Course Description
The AP Psychology course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. While considering the psychologists and studies that have shaped the field, students explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with such topics as the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation, developmental psychology, testing and individual differences, treatment of abnormal behavior, and social psychology. Throughout the course, students employ psychological research methods, including ethical considerations, as they use the scientific method, analyze bias, evaluate claims and evidence, and effectively communicate ideas.
Teacher approval is required. This is based on past performance in English and history courses. Students may also be approved based on PreACT or PSAT scores.
In the upcoming school year, the course will be offered during 3rd block as a yearlong 45 minute skinny course.
Students will also have to take either AP Seminar, Research, or Language along with the AP Psych course.
A day in class focuses on class discussion of the previous night's homework. Students can expect to spend about two weeks per unit in the text with 4-5 tests being given per grading period. Tests consist of both multiple choice and free response questions. Each night, students should expect to spend 45-60 minutes on homework.