Psychology and Sociology Course Contract
11th grade
Universal College of Aley 2005-2006
Ms. Jane Rubio
In the first semester Psychology course, we will explore the questions: "Why do people act the way they do in specific situations?" and "How can people change their behaviors?" In the second semester Sociology course, we will explore the questions: “How are people’s behaviors and personalities determined by their societies?” and “Why are societies structured in different ways?”
This course will be set up in a seminar format, based on reading, writing, discussions, and presentations. A high level of critical thinking and analysis will be expected. Through projects and experiments, you will learn how to conduct effective research.
“Research is the process of critical thinking and solving problems. It is this ability that sets humans apart from all other forms of living things. Research is simply the use of the human mind to search for and seek answers or, as some would say, to search for the ‘truth’. Research is what a person does to find answers.”
Materials:
You need to bring these to class everyday.
• Journal –a spiral notebook
• 3 ring binder with dividers or an accordian folder
• Textbook— Psychology: Principles in Practice (first semester) and Sociology: The Study of Human Relationships (second semester)
• Writing utensils—pens, pencils with erasers, rulers
Grading:
25% Double-entry Journal, includes classwork, homework, discussion notes, and lecture notes. Expect at least 30 minutes of homework every night.
25% Portfolio, includes all drafts and rubrics
25% Projects, includes class presentations
25% Tests
Cheating will not be tolerated. If you are giving or receiving answers, you will receive a 0 on the assignment. You will also write a note home that must be acknowledged having been read by your parents.
Make-up Work and Late Work:
No late homework will be accepted in this class. On major assignments, you will be penalized 10% per day for each day it is late. If you have an excused absence the day a major assignment is due, you must turn it in the day you return to school.
If you are absent, it is your responsibility to maintain the journal and writing portfolio up to date, by copying the notes from a classmate. If you miss a quiz or a test, you have to come during lunch or the break to make it up or it will count as a 0. You will be permitted at least one day to make-up work for each day of absence.
Expectations of the Student:
1) Be seated and ready to work when the bell rings.
2) Raise your hand and wait to be called on.
3) Raise your hand and ask for permission to get out of your seat.
4) Clean up after yourself.
5) Actively participate in the class.
6) Respect your peers, your teacher, your class, your school, and YOURSELF.
Expectations of the Teacher:
1) Be prepared for class.
2) Communicate expectations clearly with students and parents.
3) Enforce the school rules, such as wearing the proper uniform, no caps in the building, no food or drink in the classroom, no gum, and no electronic equipment.
4) Establish and maintain a clean, safe work environment.
5) Respect students, staff, the class, and the school.
Expectations of the Parent:
1) Be involved.
2) Write note acknowledging “Plan of Action” or incidences of cheating.
Classroom Procedures:
What to do if:
1) you need a pencil, paper, etc. —Always come prepared for class. But if there is an unexpected emergency, like your pen runs out of ink, ask your neighbor quietly without interrupting the other students or the teacher.
2) you need a tissue —Raise your hand, and I will pass you a tissue.
3) you have to throw away a tissue (or anything else) —Keep all the trash at your desk and in the last few minutes of class, you will gather up all the trash in and around your desk and straighten your desk and chair before you leave.
4) you have to go to the bathroom —If it is an emergency, I will give you a hall pass. You must return quickly. If you stay too long or have too many emergencies, you will lose your privilege of leaving the room to use the bathroom.
To contact me:
Please feel free to e-mail me at janerubio@yahoo.com. You can also call me at the school office, 05-556-665, and leave a message.
Student: I have read the course contract and understand it. I will honor it.
Signature: __________________________________ Date: ______________________
E-mail:_____________________________________
Parent/Guardian: My child has discussed the course contract with me. I understand it and will support it.
Signature: __________________________________ Date: ______________________
Phone #:_________________________ E-mail: ______________________________
Teacher: I will be fair and consistent in adhering to the course contract.
Signature: __________________________________ Date: ______________________
