Teacher: Fred Kral, Ph.D.

Email me: fkral
Call classroom: 415-339-9336
Get info: http://teach.kralsite.com

Course Description

This elective is a survey of the field of psychology. It focuses on topics that provide a foundational understanding of human psychology, in a way that is relevant to the lives of high school students. The course touches on the following topics: the history of psychology, research methods, the biology of psychology, consciousness, genetics and evolution, developmental psychology, gender and sexuality, sensation and perception, learning, memory, thinking, language, intelligence, motivation, emotion, stress, health, personality, psychological disorders, methods of therapy, social psychology, and positive psychology. Students develop both academic and social skills, and have opportunities to increase their awareness of themselves and others. Students conduct research, perform studies, give multimedia presentations, and apply the growing body of knowledge from the natural sciences to the understanding of psychology.

Required text and supplemental materials

Assessment

Homework: assignments, journal entries, and papers. 5 points per assignment
Quizzes: correctness of written responses. 20 points per quiz
End-Semester Assessments: Final examination or final project. 20% of course grade.
In-Class work: positive energy and interest level during in-class work including contributing to discussion, doing activities, volunteering, and working on assignments. Assessed informally. 20 points per week
Commitment to learning: Taking on what is challenging to you, getting help, communicating with the teacher, engaging with the material, and documenting work in the notebook. Assessed informally. 100 points per semester
Projects and Presentations: quality and correctness of written and graphical information and quality of delivery.

40 to 100 points depending on scope

Late work policy and tardy policy

The teacher enters grades once per week on a weekday communicated to the students. Students get credit for late work up to that weekly deadline. Students who are late to class or leave the classroom for an extended time during class receive a maximum of 60% of the day's in-class work credit.

Cell phone and device policy

For your own benefit, I will not tolerate any cell phone use in class. I know you are addicted to multitasking, but your job is to focus only on this class.  Upon entering my class you will drop your cellphones or similar devices into the Device Drop basket. When class is over you can take it when you leave. If you need a calculator, please go to the bookshelf and borrow one.

Class computer use policy

Personal and school computers shall be used for this subject only. The Marin School supports the responsible use of technology on our campus. Students who violate the school Technology Policy, as written in the Parent and Student Handbook, will be expelled from the classroom. This will lead to disciplinary consequences.

Collaboration policy

I encourage study groups. You may work with others (not just students) unless instructed otherwise as long as all of you contribute. It is wise to put the name of each contributing student on an assignment to avoid issues with plagiarism.

 

Come visit or email! – Fred