Cypress Bay High School
Dr. Sheryl Sugerman
AP Psychology
2015-16 Course Syllabus
(754) 323-0350
Phone:
sheryl.sugerman@browardschools.com
Email:
No planning
Planning
Lunch period -4th
& Lunch:
Website: http://www.myteacherpages.com/webpages/SSugerman/
Teacher:
Subject:
Room:
Dr. Sheryl Sugerman
AP Psychology
851
Course Description:
AP Psychology will provide students an opportunity to acquire a comprehensive understanding of the
systematic and scientific study of behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals.
Students are exposed to psychological facts, principles and phenomena associated with each of the
major sub-fields within psychology. Students will learn about the methods that psychologists use in
their science and practice. Content will include, but not be limited to, methods, biological basis of
behavior, sensation and perception, states of consciousness, learning, cognition, motivation and
emotion, developmental psychology, personality, testing for intelligence and personality, abnormal
psychology, treatment of disorders, and social psychology. Course outline will adhere to the
guidelines of the College Board.
This is a college level course that uses a college level textbook. You will be treated as responsible
intellectuals and will be expected to be serious about learning the ins and outs of what psychology is
all about.
A goal of this course is to provide students with a learning experience equivalent to that obtained in
most college introductory psychology courses, in addition to preparing students for the AP Exam.
This college level course will expand your knowledge, challenge your mind and, at times, actually be
entertaining. It will help you to better understand yourself and those around you.
All students will be prepared to take the Advanced Placement Psychology Exam on May 5, 2015.
Course Objectives:
The central question addressed in AP Psychology is “How do psychologists think?” The psychologist
David Myers wrote that to think as a psychologist, one must learn to “restrain intuition with critical
thinking, judgmentalism with compassion, and illusion with understanding” (Sternberg, 1997).
Whether students choose to pursue a career related to psychology or one in some entirely different
field, this habit of mind will be of great value.
Dr. Sugerman’s syllabus
As a result of this course, you will be able to:
 Distinguish between the major core concepts and theories of psychology.
 Understand key terms and use them in your everyday vocabulary.
 Demonstrate mastery of the explorations and discoveries made by psychologists over the past
century.
 Assess diverse approaches to psychology that are adopted by psychologists, including
biological, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, psychodynamic, and sociocultural perspectives.
 Show basic skills of psychological research and be able to apply psychological concepts to
your own lives through critical thinking skills.
Student Attendance:
Per Broward County policy, absences (whether excused or unexcused) are not to exceed 5 days per 9week grading period. To summarize briefly, after the 3rd unexcused tardy, consequences begin with
things as simple as detentions to progressively more serious referrals. After the 5th tardy, excused or
unexcused, documentation may be asked for to justify.
Per school board policy, all students are expected to make up class work missed during an
absence. The student has two class days to make up the work for each day absent. You will
receive a zero for any class work, assignment or test given on a day you are absent. Once the
deadline to make-up work has passed, you will receive a 0.
Attendance and engagement in class are crucial, especially in an Advanced Placement course that
culminates with the cumulative AP Exam for college credit.
Resources:
Text:
Myers, David G. (2011). Myers Psychology for AP (1st ed). New York, Worth
Publishing.
Accompanying Instructor’s Resource Manual, Study Guide, and Test Bank (on CDROM).
Supplementa Maitland, L.L. (2004). Five steps to a five on the AP: Psychology. New York:
l resources
McGraw-Hill.
and books
Released AP Psychology Exams and other support materials provided by the College
Board.
 Leal, Linda (2010). Essentials Psychology I. New Jersey: Research & Education
Association.
Leal, Linda (2010). Essentials Psychology II. New Jersey: Research & Education
Association.
Helpful
www.course-notes.org/Psychology (Great review site!)
Websites:
www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/about.html (AP Exam creators)
http://beep.browardschools.com/ssoPortal/index.html-Online textbook
www.alleydog.com
http://home.mindspring.com/~j-squared/apreviewsite/index.html
http://www.appsychology.com/
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/Controller.jpf
http://www.g2conline.org/
2
Dr. Sugerman’s syllabus
http://www.course-notes.org/Psychology
http://www.studystack.com/flashcard-79319
http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/introb.html
http://kidshealth.org/kid/htbw/brain.html
Materials needed for class:
 Writing utensils
 3 ring binder (Must have pockets and rings/tabs to bind work)
 Paper
 Computer storage device (CD, USB drive)
 3 X 5 Index cards
 Stapler
 Rubberbands
 Colored pencils/markers
Broward County
Grading Scale:
90 –
A
100%
87 - 89% B+
80 – 86
B
%
77 – 79% C+
70 – 76% C
67 – 69% D+
60 – 66% D
0 - 59% F
Approximate Grading Breakdown:
Grades will be averaged according to total points earned. Dividing actual
points earned by total points possible will give the grade percentage.
Students will be expected to come to class prepared for the day’s lesson or
exam, participate in class activities and discussions, and turn in all work on
time.
Organization, respect, and responsibility are crucial for success in this class.
Grading:
Your grade will be based predominately on tests, quizzes, assignments (both in and outside of
class), and attendance/participation. A point-scale will be used, in which grades are calculated as
POINTS EARNED / TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE. Tests will be the largest proportion of your
grade. Test will be weighted 3 times that of homework, quizzes and projects.
Each student is responsible for keeping track of his/her own grades using pinnacle. No
grades will be discussed over email. Any questions with regard to grades must be discussed
in person before school. A student must wait 24 hours to discuss a grade and the discussion
must occur within one week of receiving the grade.
Information about Tests:
Tests will be rigorous as they are intended to challenge the student at the Advanced Placement Level.
All of the tests I give reflect the length and timing of the actual AP Exam. On unit test that are only
multiple choice, students are given 35 minutes to complete 50 multiple-choice items. Some tests may be
fill-in the blank.
3
Dr. Sugerman’s syllabus
Tests are cumulative to negate the serial position effect. By following this strategy, “old” information
retains the freshness and accessibility of “new” information, making the retrieval of the entire course
information on the AP Exam more effective. Cumulative testing also reduces the amount of time needed
for intensive review sessions in the spring and allows more course time to explore and learn new
information.
Cumulative Exams: To help prepare for the AP Exam in May, a cumulative test will be given at the
end of the first, second, and third quarters, and prior to the AP Exam (Final). Each exam will cover all
the material from the beginning of the school year to that point. To help prepare for the AP Exam in
May, a cumulative test will be given at the end of the first, second, and third quarters, and prior to the
AP Exam (Final). Each exam will cover all the material from the beginning of the school year to that
point.
Tests are not graded on a curve.
Midterm exam is a requirement of the AP Psychology course and will be comprehensive for all
material covered during the first semester.
Additional Information about grading:
Very little extra credit, if any, is offered; do not count on using it to save your grade. Whatever grade
you earn at the end of the term is the grade you earn in the class. There is no negotiating.
Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty
Students are expected to abide by ethical standards in preparing and presenting material which
demonstrates their level of knowledge and which is used to determine grades. Such standards are
founded on the basic concepts of honesty and integrity.
Plagiarism:
• The unaccredited use of someone else’s words or ideas
• Using the words or ideas of others without using in-text citations or proper citation on a “Works
Cited” or “Reference” page
• Information considered common knowledge does not require a citation.
• May include submitting, as one’s own assignment, work either in part or wholly written by
someone else.
• Omitting quotation marks when quoting verbatim from a source
• Misrepresenting the work of another as one’s own
Consequences for Plagiarism:
• Will receive a failing grade for the plagiarized assignment
• Parents and Administration will be notified.
Any and all discussion, noise or communication during exams, quizzes, etc. will be deemed as
academic dishonesty and will result in a zero grade for the respective assignment / assessment.
Academic dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated.
4
Dr. Sugerman’s syllabus
Teacher Assistance
If you would like to meet with me, I am available most weekdays from 7:00-7:25 a.m.
Class Rules & Policies
Respect your classmates and your teacher at ALL times.
Arrive to class on time and be seated when the bell rings, ready to go.
You are to come to class PREPARED.
No eating in class.
Absolutely no use of cell phones, headphones, iPods, etc. in the classroom. NO TEXT
MESSAGING IN CLASS!!!! If I see them I take them.
6. Cheating/copying in class will not be tolerated and will result in a zero on that grade for ALL
parties involved and possible removal from the course. This includes all class assignments,
homework, and tests.
7. Class participation is crucial and includes asking relevant questions, actively sharing and
listening during class discussions, completing assignments, and preparing for tests.
Attendance, behavior, and responsibility all count toward this goal.
8. Due dates are nonnegotiable. If you are present for the assignment you are responsible for
turning it in on time. If the assignment was previously announced, you must turn it in on the
due date even if you are absent via email (jpeg, pdf, or .doc), a friend, or dropped at the office.
If you email an assignment it must be sent to the proper email address,
sheryl.sugerman@browardschools.com, with your name, period, and the assignment name in
the subject line. The email must be professional and appropriate.
9. No LATE assignments will be accepted.
10. In the event that a student misses a class, it is the student’s responsibility to determine what
he/she has missed.
11. Each student is responsible for keeping track of his/her own grades using pinnacle. No grades
will be discussed over email. Any questions with regard to grades must be discussed in
person before school. A student must wait 24 hours to discuss a grade and the discussion
must occur within one week of receiving the grade.
12. All work MUST have your full name, period, assignment name and due date on it in the
upper right hand corner, and stapled if necessary. If any of these are missing, it will result
in a reduction of 5 points.
13. All make-up test/quizzes will be taken before school (6:50 a.m. -7:25 a.m.). These cannot be
made up during class time. If a student is absent the day before the test they are still required
to take the test on the day that they return.
14. If a student misses a test/quiz, an alternate test/quiz will be administered.
15. All rules and regulations of the Student Code of Conduct will apply.
16. If you get extended time you must take and complete exams/test/quizzes on the day it is given.
Thus, you will need to make arrangements with the teacher prior to the test day to come in
early, stay late, or use your lunch time. You will only be given parts of the test at a time and
will not be able to go back and redo any questions once you leave the room.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
5
Dr. Sugerman’s syllabus
Course Units:
Quarter 1
Topics/Themes
History of Psychology
History
Historic and Philosophical Approaches
Contemporary Approaches
Psychological Perspectives
References
Myers, David G.
(2011).
Myers Psychology
for AP(1st ed)
Study Guide
Psych Sim5
Research Methods/Thinking Critically with
Psychological Science
The Need for Psychological Science
Description
Non-experimental methods
Correlational Studies
Experimental Methods and the Components of
an Experiment
Bias in Research
Statistical Reasoning
The Importance of Ethics in Research
Biological Bases of Behavior
Neural Communication
Neurotransmitters
The Nervous System
The Endocrine System
The Parts of the Brain and the Function of each
Myers, David G.
(2011).
Myers Psychology
for AP(1st ed)
Study Guide
Psych Sim5
Developmental Psychology & the Life Span
Prenatal Development and the Newborn,
Adolescence and Adulthood
Developmental Changes in Physical, Social,
and Cognitive Areas in each Stage of Life
Theories by Piaget, Kohlberg, and Erikson
Infancy, Childhood, Attachment
Myers, David G.
(2011).
Myers Psychology
for AP(1st ed)
Study Guide
Psych Sim5
Myers, David G.
(2011).
Myers Psychology
for AP(1st ed)
Study Guide
Psych Sim5
Activities
Reading, Lecture, and
Writing
Group Work
Simulations
Multi-Media and
Interactive activities
Learning Modules
Demonstration
Reading, Lecture, and
Writing
Group Work – Research
Design
Simulations
Learning Modules
Demonstration
Reading, Lecture, and
Writing
Group Work
Simulations
Multi-Media and
Interactive activities
Learning Modules
Demonstration
Reading, Lecture, and
Writing
Group Work
Simulations
Multi-Media and
Interactive activities
Learning Modules
Demonstration
Quarter 2
Topics/Themes
References
Myers, David G.
(2011).
Myers
Psychology for
AP(1st ed)
Sensation
Basic Principles
Vision – Anatomy of the Eye and Function
Hearing – Anatomy of the Ear and Function
6
Activities
Reading, Lecture, and
Writing
Group Work
Simulations
Multi-Media and
Dr. Sugerman’s syllabus
Senses and Sensory Threshold and Adaptation
Absolute Threshold and Difference Threshold
Perception
Attention
Illusions
Young-Helmholtz and Opponent-process Theories
Interpretation
Depth Perception
Gestalt Psychology
States of Consciousness
Waking Consciousness
Sleep – Function of Sleep, sleep disorders, NREM
and REM
Function of Dreams
Hypnosis
Drugs and Consciousness (Depressants,
Stimulants, and Hallucinogens)
Learning
Classical Conditioning, Acquisition, Extinction,
Spontaneous Recovery, Generalization, and
Discrimination (Pavlov’s Experiments)
Operant Conditioning, Procedure of Shaping, and
Skinner’s Experiments
Reinforcers and Schedules of Reinforcement,
Punishment
Cognitive Processes and Biological Predispositions
in Conditioning
Learning by Observation – Bandura
Memory
Encoding
Storage
Retrieval
Forgetting
Study Guide
Psych Sim5
Interactive activities
Learning Modules
Demonstration
Myers, David G.
(2011).
Myers
Psychology for
AP (1st ed)
Study Guide
Psych Sim5
Reading, Lecture, and
Writing
Group Work
Simulations
Learning Modules
Demonstration
Dream Journal
Myers, David G.
(2011).
Myers
Psychology for
AP (1sted)
Study Guide
Psych Sim5
Reading, Lecture, and
Writing
Group Work
Simulations
Learning Modules
Demonstration
Learning Experiments
Myers, David G.
(2011).
Myers
Psychology for
AP (1st ed)
Study Guide
Psych Sim5
Thinking and Language
Cognition
Thinking
Language
Animal Thinking and Language
Myers, David G.
(2011).
Myers
Psychology for
AP (1st ed)
Study Guide
Psych Sim5
Reading, Lecture, and
Writing
Group Work
Simulations
Learning Modules
Demonstration
Memory
Tests/Experiment
Reading, Lecture, and
Writing
Group Work
Simulations
Learning Modules
Demonstration
7
Dr. Sugerman’s syllabus
Quarter 3
Topic/Theme
Motivation
Motivational Concepts
Hunger
Sexual Motivation
The Need to Belong
Motivation at Work
Emotion
Theories of Emotion
Embodied Emotion
Expressed Emotion
Experienced Emotion
Stress and Health
Stress and Illness
Promoting Health
Personality
Historic Perspectives on Personality
Personality Structure in terms of the Id, Ego,
and Superego
Defense Mechanisms
Neo-Freudians
Contemporary Research on Personality
Humanistic Perspective and Social-Cognitive
Perspectives
Individual Differences
Various Assessments on Personality
Intelligence
Intelligence Testing
Assessing Intelligence
Genetic and Environmental Influences
Ethics and Standards in Testing
Standardization and Norms
Reliability and Validity
References
Myers, David G.
(2011).
Myers Psychology
for AP (1st ed)
Study Guide
Psych Sim5
Activities
Reading, Lecture, and
Writing
Group Work
Simulations
Learning Modules
Demonstration
Experiment
Multi-Media and
Interactive activities
Myers, David G.
(2011).
Myers Psychology
for AP (1st ed)
Study Guide
Psych Sim5
Reading, Lecture, and
Writing
Group Work
Simulations
Learning Modules
Demonstrations
Personality Tests
Myers, David G.
(2011).
Myers Psychology
for AP (1st ed)
Study Guide
Psych Sim5
Reading, Lecture, and
Writing
Group Work
Simulations
Learning Modules
Demonstration
Multiple Intelligence
Testing
Quarter 4
Topic/Theme
Psychological Disorders
Perspectives on Psychological disorders
Diagnosis of Disorders
Anxiety Disorders
Mood Disorders
References
Myers, David G.
(2011).
Myers Psychology
for AP (1st ed)
Study Guide
8
Activities
Reading, Lecture, and
Writing
Group Work
Simulations
Learning Modules
Dr. Sugerman’s syllabus
Schizophrenia
Personality Disorders
Abnormal Psychology
Treatment of Psychological Disorders
Psychological Therapies
Evaluating Psychotherapies
Biomedical Therapies
Social Psychology
Social Thinking – Attitudes, Attitude Change,
Attribution, Cognitive Dissonance
Social Influence- Group Dynamics,
Conformity, Compliance, Obedience
Social Relations – Aggression and Antisocial
Behavior
AP REVIEW/PREPARATION
Psych Sim5
Demonstrations
Video Series on
Psychological Disorders
Myers, David G.
(2011).
Myers Psychology
for AP (1st ed)
Study Guide
Psych Sim5
Reading, Lecture, and
Writing
Group Work
Simulations
Learning Modules
Demonstrations
Myers, David G.
(2011).
Myers Psychology
for AP (1st ed)
AP Practice Exams
Terminology and Unit
Reviews
NOTE:
 Students are expected to complete assigned readings before each class meeting.
 It is imperative that students take concise notes on assigned readings, class lectures and
demonstrations.
 Material in this syllabus is subject to modification by instructor if deemed necessary.
9
Dr. Sugerman’s syllabus
Dr. Sugerman’s AP Psychology Contract:
Parents
Initials:
1. I understand that this is a college-level course, and I am willing to put forth a college-level effort.
2. I commit to maintaining high standards for my assignments, my work ethic, and myself.
3. I understand that late assignments ARE NOT ACCEPTED. I am a responsible young adult and
will be treated as such.
4. Due dates are nonnegotiable. If you are present for the assignment you are responsible for turning
it in on time. If the assignment was previously announced, you must turn it in on the due date via
email, a friend, or dropped at the office even if you are absent. If you email an assignment it must
be sent to the proper email address, sheryl.sugerman@browardschools.com, with your name,
period, and the assignment name in the subject line. The email must be professional and
appropriate.
5. All work MUST have your full name, period, assignment name and due date on it in the upper
right hand corner, and stapled, if necessary. If any of these are missing, it will result in a
reduction of 5 points.
6. All make-up test/quizzes will be taken before school (6:50-7:25 a.m.). These cannot be made up
during class time. If a student misses a test, an alternate test will be administered.
7. Each student is responsible for keeping track of his/her own grades using pinnacle. No
grades will be discussed over email. Any questions with regard to grades must be
discussed in person before school. A student must wait 24 hours to discuss a grade and the
discussion must occur within one week of receiving the grade.
8. I understand the terms and conditions involving the flash card assignment.
9. I will be present in class every day, unless there are serious extenuating circumstances. I know that
I put myself at a disadvantage when I miss class. In the event that I miss a class, it is my
responsibility to determine what has been missed.
10. Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty will not be tolerated. A failing grade, a zero, for any
plagiarized assignment will be given. Any and all discussion, noise or communication during
exams, quizzes, etc. will be deemed as academic dishonesty and will result in a zero grade for the
respective assignment / assessment. Academic dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated.
11. I am willing to put in a significant amount of time to study for the tests and quizzes in this class.
12. I understand that if I get extended time I must take exams and complete on the day it is given.
Thus, I will make arrangements with the teacher prior to the test day to come in early, stay late, or
use your lunch time. I understand that I will only be given parts of the test at a time and will not be
able to go back and redo any questions once I leave the room.
13. I understand that my workload at home will be significant, given the 50 minute class time.
14. I agree to participate in study sessions leading up to the AP Exam, which is on May 5, 2015.
My student and I have read and understand the contents of Dr. Sugerman’s AP Psychology course outline.
We understand how the student will be evaluated and graded in this course. (Please sign and return this
page.)
___________________________________________________
Student (Print Name)
__________
Date
___________________________________________________
Student Signature
__________
Date
___________________________________________________
Parent Signature
__________
Date
10