The documentary evidence

Kotowicz begs to differ:

However, after examining closely the accounts of Phineas Gage as given by the doctors who knew him, Harlow and Bigelow, one must conclude that the supposed psychopathic traits are not evident.

The drastic discntinuity was not so much between Phineas Gage pre- and post-tamping rod but between Phineas Gage (1823-1860) and the lecture room legend.

What we can learn from contemporary accounts of Gage’s post-trauma life is this: For a while after the accident, he drifted, and even ended up briefly in P. T. Barnum’s freak show, exhibiting himself and the tamping rod. But he then settled down and worked a year and a half in a stable. Later, he went with a friend to Valparaiso in Chile where he cared for horses and drove a coach and six for eight years.

Kotowicz points out the obvious,

Working in stables is not a job for a psychopath. Horses are very sensitive and they require discipline and calm; they have to be attended to regularly, seven days a week, and work begins early.

He suffered from an addiction to prescription painkillers as well as alcoholism in an attempt to get the pain of his concussion to go away. Unfortunately, a combination of the two lead to his death on May 13, 2011. His parents asked that his brain be donated to the Boston University School of Medicine for further research in helping people understand the personality changes that are part and parcel with chronic traumatic encephalopathy. This degeneration of the brain is caused by repeated trauma and concussions. Several notable athletes’ families have donated their loved ones’ brains to this center for further study.

Football players and hockey enforcers are at the greatest risk of developing this – Derek Boogaard’s family was told that if he had lived to the age of 40, he could very well have suffered from dementia. For Boogaard’s story, and some outstanding video interviews with the scientists who worked to discover the problem (as well as with his family and fellow NHL players), The New York Times has an outstanding three-part series on the Boogeyman.

These’ll be back up after the quiz is compete.

Remember, if it’s valuable, don’t bring it in – just bring a picture. If you’d like to bring it that’d be swell, but either one is acceptable.

World History Syllabus

AP Psychology Syllabus

Please keep in mind that this does NOT include your term paper for world history guidelines. Please download those from the link on the right.

1. Be prepared. Always have your notebook, textbook, homework assignments, assignments for the current day’s class, and anything else required. Pencils, pens, and paper may or may not be on hand. Plan accordingly.
2. There will be notes given daily. This will help hone your note-taking skills for your college years. Please refrain from disrupting your classmates’ lecture (in World History) by shouting out… but please ask questions! Just raise your hand first.
3. Homework will be collected at the beginning of the class at which it is due – please place it in the appropriate tray for your period. I will put graded work in the “out” trays – pick it up when you can.
4. Homework/assignments for that day must be printed out before you get to class. No exceptions. With the construction and where my trailer is, it is impossible for you to run and print things.
5. ALWAYS complete the readings/study guides – you are responsible for the material once it is presented.
6. I do NOT enjoy getting late work. You will lose 10% of the overall point total for each day late, unless you have an excused absence.
7. If you need help, please come talk to me before or after class. I always have an open-door policy and am willing to help you, but I don’t have ESP. PLEASE tell me if you need a hand.
8. ALWAYS do your best on projects, tests, and papers. This is an honors/AP class, and my expectations are high!