Psychology
Rancho Buena Vista High School
1601 Longhorn Drive, Vista Ca. 92081
(760) 727-7284 x 3235 – staylor@vusd.k12.ca.us
Scott Taylor, Instructor
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. It covers everything people think, feel and do (Kasshau, 1993). You will study human behavior by examining major theories and methodology behind each. Throughout this course students will conduct research, perform experiments and share knowledge with each other. We will also develop and practice an appreciation for ethical scientific and interpersonal behavior.
Course Structure - While the textbook will serve as the basic information source for the course, students will also perform their own research, participate in lectures and discussions, hear guest speakers, view videos, and contribute to class presentations. Class attendance is vital! If you are absent you must see me on the first day returning for assignments. Tardies will be dealt with according to school policy and also impact participation grades.
Critical
thinking, oral and written communication and cooperative learning behaviors
are all emphasized.
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Understanding Psychology Textbooks should be checked out from the library prior to the first day of class. A current RBV Student ID card is required to check out books. Books may be checked out prior to school, during Nutrition, or after school. |
Additional
items required for the class are: A 3-Ring, notebook paper, sufficient pens
and pencils. The textbook must be brought to class every day. It is a vital
tool used in the course. Failure to have needed materials as needed in the
class may result in loss of grade or credit for the course.
Grades
will be posted at 6 weeks, 12 weeks and semester. The 6- and 12-week grades
are progress reports and do not become a permanent part of the student's
record. The semester grade is part of the permanent record. The grades for
this class will be based upon the following:
Homework
and class work, Amount and quality of work produced, Results of written
quizzes and tests, Special Projects
Grades
will be calculated as follows:
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97-100%
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A+
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94-96%
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A
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90-93%
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A-
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87-89%
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B+
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84-86%
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B
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80-83%
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B-
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|
77-79% |
C+ |
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74-76%
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C
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70-73%
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C-
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67-69%
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D+
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64-66%
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D
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60-63%
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D-
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0-59%
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F
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When a
student is absent, it is his/her responsibility to make up the assignments that
were missed. If the assignment was due on the date the student was absent, the
student should bring the completed assignment to class upon his/her return. If
the assignment was given out on the date the student was absent, the student
will have an equal number of days to complete the assignment, time permitting.
Late work will only be given full credit if the lateness was due to an excused
absence. Otherwise late work may be turned in up to one week late for a maximum
of 50% credit.
Make-up
tests will only be given during lunch on a day to be determined in the week
following the absence. Unless special alternate arrangements acceptable to the
instructor are made prior to the scheduled make-up date, a grade of zero will be
given on the test with no chance of make-up. Make-up exams are never given
during class time.
All school policies and rules will be enforced in class. This includes school policies regarding cell phones, mp3 players, attendance and tardies, dress standards, and academic policy.
No food or
drink in class. Any food or drink must be consumed outside of the classroom
before before class starts or after class ends. Students who are late to class
due to trying to eat or drink prior to coming to class will be subject to a
tardy. The "no food or drink" rule above applies to gum and candy as
well.