Independent Study Course Audit:
A.P. Psychology Test Preparation
Course Description 2012-2013
Columbia High School
Maplewood, NJ
Teacher: Mr. McCormick
E-mail: pmccormi@somsd.k12.nj.us
Voicemail: 973-762-5600 (ext. 1639)
Meeting Session: Period 3
Meeting Location: D-108
General Description:
Independent Study: A.P. Psychology is an independent study course, designed to
provide students with a learning experience equivalent to that of a college level
Psychology course, and to prepare students for the A.P. Psychology exam. This
independent study course is designed to allow students to experience an in-depth
exploration of human thought processes and behavior through various psychological
perspectives, including the psychoanalytic, biological, cognitive, behavioral,
sociocultural, and humanistic schools of thought. Key terms, concepts, leaders, and
principles of psychology are introduced, as well as contradicting viewpoints as to
how these basic factors can be interpreted. Topics such as history of the study,
research methods, behavior, psychobiology, consciousness, sensation, perception,
emotion, learning, memory, language, personality, psychological disorders, and
psychological treatments are studied through lecture, discussion, independent
research/outlining, and an A.P. text. Major goals of the course are to expand
students’ knowledge of Psychology, allow students to apply course concepts to
themselves and the surrounding world, and to fully prepare students for the A.P.
Psychology exam.
Course Objectives:
1. Students will have a strong, in-depth understanding of the study of
Psychology, including its roots/history, major schools of thought, key
concepts, key psychological figures, and the evolution of the science through
the present.
2. Students will be able to research and discuss various psychological
phenomena, and apply course concepts to their own life experiences.
3. Students will have the opportunity to reflect upon course concepts, and ask
and answer questions about psychological phenomena affecting one
another, as well as society at large.
4. Students will be fully prepared to succeed on the A.P. Psychology exam.
Independent Study Course Audit Requirements:
Students electing to prepare for the A.P. Psychology exam through an independent
study course audit are expected to attend A.P. Psychology class sessions.
Students are also required complete assigned readings, outline assigned text
chapters, complete unit tests, engage in discussion of course topics, and partake in
practice A.P. exams and essay assignments.
*Independent study course audit students may be exempt from certain
assignments.
Grading:
Students will be graded on a Pass/Fail grading scale on the basis of successful
completion of class assignments.
Student Materials:








Three-ring binder
(14) Three-ring binder dividers (to separate each unit of study)
Paper
Pens/Pencils
Psychology folder
Textbook: Psychology
A.P. Test Prep Book: 5 Steps to a 5: A.P. Psychology
Course Description
Student Fees:
A.P. Exam Fee: $89
Course Outline/Topics of Study:
I. History and Approaches of Psychology
II. Research Methods
III. Biological Bases of Behavior
IV. Sensation and Perception
V. States of Consciousness
VI. Learning
VII. Cognition
VIII. Motivation and Emotion
IX. Developmental Psychology
X. Personality
XI. Testing and Individual Differences
XII. Abnormal Psychology
XIII. Treatment for Psychological Disorders
XIV. Social Psychology