Course+Syllabus

** Make sure to read the homepage as the syllabus has something to do with your first assignment (grade) in the class!!!!! ** Course Syllabus

The online AP Psychology course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students’ are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practices.

Successful completion of this course will count towards graduation requirements and help prepare students for passing the AP Psychology examination. It is __expected__ that students taking this course will take the AP Psychology exam in May 2011. As is expected, this course is taught at a college level. The major differences between a college and high school course include the amount of reading**,** the level of critical thinking, the “in-depth” level of content comprehension, and the type of course requirements expected of students. Specific to course requirements, in addition to traditional examinations, students taking this class are expected to read the e-text and other assigned readings, take quizzes and generate essays on the assigned topics, complete projects, and participate actively in all class discussions and activities. Because this is an online class, students will be prompted to use various programs available on the Internet to enrich and enhance their learning experience. Daily access to a reliable computer is **MANDATORY**. Again, this course is taught at a college level and is designed to help students pass the college level AP Psychology examination.

Students must be aware that the course does move at a fast pace, as already stated, and requires much self-motivation especially as an online course. Again, students specifically need daily access to a reliable computer that has properly updated software. All readings and assignments will be provided online. Being that this is an AP course, I reiterate the time commitment students will make to this area of study. In addition, students must be able to think critically. Thinking outside the box is a necessity as many topics in psychology are not black and white; it is the grey area that makes psychology what it is.


 * Here are more specifics about the course that students need to be aware of.**


 * Required Texts:** There is an e-text for this course. I will email students with access information.

§ Classwork/Homework 15% · Discussions 15% · Tests/Projects/Quizzes 50% · Final Exam 20% Final Exam: The final exam will count 20% of the final grade. The exam will be counted as 5% performance test (essay) and 15% objective test or EOCT.
 * Evaluation:** Student grades will be determined by the following formula.

projects, discussions, or other items. Please be sure to scroll to the bottom of all pages and to follow the instructions carefully in order to receive maximum credit for assignments. Since this is structured as a block course, students need to plan on spending at least **2-3 hours per day working on this class**.
 * Assignments:** Most assignments require reading of the content notes, internet reading, essays,


 * Class Discussions**: Most units contain discussions. This is a good way for me to assess knowledge and understanding of concepts and for the class to enjoy other classmates’ ideas and opinions. These are required, and will be evaluated on the quality of discussion responses. Think of discussions as a face-to-face classroom and be sure to read and post at least once each day.


 * Late work:** All work is expected to be turned in according to the due dates on the Course Schedule. If, for some reason, you are unable to complete the work on time due to illness or emergency, you should contact the instructor **prior to the due date** to arrange for an extension. **Each day an assignment is submitted part the due date, a 10 point reduction will be placed each day late. After five days late and 0 will stand and the work can no longer be submitted. This includes all assignments, even exams!**


 * Safeguards:** Back up everything and back it up often. Students are responsible for submitting work on time. My computer “crashed” is not an excuse for missing an assignment, just like “I missed my bus” is not an excuse for missing school. In case one experiences technical difficulties or other emergencies, have anther computer set up in advance to use (school, friend, or neighbor). Make a backup copy of all work in case technical difficulties occur and need to prove the work is complete.


 * Academic Integrity:** **Please note that local and state academic integrity policies apply to all s****tudents’, including those in distance learning, web-based classes.** Every e-student regardless of where he or she attends school is responsible for upholding the provisions of the //academic integrity policies//, set forth by the Georgia State Board of Education as well as local boards of education. Policies on academic honesty, including provisions regarding plagiarism and cheating, unauthorized access to school district materials, misrepresentation/falsification of records or academic work, malicious removal, retention, or destruction of library materials, malicious/intentional misuse of computer facilities and/or services, and misuse of student identifications cards. Incidents of alleged academic misconduct will be handled through the established procedures of the local school district and the Georgia State Department of Education.


 * Online Etiquette**: All students will respect each other in the online environment as they would in the traditional setting. Classroom bullying through the discussion forum or emails will not be accepted. Students will be mindful of how they respond to others; criticism is allowed and encouraged as long as it pertains to the content and not a directed to a specific person about themselves. Using punctuation like ! and all capitals is tolerated to make a point but not to yell at another classmate. Consequences will be implemented through your local school if this is found to be the case.


 * Technical Difficulties:** If students are having technical problems (problems related to accessing course material, etc.) they will contact their instructor immediately who will try to solve the problem and if not put students in touch with an assistance program that will.