Psychology

Psychology

“We know what we are, but not what we might be.” –
Ophelia, in Shakespeare’s Hamlet

“The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind.” William James

Most of society’s challenging problems—including crime, poverty, prejudice, violence, and environmental sustainability— are related to human attitudes, values, and behavior. Psychology informs our understanding of these problems and their solutions. Defined as the scientific study of the mind and behavior, Cadets in this course will gain an understanding of the complexities and diversity of human thought and behavior – skills that can be applied to their own lives, and those around them.

The Course is broken up into 5 Units, or “domains” –
Unit 1 – Scientific Inquiry
Unit 2 – Biology in Psychology
Unit 3 – Development and Learning
Unit 4 – Personality and Motivation
Unit 5 – Abnormal Psychology

Disclosure and Course Calendar (with Assignments, Due Dates, and Notes) Below:

A few key reminders:

  • The Link for “live stream” is https://meet.google.com/czq-dfhi-xrj
  • A recording for the beginning of each class (TO INCLUDE THE JOURNAL QUESTION) will be posted.
    That recording WILL include entire lectures, activities, or projects, but NOT quizzes, tests, etc.
  • While lectures will be recorded and streamed, the PDF versions of each PPT is also available on the schedule.
  • Direct any questions to MAJ Curtis at jcurtis@utahmilitaryacademy.org

PSYCHOLOGY – A Day Schedule – Fall 2026*

Wednesday, Aug 19 – Classroom Orientation / Disclosure (DUE AUG 24)

Friday, Aug 21 – NOTES – Day 1 – What is Psychology

Monday, Aug 24 – NOTES – Day 2 – Methods and Problems in Experimentation

Wednesday, Aug 26QUIZ – S.I. and Methods of Experimentation (DUE Sep 2)

Monday, Aug 31 – NOTES – Day 3 – Tools of Experimentation

Wednesday, Sep 2 – Variables Handout (DUE Sep 9)

Friday, Sep 4 – Classroom Observations (and Handout)

Wednesday, Sep 9 – NOTES – Day 4 – Interpreting Results

Friday, Sep 11 – Study Guide – Psychology Basics (DUE Sep 16)

Monday, Sep 14 – Finish Study Guide / JEOPARDY / Review For Test

Wednesday, Sep 16 – TEST – Psychology Basics (DUE Sep 23) / Extra Credit Article

Monday, Sep 21 – NOTES – Day 1 – Biology and Neurons

Wednesday, Sep 23 – Taste Test Activity

Monday, Sep 28 – NOTES – Day 2 – Hormones

Wednesday, Sep 30 – Quiz – Neurons and Hormones (DUE Oct 5)

Friday, Oct 2  – NOTES – Day 3 – The Brain

Monday, Oct 5 – Study Guide – Biological Psychology (DUE Oct 12)

Wednesday, Oct 7 – Finish Study Guide / Jeopardy / Review for Test

Monday, Oct 12 – TEST – Biological Psychology (DUE Oct 21) / Extra Credit – Split Brain

Wednesday, Oct 14 – NOTES – Day 1 – Conditioning and Learning

Fall Break Oct 15-16

End Term 1 (20 days)

.

Wednesday, Oct 21 – QUIZ – Conditioning and Learning

Friday, Oct 23 – NOTES – Day 2 – Methods of Learning

Monday, Oct 26 – Special Halloween Lesson – Psychology of Fear

Wednesday, Oct 28 – NOTES – Day 1 – Personality

Monday, Nov 2 – Personality Tests (DUE Nov 11)

Wednesday, Nov 4 – NOTES – Day 2 – Motivation

Monday, Nov 9 – QUIZ – Personality and Motivation (DUE Nov 13)

Wednesday, Nov 11 – NOTES – Day 3 – Defense Mechanisms

Friday, Nov 13 – Study Guide – Personality and Motivation (DUE Nov 18)

Monday, Nov 16 – Finish Study Guide / Jeopardy / Review for Test

Wednesday, Nov 18 – TEST- Personality and Motivation (DUE Dec 2) / Extra Credit Personality Test 

Thanksgiving Break Nov 23-27

Monday, Nov 30 – Final Project Work / Handout / Possible Topics (DUE Dec 8)

Wednesday, Dec 2 – Final Project Work / Topics and Schedule Fall 2026

Monday, Dec 7 – Final Project Presentations / Topics and Schedule Fall 2026

Wednesday, Dec 9 – Final Project Presentations / Topics and Schedule Fall 2026

Friday, Dec 11 – Final Project Presentations / Topics and Schedule Fall 2026

Monday, Dec 14 – Final Project Presentations / Topics and Schedule Fall 2026

Wednesday, Dec 16 – Ten Rules for Life (Final Lesson)

Winter Break Dec 18-Jan 3

End Term 2 / Semester 1 (18 days)

*SUBJECT TO CHANGE (Changes will be updated weekly on class website and Canvas)

Direct any questions to MAJ Curtis at jcurtis@utahmilitaryacademy.org