Download Course Outline

AP Psychology
Course Goal
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AP Psychology is designed to teach students about psychology through in depth
study, discussion, activities, projects, etc. Students will be introduced to the
systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings.
Students will encounter such topics as: discoveries over the past century, differing
approaches including biological, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, psychodynamic,
and sociocultural perspectives.
Textbook
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Psychology: Concepts and Applications by Jeffrey S. Nevid, Houghton Mifflin,
2003.
Supplies Required:
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Three ring binder
Binder dividers (approximately five)
Loose leaf paper
Writing utensils
Additional outside materials (reading/experiment supplies) may be required by
teacher throughout the year (at teacher discretion)
Special Notes
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Students will hopefully sign up to take the AP Psychology Exam in May.
We will not be able to cover all topics during the school year. Students will be
responsible for reading certain chapters on their own.
Content Outline
I.
History and Approaches
a. Logic/Philosophy
i. Biological
ii. Behavioral
iii. Cognitive
iv. Humanistic
v. Psychodynamic
vi. Sociocultural
vii. Evolutionary
b. Research Methods
i. Experimental, Correlation, and Clinical Research
1. Correlation
2. Experimental
ii. Statistics
1. Descriptive
2. Inferential
iii. Ethics in Research
II.
Biological Bases of Behavior
a. Physiological Techniques
b. Neuro-anantomy
c. Functional Organization of the Nervous System
d. Neural Transmission
e. Endocrine System
f. Genetics
III.
Sensation and Perception
a. Thresholds
b. Sensory Mechanisms
c. Sensory Adaptation
d. Attention
e. Perceptual Processes
IV.
States of Consciousness
a. Sleep/Dreaming
b. Hypnosis
c. Psychoactive Drug Effects
V.
Developmental Psychology
a. Life-Span Approach
b. Research Methods
c. Heredity-Environmental Issues
d. Developmental Theories
e. Dimensions of Development
i. Physical
ii. Cognitive
iii. Social
iv. Moral
VI.
Learning
a. Classical Conditioning
b. Operant Conditioning
c. Cognitive Processes of Learning
d. Biological Factors
e. Social Learning
VII.
Cognition
a. Memory
b. Language
c. Thinking
d. Problem Solving and Creativity
VIII.
Testing and Individual Differences
a. Standardization and Norms
b. Reliability and Validity
c. Types of Tests
d. Ethics and Standards in Testing
e. Intelligence
f. Heredity/Environment
g. Human Diversity
IX.
Personality
a. Theories and Approaches
b. Assessment Techniques
c. Self-concept, Self-esteem
d. Growth and Adjustment
X.
Motivation and Emotion
a. Biological Bases
b. Theories of Motivation
c. Hunger, Thirst, Sex and Pain
d. Social Motives
e. Theories of Emotion
f. Stress
XI.
Abnormal Psychology
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. Personality Disorders
i. Dissociative Disorders
XII.
Treatment of Psychological Disorders
a. Treatment Approaches
i. Insight Therapies: Psychodynamic/Humanistic
ii. Behavioral Approaches
iii. Cognitive Approaches
iv. Biological Approaches
b. Modes of Therapy
c. Community and Preventive Approaches
XIII.
Social Psychology
a. Group Dynamics
b. Attribution
c. Interpersonal Perception
d. Conformity, Compliance, Obedience
e. Attitudes
f. Organizational Behavior
g. Aggression/Antisocial Behavior
Course Requirements
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Tests
o Given at the completion of each unit (approximately every 2-3 weeks)
o Follows the AP exam format—multiple choice and written portion
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Interactive Notebook (Will be collected occasionally to ensure students are staying
organized and doing work outside of class)
o Includes:
 Section 1: Class Notes (PowerPoints, Word documents, etc.)
 Section 2: Chapter Vocabulary (must be handwritten, turned in on day
of each chapter test)
 Section 3: Activities/Handouts
 Section 4: Unit Journals (see below)
 Section 5: Miscellaneous: Articles, Projects, Extra Credit, Warm-ups,
etc.
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Unit Journals
o Students write in journals once per unit. Journals facilitate learning and
differentiation of instruction by facilitating critical thinking. Each unit journal
will be a summary of the chapter followed by the student’s thoughts and
questions about the chapter. Minimum length-1 page typed (size 12 font,
single spaced) or 2 pages handwritten (single spaced). These will be turned in
on the day of each unit test.
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Supplemental Readings
o Numerous short articles/readings drawn from books, newspapers, magazines,
and journals are assigned throughout the academic year
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Projects due on various topics
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Video clips on various topics
Extra Credit
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Extra credit can be earned by reading an article from a psychology journal and
writing a summary and critique of the article. Only one article per quarter can be
completed for extra credit. Points are added to the homework portion of the overall
grade.
o For 20 points: read a full journal article from American Psychologist, the
Journal of Educational Psychology, or the Journal of Social Issues. Write a
two page summary and a one page critique of the article. Include a copy of
the article along with your summary/critique.
Grading Scale
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Process (homework, classwork, readings, activities)—30%
Product (quizzes, projects, tests, interactive notebook)—70%
Late Work
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Work will be accepted one day late for HALF credit