Course Description
See Reviews of Instructor Bonnie Gonzalez
Students may join this class already in progress for second semester.
This live graded online psychology class for high school students is aligned with the CLEP psychology exam.
Have you ever awakened from a nightmare and wondered why you had such a frightening dream? Have you ever become depressed or anxious and wondered whether you will ever feel normal? Ever thought about what triggers your bad mood? Or, considered why in some situations you have perfect self-control and at other times feel so out of control? Our study of general psychology will answer questions like these about our behavior – how and why we think, feel and act as we do. Through an investigation of the topics of neuroscience, the nature and nurture of development, sensation and perception, methods of learning, memory, intelligence, motivation, emotion, personality and psychological disorders you will learn about both historical and contemporary perspectives in the field of psychology.
Course Structure
This is a highly interactive class which includes participation in two live components per week– a one-hour live lecture where the instructor will present concepts which are covered in corresponding chapters, and a live chat time where students will be seeing psychology in action through web presentations and videos of classic psychological studies. Students will have opportunity to ask questions and interact with the instructor during both live sessions and discussion is encourage. Although both of the live components will be available throughout the year for downloading, students are encouraged to participate in the live sessions.
Assignments for the class will include chapter tests and essays; completion of sample ‘psychological assessments’, performing classical and operant conditioning experiments and building a virtual brain and nervous system A final project of designing and implementing a mini- research study using class participants will further assist the student in learning about research into the field of psychology. Using the experimental method the student will learn to develop a survey, to understand the basics of correlational research, to use simple descriptive statistics, and to complete an experimental write-up of their project.
This class will include two live components. A live lecture which meets 1 hour per week, and a live chat which also meets for 1 hour per week. The live lecture includes a question and answer session. Live chats allow discussion of videos and concepts which are covered in the class. Both utilize the Zoom platform.
Who should enroll?
This class is for high school students who are looking for an interactive class, and are interested in learning about behavior. Qualified students will spend about 4- 6 hours per week on this class. This accounts for reading the assigned texts, answering multiple-choice questions, writing essays, discussing class work and participating in the weekly online chats and live lectures.
Technology Requirements:
- High speed, broadband Internet
- Sound card and microphone (for live sessions)
- Streaming video capabilities to watch recorded lectures
Evaluation and Feedback
Students and parents will receive weekly email updates regarding topics we are covering, assignments and readings which are due for the week. Work will be graded within a week from the due date of the assignment. In addition to the regular work for the class, there are also several optional assignments where students can earn extra credit in the class. My grading policy is liberal. It is my goal in this class to have the students learn the concepts and give them the opportunity to earn the grade which they would like. I also respond to communication via email within a 24 hour time period.
Communication
Parents can feel free to context me via email with any questions about the class. Registration is open to all students in 9 – 12 grade. Applications to the class can be sent to me via email, and I will respond to the applications within 24 hours of receipt.
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