Psychology 12

Psychology 12
Course Outline 

Introduction 

Welcome to Psychology 12, a course that explores human behaviour and basic concepts of modern psychology. This course has been designed as an introduction to those students who want to understand what makes people do what they do. Together, we will explore some key topics in the field. 

“The purpose of psychology is to give us a completely different idea of things we know best” 

-Paul Valery 

Although Paul lived over seventy years ago when he made this statement, it is just as relevant today. People want to know how others tick. We are a culture obsessed with presenting an image of ourselves through social networks, watching reality TV shows such as Keeping Up with the Kardashians, The Bachelor, and The Voice, and read magazines that feature any kind of celebrity news – all of which we pass judgement on! Psychologists are also obsessed with these and other behaviours, as well as mental processes, thoughts, ideas, and understanding of human actions. 

How to think like a psychologist: 

What are the reasons behind our actions? How do we learn as we grow? Does my brain control me, or do I control it? How much of “me” was determine genetically at birth, and how much was acquired by experience and learning? What shapes our personalities? What is social psychology? how does stress affect us? Why does emotion affect us differently? How does memory and process work? 

Outline 
The course will be broken down into 6-8 main sections to be determined during the first few weeks of class.  

 

Course Objectives 
By the end of this course, students will be able to: 

• understand the major core concepts and theories of psychology 
• define key terms and use them in comfortably in conversation. 

• learn basic skills of psychological research and be able to apply psychological concepts to their own lives 
• use and apply critical thinking skills 

 

Textbook 
Myers, David G. Psychology. 7th ed. New York: Worth, 2004. Print 

 

Evaluation 
Course assessment will include a wide variety of assignments, projects and tests however, there will be no final exam for this course. 

 

Terms 1-3    
70% Projects, Assignments, Presentations 
30 Tests and Quizzes 
==== 
100% Term Mark 

Note: All terms are weighed equally and cumulatively. 

Additional Information 

Website	http://sd41blogs.ca/mihicd/	Study guides, twitter feed, and additional course info is posted here.
twitter	@MsMihic	Homework is posted here for all my classes. Don’t have twitter? There is a feed on the website above
email	dragana.mihic@burnabyschools.ca	Have an absolute dire question about an assignment or test that can’t wait? I can’t promise that I’ll get back to you in time but give it a try. This is also the best way for parents to reach me too so feel free to give them my email address.

Keys to Success: 

• Attend. Getting an education is your job. Show up every day and on time.  
• Come prepared. Bring your textbook, something to write with, and paper to write on. Keep everything in a binder.  
• Pay attention. Sometimes class is fun and sometimes it may feel boring. It is your responsibility to stay engaged with the material.  

• Keep distractions in your bag or better yet, at home. Love video games? Play it at home and not on your phone. Maintaining your 300 day streak on Snapchat? Do it outside school hours. Parents need to call you? No they don’t. Not unless it’s an emergency and, in that case, they should be calling the school to pull you out of class.  

________
Course Outline adapted with permission from Ms. Carey