AP Psychology Course
Middletown High School
Ms. Deborah Bailey
baileyd@mpsct.org (cell phone 860-796-0953)
Course Overview:
AP Psychology is designed as a college level introduction to psychology. The purpose of this course is to
“introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of behavior and mental processes of human
beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principals, and phenomena
associated with each of the major fields within psychology. They also learn about the ethics and methods
psychologists use in their science and practice (College Board)”.
This is a fun and informative class with activities scattered throughout our study of psychology. On the
other hand, it is designed as a college level class. That means that there is a significant amount of reading
most nights. The textbook is written at a college level so it may take you longer to read. You will be
given random quizzes to insure reading completion AND comprehension. Skimming material will not be
sufficient to pass this class.
A large part of the class will be preparation for the AP Psychology exam which is scheduled usually the
first Monday in May at noon
Provided Text:
Meyers, David G, Myers’ Psychology for AP*, 2011
Required Text:
There are numerous AP Psychology study guides on the market. The Baron’s book is required. The
Baron’s book is an excellent review book. Occasionally, there are terms in this book that are not in the
textbook.
Assignments & Assessments:
Students are expected to study most nights from their textbook, baron’s book or notes. A reading
schedule will be given to all students for each unit. There may be occasional supplemental reading from
journals, newspapers, magazines, etc. I suggest students take detailed notes of their reading. Note taking
helps with comprehension. Students are to supplement their notes with material from the readings. In
addition to regularly scheduled reading, students can expect occasional short writing assignment. I will
provide a monthly calendar with the work covered and homework. Students need to follow this calendar
if they miss a day or there is inclement weather. Students have a fair amount of “Freebie” work such as
ted Talks and occasional questions. These assignments are assessed on completion and following
directions. This is one qay to maintain your grade should you do poorly on unit assessments.
Vocabulary Cards:
Students will be given a list of vocabulary terms at the beginning of each unit that they will use to
complete their cards. Directions will be provided for completing the cards. Each set is due the day of the
unit test. Students will keep all completed cards to use for the mid-term and AP exam. Vocabulary is
worth 5 points for each unit
Quizzes:
Quizzes are usually announced or listed on the calendar but that does ot need to be the case. An
occasional pop quiz can be given.. Quizzes take about 5 minutes and have five to ten questions.
These quizzes will contain information we have studied already from the unit or chapter, as well
as from your reading material. This means you need to go home and review material covered
that day.
Grading:
All grades are given the same title as Work. The grade will depend upon the possible grade for example a
quiz worth 5 points will have less of an impact than a test worth 100 points
What you need:
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Your brain along with an inquisitive cheerful attitude
Notebook ( a large one)
Index Cards
Pen/Pencil
Miscellaneous:
I encourage you to email me with any questions or issues that may arise: baileyd@mpsct.org. or text 860796-0953
Make up work: Students are responsible for obtaining and completing any make-up work. If a student
misses a test it is advisable to take it during a study or afterschool the next day. Any work previously
assigned that may have been due while you were absent is due the day you return to school (including
tests).
Late Work: This is a true college level class so late work should only occur in extreme circumstances. If
work is submitted late, the student will lose 20% of the grade. After one week, no work is accepted late.
Keep this in mind if you need this class to graduate.
Test corrections are allowed but students must follow the assigned format. Corrections that are
submitted in an incorrect format will not be accepted. Every corrected response is worth ½ the original
value of the question. All corrections MUST be submitted the day they are due. NO LATER
Tardy to Class- Students are expected to arrive on time for class. For Classes that meet early (1,2,and 3
block) students are expected to arrive at the designated time 7:25. I do mark students tardy and that can
count against you by the end of the year