Ms. Romeo
AP Psychology - 1 -
The Advanced Placement course in Psychology is designed to introduce you to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings.
During the course, you will learn about some of explorations and discoveries made by psychologists over the past century. You will also assess some of the differing approaches adopted by psychologists, including the biological, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, psychodynamic and sociocultural perspectives. Most importantly, you will come to an appreciation of how psychologists think. How do psychologists think? The psychologist
David Myers wrote that to think as a psychologist, one must learn to "restrain intuition with critical thinking, judgmentalism with compassion, and illusion with understanding."
(Sternberg, 1997). Whether you choose to pursue a career related to psychology or one in some entirely different field, this habit of mind will be of great value.
Content Outline: The course will provide you with an experience equivalent to that obtained in an undergraduate introductory psychology course. In doing so, you will complete material that most colleges require for taking upper level courses in psychology.
You will also be prepared for the Advanced Placement Examination in Psychology administered in May by the College Board. Note well: GHS policy expects that all AP students take the AP exam. (Many undergraduate institutions recognize the AP program and grant credit or advanced standing to students who have done well in it, but you should check the policies of each college in which you are interested). Course content will be guided by the College Board's Course Outline for AP Psychology.
Required Text:
*Myers, D.G., Psychology (7 th ed.) (2004).
Supplemental Text:
*Pettijohn, T.F., Sources. Notable selections in psychology (3d ed.)
(2000).
You will not need to bring the textbook to class (unless specifically instructed to do so.)
Copies of these and other course materials will be available on reserve in the GHS Media
Center (please see Circulation Desk) and also in the Sheldon House and Bella House
English/Social Studies Learning Centers should you wish to work in school.

Ms. Romeo
AP Psychology - 2 -
Required Materials: You will need to acquire each of the following and bring them to class each day:
* Notebook: a three-ring binder (min. 2" dedicated to this class) works well to keep readings, handouts and, of course, your notes from lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and videotapes.
* Spiral notebook: an 8-1/2" X 11" spiral notebook where you will maintain your own notes on the assigned readings. You are expected to take notes on the nightly readings (the form is up to you). I will periodically check these notes (unannounced) and count the work as a homework grade. You should have these notes out on a daily basis to refer to during class discussion.
Attendance and Make-up Work: As a junior or senior, you will be facing many competing and conflicting demands on your time and energy. It is up to you to manage your obligations in a mature and responsible manner, and your ability to do so will have an impact on your performance in the class. The key to your success is to plan carefully to meet your obligations. When you are having a problem, remember to communicate with your teacher for help in solving it.
Grading and Evaluation: AP Psychology is a full-year honors course. In accordance with
GHS policy:
*your course grade will be calculated as follows:
Quarterly Grades (4):
Final Exam Grade and
Midterm 10% each
Course Grade:
80% (each
20%)
20%
100%
* each quarterly grade will be based on the following Criteria.
Preparation: includes daily assignments and quizzes
(announced and unannounced)
Participation: includes attendance (presence and timeliness), daily class participation, and reflections
Evaluation: includes tests,
"midterm", essays, research and other projects, and oral presentations
One can expect approximately one unannounced quiz per week
(lowest score will be dropped)
All students must contribute to every class. Reflections will be collected during each unit. See attached for grading criteria.
Major tests will be comprised of
50 multiple choice questions a short essay component. One will be given after every unit.
20%
20%
60%

Ms. Romeo
AP Psychology - 3 -
* In accordance with GHS policy, seniors who meet minimum grade and attendance requirements during the year may choose to waive the final exam in June.
Expectations:

This course has been designed with two main purposes in mind: so that you will succeed in college level Psychology courses and so that you will be prepared for the AP Psychology Examination in May. All assignments and assessments are designed to promote your understanding of Psychology and to help you achieve the aforementioned course goals. The pace is rigorous and the load is considerable.
You are strongly advised to keep up with all assignments in a timely and thorough fashion. Make an appointment with the teacher if you would like to seek assistance or guidance with course content.

Tests: Tests will generally be given in class at the end of each major unit and will cover all material addressed in readings and class activities (lectures, discussion, videotapes, etc.). Test questions will be modeled on the AP Psychology Exam, namely multiple choice and short essay format, and will be designed to measure your understanding and ability to apply key terms and concepts. Tests will be cumulative in that there will be included in a few multiple choice questions and possibly in the short essay, concepts from previous units.

Readings: There is a tremendous amount of reading assigned throughout the year, both from the textbooks and beyond. Students are strongly encouraged to interact with the text in order to improve comprehension and retention of the information.
You are required to take notes while reading in your notebook which I will check periodically. In addition, you may find it helpful to make note cards with all new vocabulary, complete a study guide after reading each chapter and visiting the book’s website for practice tests, and review activities at the end of every chapter
(website listed at the end of every chapter). If you choose to read passively without doing the types of things listed above, it is unlikely that you will achieve to your potential in the course or on the AP Exam in May. Those who work hard consistently will do well in the course.
Welcome, and best wishes for a great year!