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IB psychology Class Syllabus 2022-23

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Red Hook High School

Red Hook, NY

Course Syllabus

IB Psychology

Mr. Burguiere

cburguiere@rhcsd.org

2022-23

Course Description:

Offered at the standard level, IB Psychology offers students a broad understanding of psychology through multiple levels of analysis.  The course guides students through the study of human behavior by exploring key topics from four distinct approaches; socio-cultural, cognitive, biological and the psychology of human relationships.  Students will also study research design, methods, statistics, ethical issues in psychological research and application.

Special Note:

Prepare to be challenged!  A good portion of our time together will involve discussion and debate, therefore proper preparation is essential.  Your participation and course work is expected to reflect IB level performance.

Prerequisite:

            Completion of introductory Psychology or permission from instructor

Text:

           Oxford IB Diploma Program Psychology Course Companion, 2nd edition

Course Outline:

  • History/Review of Introductory Psychology
  • Research Methodology
  • Ethics
  • The Biological Approach
  • The Cognitive Approach
  • The Socio-cultural Approach
  • The Psychology of Human Relationships
  • Simple Experimental Study

Evaluation:

Course assessment will consist of short reading quizzes, periodic unit tests,

in-class work, homework, projects, presentations, class participation, a class binder/portfolio, attendance, attitude and a comprehensive final exam and final paper.

IB Assessment:

Paper 1: 2 hours, worth 50%

Content: Levels of Analysis

Method: short answer questions and extended-response questions

Paper 2: 1 hour, worth 25%

Content: Dysfunctional Behavior

Method: Extended-response questions

Internal Assessment: 15 hours, worth 25%

Content: Research methodology

Method: Simple experimental study (1,500-1,800 words)

Student Responsibilities and Class Procedures:

  • Above all, be respectful!  Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated.  If the situation does arise, I will “respectfully” ask you to leave the class and you will receive a zero for the day. L
  • Say “Hi” to your friends, go to your locker and/or go to the bathroom before class.  In other words, take care of your “stuff” on your own time!  If you are called down to the office, come to class first and ask permission, otherwise you will be marked late.
  • Be on time for class, take your assigned seat and enter the classroom readyto work.
  • Take notes, ask questions, and contribute to all class activities.
  • Complete all readings and assignments on time.
  • We will be using Microsoft Teams to communicate class assignments and to collect most homework and assignments. Be sure to check this site multiple times each day!
  • If work is submitted to Microsoft Teams assignments, DO NOT submit work on Google docs, Sharepoint, or any sharing software that needs permission! Word documents are preferred.
  • Allassignments are expected to be legible, complete, and handed in on time.  Unless otherwise stated, all assignments must be typed or neatly hand-written.  Students MUST demonstrate proper sentence structure, spelling and grammar in all work submitted.  Assignments

WILL NOT be accepted on spiral notebook paper.

  • Occasionally, regularly assigned homework will be graded on a check minus (75%), check (85%), check plus (95%), check plus, plus (100%) scale.  Extremely poor or extremely late work will not be accepted or may receive a lower grade.  Regularly assigned work not handed in on the assigned date is considered late and will not be accepted after 3 days.  The complete grading policy will be discussed in class.  Most written assignments will receive a number grade with comments.
  • No food or drinks will be permitted in class (Only bottled water).
  • The school attendance policy will be strictly enforced (16 absences for a full year course). 

A Special Note on Your Notebook/Portfolio:

  • Your notebook/portfolio is a very important part of IB Psychology.   You are required to purchase a 3” three-ringed binder to be used exclusively for this class.  Binders should contain loose-leaf paper, section dividers and pockets for handouts.  Your notebook will serve as a portfolio which you will utilize in preparation for the IB exam.  I will also be reviewing your notebook from time to time.