Subject to change

Advanced Placement Psychology Course Goal  To learn about the field of psychology through in- depth study, discussion and hands-on activities. Textbook  Psychology; Seventh Edition by Dr. David Myers  Worth Publishers; New York, NY 2004 Recommended Supplies  Lecture Notebook  Writing utensils  Additional supplies may be required; the instructor will give enough advanced notice for these materials. Special Notes  Recommended that the student take the AP Test at the end of this year in May. Exam fee is around $85.00

Course Objectives  The AP Psychology course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice  Students will prepare to do acceptable work on the AP Psychology Examination.  Students will study the major core concepts and theories of psychology. They will be able to define key terms and use them in their everyday vocabulary.  Students will understand some of the explorations and discoveries made by psychologists to move psychology from a philosophy to more of a science.  Students will learn the basic skills of psychological research and be able to apply psychological concepts to their own lives.  Students will develop critical thinking skills.

Testing & Homework Expectations  Grading will completed on a point system. We will follow the schools guidelines for the grade by percentages. Items that can be part of the assessment process include:  Unit, Cumulative and Semester Exams ◦ Exams can include such testing items such as multiple choice questions, chart & graph applications, short answers and essays.  Homework  Classroom work ◦ This will include lecture notes as well as any in-class activity that requires follow up assignments  Class discussion and participation  Projects (any type of possible research activity)  Quizzes and other forms of assessments

 Exams = 60% of grade  Class work = 20% of grade  Projects = 20% of grade NO LATE WORK WILL BE EXCEPTED

A90%-100% B80%-89% C70%-79% D60%-69% F59% below

Assessment of Projects  1 st Semester-1 st Quarter – Students will complete an individual project around one major figure in the development of Psychology as a science. Names for figures come from the AP Psychology Acorn book.  1 st Semester-2 nd Quarter-Students will complete a group project applying their knowledge of the brain to something representative of the brain.  2 nd Semester-3rd Quarter – Students will complete an experiment to see if they can modify a behavior in three weeks, then analyze the data and report out on this date.  2 nd Semester – In groups, students will develop their own research project, carry out the project and complete both an oral and written report.