Advanced Placement Psychology
Mrs. Brown...AHS Social Studies Dept.
Why take A.P. Psych?
1) Obviously, a primary benefit of this course is the opportunity to earn college credit
by taking the advanced placement test given in May.
2) Another benefit of this course is that it will emphasize critical thinking, an important
skill in life and in any further education you pursue.
3) Finally, I hope you will gain deeper understanding of yourself and of others through
the study of psychology. For many of you this may be your first experience with
an exciting and constantly changing discipline.
The AP Test
1) The date for this year's AP Psychology test is on Monday May 5th. The fee for
the exam is approx. $89
2) The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions which count for two thirds of
the exam score and two essay questions, which count for one third of the exam,
score.
3) Students earn a grade based on a 5-point scale as follows:
5 = extremely well qualified
4 = well qualified
3 = qualified
2 = possibly qualified
1 = no recommendation
Most colleges will give college credit for a 3 or higher, although some have higher
standards.
Materials
*Textbook:
Meyers, David G. (2007). Psychology. New York: Worth Publishers.
*SCHOOL SUPPLIES NEEDED: (minimal req.)
1. 3 ring binder
2. A note book for:
reading notes
demonstration reflections
vocabulary (you may also use note cards or study
guide packet for vocab.)
Explanations:
A
large three ring binder is highly recommended.
You will collect a great deal of
notes, handouts, and articles and so on during the course. Some students find it beneficial
to have a LARGE three ring binder for each semester.
Taking notes/ Study habits
You will be expected to take notes, process or highlight everything: readings, class
demonstrations, and videos. Good note-taking and participation is crucial to success
in this class. Suggested text pages for reading will be posted on the chalkboard for
each unit. You will be given basic outlines for each unit. It is your job to expand your
knowledge past the minimal information.
Vocabulary
Each unit will include a term list. These terms will be taken mainly from the textbook,
but additional terms will be taken from other sources. It is very important to learn the
vocabulary. Study hints: flash cards, vocabulary notebooks, and highlighters for
notes. Also, I will include a brief study guide with each vocab. list. If not, I have
workbooks to accompany each chapter that you can check out from me.
Reflective writings/ Journals/demonstration comments
In order to fully comprehend and remember course material, it is important to reflect on
it and relate it to other things. Students may be assigned reflective readings for each
unit, depending on time and content. Reflective writings will be graded on completion,
not opinion. MOST IMPORTANTLY, throughout the year we will be engaged
in several demonstrations to illustrate certain concepts, ideas or themes. Some of
these demonstrations will be seconds long and only use one student; others may take
the whole class period as well as all of the students' participation. It is
EXTREMELY important you
Participation/Homework
Participation is crucial for learning the material. Be here, be involved and volunteer
for activities. It is vital for you to participate and be an active member of this class.... it
will enhance your learning as well as the class dynamics. Homework: keeping up with
the reading is an expectation that is crucial to your success. Other homework,
projects, papers etc. will be assigned as appropriate. Some tasks will be larger than
others, etc. You should plan on doing A.P. work every night. (at least 20 minutes).
Absences will not count against participation directly. HOWEVER, with an
absence YOU are responsible to get the notes and materials missed that day.
Quizzes and tests
A test similar in format to the AP test (multiple choice/essay) will be given for each
unit. In addition there may be one to two quizzes per unit. Also, there will be reading
quizzes for the assigned reading in each unit. More will be addressed on this later.
Course material
The title of each unit, corresponding textbook chapters, approximate class time to
complete, and percentage of AP exam is listed below.
AGAIN, all dates and time allotments etc. approximations, they may not be perfect...
I. Foundations of Psychology
Myers, introduction, chapter 1,
Supplemental readings
(12 days)
8-12 % of exam
II. Neuroscience, genetics and behavior
Myers, chapter 2
Supplemental readings
(13 days)
8-10%
III. State of Consciousness
Myers, chapter 7
(5 days)
2-4%
IV. Sensation and Perception
Myers, chapters 5 and 6
(11 days)
V. Learning
Myers, chapters 8
(6 days)
VI. Memory and Cognition Myers, chapter 9
Thinking and Language unit)
7-9%
7-9%
(13 days ) ( 8-10%, includes
VII. Thinking and Language (see above)
Myers, 10
VIII. Motivation and Emotion
Myers, chapters 12, 13
(11 days)
7-9%
Happy Holidays 
END OF SEMESTER-FINAL EXAM
IX. Developmental Psychology
Myers, chapters 3 and 4
(11 days)
7-9%
X. Personality
Myers, chapter 14
(11 days)
6-8%
XI. Intelligence
Myers, chapter 11
(8 days)
5-7%
(11 days)
7-9%
XII. Psychological Disorders
Myers, chapter 15
XIII. Treatment of Psychological Disorders
Myers, chapter 16
(ongoing with XII)
XIV. Stress, Health
XV. Social Psychology
Myers, chapters
Review and Final Exam
(9 days)
(7 days)
(11 or more days)
5-7%
(5-7% ?)
7-9%
cumulative!!!! (12 days or more)
AP exam- May 5th
May 6th- end of year- final project and activities
A.P. Psychology
Power standards- Goals for the AP student
1. Summarize and explain the mechanisms of the brain and nervous system and their influence on behavior. (E.12.1,
E12.2, E12.16)
2. Analyze the variety of methods for interpreting behavior and be able to compare and contrast the major theoretical
perspective in psychology. (E12.2)
3. Fully outline and apply the learning process and how rewards and punishments, memory, and motivation
influence it. (E12.2)
4. Be able to describe the influence of the environment on behavior. e.g. parenting, cultural influences, etc. (E12.2,
E12.3, E12.4, E12.6, E12.16)
5. Be able to write a well-organized essay that completely and accurately demonstrates knowledge. This includes,
but is not limited to the ability to compare and contrast, identify supportive and non-supportive arguments, and
critically evaluate the validly of various points of view. (E.12.9, E12.14)
Teacher availability for help/questions
*Free periods: (some of these may not be ‘free’ due to tutoring or other dutiesI will communicate which at the start of each semester)
Semester one: 1, 2 hours
Semester two: 1, 2 hours
.Other options: after school (by appointment)
Best contact method: email: [email protected]
Grading policy: Point system (individual total points scored/total points possible)
Grading scale:
A+
A
AB+
B
BC+
100-97
96-94
93-90
89-87
86-84
83-80
79-77
C
CD+
D
DF
76-74
73-70
69-67
66-64
63-60
59-0
Attendance and make-up work
Students cannot expect to do well if they do not attend class. Students who miss
more than 10 days in a semester will find it very difficult to keep up. As stated before,
it is the student's responsibility to get materials, notes, worksheets, etc. missed due to
absence. This is a college prepatory course, and responsibility will be given to the
student in accordance. Students will have a limited amount of time to make up work
due to absence. After the time limit, the work will be counted late and only receive half
credit. Late work will not be accepted after the test has been taken on that unit. It is
the student's responsibility to make sure that unexcused absences reported in error
are cleared up.
Absence
Time limit
Excused absence 1-3 days
3 days, after 3 days half credit
Excused absence 4-10 days
5 days, after 5 days half credit
Unexcused absence 1-3 days
3 days at half credit, after 3 days, no credit
Unexcused absence over 3 days
5 days at half credit, after 5 days, no credit
Excused absences over 10 days
Teacher/student plan
All assignments and daily work must be turned in on time to receive full credit; late work
(including assignments forgotten in the locker or at home) is counted half off. After 3 days
time (school days from original due date), late work will not be accepted or at the discretion of
the teacher to accept. Basically- turn in your work on time. IF you have make up work due
to absence or forgetfulness, get it in ASAP and before we take the test on the unit.
Discipline policy
Classroom rules:
1. Be here on time
Consequences for rule violations including tardiness:
1st and 2nd time: verbal warning
3rd time: after class or after school conference
4th time: Humiliation or class servitude…to be discussed later 
2. Be prepared
3. Be respectful
4. Be in your desk for dismissal
5. Be sure you exemplify the Arrowhead Way in all of your endeavors from school work to
social interactions.
Electronic devices: Feel free to bring an electronic device of your choice to class.
HOWEVER, it must be used respectfully, responsibly and appropriately to enhance the
classroom learning environment.
Some example of acceptable use behaviors include: recording notes on the device, looking
up the definition of a word, completing AP Psychology work, accessing Google for class
work, etc... If you aren't sure, ask the teacher first.
Some examples of behaviors that would be unacceptable include: texting, game playing,
personal chats, snap chats, work for another class, anything that does not enhance the
classroom learning environment, etc.
Helpful suggestions:
Use the following sites to help with your studies:
www. apa.org
www. collegeboard.com
www.ApexamReview.com
www. worthpublishers.com/myers
IPhone, iPad etc. apps that might be useful: (and def. fun)
psych lite (study SETS)
Freud quotes
3D body quiz
PsycExplorer
3D brain
BrainTutor
EyeTricks
Use the study guidebooks available to check out in the room. Also, it is recommended to
purchase an AP exam preparation book from a bookstore. I have examples in my room and
have a few available for check out.
Have a great year!!!
Mrs. J. Brown
Email: [email protected]
Psychology and AP Psychology courses
AHS social studies department
Psychology Club advisor
Parental/Guardian bonus :
Students, have your parents skim the expectations in this syllabus and have them email me
with YOUR NAME and HOUR in the subject line to earn a bonus pass.