F.D. Roosevelt High School
Advanced Placement Psychology
Mr. Fuller
Room 500
Requirements:
Motivated juniors and seniors in good academic standing with a serious interest in pursuing a career and educational path that involves psychology are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement Psychology course. Expectations are high and students must be willing to accept the challenges of a college level psychology course. Students are expected to prepare for and successfully complete the AP Psychology exam.
Expectations:
You are taking this class to prepare for the AP Psychology exam. As such, the content and rigor of this course will far exceed that of the standard Introduction to Psychology and Topics in Psychology courses offered at FDR.
The AP exam consists of a 70 minute 100 question multiple choice test and a 50 minute 2 question free – response section.
You must score a 3 on a 1-5 scale in order to receive course credit.
Your goal should be to aim for a 5!!! If this is not your goal, you may wish to consider the non AP version of Psychology.
Homework will be an essential component of this course. You must keep up with all reading and research assignments. Most readings will be from the textbook and supplement but, additional articles and research tasks will be assigned. It is expected that reading is completed so that you are prepared for in class discussion.
Course Description:
This course addresses the principles of psychology, which is the study of mental processes and behavior. The scope of psychology is broad; therefore this course serves as an introduction to the theories, methodology, biological bases, research and leading pioneers and research in the field of psychology. Areas of focus include psychological perspectives, research methodology, social psychology, neuroscience / biopsychology, learning, nature / nurture and development, sensation and perception, cognitive psychology (memory, thinking, problem solving, intelligence testing), emotion, motivation, stress, personality, psychological disorders, and treatment.
Course Objectives:
To learn about psychology and critical thinking
To become familiar with basic psychological terminology
To encourage thinking about learning and the different components of cognition (attention, memory, language, social cognition, etc…)
To identify personal strengths and weaknesses and discover ways to maximize strengths and compensate for weaknesses
To develop an understanding of the scientific methods used in psychological research
To research, create, and present a student led discussions on several psychology related topics including perspectives, enduring issues, psychological disorders, and treatment
To recognize, tolerate, respect, and celebrate individual differences in learning and behavior
To participate in worthwhile activities and discussions along the way
To get a 5 on the AP Psychology exam