Course Syllabus

Advanced Placement Psychology

Instructor: Mrs. Johnson

Classroom 206N

Office 204N (718) 721 7200 ext 227

Email mjohnson@stjohnsprepschool.org

Website: http://sites.google.com/site/mjsevensins

Course Purpose:

This 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 sub-fields within psychology. They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice. The goals are:

1. To provide the scope and level of academic rigor and accomplishment expected in a College introductory psychology course.
2. To instill knowledge, skills, and perspectives that can have important personal and social consequences
3. To prepare for and take the AP Psychology Exam in May, possibly scoring well enough to qualify for college credit.

This course is equivalent to the Introduction to Psychology course at most colleges. It is designed to prepare students for the College Board Advanced Placement Psychology examination. Topics covered in this class include research methodology and statistics, brain anatomy and function, sensory processes, perceptual abilities, consciousness, learning, development, motivation, emotion, personality theory, testing, abnormal behavior and its treatment, and social psychology

Textbooks:

• Psychology: AP Edition by Philip G. Zimbardo
• Forty Studies That Changed Psychology: Explorations into the History of Psychological Research, by Roger R. Hock (Assigned Readings)
• Psychology by Robert A. Baron (In the classroom)
• Updated research and information will be given in class and other college psychology texts, videos, video clips, case studies, and Internet resources

Students Should Purchase the Barron's AP Psychology:

(Book & CD-ROM) (Paperback) by the end of the first cycle. This is available at Barnes and Noble, Borders, as well at Amazon

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Students are to

1. Gain a better understanding of themselves by analyzing human behavior

2. Discover new ways to interpret their behavior

3. Develop practical applications for enriching their life

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

A. Materials -

· A large notebook with pocket folders / binder should be brought to class everyday

Textbook: Psychology: AP Edition by Philip G. Zimbardo is to be left at home

· Highlighter for notes and colored pencils

B. Grade Assessment for the year is based on

• Tests (one test per unit)
• Reading/ Study Guide Homework packets
• Projects /Experiments
• Video Clips
• Daily agendas and homework information are available on the web page
• Class Partipation

C. The Midterm and Final Exam equals 20% of your overall average

D. All students will take the AP Exam

Depending on your score will determine the allocation of credit. For more information go to the College Board Website listed on my webpage.

E. Course Outline: The course outline is available on the website with a breakdown of each chapter and the allocation of questions found on previous AP Exams

F. Parents Teacher’s Night: Keep these dates available

Thursday, October 4 6-8pm

Thursday, December 6 6-8pm

Thursday, March 7 6-8pm

Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself.

- Chinese Proverb