Psychology 11 is considered an elective, and is increasing in popularity both within highschools and post-secondary institutions. The discipline of Psychology is essentially the process of understanding why we act the way that we do. It considers all facets of human nature from fetal and child development through to gerontology. It examines norms, deviance and who determines acceptability. It analyzes what happens when someone decides that a behavior is wrong and how that behavior is "rectified." Psychology also trys to reconcile how different aspects of our lives impact our minds, and looks at substances, illness, developmental issues, and how we respond to others. Psychology and psychologists attempt to understand both the "whys" and "hows" of behavior. It is largely based on the individual (sociology examines the dynamics of groups), and attempts to answer the age old questions of "Who am 1?" Psychology 11 is comprehensive, in that it aims to touch on as many of the aspects of the discipline that time will allow as a way to give students their broadest understanding of the nature of the subject.
Although this course does not necessarily have a set of learning outcomes that must be achieved, I will be basing much of the course on the Ministry Approved textbook Understanding Psychology. Although I will use this as my foundation, in no way will I rely soley on the textbook. Much of the course materials will be locally developed and will vary according to the interest of the students and the direction of the class. A large portion of the class will be devoted to discussion and analysis. I do not assign homework for the sake of assigning homework, but if students cannot finish work in class, they will be expected it to finish it at home. By and large, I try to give as much time as possible for in-class work, as I know students lead busy lives, however choosing not to work in my class is not an option either. A large portion of my class time is devoted to discussion and verbal analysis, as I truly believe that 30 brains are better than 1. I consider it a successful teaching day when a student has provided me with an insight or point of clarification that I had not recognized before (which happens more readily than perhaps I should admit). |