Advanced Placement Psychology
Course Syllabus
Fall 2010
Teacher: Mr. Quirion
Phone: (978) 567-6250 x0165
Email: ljquirion@hudson.k12.ma.us
Class Blog: appsychologyhhs.blogspot.com
Class Wiki: appsychologyhhs.pbworks.com
Class Grading Website: www.engrade.com
Text: Zimbardo, Phillip G. (2007) Psychology: AP* Edition. 7th Edition. Boston: Pearson, Allyn
and Bacon.
The textbook is available for purchase for $75. Please make all checks out to Hudson High
School. Your textbook must be covered.
Course Description:
In this college level survey class, you will study functions of the brain as they relate to
personality development and human behavior. This will be done through reading, writing, and
discussing both historical and contemporary pieces on topics related to psychology. The course
will include discussions of the ethical issues relating to this field of study, as well as personality
tests for self-assessment.
Critical thinking and both written and verbal communication skills are essential for this
course. Since a main focus of the course is to prepare for the AP exam, the course will be fastpaced (about 1 chapter and test per week), reading and writing intensive, and very challenging
academically. Students should expect to spend at least 10 hours per week outside class working
on homework and class assignments, studying, reading, and preparing for class discussion.
While preparing for the AP exam is a main objective, I also help that as a result of taking this
course, you will gain insight into your own personality and life goals and use this information to
improve the quality of your life.
Our units of study are as follows:
Units of Study:
Chapter 1: Introduction and History of Psychology
Chapter 2: Research Methods
Chapter 3: Biopsychology and the Foundations of Neuroscience
Chapter 4: Sensation and Perception
Chapter 5: States of Consciousness
Chapter 6: Learning
Chapter 7: Cognition
Chapter 8: Emotion and Motivation
Chapter 9: Psychological Development
Chapter 10: Personality
Chapter 11: Testing and Individual Differences
Chapter 12: Psychological Disorders
Chapter 13: Therapy
Chapter 14: Social Psychology
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Students taking this course are required to take the AP exam on May 2, 2011. The cost
of the exam is approximately $80. Study guides for the course are available for $15.
Grading Procedure:
 Participation: 10%
Students will be graded with a participation rubric that is available on our class
wiki.
 Homework and Homework Quizzes: 25%
Homework assignments will vary, and will include, but not be limited to, the
following types of assignments:
1. Vocabulary – Vocabulary is a critical component of both our class exams
and the AP test. Vocabulary lists are due the day of each unit test.
Students should define each of the terms in their own words. Copying
directly from the textbook or from other students will result in a grade of
zero for the assignment. Vocabulary lists will be available on our class
wiki. Students may instead create flashcards for vocabulary lists if they
prefer to do so.
2. Current events reading and comments – A weekly assignment will require
students to read a current events article posted to our class blog
(appsychologyhhs.blogspot.com). Students will then have to provide
meaningful commentary on the blog article. They may respond to other
comments or post original thoughts. Students may register for the blog
with a valid e-mail address.
3. Chapter notes – As part of our chapter reading, students should take notes
on each chapter. Notes can be bulleted or in outline format.
4. Short answer questions – We will occasionally have sets of short answer
questions related to our class discussions.
 Papers and Projects: 25%
Our class will be writing intensive. Papers assigned will need to be in APA
format. We will also utilize several alternative assessment projects throughout the
semester.
 Unit Tests: 40%
Students should expect to be tested at least once a week. The format of our exams
will mimic the AP exam: 40 multiple choice questions and two free response
questions.
Homework Policy of the English/LA-History/Social Studies Department:
Homework is an essential aspect of the learning process and is assigned for the following
purposes:
 To help students improve their understanding of concepts and skills
 To prepare students for the next class session
 To ensure that students read independently and reflect on their readings
 To offer students an alternate form of assessment
 To build a work ethic for the future
Homework will include nightly reading assignments in the text and may also include such tasks
as answering questions, reading of journal articles, vocabulary lists, reviewing notes, studying, or
preparing for class discussions. Homework will sometimes be checked through homework
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quizzes. Since homework quizzes can be expected after any homework assignment, they will be
unannounced.
Cheating and Plagiarism:
Cheating is a serious academic and disciplinary offence. The school’s policy will be
strictly enforced: students guilty of cheating will receive a grade of zero with no opportunity for
make-up. The same policy applies to cheating on a test, quiz, or homework. In addition, school
policy states that students guilty of cheating may be required to serve up to 4 hours at Saturday
school. Parents will always be notified in cases of cheating. Parents may need to attend a
conference with their student and teachers in such cases.
Plagiarism occurs on a spectrum, ranging from the accidental failure to cite a source
appropriately to the deliberate copying of another’s ideas or words without giving credit. As a
result, academic and disciplinary consequences for plagiarism are handled on a case by case
basis. Students will be provided with detailed instruction regarding plagiarism. If a problem
arises, parents, students, other teachers, and administrators will be involved as needed. Instances
of serious plagiarism will be treated in the same manner as cheating.
Classroom Environment:
There are several key ingredients needed to create an environment that is conducive to
learning. The most important of these is respect. This includes respecting each individual’s
opinion, space, and personal property. It is important that you feel free to take risks in the
learning process, to ask the “dumb questions”, and to share ideas freely. Next, it is important
that policies and rules put forth in the school handbook be followed. With these minimal rules
governing our classroom, you should feel physically and emotionally secure, and be able to
learn.
Electronic Devices Policy:
Electronic devices, including cell phones, should always be in silent mode and may be
used only with teacher permission. The used of cell phones or other electronic devices during
class is rude and will not be tolerated. Students who violate this rule a first time will be warned
to put the device away. If a student violates this rule a second time, the student will receive a
participation grade of zero for the entire term. Repeated violation of this rule may result in
referral to the administration.
Materials:
The following materials will assist you in succeeding in the course:
 A three-ring binder for this class only
 Loose leaf paper
 A writing implement at all times
 A highlighter for reading assignment
Extra Help:
I am available for extra help by arrangement. I am available most days after school,
excluding meetings.
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Please read, sign, and date the following statement before returning this single page to teacher.
Keep the syllabus for your reference throughout the year.
I have read and understand the syllabus and know that these policies will be in effect for
the entire school year. If I have any questions regarding this syllabus or this course, they
are listed below.
Student Name (Print)
Date
Student Name (Sign)
Parent/Guardian (Print)
Parent/Guardian (Sign)
Parent/Guardian Daytime Phone #
Parent/Guardian Evening Phone #
Parent/Guardian E-mail
Questions
Questions will be personally responded to as soon as possible.
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