1. Mr. Cass Florida SouthWestern Collegiate High School Psychology
Mr. Cass Florida SouthWestern Collegiate High School Psychology *** Syllabus Highlights and Imperatives
Maturity in this type of class is imperative.
The importance of being able to discuss issues in this class openly with each other is imperative.
The importance of being able to listen to your classmates with an open-mind is imperative.
The importance of everyone feeling comfortable in our learning environment is imperative.
Part of creating that environment involves sharing things with each other and getting to know one another.
In this class, you will hopefully learn something about yourself, or, at least validate your beliefs
In doing so, you be able to apply content and Psychological theories in a more meaningful way in AND out of class.

2. Class Philosophy Project based introductory course
Will allow you to describe, explain, and predict human behavior by identifying the possible “how’s” and “why’s” of individual behavior(s)
Will gain a knowledge of, and respect for, cultural differences and social norms.

3. Homework?
Homework: Traditional, nightly homework is rarely given, although you DO have homework every night such as:
Reading and annotating all chapters and sections listed below in your course outline.
Completing projects and essays/reflections

4. NOTEBOOK/BINDER The notebook/binder is your life raft.
Provides a study resource of reading and class/lecture notes
Provides an organizational strategy
This “binder” is your class notebook.
Keep syllabus and all returned work
NOTE: Quizzes and tests may AT ANY TIME be open notes.

5. Tests and Quizzes Assessments:
Tests and quizzes (MC and FRQ style)
Film analysis through reflections/essays
Application activities
Research projects
Your chapter tests’ multiple choice questions come DIRECTLY from the information found within the text.
Test FRQs (Free Response Questions) will also be derived from the information and vocabulary within the chapters you read plus documentaries/video lectures, and PowerPoint presentations (lectures).

6. TOP 10 WRITING ERRORS Note: This is not in the syllabus 1 point deduction/error that is BOLDED below
Not capitalizing proper nouns such as countries, concepts/theories, Psychologists, etc.
Starting a sentence with a lower case letter
Not following basic APA formatting when instructed

7. Assignment Policy I do not give full credit for late work.
All work is due on the assigned date. A letter grade - per day will be deducted until assignment is completed.
After the fourth day, a ZERO will be logged in FOCUS
NOTE: If you are present when work is assigned, the work is due ON THE DAY you return.
I will allow two days after an excused absence to make up missed work.
If you are absent, it is your responsibility to obtain missed assignments and information from either me or a trusted classmate. To get missed work, you may reach me at the address.
Makeup tests/quizzes and quizzes will be taken after school upon student’s return. The test WILL be different from the test given on the assigned date. The test/quiz will be the same content – but a different format.

8. Class Procedures
Enter the room quietly, professionally, and respectfully.
Do not come behind my desk unless asked – thank you.
I do not tolerate cell phone usage, electronic device usage (unless instructed to do so)
Cell phones must be turned off and placed in the crate by the front door at the start of class. You may take your phone at the end of class.
“Do Now” activities will occur daily throughout the year.
This means you should be answering the question on the screen – not talking – upon arrival.
Bathroom breaks are allowed after the first 10 minutes of class and NOT allowed 10 minutes before the end of class.
One person may leave at a time.
The bell does not release you; I release you.
NOTE: Because of the nature of the class, there will be times in which you will be expected to work independently – IN CLASS while researching or writing – as if we were in a library, thus respect for others by remaining quiet AND NOT leaving the room is not only expected, but required.

9. Course Outline
Course Outline: Note: chapters and assignments may be added or subtracted depending on time and pace of class and year.
Unit I:
Chapter/section 1.1, 1.2 (2 weeks)
Chapters/section 3.2, 3.3, 4.2, 4.3, 9.3 (2 weeks)
Related sub-sections: Ch. 7.1, 14.2, 14.3 (2 weeks)
Film study: Rebel Without a Cause
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Unit II
Chapter/section 16.1, 16.3, 16.4
Film study: Sybil
Chapter/section 19.1, 19.2 (2 weeks)
Chapter/section 20.2, 20.3 (2 weeks)
Final review (week of December 5th)

10. Websites to Favorite and Email
Mr. Cass’s class website:
APA writing format site

11. What is APA?
APA stands for American Psychological Association and is the writing style most commonly used to cite sources within the social sciences. 
How to links:
Sample paper format link:
All reflections and essays must have the following proper APA:
Title page with proper inclusion of each element
Running header
Abstract when announced (for essays, not reflections)
Proper in-text citations
Reference page (NOTE: This not labled Work Cited)
References is the “title” of your bibliography
On ALL other work that is typed or for tests, please follow this guideline for identifying your work:
Your name
FSWC (include on formal papers only)
My Name
Psychology (include chapter test or name of assignment)
Traditional Date

12. IMPORTANT NOTE: Please read the last page of the syllabus, sign, and return by Monday, 15 August 2015 for 2 bonus points. Points will NOT be awarded after Friday, but all expectations and policies will be upheld.
Please sign that you and your parents have read and understand the information above. Return this page (the last of the syllabus) with signatures and place the rest of this syllabus in the front portion of your binder for future reference.
I have read and understand the expectations, procedures, and obligations I have in Mr. Cass’s class.
_______________________ ____________________________
Student name (print) Student signature and date
_______________________________
Parent(s) Signature(s) and date