AP Psychology Course Syllabus (2013-2014) Course Objectives This course aims to answer the question: How do psychologists think? A psychologist, David Myers, wrote that to think as a psychologist, one must learn to restrain intuition with critical thinking, judgment with compassion, and illusion with understanding (Sternberg, 1997). Whether you choose to pursue a career related to psychology or not, this habit of mind will be of great value. Our journey will encourage you to explore discoveries made by psychologists over the past century & current research assess the differing approaches adopted by psychologists, including the biological, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, psychodynamic, and socio-cultural perspectives critically analyze like psychologists to understand the world within and around us develop a unique understanding of yourself and others Recipe for Success!* 1. Read the textbook. 2. Make connections with the text, notes, videos, activities, projects, etc. 3. Reflect on how you learn. 4. Find psychology everywhere! 5. Continuously review vocabulary words and concepts (define term and apply) 6. Participate in discussions and demonstrations. 7. Study for timed chapter tests (m/c questions & free responses). -- As you practice, so you play! 8. Think positively. 9. Be curious. Ask why 10. RESPECT yourself, property, peers, & teacher. Practice the Golden Rule. *Please initial to indicate your agreement. The Nuts & Bolts of Class Expect to complete all reading assignments at home. You do NOT need to bring your textbook to class unless told to do so in advance. Class time is for activities, demonstrations, drills, discussions, videos, lectures, and testing. Attendance is a must! There is a direct correlation between poor attendance and poor grades. Please contact classmate or check website for missed assignments/handouts/lectures and important reminders. If you are unable to attend class, please treat this course like an online college class by reviewing lectures and handouts posted for your convenience. Tardies are NOT distinguished behavior. (participation grade will be affected) All assignments are expected at the beginning of class on the original due date. Late work will be worth 50% of original value. A 1-day grace period (due to life s unexpected challenges) is available if you notify me & it s absolutely necessary. All missed tests and quizzes must be taken within 1 week of the original test date. Otherwise, expect a 0. All work should be original & in student s own words. Plagiarism in college can lead to expulsion. All school policies and dress codes will be enforced (refer to Ayala Handbook) Electronic devices are prohibited (IPODS, MP3 players, cell phones, etc.)- These items may not be visible or audible (that means SEEN or HEARD). 1 st offense- get back at the end of the period, 2 nd offense- get back at the end of the day, 3 rd offense- sent to office Depending on circumstances, students may receive a verbal warning, logical consequence and/or email/phone call home, detention, conference, or referral to administration. Anything that distracts from the learning environment will not be permitted. Necessary Materials A set of colored pens (at least 6) or highlighters A notebook (3-ring binder) A textbook: Psychology, by David G. Myers, 9 th ed. (Worth Publishers, 2010) Recommended but not required: AP Psych test prep
What Will Make for an Optimal Learning Environment* A Safe Place 1. No put downs or disrespectful remarks. I have NO tolerance for intolerance. 2. Speak up if your boundaries are violated. A Work Place 3. You are here to learn and I am here to teach. Don t waste our time. 4. Avoid side talk or expect to be reseated. 5. No food. If you need a snack, ask & you can eat it outside. This is our classroom, not kitchen. A Great Place 6. Challenge your comfort zone. Let s have some fun and risk trust. *Please initial to indicate your agreement. Grading Policy Grades are earned rather than given. Assessments: Tests & Quizzes 60% Assignments 35% Class Participation 5% The Purpose of Taking an AP (Advanced Placement) Course Most colleges and universities in the U.S., as well as colleges and universities in 21 other countries, have an AP policy granting incoming students credit, placement, or both on the basis of their AP Exam grades. Many of these institutions grant up to a full year of college credit (sophomore standing) to students who earn a sufficient number of qualifying AP grades (excerpt from AP Psychology Course Description) Our Commitment to the AP Curriculum & Test We are in this together. You have my promise that I will do everything possible to prepare you for the AP test. This is a college-level course that will move at a college-level pace; nevertheless, your success is my priority and expectation. Here s what I plan to coach you on Content Test Taking Mastery Skills Personal Efficacy/ Confidence Developing a Positive Self-Efficacy 1. I AM NOT MY GRADES. I am much more than any score, letter, or number. I know my own worth. Grades can t measure me. 2. I CAN T COMPARE MY GRADES TO OTHERS. I am like but unlike anyone else in the group. We all have strengths and weaknesses. 3. GRADES DON T SHOW WHAT I VE LEARNED. Only time and experience can tell me what I have really learned and what really counts. 4. I EXPECT PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION. I am a human being; therefore, I am entitled to make many mistakes and learn from them. 5. IF I CHEAT, I CHEAT MYSELF AND OTHERS TOO. If I cheat, I cheat myself out of the chance to grow stronger by challenging myself to succeed or fail on my own. Plus, I miss the opportunity to REALLY learn. AP Psychology AHS Course Syllabus (2013-2014) As your AP Psychology teacher, I will:
show respect and practice equity have high expectations (this is a college level course) cover all 14 content areas & learning objectives to prepare you for the AP exam help & assist if you ask for it, but remember that I am your teacher not your peer (hopefully) instill a passion (or at least an interest) in psychology Academic Honor Code* I will not give nor receive aid in examinations. (This includes use of phones, unpermitted notes, or giving AP Psych students in other periods or classes hints about tests.) I will not give nor receive unpermitted aid in class work, in the preparation of projects, or in any work that is to be used by the instructor as the basis of grading. (That means I won t copy or allow others to copy my work.) I will do my share and take an active part in seeing to it that others, as well as myself, uphold the spirit and letter of this academic honor code. I agree to the terms of the course syllabus & the Academic Honor Code. Student Name Student Signature Date *Taken almost word for word from the Stanford Honor Code. See, I didn t plagiarize. My son/daughter and I have read and discussed the requirements of AP Psychology. My child agrees to the terms of the course syllabus. If I have any comments, concerns, or questions, I will contact the teacher. Parent/Guardian Name Signature Date email best phone # to reach you Resources for Teaching AP Psychology 1) Textbook: Myers, David G. Psychology, 9 th ed. New York: Worth, 2010 with accompanying instructor s resource manual, study guide, and test bank 2) Membership in APA and TOPSS
3) College Board website: AP released exams in Psychology & AP Psych discussion group 4) list serv PSYC-MAJORS (University of Houston & PSYCHTEACHER (Kennesaw State University) 5) supplemental articles and books, such as: Forty Studies That Changed Psychology: Explorations into the History of Psychological Research, 6 th ed; 50 Great Myths of Popular Psychology; The Social Animal; The Story of Psychology; The Norton Psychology Reader 6) a variety of psychology textbooks Assessments Unit Tests Modeled on the AP exam, they will include multiple-choice questions and free responses. Quizzes These will include multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, matching, T/F, or any other appropriate means to gage student knowledge. Finals The exam will be in the format of an AP Exam (multiple-choice and two free responses) but the number of multiple-choice is reduced proportionately to the time available. Semester 1 Final will cover the first five units (Chapters 1-9) & Semester 2 Final will cover the last three units (Chapters 10-16). Assignments Notebooks may include the following: Warm ups- spark interest in a topic or explore prior knowledge Class notes Student reflections Class discussions Demonstrations or activities Projects may include the following: naturalistic observation experimental design behavior modification review of literature internet research psychology book review exploring evidence of psychological principles in everyday social media AP Psychology Course Outline 2013-2014/ Semester 1 Themes Content Area Percentage Goals for Examination (mult. choice) Chapter(s) in Myers Textbook Dates**
Introduction to Psychology & Mechanisms of the Mind I. History and Approaches: A-B 2-4 % Prologue: The Story of Psychology VII. Cognition: A. Memory 8-10% (total) Chapter 8: Memory August 28- September 5 (6) September 6-13 (6) The Science of Psychology: Research & Biology II. Research Methods: A-C 8-10 % III. Biological Bases of Behavior: A-G 8-10 % Chapter 1: Thinking Critically with Psychological Science Chapter 2: The Biology of the Mind & Chapter 4: Nature, Nurture and Human Diversity September 16-30 10/4 PR 6 week October 1-15 Understanding Thought, Language, & Intelligence VII. Cognition: B-D 8-10% (total) Chapter 9: Thinking and Language October 16-30 VI. Learning: A-E 7-9% Chapter 7: Learning October 31- November 14 (10) Human Development over the Lifespan IX. Developmental Psychology: A-F 7-9 % Chapter 5: Developing Through the Life Span 11/15 PR 12 week November 15 December 6 IV. Sensation and Perception: A-D 6-8 % Chapter 6: Sensation & Perception December 9-20 (9.5) Experiencing our World V. States of Consciousness: A-C 2-4 % Chapter 3: Consciousness & the Two- Track Mind January 6-10 (5) Final (Jan 15 pd. 1/3/5 & Jan. 16 pd. 2/4/6) Prologue & Chapters 1-9; Review for Final Exam will be January 13-14 AP Psychology Course Outline 2009-2010 / Semester 2 Themes Acorn Topic Percentage Goals for Examination (mult. choice) Chapter(s) in Myers Textbook Dates* XII. Abnormal Behavior: A-D 7-9 % Chapter 14: Psychological Disorders January 21-31 (9)
Diagnosing & Treating Mental Illness XIII. Treatment of Abnormal Behavior A- C 5-7 % Chapter 15: Therapy February 3-14 (9) The Individual & Society X. Personality: A-C 5-7 % Chapter 13: Personality February 18-28 (9) XI. Testing and Individual Differences: A-E 5-7% Chapter 10: Intelligence March 3- March 12 (8) XIV. Social Psychology: A-H 8-10 % Chapter 16: Social Psychology March 13-28 (12) Making Changes VIII. Motivation and Emotion: A-F 6-8% Chapter 11: Motivation and Work & Chapter 12: Emotion, Stress and Health April 7-18 (9.5) Review for AP Exam April 21- May 2 AP Psych Test is on Monday, May 5 (morning session)