A.P. Psychology
Instructor: Ms. Gayle Shepardson; gshepardson@chatham-nj.org; 973-457-2505 x. 2840
To find me: Try Room A109 during lunch or afterschool; Social Studies office during periods 2, 5 and 7
General Information
This is a college level introductory psychology course offered to motivated high school students. The
goal of this course is to help you learn to think like psychologists, both as researchers and as clinicians.
The textbook is Psychology, in Modules (9th edition - 2010) by David G. Myers. You will be working
through the entire textbook during this year long course. The textbook should be kept where you are
most likely to use it. Avoid carrying it around with you to minimize wear and tear on the book. There
are several copies available to reserve in the school library. You will get many journal articles and
internet links to supplement the textbook. In addition, I strongly suggest that you purchase an A.P.
Psychology exam prep book (any version) to work through during the year. Key websites include:
http://bcs.worthpublishers.com/myers9einmodules/#t_522492 (online resources to supplement the text –
great practice multiple choice questions) and https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/apcourse/ap-psychology
(great practice essay questions).
You must bring your notebook with updated notes to class each day. It is important to be on time and to
follow the school rules as regards behavior and absenteeism. Try not to be absent unless you are sick. It
is difficult to make up missed class time, as much of the value of the class consists of the activities and
interaction within each class period. If you do need to make up work, see me as quickly as possible.
Late work loses 10% of its value each day that it is late. I am happy to meet with you individually for
extra help if you would like to make an appointment to do so. You can stay informed of assignments
and due dates via our schoology folders, where the detailed current unit plan, due dates and other useful
items are posted. Feel free to read/work ahead!
Course Objectives
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Study fundamental concepts, theories, and vocabulary of psychology.
Practice the skills of psychological research.
Develop critical thinking skills, and build reading, writing, and discussion skills.
Enhance introspective skills and empathy.
Tentative Plan for Unit Sequence – subject to change as needed
Introduction and Research Methods (2 and ½ cycles*) – Modules 1, 2 and 3
Brain and Nervous System (3 cycles) – Modules 4, 5 and 6
Sensation and Perception (3 cycles) – Modules 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22
States of Consciousness & Genetics (3 cycles) – Modules 7, 8, 9 and 10
Learning and Memory (3 cycles) – Modules 23, 24 and 25; 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30
Thinking, Language and Intelligence (3 cycles) – Modules 31, 32, 33, 34 and 35
Development (3 cycles) – Modules 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15
Motivation and Emotion, with Stress (3 cycles) – Modules 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43 and 44
Personality (2 and 1/2 cycles) – Modules 45, 46, 47
Psychological Disorders (3 cycles) – Modules 48, 49, 50, 51 and 52
Social Psychology and Therapy (3 and ½ cycles) – Modules 53, 54 and 55; 56, 57, 58 and 59
Applying Psychology (6 cycles)
*Each cycle = Day 1-4; we meet three times during one cycle
Grading Policy
Quarter grades result from the points gained divided by the points possible during that marking period.
During each marking period, grades will be awarded in the following areas:
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Notebook – this is your regular homework. For MP 1 this is graded out of approximately 50
points. Outline the nightly textbook reading assignment in a double entry journal.
a. One part of your notes must be content-based notes on each of the assigned reading
sections, noting main ideas, definitions, significant research examples, and key names.
The textbook author often puts important conclusions that are supported by research in
italics in his text.
b. In a separately marked area (many students like to use the left side of the notebook paper
for this), take reflective "journal" notes. These can include critiques, questions,
disagreements, ideas you like and why, analogies to other ideas, connections to personal
experiences, connections to current events, connections to other class content, etc. You
do not need to comment on all textbook content; be selective! Practice trying to create
relevant questions about the material you are reading. Double-entry journals are a way to
be actively involved with the textbook material and can remind you of comments and
questions you may want to raise in class. Leave space to add to your notes during the
class period. You don’t need to designate a separate section of your notebook for in
class notes.
Usually 3 tests per marking period. Tests in AP Psychology come in two formats. The original
test for each unit consists of 44 multiple choice questions worth 1.5 points each (66%), 3 I.D.s
worth 5 points each (15%) and one essay (18%). The version 2 test is for anyone who is absent
for the original test AND anyone else who would like to take a second test. This consists of 50
multiple choice questions worth 1.6 points each (80%) and a take home essay (20%). The test is
offered on two days approximately a week after the original test - the specific dates are posted on
the original test day- and may be taken during lunch or after school on those two days. The take
home essay consists of a 2-3 page typed essay that provides an update on some of the current
research being done on terms that interested you from our unit. At least two sources should be
cited and referenced following the APA style. Essay must be written in your own words.
Several projects and writing assignments - Projects will include lab reports, posters, oral
presentations, essays, graded discussions, etc. Graded out of 20-50 points each.
Frequent quizzes - both individual and cooperative formats. Some quizzes will be open notes,
others will be closed notes; most will be unannounced. Most are graded out of 10 points and
consist of 5 multiple choice questions. Others involve defining terms. Some quizzes will be
review of previous units. You have one week from a missed quiz to make it up; otherwise it is a
0. Lowest quiz grade in marking period is dropped if there have been at least 8 quizzes in the
marking period.
Most marking periods there will also be progress towards a cumulative independent research
paper/project on a topic of your choice. Most of the progress grades will come from article
summaries and critiques, but some may come from interviews or preliminary experiments as
well. This may be small part of each of the first three marking periods, and the biggest part of
the fourth marking period grade.
There is also a formal final examination. Exemption rules for the formal final exam are posted in your
student handbook and will be clarified mid-year.