ADVANCED PLACEMENT PSYCHOLOGY
Morris
Textbook:
Myers, David G. “Psychology”, Sixth Edition; Michigan: Worth Publishers
**This GHS textbook costs approximately $70.00…so if your dog eats it or you lose it – that’s what it will cost you. Keep that in mind at all times! I highly recommend you purchase one online so you can take notes in it. The 6th edition is inexpensive now online. ALSO: you will need to purchase one of the AP Psychology test review books, I will check for this the second week of class. After the AP test, we will be reading one of the following books: Helter Skelter by Bugilosi or The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath or The Man who Mistook his Wife for a Hat, by Oliver Sacks. A new one: The Center Cannot Hold, by Elyn Saks. Your choice on which to read.
Classroom Materials:
Please obtain a three ring notebook with pockets – at least 2 inches, to keep class handouts and your notes neat and organized. Bring you notebook and your textbook to class on a daily basis. Use a planner to keep track of assignments. If you are absent, I expect you to look on the web or call a friend or email me to find out what you missed, you will be expected to do the material the day you come back unless there are unforeseen circumstances.
Purpose of this course:
The purpose of the advanced placement course in psychology is 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 the major sub-fields within psychology. They also learn about the methods psychologists use in their science and practice.
Course Objectives:
1. Students will be prepared to do acceptable work on the AP Exam.
2. Students will study the major core concepts and theories of psychology.
3. Students will learn the basic skills of psychological research.
4. Students will be able to apply basic psychological concepts to their lives.
5. Students will develop critical thinking skills.
6. Students will build their reading, writing, and discussion skills.
7. Students will learn about psychology as a profession.
The Advanced Placement Examination in Psychology:
Date: May 7, 2012 afternoon session (noon)
The AP Exam in psychology is approximately 2 hours in length and includes both a 70 minute (100 questions) multiple choice section and a 50 minute (2 essay) free response section.
How the test is scored:
5 = extremely well qualified
4 = well qualified
3 = qualified
2 = possibly qualified
1 = no recommendation
AP Class Weighting of Work:
Tests: objective portion: 50%
Tests: essay portion: 10%
Reading quizzes: 30%
Daily work: vocabulary, case studies etc.: 10%
Catherine C. Morris