Advanced Placement Psychology
Marian Central Catholic H.S.
Mrs. Laura Littner
2009-2010
Room: 216
School Phone: 815-338-4220 ex 219
School Email: llittner@marian.com (This is the best way to reach me for a quick response.)
Office Hours: 7:15– 8:00am & 2:30-3:00pm or by appointment.
Course Description:
AP Psychology is a course designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology, as well as methods psychologists use in their science and practice.
This course, like any other Advance Placement course, is intended to be rigorous. You will read and write extensively; you will design experiments and critique experimental designs’ you will have to think carefully and provide solid evidence to produce valid answers to challenging questions. You will work with study groups to develop presentations; you will analyze articles and class demonstrations. The cool thing is that all of this work is designed not to only to prepare you for the AP Psychology Exam next May, but to help you gain insights into perhaps the most interesting and complex of all things worth knowing: the human being.
What impels us to act? How is personality formed – are we born with our traits in place or do they develop as we grow and age? To what extent am I a product of my genetic heritage, and what part does my environment play in shaping me? What does it mean to be “mentally ill”? Do mentally ill people become healthy again? What factors influence the development of self-esteem? What explains violent behavior? Why do I remembers some information and events clearly and forget others entirely? What causes our emotions? Our fears? These are just some of the questions for which we will find answers over the course of the year.
Course Materials & Resources:
*Myers, D.G. Psychology. 8th ed. New York: Worth – Text
ISBN 0-7167-2830-3
Barrons. How to Prepare for the AP Psychology Exam. McEntarffer and Weseley
ISBN978-0764193248
*Hock, R.S. Forty Studies That Changed Psychology: 5th ed. Prentice-Hall.
ISBN #978-091147293 or 6th ed ISBN# 978-0136035992
(*summer reading!!)
www.neuroscienceforkids.com
www.apa.org
www.psychonline.com
www.lerner.org
Supplies:
· 3 inch Ring Notebook with section dividers (suggest color coded), you may need more than one. I SUGGEST BUYING 1 PER QUARTER. Your binder will have five sections: 1. Class notes, 2. Class handouts, 3. Homework 4. Chapter Outlines 5. Journal
· You will need loose leaf paper for taking notes and for assignments.
· Do not hand in assignments with ripped edges!
· Pens and #2 Pencils (I will charge for pencils!)
Course Requirements:
Chapter Outlines: (30pts) ***Note it is important you read the chapters, we may not cover all of the information from the text in class.*****
For each assigned chapter you will prepare chapter outlines according to the directions attached. They NEED TO BE NEATLY TYPED, NO MORE THAN FIVE PAGES!!!! I will grade them based upon neatness, clarity, completeness, and understanding. These outlines will be a good resource for studying for chapter and cumulative exams.
Analysis of Journal Articles, Experimental Designs, and Classroom Demonstrations/Activities: (30pts)
Periodically, I will assign journal articles on psychology topics and/or psychological studies. There will also be frequent in-class demonstrations of various psychological concepts. For each article, psychological study, and demonstration, you will write an analysis according to guidelines I will give you in class.
Projects:
There will be at least two major projects this year, one of which will be your second semester exam. The majority of projects will require the use of power point and APA format for citations.
Grading:
Grades will be computed using the new scale below.
|
Grade
|
Number Equivalent
|
Regular
|
Honors/A.P.
|
|
A
|
95-100
|
4.0
|
5.0
|
|
A-
|
93-94
|
4.0
|
5.0
|
|
B+
|
91-92
|
3.0
|
4.0
|
|
B
|
87-90
|
3.0
|
4.0
|
|
B-
|
85-86
|
3.0
|
4.0
|
|
C+
|
83-84
|
2.0
|
3.0
|
|
C
|
79-82
|
2.0
|
3.0
|
|
C-
|
77-78
|
2.0
|
3.0
|
|
D+
|
75-76
|
1.0
|
2.0
|
|
D
|
72-74
|
1.0
|
2.0
|
|
D-
|
70-71
|
1.0
|
2.0
|
|
F
|
Below 70
|
0.0
|
0.0
|
All work will be assigned a point value, depending on the length and difficulty of the assignment. All work is divided into the three categories listed below. Also listed is the approximate percentage each type of assignment will be of the quarter grade.
· Reading Outlines 30%
· Activities (Articles, Studies, Demonstrations, Papers) 30%
· Assessments (Quizzes, Tests) 30%
· Class Participation 10%
**Cumulative semester exams will comprise 20% of the semester grade.
The AP Exam and Testing:
The AP Exam is on May 11th in the afternoon session. The cost is approximately $95 to take the exam. All students are strongly encouraged to take the exam, though it is not required.
See the attached summary outline of the AP Psychology for information that will be on the exam.
Late Work Policy:
My definition of late work is that which is not handed in on the day and during the period it is due. Late work will be given half credit. If you will be absent the day an assignment is due, it is due immediately the following day. ALL TESTS MUST BE MADE UP THE FOLLOWING DAY except in the cases of serious illness or family emergencies! I give a calendar with due dates to help you. Don’t leave things to the last minute, if you know you have a conflict with an assignment, complete it sooner than later.
Oops Passes
All assignments are due at the beginning of class. Late work will receive half credit. You will each receive one “Oops” pass for each quarter for life’s little emergencies – this will allow you an extra day – so save them for when you really need them. (THIS DOES NOT MEAN FOUR DAYS!!!) If handing in a late assignment with an oops pass, write oops at the top of the paper. I will indicated in my grade book that you used your pass for that assignment.
Summer Readings and Other Bank Points
During the summer you will be expected to read and journal the cases from the Hock book. For your efforts you will receive bank points. Bank points are simply extra credit points that you can use at anytime during the year. You may use these to boost an exam or even your final grade. There will be opportunities for these points through out the year, however the summer readings are the largest number of points that will be offered. It is a great way to get off to a positive start and familiarize yourself with the material!
Other Policies / Expectations:
· Organize your class materials in a logical way, and keep all materials until the end of the year.
· Bring your textbook to class every day.
· Bring your Barron’s review guide with you everywhere. If you have an extra five minutes you may review for the exam.
· All typed assignments must be printed out before class!!!!! Do not come to me and ask to go to the library!!!
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, OR CONFUSIONS at any time throughout the course of the year, please come and find me before school or during my prep periods. Don’t wait until it is too late.
*****This syllabus is subject to change! If you have any questions, just ask! *************
Summary Outline of AP Psychology:
These are the major content areas covered by this course as well as the AP Psychology Examination. Next to each topic you will find the corresponding Myers chapter underlined and in parenthesis is the approximate percentage of the AP Exam that is devoted to each area. For a more thorough description of the exam’s content, please see the preceding pages.
Unit 1: The History and Science of Psychology
I. History and Approaches: Prologue …………………………………….(2-4%)
A. Logic, Philosophy, and History of Science
B. Approaches
1. Biological
2. Behavioral
3. Cognitive
4. Humanistic
5. Psychodynamic
6. Sociocultural
7. Evolutionary / Sociobiological
II. Research Methods: Chapter 1…………………………………......(6-8%)
A. Research Methods (e.g., longitudinal, cross-sectional)
B. Experimental, Correlational, and Clinical Research
1. Correlational (e.g. observational, survey, clinical)
2. Experimental
C. Statistics
1. Descriptive
2. Inferential
D. Ethics in Research
Unit 2: Neuroscience and Psychology
III. Biological Bases of Behavior: Chapter 2…………………………………….(8-10%)
A. Physiological Techniques (e.g. imaging, surgical)
B. Neuroanatomy
C. Functional Organization of Nervous System
D. Neural Transmission
E. Endocrine System
F. Genetics
Unit 3: The Working Brain
IV. Sensation and Perception: Chapter 5&6…………………………………..(7-9%)
A. Thresholds
B. Sensory Mechanisms
C. Sensory Adaptation
D. Attention
E. Perceptual Processes
V. States of Consciousness: Chapter 7…………………… …………………..(2-4%)
A. Sleep and Dreaming
B. Hypnosis
C. Psychoactive Drug Effects
VI. Learning: Chapter 8 ……………………………………………………….. …(7-9%)
A. Classical Conditioning
B. Operant Conditioning
C. Cognitive Processes in Learning
D. Biological Factors
E. Social Learning
VII. Cognition: Chapter 9 &10 ………………………………………………………(.8-10%)
A. Memory
B. Language
C. Thinking
D. Problem Solving and Creativity
Unit 4: Why We Act and Feel As We Do.
VIII. Motivation and Emotion: Chapter 14 ……………………………………………(7-9%)
A. Biological Bases
B. Theories of Motivation
C. Hunger, Thirst, Sex, and Pain
D. Social Motives
E. Theories of Emotion
F. Stress
Unit 5: Human Development
IX. Developmental Psychology: Chapter 3&4 …………………….………………….(7-9 %)
A. Life-Span Approach
B. Heredity-Environment Issues (Nature vs. Nurture)
C. Developmental Theories
D. Dimensions of Development
1. Physical
2. Cognitive
3. Social
4. Moral
5. Sex Roles, Sex Differences
Unit 6: What is the measure of a person?
X. Personality: Chapter 14 …………………………………………………….…(6-8%)
A. Personality Theories
B. Assessment Techniques
C. Self-concept, Self-esteem
D. Growth and Adjustment
XI. Intelligence and Testing for Individual Differences: Chapter 11………………….(5-7%)
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
G. Human Diversity
Unit 7: Group Behavior and Influences on the Individual
XII. Social Psychology: Chapter18 ........……………………………………………….7-9%
A. Group Dynamics
B. Attribution Processes
C. Interpersonal Perception
D. Conformity, Compliance, Obedience
E. Attitudes and Attitude Changes
F. Organizational Behavior
G. Aggression/Antisocial Behavior
Unit 8: Mental Heath, Disturbance and Therapy
XIII. Abnormal Psychology: Chapter 16………………………………………………(7-9%)
A. Definitions of Abnormality
B. Theories of Psychopathology
C. Diagnosis of Psychopathology
D. Anxiety Disorders
E. Somatoform Disorders
F. Mood Disorders
G. Schizophrenic Disorders
H. Organic Disorders
I. Personality Disorders
J. Dissociative Disorders
XIV. Treatment of Psychological Disorders: Chapter 17…………….…………………(5-7% )
A. Treatment Approaches
1. Insight Therapies: Psychodynamic / Humanistic Approaches
2. Behavioral Approaches
3. Cognitive Approaches
4. Biological Approaches (psychopharmacology/psychosurgery)
B. Modes of Therapy (e.g., individual, group)
C. Community and Preventive Approaches
