2014-2015 AP Psychology Syllabus
Eisenhower Middle/High School
Instructor: Jillian Kostuch-Rzepka
Office: Rm 246
Classroom: Rm 228
Contact Information
Phone: (262) 789-6355
E-mail: jillian.kostuchrzepka@nbexcellence.org
Course Description
The Advanced Placement Psychology course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific
study of the behavior 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. (Source: The
College Board’s Psychology Course Description).
Course Goals
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Prepare to perform up to the standard on the AP Psychology Exam.
Understand the important concepts, theories, and vocabulary of psychology.
Learn the skills and ethics of psychological research.
Apply psychological concepts to one’s own life.
Continue to develop reading, writing, discussions, and critical thinking skills.
Class Overview
First Semester
Second Semester
History and Approaches
Research Methods
Biological Bases of Behavior
Sensation and Perception
States of Consciousness
Learning
Cognition
Motivation and Emotion
Developmental Psychology
Personality
Testing and Individual Differences
Abnormal Behavior
Treatment of Abnormal Behavior
Social Psychology
AP Exam Preparation
Important Considerations
 Why are you taking this class? Do you want to learn about psychology? Are you ready for a college level
course and willing to accept the challenge of a rigorous academic curriculum? Are you serious about taking
the AP Exam in May? Or would another elective class such as the regular psychology course, better fit your
goals?
 How much time will you devote to this class? Colleges generally recommend that students spend at least
two hours working outside of class for every hour spent in the class. Since most college courses meet
three hours a week, this translates to at least six hours working outside of class per week. Are you willing
to make this commitment?
 How good are you at reading? In terms of course assignments, reading and studying the text will occupy
most of your time. A strong predictor of success in HS AP classes is reading ability. If you are not a strong
reader, you’ll need to put in extra time and effort to compensate.
 How motivated are you? Attitude, study skills, determination, and discipline are important factors in
determining how successful you are in this class.
 After taking the above into account, if you have any questions or concerns about whether AP Psychology is
the right course for you, please see me as soon as possible.
Textbook
Myers, David G. (2014). Myers’ Psychology for AP (Second Edition). New York: Worth Publishers.
Hardcover and eBook versions of the textbook will be provided to students. The website for the eBook is:
http://ebooks.bfwpub.com/myersAP2e.php
The first unit of the textbook does not require an activation code. Simply click “PREVIEW” on the home page.
An activation code will be available at a later date to access the complete book online.
The book companion site is http://bcs.worthpublishers.com/myersAP2e/
Materials available to you on this site include quizzes, flashcards, PsychSim tutorials, and animations.
AP Psychology Exam
Students who are enrolled in AP Psychology are required to take the AP Psychology Exam. The exam costs $89
and is scheduled for Monday, May 4, 2015, at 12 noon.
Tips for Effectively Reading the Text
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Keep up with the reading assignments, which cover a part of a unit (i.e., “module”) at a time. (It is neither
expected nor desirable for you to read an entire unit all at once.) Be prepared to discuss in class and take
a quiz on what you have read.
Preview the unit before you start reading.
When going through a module, use the SQ3R study method described on p. 16 of the textbook.
Read actively. If you spend an hour “reading” but are unable to recall anything when done, you have
wasted your time. Reading a college-level text requires effort and concentration.
Take clear and concise notes as you read. This will deepen your understanding of the content.
Examine pictures, diagrams, tables, sidebars, etc. These features were added to make the text more
interesting and to provide important information.
After you have read all of the modules of a unit, examine the unit review.
Materials
It is important that you have a system of organizing class materials. Choose one of the following two options
1.
Use a notebook for taking class and reading notes, and have a folder for handouts, etc.
2.
Use loose-leaf paper for taking class & reading notes & a 1½”- 2” binder for storing handouts, etc.
3.
Use a separate folder (w/ prongs) for each unit to organize notes and handouts.
Please make sure that you bring all required materials to class each day.
Grading Scale
The following grading scale is used for all assessments:
97-100 A+
93-96 A
90-92 A-
87-89 B+
83-86 B
80-82 B-
77-79 C+
73-76 C
70-72 C-
67-69 D+
63-66 D
60-62 D-
0-59
F
Quarter and Semester Grades
Quarter grades are based on the following weighted scale:
- Tests and Projects 80%
- Quizzes
20%
- *Homework
0%
*Homework will not count towards the achievement grade, however, it will be used to check progress on
knowledge and skills and ultimately show behavior within this class.
 Students are expected to turn in their homework on time. Any work not turned in on time will be
recorded as an “M” for missing until it is completed. Students that neglect to turn in their work will
make an appointment to meet with their teacher during ELO, before school, or after school in order to
make up the incomplete work. Multiple missing assignments will result in parents being contacted,
administrative intervention and detentions.
 Homework will be scored and reported using the following breakdown:
o 0 = Did NOT turn in/nothing was completed
o 1 = A limited amount of work was done, comprehension/skills were not evident
o 2 = Student showed a basic understanding of comprehension/skills but need improvement
o 3 = Student was proficient and showed comprehension and skill at level
Quarter 1 is a progress grade. All scores will be carried over to start Quarter 2. Your Quarter 2 grade will be
worth 100% of your Semester 1 grade. Quarter 3 is a progress grade. All scores will be carried over to start
Quarter 4. Your Quarter 4 grade will be worth 100% of your Semester 2 grade.
Assignments and Assessments
Assignments include the following: textbook and class notes, PsychSim worksheets, diagrams, write-ups for inclass demonstrations, and practice responses to free response questions (FRQs). Though assigned work is not
graded, it must be turned in on time or be prepared to receive a consequence.
Textbook and class notes will be by far the most frequent assignment, and a very important one. In the
textbook, most of the content that you need to understand is found. In class, new information will be
presented and important concepts will be explained, discussed, and demonstrated. Study guides will be
handed out at the beginning of each unit to help you focus your note-taking.
Tests and Projects
A test concludes each unit, with Units 1 and 2 being combined. Test questions are based on material
presented in class and in the textbook. A typical test contains around 25 multiple-choice questions from one
unit of study, plus one FRQ, which may include concepts from multiple units. The study guides given out at
the beginning of each unit will assist your test preparation.
To help prepare you for the AP exam, some tests will have multiple-choice questions from multiple units, with
an emphasis on one unit in particular. Before every test, you will be notified which material you are going to
be assessed on.
Each quarter a project that involves higher order thinking skills may be assigned.
Quizzes
Each unit will have two to four quizzes based on assigned readings and class discussions. Quizzes generally
contain a small number of multiple choice questions.
Re-takes: Retakes will be available to all students in AP Psychology and must be completed within 10 days of
the original test date. (Re-take scores will be the final grade for that assessment.)
Projects
 Students wishing to improve a project score will have that opportunity, however, this assessment will
become a research paper on the essential question that is being covered in the project.
Tests
 Students will be provided with an alternative assessment as a retake.
 In order to be eligible to retake the test students must:
o Complete corrections and accompanying explanations for all incorrect answers.
 Corrections MUST be completed during ELO; assessments will not be allowed to leave the
classroom.
 Students also MUST meet with their teacher to go through corrections prior to retaking the assessment.
 All retakes must be scheduled in advance with the teacher.
Quizzes
 Students will be provided with an alternative assessment as a retake.
 In order to retake a quiz, a student must do all of the following:
o Complete any or all assignments (including notes) that lead up to the assessment.
o Discuss incorrect answers with the instructor during ELO.
o Schedule a retake in advance with the instructor.
Grade reporting will separate behavior from achievement.
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Achievement is the demonstration of student performance measured against established criteria based on
Wisconsin Academic Model Standards. Items to include, but not limited to: formative assessment,
summative assessment.
Behavior refers to the voluntary actions of a student in relation to the learning environment. Behavior is
important aspect of a student’s overall performance to be presented to parents/guardians and other
stakeholders. Interventions associated with the behavior will be based on individual students needs with
consideration of potential mitigating factors. Items to include, but not limited to: participation,
attendance, effort, attitude, tardiness, homework, practice, engagement, neatness, organization.
TIPS FOR SUCCEEDING IN AP PSYCHOLOGY
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Take notes during class and while reading. I highly recommend that you use the Cornell Note-Taking
System. (Include SQ3R)
Take advantage of the eBook resources and the companion site.
Purchase and utilize a test preparation book. It will benefit you not only to prepare for the AP exam, but
for each unit test as well. An excellent one for AP Psychology is published by Barron’s, which also sells AP
Psychology flashcards.
Form a study group with other students. This can be an excellent way to discuss and review the material,
if each group member is focused on the task at hand.
While reading the textbook, taking notes, and studying for tests, always keep in mind that you will be
tested on the material on class tests and on the AP exam.
If you do not understand something, please let me know. Here are some ways you can approach me for
help: ask questions before, during, or after class; arrange to meet with me before school, during ELO or
during my prep period; contact me at my school email address.
Let’s do everything we can to have a great year in AP Psychology!
Tardy:
If students are not in the classroom at the time of the bell they will be counted tardy. The following lists the
tardy policy that will be enforced throughout the school year:
1st Tardy:
Warning – Next unexcused tardy will result in a detention. No detention will be issued on
the first unexcused tardy.
2nd Tardy:
Detention – To be served before or after school. The student must be given 24 hours notice
to make arrangements for transportation home.
3rd Tardy (and further):
Contact Parent(s) & Administrative Detention – The instructor will contact a
parent/guardian and issue an administrative detention to be served after school.
Absences:
If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to obtain the notes and assignments you missed when
you return. Please inform me if you know in advance that you will be out of class. In the event of an excused
or unexcused absence, an announced Unit assessment must be made up on the week you return during ELO.
Consequences:
Failure to meet these expectations will result in the appropriate degree of disciplinary action. This may
include, but is not limited to the following:
·
Informing parents of an incident
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Detentions to be served before school
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Office referral
The school academic integrity policy will be enacted in any case of academic misconduct.
Academic Honesty Policy
New Berlin students’ primary responsibilities are to learn and achieve to the best of their abilities. In order to meet the
needs of each student and assess progress, teachers expect that assignments and tests represent a true picture of that
student’s own performance. Administrators, faculty, students, and families are all important contributors to upholding
academic integrity in our school community. This policy will provide a consistent framework to guide the learning
process for staff and students.
PLAGIARISM
“Plagiarism” comes from the Greek root word “kidnapping” and is the theft of someone else’s ideas, words, or other
without clearly acknowledging the creator and using that material as one’s own. Plagiarism includes an exact copying or
rewording of another’s
work, paraphrasing, partial quotation or summarization of another’s work without properly acknowledging the creator
of the original work. Plagiarism includes copying any of the following without limitation: tests, homework, research,
speeches, presentations, programs, class assignments, lab reports, graphs, charts, essays, compositions and term
papers.
Plagiarism is a form of intellectual and academic dishonesty that can be done intentionally or unintentionally.
Intentional plagiarism is the deliberate presentation of another’s work or ideas as one’s own. Unintentional plagiarism is
the inadvertent presentation of another’s work or ideas without proper acknowledgement because of poor or
inadequate practices. Unintentional plagiarism is a failure of scholarship; intentional plagiarism is an act of deceit.
Examples include but are not limited to:
 Downloading information from the Internet or other source and submitting it as one’s own work, and/or
 Submitting as one’s own work that which is copied or translated from another source.
CHEATING
Cheating is the deliberate or attempted use of unauthorized materials, information, technology, study-aids as well as
giving or receiving improper assistance. The student is responsible for consulting the teacher regarding whether group
work is permissible on
assignments, projects, tests, or other academic exercises. Representing or attempting to represent oneself as another,
or attempting to have oneself represented by another academic endeavor, constitutes cheating. Forging of signatures
and/or falsifying or altering grade related documents, programs or information, is considered cheating.
This policy will be implemented for students of all grade levels seven through twelve.
Consequences will be cumulative for all high school courses.
Consequences of Academic Dishonesty
1st Incident:
1. The teacher will notify the student prior to contacting the parent.
2. The teacher will notify the counselor and grade level administrator
3. The counselor will arrange a meeting with the student and student’s parent/guardian and notify administration.
4. The administration will record the incident in the school data system.
5. The offense will be reported to the Athletic/Activities Director as a violation of the SDNB Co-Curricular Code of
Conduct.
6. The administration and organization advisors will review the student’s eligibility for honor societies and academic
awards as well as their eligibility for student privileges.
7. The student will complete the assignment/assessment/work OR an alternate assessment/assignment as assigned by
the classroom teacher at a time arranged by the staff member.
8. The student will be administered an administrative detention.
2nd Incident:
1. Steps 1 through 7 from the first incident will be followed.
2. The student will be issued a suspension from school, and attend a conference conducted by an administrator with the
teacher, counselor, and student’s parent/guardian.
3. The student will not be eligible for school-based scholarships.
4. If the student accrues two plagiarism offenses and is currently enrolled in an AP course or courses, that student will
not be allowed to take the AP exam(s) for any AP courses of the current semester. The student will likewise incur a
reduction in credit from the 5.0 scale to the 4.0 scale.
5. Administration will notify the student and parent/guardian in writing that any future infraction in any class will result
in loss of graduation/end of year privileges as outlined in the 3rd incident.
3rd incidence:
1. Steps 1 through 4 from the second incident will be followed.
2. The school will report violation of Academic Honesty Policy to scholarship
3. High school students will not participate in graduation activities and ceremony.
4. Administration will notify the student and parent/guardian in writing that any future infraction in any class will result
in a referral for a pre-expulsion conference as outlined in the 4th incident.
4th and any subsequent incidences:
1. Steps 1 through 4 of third incident will be followed.
2. Student will be referred for a pre-expulsion conference.
Please save this syllabus to refer back to at any time throughout the semester regarding the grading process and
classroom expectations. Please return signed portion back as soon as possible
I acknowledge that I have read and understand the classroom expectations, policies and procedures. I am also aware
that it is my responsibility to check my grades on a weekly basis. Furthermore, I agree to follow these expectations and
procedures throughout the school year.
____________________________
Printed Student Name
____________________________
Student Signature
______________
Date
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Date
By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the classroom expectations, policies, and procedures. I
understand that grades will be updated on a weekly basis, and that it is my child’s responsibility to check their grades.
Furthermore, I agree to contact Mrs. Rzepka should any questions arise.
____________________________
Printed parent/guardian name
____________________________
Parent/Guardian signature
______________
Date
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Date