AP Psychology Syllabus
2012-2013
Ms. Breault Rm. 219 Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12
I.
Purpose
The AP 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.
Through the study of psychology, students acquire an understanding of and an
appreciation for human behavior, behavioral interaction, and the progressive
development of individuals. This will better prepare them to understand their own
behavior and the behavior of others.
The course is intended to prepare the student for the AP Psychology Exam in May.
College credit may be earned based on exam performance.
This class is a yearlong course. The school operates on an alternate block schedule, with
each class meeting for approximately 80 minutes every other day. This allows for 20-21
instructional meetings per quarter.
II.
Requirements
This course requires extensive reading, writing and testing; however, the course will be
rewarding and enjoyable. There will be one major individual or group project per quarter.
III.
Textbook and Supplemental Materials
a. text- Psychology, Seventh Edition in Modules by David Myers and study guide
b. Discovering Psychology video series with Philip Zimbardo
c. www.worthpublishers.com/myers7e is the website supported by Myers textbook.
You will find an enormous amount of study materials here.
d. http://www.collegeboard.com/ap/students/index.html
e. Barron’s AP Study Guide, Psychology
f. Text – Forty Studies that Changed Psychology, 5th ed. By Roger Hock
IV.
Grading Policy is district-wide
A. Nine Weeks Grade: a. class assignments 20%; homework 20%
b. Tests/quizzes/projects/essays 60%
Grading Scale is district-wide and is as follows:
A=90-100
B=80-89
C=70-79
D=60-69
E=50-59
B. Semester Grade
As required by the school district, the semester grade will be determined as
follows: 1st nine weeks=40%
2nd nine weeks=40%
Semester exam=20%
C. Homework
Reading, studying, and applying knowledge is essential for understanding and retention
of material. Completing your own homework and all of your reading assignments by the
due date is a must for success.
V.
Make-up Work
A. All students must make-up work missed due to absence from class within 5 days
of return to school.
B. Make-up tests/quizzes will NOT be given during class time.
C. It is the student’s responsibility to request make-up work, tests, etc. Please come
to morning tutorial for your work and to complete tests etc. or for extra help to
receive instruction missed during an absence.
D. Make-up not completed within allotted time will be given a grade of zero.
VI.
Behavior Expectations
A. Students should be in assigned seats when bell rings to avoid a tardy/Sat. detention
B. Students are expected to bring all required materials to class every day.
C. Students are expected to participate in all classroom activities and to remain awake the
entire class period.
D. Students are expected to follow all school rules. See Code of Student Conduct.
E. Students are expected to treat fellow classmates, teachers, and school property with
respect.
VII. Policy on Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. It is a reflection of one’s character and
definitely not a reflection of one’s ability. Students will receive zeros for academic
dishonesty. What is academic dishonesty? It is copying/allowing copying of homework
and/or class work, looking on another’s paper during a test or quiz, or any other means by
which another’s work is used for personal gain. So, please remember to always do your
own work and never allow another student to use your work. Both meet the same
consequence of a zero. Subsequent occurrences of dishonesty will result in both a zero
and an administrative referral.
VIII. Going Green
Let’s cut down on the use of paper. Please note that all assignments will be posted with
instructions, due dates and rubrics on the CAPA homepage (accessible on the PPS
District website) under the Staff Webpage tab. Click “Ms. Breault” under Social Studies
to access the webpage. Then click on “AP Psychology”.
IX.
Parent Contact
Parent contact is encouraged if there are any questions or concerns. The teacher is
available for conference by appointment, and may be reached either by phone 412-3386101 or by email ebreault1@pghboe.net and erinbreault@gmail.com.
Course Content
1st Quarter
I.
History and Approaches (Unit 1)
Myers: Module 1
A. Logic, Philosophy and History of Science
B. Approaches
1. Biological
2. Behavioral
3. Cognitive
4. Humanistic
5. Psychodynamic
6. Sociocultural
7. Evolutionary/Sociobiological
2-3 Days
II.
Research Methods (Unit1)
Myers: Module 2
A. Experimental, Correlational, and Clinical Research
B. Statistics
1. Descriptive
2. Inferential
C. Ethics in Research
Unit 1 Test
2-3 Days
III.
Biological Bases of Behavior (Unit 2)
Myers: Modules 3 and 4
A. Physiological Techniques (e.g. imaging, surgical)
B. Neuroanatomy
C. Functional Organization of the Nervous System
D. Neural Transmission
E. Endocrine System
F. Genetics
Unit 2 Test
6 Days
IV.
Developmental Psychology (Unit 3)
Myers: Modules 5-10
A. Life-Span Approach
B. Research Methods
C. Heredity-Environmental Issues
D. Developmental Theories
E. Dimensions of Development
1. Physical
2. Cognitive
3. Social
4. Moral
F. Sex Roles, Sex Differences
6 Days
1st Quarter Assessment (Units 1-3)
2nd Quarter
V.
Sensation and Perception (Unit 4)
Myers: Modules 11-16
A. Thresholds
B. Sensory Mechanisms
C. Sensory Adaptation
D. Attention
E. Perceptual Processes
Unit 4 Test
6 days
VI.
States of Consciousness (Unit 5)
Myers: Modules 17-19
A. Sleep and Dreaming
B. Hypnosis
C. Psychoactive Drug Effects
Unit 5 Test
3 days
VII.
Learning (Unit 6)
Myers: Modules 20-22
A. Biological Factors
B. Classical Conditioning
C. Operant Conditioning
D. Social Learning
E. Cognitive Processes in Learning
Unit 6 Test
5 days
VIII.
Cognition (Unit 7)
Myers: Modules 23-27
A. Memory
B. Language (add to Unit 8) Myers: Module 29
C. Thinking (add to Unit 8) Myers: Module 28
D. Problem Solving and Creativity (add to Unit 8)
Unit 7 Test
5 days
1st Semester Exam (Units 1-7)
3rd Quarter
IX.
Testing and Individual Differences (Unit 8)
Myers: Modules 30-32
A. Standardization and Norms
B. Reliability and Validity
C. Types of Tests
D. Ethics and Standards in Testing
E. Intelligence
F. Heredity/Environment and Intelligence
Unit 8 Test
6 days
X.
Human Diversity Motivation and Emotion (Unit 9)
Myers: Module 33-40
A. Biological Bases
B. Theories of Motivation
C. Hunger, Thirst, Sex, and Pain
D. Social Motives
E. Theories of Emotion
Unit 9 Test
8 days
XI.
Personality (Unit 10)
Myers: Modules 41-44
A. Personality Theories and Approaches
B. Assessment Techniques
C. Self-concept, Self-esteem
D. Growth and adjustment
3rd Quarter Assessment (Units 8-10)
5 days
XII.
Abnormal Psychology (Unit 11)
Myers: Modules 45-49
A. Definitions of Abnormality
B. Theories of Psychopathology
C. Diagnosis of Psychopathology
4 days
XIII.
Treatment of Psychological Disorders (Unit 11)
Myers: Modules 50-52
A. Treatment Approaches
B. Modes of Therapy (e.g. individual, group)
C. Community and Preventive Approaches
Unit 11 Test
4 days
XIV.
Social Psychology (Unit 12)
4 days
Myers: Modules 53-55
A. Group Dynamics and Attribution
B. Interpersonal Perception and Aggression/Antisocial Behavior
C. Conformity, Compliance, and Obedience
D. Attitudes and Attitude Change
E. Organizational Behavior
Unit 12 Test
XV.
Review for AP Exam
6 days
XVI.
Exam
Mid-May
XVII.
Enrichment activities
2nd Semester Exam (Units 8-12)
Remainder of Quarter
AP Psychology Assignment Types
I.
Class work/Homework Grades
a.
Vocabulary, Vocabulary, Vocabulary: Students are expected to define
vocabulary as listed in Myers’ text at the end of each module. This
vocabulary is assigned a grade for completion at the end of a unit.
b.
Practice Timed writings: These essays can be supported by books and
notes and are intended as practice for the timed writing assessments.
There will be a minimum of two practice timed writings per quarter.
c.
Article Reviews: Students are given articles relating to the current topic
and are asked to look for target information. There will be a minimum of
two article reviews per quarter.
d.
Section Review Activities: Students are given assignments which enrich
the lesson and improve the students’ ability to think critically. These
assignments occur on a daily basis.
II.
Quizzes
Reading/Vocabulary quizzes: Students are assessed frequently on the completion
and comprehension of assigned readings.
III.
Tests
Tests are given approximately every two weeks (after 5 or 6 class sessions). These tests
consist of 30-50 multiple choice questions in AP format. There is also an AP format freeresponse question which is assessed separately. The free response carries one fourth
the weight of the multiple choice test.
IV.
Projects
Due to instructional time constraints, there will be no more than three sustained projects
prior to the AP exam in May. Following the exam, there will be several projects assigned
to comprehensively enrich the year’s material.