Philosophy One will provide an in-depth understanding to the major issues in the field of Philosophy. Students will not only study the historical development of Philosophy, but they will also become philosophers themselves. Over the course of this semester, we will be discussing major philosophical questions as well as learning from history’s greatest philosophers. The final goal of this course is for students to be able to analyze the world around them and to develop their own answers to life’s important questions.
This course will study several major units including: an understanding of what philosophy is, how do we know things, rational arguments, major philosophical ideas and major doctrinal debates. Regular reading assignments will be given to students covering both the textbook as well as additional outside material. Students will have twice-weekly journal entries due covering a variety of topics to encourage them to reflect upon the questions presented in class. These journals will be submitted online. Each semester will include two major (3-5 page) papers; the topics and rubrics for these papers will be given to students several weeks in advance. Essay tests will be given twice a month to check student understanding of the material; more frequent quizzes will be given to students, often without warning.
Psychology One will provide an in-depth understanding of the scientific field of Psychology. Students will gain an understanding of the evolution of psychology as a science as well as psychology’s understanding of human behavior. Psychology focuses on the questions: why do humans act the way we do? What motivates us? Why do we become the people we are?
This course will study several major units including the origins of the field of psychology, historical development of psychology, bio-psychology, learning, sensation, perception, consciousness, development, societal, personality, psychological disorders and treatment. Regular textbook reading assignments will be given. Students are required to take notes on all readings and may be required to complete reading homework. Tests will be given twice a month to check student understanding of the material; tests will include an essay as well as a multiple choice section. More frequent quizzes will be given to students, often without warning. Students will also be required to complete several projects; rubrics will be given for these projects in advance.
Necessary Supplies:
A three ring binder, Loose leaf notebook paper , Eight binder dividers, A packet of index cards
It is expected that students be organized and dedicate themselves to the learning of the course material. While not always easy, philosophy is a rewarding subject. Students who need extra help or support must inform the teacher so arrangements can be made. Students must keep their personal work organized in their binders, even after the completion of a unit. Students are expected to complete all reading assignments, journal entries, homework, classwork and papers.
CLASSROOM RULES
Student Behavior:
Students are expected to behave respectfully at all times as well as to follow all classroom and school rules. Students are expected to concentrate on philosophy in class, completing other work or studying for other classes is not permitted. Students are also not permitted to eat or drink in class, all food must be kept in the student’s backpack. Un-authorized food or drink will be confiscated and thrown away. Students must have permission to leave the classroom during class time and must be given the appropriate pass by the teacher.
Attendance Policy:
Students are expected to attend classes except in cases of personal illness or approved activities. Students with excused absences are permitted to turn in previous work on the day the student returns to school. Students will be required to complete any make-up tests on the day they return. The policy regarding multi-day absences will be decided on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the number
of days a student was absent.
Tardy Policy:
Students are expected to enter the classroom before the first bell. When the second bell begins, students must be in their seat working on the bell-ringer activity. If students enter the classroom after the second bell, they will be considered tardy. At this point, the students must go to the main office to receive a tardy pass. The first tardy will receive a warning. Please note that the student must always apologize to their fellow students for interrupting class with their tardiness. The second tardy will result in a lunch detention. The third tardy will result in an afterschool detention. The fourth tardy will result in an at-
home suspension.
Late-Work Policy:
In most cases late work will not be accepted. Major papers and projects may be turned in late with a 10% per day penalty. This means, that if a paper is out of 100 points, each day the paper is late, a student will forfeit 10 points. Homework assignments, classwork, journal entries will not be accepted late.
Technology in the Classroom:
While technology will be used on various occasions, it is up to the discretion of the teacher to authorize use of that technology. Electronic devices cannot be used to record class or take notes. The teacher will mention one class period in advance when students will be using their ipads or computers. Students are not permitted to use their cellphones for any reason. All cellphones will be automatically confiscated and given to the main office.
English Policy:
Speaking English is encouraged in the classroom at all times. Any assigned work must be completed in English to receive credit.
Academic Ethics and Plagiarism:
Students are expected to maintain the highest degree of academic ethics. It is prohibited to plagiarize in any assignment- meaning students are not permitted to knowingly or unknowingly copy the work of others without properly crediting information. Especially for the two semester papers, students must not copy the work of others and pass it off as their own. Likewise, copying from others during quizzes or tests is not permitted. Plagiarized work will receive an automatic zero and will be referred to the Office of Academic Affairs.
DISCIPLINE AND CONSEQUENCES
Please see the Parent handbook for a more-thorough explanation of school rules and school-wide consequences. When a student breaks a classroom rule, they will receive a same-day lunch detention. The second violation of the rule will result in an after school detention. All after school detentions will be given one day after the violation. Third violation of a rule will result in a Friday office detention. When students are having behavior problems in class, the teacher may contact the parent to set up a parent meeting or to email a parent.
