Course Disclosure for Psychology

Psychology: Course Disclosure                                        Mrs. Hirschi

Course Description: Psychology is the scientific study of mental processes and behaviors.  In this reading intensive class, we will take a fun introductory look at psychology.  Our goal for this class is for each student to gain a better understanding and appreciation of why we do the things we do.

Grading: Grades are based on a standard point system that could include things like homework, class work, quizzes, projects, participation in class and group work.  Work that is late will receive an automatic 30% loss.  Points lost off of an assignment for being late cannot be made up.

A grade is a representation of how well a student has mastered the content taught in the class.  My goal as your teacher is to do all I can to help you understand the basis of psychology, not punish you if you don’t.

Extra Credit: There will be opportunities to receive extra credit points in this class, however, no extra credit assignments will be available until ALL assigned work is completed and turned in (this includes quizzes).

Citizenship: Your citizenship grade is based on your behavior, attitude and abilities to follow the rules of the classroom and school.  If you cannot act properly, you will be dealt with using the school’s discipline procedure policy.

Tardies and Absences: The attendance policy of our classroom will mirror that of the school’s policy.  All absences and tardies must be excused in order to make up work or tests.  It is your responsibility to fill out an ATTENDANCE MEMO (using Power school or the class blog: http://hirschisocialstudies.blogspot.com/) on your FIRST day back to class after an absence to contract making up work/tests.  A student who has 10 (ten) or more absences (excused and/or unexcused) will automatically receive an F for the quarter.

Hall Passes: When students have to leave during class for a drink, use the restroom, or because they forgot something we lose time that could be better spent on education.  All students must as the teacher for permission to leave the classroom for any reason.  Because of the 7 minute break between classes, which should be ample time to take care of any pertinent business, granting hall passes will be the teacher’s discretion.  This policy will enable us to have more quality learning time.

There is only one rule for my classroom: “Everyone and everything that enters this classroom must be treated with respect” and it is posted in the classroom.  Class procedures range from turning in papers to the above mentioned make up work from absenteeism.  We will go over each procedure as they are needed.  However, classroom rules, consequences, and procedures will be in addition to those in the school and district handbook.

If you ever have any questions or concerns please feel free to call me at 865-3989 during school hours or email me anytime at darcie.hirschi@ironmail.org

Thank you,

Mrs. Darcie Hirschi

Please sign and return the attached portion of this document.  Keep the rest for your records.  The signed portion of this document is worth points toward your final grade if returned by _____________.

I have read, understand, and agree to the Psychology course disclosure.

Subject & Period:____________________________________________________

Student Name (printed)_______________________________________________Student Signature____________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Name (printed)________________________________________Parent/Guardian Signature_____________________________________________

Date__________________           Telephone Numbers/Email I can reach you at:

Parental Permission to View Videos/DVDs                                           Teacher: Darcie Hirschi                                            Subject: Psychology                              Grade Level : 12

I have found that by using popular movies I am able to connect to or create prior knowledge to build from in students.  Students tend to relate more to cinema and it keeps their attention longer than a background lecture or article.  Please review the following information and sign permission for or against your student viewing the movies I have selected.

*The following videos/DVDs will be viewed, in their entirety, in class:

Nell                                          What About Bob               Mighty Joe Young              Twins

A Beautiful Mind                     Sybil                                 I Am Sam                            The Truman Show

Liar Liar

*The movies will be seen during the listed units (specific dates cannot be foreseen due to varying time needed for each unit)

Nell / What About Bob: Types of Psychology

Mighty Joe Young: Conditioning

Twins: Social Learning

A Beautiful Mind / Sybil / I Am Sam : Mental Disorders

The Truman Show: Types of Psychology

 Liar Liar: Operant Conditioning

*The ratings, and reasons for the ratings, of the movies are:

Nell (PG 13): nudity                           

What About Bob (PG): unknown

Mighty Joe Young (PG): action violence & mild language                           

Twins (PG): language, suggestive content, & brief nudity             

A Beautiful Mind (PG 13): intense thematic material, sexual content, & scene of violence

Sybil (NR): made for TV movie                            

I Am Sam (PG13): language

The Truman Show (PG): thematic elements & mild language

Liar Liar (PG13): sex related humor & language

I give permission for (student) ________________________________ to view the videos.

Parent/Guardian Signature_____________________________ Date_______________

OR

Rather than viewing the videos, I would like my son/daughter to participate in an alternative activity.

Parent/Guardian Signature________________________________ Date _________________