IB Psychology (SL)
Instructor: Mike Deakins, Room A12
mdeakins@osd.wednet.edu
IB Psychology is a year-long introductory course in Psychology with emphasis on meeting
the required learning objectives for the IB diploma which encourage the systematic and
critical study of human experience and behavior. The course focuses on 3 levels of analysis
(Biological, Cognitive, Social-Cultural) and 1 optional topic (Abnormal Psychology).
Text: Myers, D. (1998). Psychology (5th ed.). New York: Worth Publishers.
Supplemental Readings will be used extensively.
The objectives of the course include preparing students for college level reading, writing,
and analysis; preparing students to successfully pass the IB Psychology Paper 1 and 2
examinations; and writing the IB Psychology Internal Assessment.
September
October
November
December
January
February
March
April
May
June
Introduction to course and the field of Psychology
Study of the Biological Level of Analysis
Paper 1 practice
Continued study of the Biological LOA
Research Methods in Psychology
Paper 1 practice
Introduction to the Internal Assessment
Complete Biological LOA
Paper 1 practice—essay question (Midterm)
Focused work on Internal Assessment
Study of the Cognitive Level of Analysis
Paper 1 practice
Complete the Internal Assessment (Donuts and chill—Winter Break)
Continued study of the Cognitive LOA
Paper 1 practice
Continued study of the Cognitive LOA
Paper 1 practice
Complete Cognitive LOA
Paper 1 practice—essay question (Semester 1 Final)
Study of the Social-Cultural Level of Analysis
Paper 1 practice
Complete the Social-Cultural LOA
Paper 1 practice
Study of the Abnormal Option Topic
Paper 2 practice—essay question
Review for Examinations
IB Psychology Examination (Paper 1 and 2)
Continued Study of the Abnormal OT (Film studies and Guest Speakers)
Continued Study of the Abnormal OT (Film studies and Guest Speakers)
Final presentations during the last week of school
Grading is on a straight points scale (tests and quizzes are not weighted) and is based
approximately 30% on class work and 70% on tests and quizzes. A formal (test or quiz) or
informal (class work) assessment will be entered on Skyward approximately every 2
weeks.
Grading scale is based on the standard scale for the school.
Attendance is required per school policy and state law.