% and below . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . = F.
Course and Behavioral Expectations:
1.)
Come to class on time and prepared.
2.)
Be respectful and courteous of your teacher and fellow classmates.
3.)
Cell phones and electronics are not used during class instruction.
4.)
Be respectful and listen while the teacher is instructing class.
5.)
Raise your hand if you have something to add or ask.
Consequences:
1.
2.
Verbal Warning
Teacher-Student Conference
3.
4.
Disciplinary Referral
Sent to Administrator
Communication and Contact Information:
In order for us to have a successful session we must have an open line of communication
with each other. The following are the appropriate channels to follow for any issues
relating to the course this semester.


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Class Website: All class notes, study guides, homework, projects, research links,
and more are all located online. Homework hotline will not list homework
therefore students and parents should refer to the class website information.
Students: If you have a question or would like additional help do not hesitate to
ask. I can be reached before or after class, before or after school, during
planning period in my office in the mezzanine, by class website, or by e-mail.
Parents: For student progress, grades, and assignments please check the PASS
system online as much as you prefer. For nightly homework, class notes, study
guides and assignments check the class website. At anytime should you have a
question or concern to share, I would encourage you to e-mail me at
[email protected].
I look forward to teaching this class and working with you during this semester course of study
of Psychology. Good Luck and Best Wishes!
Mr. Genther