FTHS AP Psychology Syllabus
2015-2016
Mrs. Heather Ferris
AP Psychology is designed to introduce students to the scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings. To accomplish this, the course provides instruction in each of the following 14 content areas:
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 Psychology, Treatment of Psychological Disorders, and Social
Psychology.
Through lectures, classroom demonstrations, exercises, assignments, examinations, class discussions, videos, outside readings and individual research assignments the following objectives will be met:
1. Provide students with a working knowledge of psychological theories and important terms.
2. Familiarize students with research, historical and current theories in these areas.
3. Introduce students to significant psychological researchers.
4. Increase awareness of the ways psychological theories impact everyday life.
5. Emphasize critical thinking, problem solving, and writing skills.
AP Exam = Monday, May 2 (put it in your calendar NOW!)
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Section 1 – 70 minutes – 100 multiple choice questions (counts 2/3 of grade)
Section 2 – 50 minutes – 2 free response essay questions (counts 1/3 of grade)
FRQ (Free Response Question) Essays in AP Psych
Effective Essays
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Are clear and direct
 Get right to the point & don’t add “fluff”
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Clearly state intent of evidence (are you supporting or refuting)
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Are specific in references to and discussion of psychological principles and patterns
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Cite evidence and examples to illustrate the point
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Have key terms underlined
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Use psychological terms and names of psychologists correctly
What not to Write

Do not restate the question
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Do not suggest anything that could be seen as unethical
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Do not write EVERYTHING you know—stick to responding directly to the prompt
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Do not spend a lot of time on an introduction and conclusion (none needed!)
Class Information
1.
Portfolio: Plan to get organized and keep everything in chronological order. You’ll be turning in a portfolio toward the end of each quarter.
2.
Class Exercises : “Exercises” may include individual and group projects, in-class writing, writing assignments, in-depth reading of various articles and enrichment points.

3.
Reading & Notes: For each chapter you are expected to take outline notes of the key information within the chapter. These must hand-written (not typed).
4.
Exams : At the end of each chapter and/or unit you will take a mock AP test. Each test will consist of multiple choice questions and FRQs relevant to the material studied. All students will be expected to show mastery of the material.
5.
Vocab: The vocabulary for psychology is extremely important. For each chapter, you can earn 10 bonus points toward the exam if you create flashcards (directions to follow) for all vocab words.
6.
Test Corrections: See directions on test corrections form.
7.
Homework: There WILL BE homework for this class. Unfortunately, I cannot teach you everything that you need to know in the time that we have. You are expected to keep up on your reading and do additional research as necessary!!!
8.
Late Work: This is a college course, therefore late work is unacceptable. If you have an assignment due and you are absent, e-mail me your work as a place holder until your return or come and talk to me ahead of time if you know you will be absent so that we can make arrangements for the work that you will miss.
9.
Absences: When you are absent - it is your responsibility to get work that you missed. AFTER you have checked my wiki page and then come in during FIRE on Wednesday or Friday to get any clarification on what to make up. Make-up work must be completed within one week of the absence in order to receive full credit.
10.
Test Expectation: I expect you to take the AP test in May. If you have financial difficulties with the cost (about $90) please apply for fee waivers and reductions!!! Those who don’t take the College Board
AP Exam on May 2 nd
will take an equivalent test in class.
Class Structure
We will be addressing 14 different topics before the AP test. The time we will spend on any given topic is directly proportionate to the percentage of the test. The sections might not be dealt with in this exact order. As you can see, we have a lot to cover in a short time!
Topic
History and Approaches
Research Methods
Percentage of test
2 - 4
8 - 10
Biological Basis of Behavior
Sensation and Perception
States of Consciousness
Learning
Cognition
Motivation and Emotion
Developmental Psychology
Personality
8 - 10
6 - 8
2 - 4
7 - 9
8 - 10
6 - 8
7 - 9
5 - 7
Testing and Individual Differences
Abnormal Behavior
Treatment of Abnormal Behavior
Social Psychology
Total
5 - 7
7 - 9
5 - 7
8 - 10
100

Textbooks
Our main textbook will be Psychology Eighth Edition by Bernstein, Penner, Clarke-Stewart and Roy.
As a secondary text to aid in text preparation we will use Fast Track to a 5: Preparing for the AP Psychology
Examination. All textbooks will be provided by the school. This means that you cannot highlight or annotate the books.
I STRONGLY recommend the purchase of at least ONE AP test prep book (new or used)!
Academic Honesty & Truancy

Foothill staff expects academic honesty and, therefore, does not tolerate academic dishonesty and has firm consequences for students who are dishonest academically.
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Academic dishonesty includes turning in the same assignment as another student, providing your work to another student, using another student’s work to complete your own, not protecting your work so that is can be used by another student or using electronic or print sources without citing them.

Any academic dishonesty violations will result in a grade of zero and a referral to administration.

Students are typically suspended after their second instance of academic dishonesty at Foothill.
Please be careful and protect your work and remember academic honesty pays off!!!
Contact Info
Please feel free to contact me at any time with any questions or concerns that you may have. I am happy to be available for conferences with students and / or parents. I can be reached by e-mail : heather.ferris@venturausd.org phone: 289-0023 ex: 2604
FIRE hours = Wednesday and Friday
I’m looking forward to working with you as you discover the field of psychology! It will be a challenging, yet interesting and exciting year—I’m committed to supporting you and making it a valuable learning experience!
Welcome to AP Psychology!!!
Heather Ferris
AP Psychology, Geography, Health Science and AVID Instructor
AVID Coordinator
Foothill Technology High School
TO DO:
1.
Join “Remind Me” for text message alerts

Send a text to 81010

Nessage = @hfer
2.
Join Edmodo
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Group code = 5dphy5