Advanced Placement Psychology Course Syllabus
Mrs. Schwarzrock Fall 2015
Course Description
The AP Psychology course is designed to introduce you to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental
processes of human beings and other animals. You will be exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena
associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. You will also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use
in their science and practice. (AP Psychology Course Description – College Board)
Course Overview:
Unit 1: History, Approaches
Unit 2: Research Methods
Unit 3: Biological Bases of Behavior
Unit 4: Sensation & Perception
Unit 5: States of Consciousness
Unit 6: Learning
Unit 7: Cognitive Processes
Unit 8: Motivation & Emotion
Unit 9: Developmental Psychology
Unit 10: Personality
Unit 11: Testing & Individual Differences
Unit 12: Abnormal Psychology
Unit 13: Treatment
Unit 14: Social Psychology
Required Textbooks, Supplementary Resources, and Reading Assignments
Myers, David G., (2011) Myers’ Psychology for AP (1st edition) New York, NY; Worth
Similar to a college course, students will be responsible for taking ownership of their learning. The instructor will serve as a
resource, facilitator, and guide so that students will ultimately understand the concepts and principles of psychology, be prepared
to succeed in the course and AP examination, as well as future academic endeavors.
Grading
Your grades will be based on both summative and formative assessments. Summative
assessments are designed to measure your mastery of the content and these
assessments will be worth 75% of your total grade. Some examples of summative
assessments include unit tests and formal presentations. Formative assessments are
designed to monitor your understanding of the content and these assessments will be
worth 25% of your total grade. Some examples of formative assessments include
reading questions and in-class activities.
Students will be expected to:
 Maintain a binder of materials directly related to the AP examination.
 Use APA format for all written assignments incorporating references.
Students’ semester grade will be a result of the following:
 Tests, Quizzes, and Free Response Essays
 Homework/Projects/Participation/Discussion
Letter
Grade
A+
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
100
97.49
92.49
89.99
97.49
82.49
79.99
77.49
72.49
69.99
67.49
62.49
59.99
97.50
92.50
90.00
87.50
82.50
80.00
77.50
72.50
70.00
67.50
62.50
60.00
0
Tests and Quizzes
-Cumulative Multiple Choice Tests will be given at the conclusion of each unit. Unit tests are modeled on the AP Exam. Please
bring a pencil on test day! Tests are announced well in advance therefore only those absent the day of the test should
need to take a makeup.
-Free Response Questions will be included on most of our unit tests. These will help you prepare for the AP Psychology Test in
May. Free response questions will account for a percentage of your overall AP Psych grade.
-Announced or unannounced multiple-choice quizzes may be given at any time during the year. Usually quizzes are based on the
activities of the previous day or the assigned reading for the day.
Required Class Resource: 3 Ring Binder
Organization is one key to success! Each student is required to have a binder and bring it to class each day. Binders will be used
for class notes, handouts, as well for other activities and assignments where you will be asked to express your own ideas. It will
be very easy to keep an organized binder because everything I give you will already be three-hole punched. All you have to do is
put it into the correct tab. Binders may be collected at any point in the year so please keep them neat. It is my hope that your
binder will help you process and lead to meaningful learning.
What Do I Need To Get Started?
1. Three Ring Binder with Clear Pocket Cover
3. Loose Leaf Paper
2. 14 Tabs
4. Pens, Pencils, Highlighters
Absences
Attendance is critical to your success in AP Psych. Many of the things we will do in class CANNOT be replicated. If you are
absent, the first thing you should do when you return is check with the instructor for any missing assignments and related materials
including, as well as the teacher’s website and/or textbook website. The second thing you must do is to get caught up. Please
connect with someone in class for this and contact the instructor if necessary. All work is due at the beginning of your scheduled
class period unless otherwise noted by the instructor.
General Expectations
It is expected that you are in this course because you have an interest in Psychology and have a desire to work hard. Any
disruption or behavioral issue that you create will be a distraction to the learning environment, and to the progress of your fellow
students. Our time together will be spent on the amazing world of Psychology - not on behavioral distractions. Classroom and
school guidelines including those provided in the student handbook will be enforced.
Classroom Expectations:
1. School tardy policy will be followed.
2. Treat your fellow classmates and teacher with respect.
3. One person talks at a time.
4. Come to class prepared -- Bring your binder/folder, paper and a writing utensil each day.
5. Cell phones need to be off. If you receive a call or text in class you will receive a detention.
Assignment Expectations:
1. Assignments are due at the beginning of the period
2. Unexcused late assignments will be reduced by 10% each day (maximum of 50%). If you would like “full” late credit, you need
to complete the missing work form and fill in the correct dates.
3. Unexcused homework will be accepted until five days before the end of the quarter.
4. Late assignments due to an excused absence will be accepted up to the number of days the student was absent. Make up work
is available in the makeup folder. If you were absent see me before or after class begins for makeup assignments. It is your
responsibility to hand in/stamp your make up work!
5. Students who have an excused absence the day of a test will be expected to make the test up within two days for each day
missed.
6. Check your grades on Skyward often! All work will be handed back to your folder in the back of the classroom. Please let me
know if a grade is entered incorrectly.
Scholastic Misconduct and Academic Honesty
Academic dishonesty in any portion of the academic work for this course shall be dealt with according to the guidelines set forth in
the student handbook.
The AP Exam will be administered on 5/2/16. I expect every student enrolled in this class to be there.
Test Format:
-Multiple Choice – 100 questions in 70 minutes (2/3 of the overall grade)
-Free Response Section – 2 questions in 50 minutes (1/3 of overall grade)
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Course Outline
Unit
Topic
Test %
Chapter Reading
Dates
1
History & Approaches
2-4%
1
8/26-9/1
2
Research Methods
8-10%
2
9/2-9/8
3
Biological Bases of Behavior
8-10%
3 A,B&C
9/22-10/13
4
Sensation and Perception
6-8%
4
10/14-10/29
5
States of Consciousness
2-4%
5
11/2-11/6
6
Learning
7-9%
6
11/9-11/20
7
Cognitive Processes
8-10%
7 A&B
11/23-12/14
8
Motivation & Emotion
6-8%
8 A&B
12/15-1/8
9
Developmental
7-9%
9
1/19-2/5
10
Personality
5-7%
10
2/9-2/24
11
Testing & Individual Differences
5-7%
11
2/25-3/4
12
Abnormal Psych/Psychological
Disorders
7-9%
12
3/7-3/32
13
Treatment
5-7%
13
3/7-3/23
14
Social Psychology
8-10%
14
4/4-4/15
AP Exam Test Review
4/19-4/21 – Practice Exam & Item Analysis
4/25-4/29 In Class Review
AP Psychology Exam is Monday May 2nd 2016
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