AP Psychology Mrs. Povletich
Introduction
People have brains—the most complex thing known in the universe. People have minds—non-physical but undoubtedly real. People are naturally interested in other people and in what goes on in our minds.
Getting to Know me
AP Psych Course Content AP PSYCHOLOGY UNITS OF STUDY History and Approaches Motivation and Emotion Research Methods Developmental Psychology Biological Bases of Behavior Personality Sensation and Perception Testing and Individual Differences States of Consciousness Abnormal Behavior Learning Treatment of Abnormal Behavior Cognition Social Psychology
The AP Exam Section I: Multiple Choice | 100 Questions | 70 Minutes | 66.6% of Exam Score Define and explain content from a range of course topics Apply skills of comparison and interpretation to course concepts, theories, and scientific methods Section II: Free Response | 2 Questions | 50 Minutes | 33.3% of Exam Score Analyze a unique scenario using concepts from different theoretical frameworks or sub domains in the field (Free-Response Question Type 1) Design, analyze, or critique a study (Free-Response Question Type 2)
Classroom Materials Interactive Notebook (students will need 4 - 8½” x 11” college-ruled notebooks for the year) Unit-by-Unit Concept Cards (students will need approximately 500 notecards for the year)
Additional Resources It is HIGHLY recommended that students purchase an AP Psychology review book and use it throughout the year (not just for the test in May). There are a variety of review books out there but here are couple that we highly recommend... Krieger Larry. AP Psychology Crash Course. Piscataway, NJ: Research & Education Association, 2015. (This review book is good for the “big picture” of this course but it should not be used exclusively as you would miss out on many of the details. However, I will reference and use material from it in class regularly because I feel it is a valuable resource for studying.) Fenton, Nancy. AP Psychology: All Access. Piscataway, NJ: Research & Education Assn., 2012. (This review book is from the same company as the one above but goes into more depth. It is highly recommended among AP Psychology teachers across the globe.) Students that are interested in an online review option may consider purchasing access to SHMOOP. SHMOOP is a digital publishing company designed at provide academically rigorous material in a teen-friendly, approachable manner. If you look on their website, they have impressive results for students that use their content consistently. In my experience, some students like the style, while others do not so it’s up to you. The cost is $24.68 per month but they do offer a short free trial so you can check it out. I will be using some of their content as we progress throughout the course.
Class Expectations ● RESPECT peers, teachers, administrators, visitors, textbooks, supplies and facilities. The use of swearing, derogatory comments and put-downs is not only disrespectful but also inappropriate for the school and work environment. Therefore, they will not be tolerated. ● RESPONSIBILITY and ACCOUNTABILITY: Be responsible and accountable for all of YOUR actions! The grade you earn in this class will be a reflection of your effort and learning. It is the responsibility of the student to be aware of their academic standing and bring any questions they have about their grade to the attention of the teacher. ● ELECTRONICS POLICY: Cell phones and any other electronic devices will NOT be allowed for use during class time, except at teacher’s discretion at appropriate times. Any violation will result in confiscation of the item which will be turned in to the student’s Assistant Principal’s office.
Grades! ● Assessments (50%) ● Projects and Discussions (20%) ● Homework and Notebook Checks (20%) ● Professionalism (10%)
Assessments (50%) ○L1 = Formative assessments graded for completion and corrections ○L2 = Module tests (typically tied directly to the textbook; about 30-35 points each; multiple choice and free response
○L3 = AP-style practice tests that will occur every 2-3 units. These will consist of 100 multiple choice questions taken in 70 minutes followed by 1 FRQ in 25 minutes. Because these assessments are designed to be as closely matched to the AP test as possible, the questions will come from a variety of reliable sources. Each L3 assessment will be cumulative so they will continue to build on the amount of material included.
A Note on Test Corrections ○ In my experience, the opportunity for test corrections has resulted in students being less prepared for tests and not putting forth the amount of studying that should be appropriate for a high school course. ○ With that in mind, there will NOT be any opportunities for test corrections on the L3 assessments. ○ Within a couple of days of the test, I will review commonly missed questions and students will have a chance to review and reflect on what they missed, but you will not be able to re-take the test or do corrections to earn more points.
Projects and Discussions ▸ A variety of individual and group projects will challenge students to study psychology topics in more depth. This category will also include formal discussions, debates, simulations, research papers, and unit review activities that will help students gain a better understanding when studying psychology. ● Research Study Infographic = first small project ● Next week = Socratic Seminar on Animal Research Ethics ● After the L3 test = large group project developing 2 research proposals
Homework This course will require an EXTENSIVE amount of time devoted to reading, note-taking, activities, and studying OUTSIDE OF THE REGULAR CLASS. Please be aware that I will NOT be collecting homework on a daily basis – all work will be completed in their notebooks which will be collected with each L3 test.
Participation and Professionalism Participation is an integral part of the class and will consist of everyday class participation, individual and group activities, presentations, formal and impromptu speeches, and other activities. In addition, all class work, projects and written debate/simulation assignments will be given a professionalism grade. Although I allow students to make-up work for full credit, I also want to reward those students that turn work in on time. Therefore, the professionalism grade will be a “separate” 10-point grade at the time that work is turned in. 10 points = Work was turned in COMPLETED on time. 5 points = Work was turned in on time but incomplete OR was turned in within one week of the due date 0 points = Work was turned in more than one week late.
Class Website ▸www.westranchhighschool.com ▸Academics ▸Academic Departments ▸Social Studies
