AP PSYCHOLOGY
COURSE SYLLABUS
EASTSIDE HIGH SCHOOL
Instructor:
Jon Rehm
Room 04-060
Email: rehmjc@gm.sbac.edu
Website: http://eastsideappsych.wikispaces.com/
The most important concept to understand is that this course is a college level
course. It is designed to replace Introduction to Psychology in a student’s freshman year of
college. Students who chose this course should do so with the understanding that only selfmotivated, dedicated, serious students will be successful. Unlike an AP course in literature,
which deals mainly with skills the students must master to discuss an unknown piece of
literature (difficult for other reasons), this class deals with content, content, content. In
order to master that content, students must be self-directed and intrinsically motivated to
succeed. While it will vary for some students, you can expect to spend an average of
7-10 hours outside of class per week preparing for this class.
Course Objective: This course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and
scientific study of the behavioral 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 subfields within psychology. They also learn about the ethics and
methods psychologists use in their science and practice. AP Psychology is designed to be
the equivalent to an introductory college course in psychology.
As listed in the APA High School Program: Statement on the Curriculum for the High
School Psychology Course, the course objectives are listed below:
1. Students should study the major core concepts and theories of psychology. They
should be able to define key terms and to use these terms in their everyday
vocabulary. Students should be able to compare and contrast major theories in
psychology.
2. Students should learn the basic skills of psychological research. They should be able
to devise simple research projects, interpret and generalize from results, and
evaluate the general validity of research reports.
3. Students should be able to apply psychological concepts to their own lives. They
should be able to recognize psychological principles when they are encountered in
everyday situations.
4. Students should develop critical thinking skills. They should become aware of the
danger of blindly accepting or rejecting any psychological theory without careful,
objective evaluation.
5. Students should build their reading, writing, and discussion skills.
6. Students should learn about the ethical standards governing the work of
psychologists. They should maintain high ethical standards and sensitivity in
applying the principles of psychology to themselves, other peoples, and other
organisms.
Text:
Meyers, D.G. (2010.). Psychology for AP. Worth Publishers
Book companion site: http://bcs.worthpublishers.com/myersAP1e/default.asp
Grading System: Your grades will be based on the same tasks you will be asked to perform
on the A.P Exam, namely multiple-choice and essay tests. In addition, 15% of your grade
will be based on participation, class work, and homework (this will include but will not be
limited to such diverse activities as outlines, presentations, book reviews, and diagrams):
Multiple-choice tests:
Essay tests:
Quizzes/Class work:
Homework:
40%
30%
15%
15%
Readings, Podcasts, and Discussions: Basic information, concepts, and research
methodology will be presented in podcasts and in the text. Listen to the podcasts and do
the reading before you come to class so that you will be prepared to ask interesting
questions and contribute good ideas to the discussions. Remember: Research by cognitive
and educational psychologists demonstrates that you are more likely to understand and
remember things if you have discussed them with others. The class period is an
opportunity for you, other students, and me to ask questions and assist your understanding
of course concepts, and to practice applying these concepts to practical situations.
Tests: Each quarter we will have two to three each of these types of tests. These tests are
not easy. One simple reading of the chapter without study won't do it. You must keep up
with the reading and podcasts or you will not make it. Essay tests will come from
previous AP Exam essay questions. Some will be done in class and some at home.
Because this is an AP course, you will probably find it more difficult to earn top grades in
this class than most courses that you have taken before. In general, students find the course
to be very difficult at first, but do better as the year progresses. Setting a high standard has
several tangible benefits for students. You will learn a great deal of psychology, you will be
better prepared for college, and you will be ready to excel on the AP Psychology Exam.
Course Content: Please note that this is a college level course in psychology. Therefore
the course contains content applicable to such a college offering. This includes the
coverage of mature material, video’s and possibly the use of scenes from movies rated R.
This material will only be used to further knowledge of the subject and will not be used
gratuitously. In all discussions students are expected to use proper scientific and
psychological names at all times. If parents wish their student to be exempt from this
material they can discretely be excused from the classroom and given an alternative
assignment.
Content Outline
Approximate percentage
of the multiple-choice
section devoted to the
topic on the AP exam
Approximate number
of class days spent on
the topic___________
Unit
Topics
1
History and
Approaches
(Ch. 1)
2-4%
3
2
Research
Methods
(Ch. 2 AND Appendix B)
6-8%
6
3
Biological
Basis of
Behavior
(Ch. 3)
8-10%
7
4
Sensation and
Perception
(Ch. 4)
7-9%
7
5
Variations in
Consciousness
(Ch. 5)
2-4%
2
6
Learning
(Ch. 6)
7-9%
7
7
Cognition
(Ch. 7 AND 8)
8-10%
7
8
Motivation and
Emotion
7-9%
6
(Ch. 10)
9
Developmental
Psychology
(Ch. 11)
7-9%
7
10
Personality
(Ch. 12)
6-8%
4
11
Testing and
Individual
Differences
(Ch. 9)
5-7%
5
12
Psychological
Disorders
(Ch. 13)
7-9%
9
13
Treatment of
Psychological
Disorders
(Ch. 15)
5-7%
5
14
Social Psychology
7-9%
7
(Ch. 16)
Remember, in the immortal words of Douglas Adams:
Don't Panic
Extra Help: Extra help is available for any student who needs or wants extra help. Please ask!