AP Psychology Syllabus
Mrs. Celello
Text: Psychology (8th Edition) by David G. Meyers
New York: Worth Publishers, 2007.
Purpose of the Course:
The purpose of the Advanced Placement Psychology is to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with the major sub fields within psychology. Students will also learn about the methods psychologists use in their science and practice.
First Semester Course Plan:
I. Week 1: Introduction to AP Psychology
Prologue: The Story of Psychology (pp. 1-17)
History and Approaches (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. Weeks 2 & 3 (pp. 18-51)
Chapter 1 Thinking Critically with Psychological Scienc
Research Methods (6-8%)
A. Experimental, Correlational, and Clinical Research:
1. Correlational (e.g., imaging, surgical)
2. Experimental
B. Statistics
1. Descriptive
2. Inferential
C. Ethics in Research
Selected Resources:
· Simple Interactive Statistical Analysis: http://home.clara.net/sisa/
· Concepts and Applications of Inferential Statistics:
III. Weeks 4 & 5 (pp. 52-93)
Chapter 2 Biological Basis of Behavior
Neuroscience and Behavior (8-10%)
A. Physiological Techniques (e.g., imaging, surgical)
B. Neuroanatomy
C. Functional Organization of Nervous System
D. Neural Transmission
E. Endocrine System
Week 6
Chapter 3 Nature, Nurture and Human Diversity (pp. 96-137)
A. Genetics
B. Evolutionary Psychology
C. Cultural Influences
Selected Resources:
·Sacks, The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat, pp. 8-22, 77-84, 92-101, 108-115.
·Video: Secret Life of the Brain: http://www.shop.pbs.org/
·Neuroscience Tutorial: http://thalamus.wustl.edu/course/
·Brain Site: http://web.psych.ualberta.ca/~iwinship/studyguide/brain_study.htm
·The Brain and the Actions of Cocaine, Opiates, and Marijuana:
IV. Weeks 7 & 8
Chapter 4 Developmental Psychology
Developing Through the Life Span (pp. 138-195)
B. Research Methods
C. Hereditary-Environmental Issues
D. Developmental Theories
E. Dimensions of Development
1. Physical
2. Cognitive
3. Social
4. Moral
Week 9
Chapter 3 (pp. 107-137)
F. Sex Roles, Sex Differences
V. Week 10, 11, & 12
Sensation and Perception (7-9%)
Chapter 5 Sensation
Chapter 6 Perception
A. Thresholds
B. Sensory Mechanisms
C. Sensory Adaptation
D. Attention
E. Perceptual Process
Selected Resources:
· Stroop Effect: http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/java/ready.html
· Illusions: http://www.worthpublishers.com/myers5e/content/psychsim/
· Illusions: http://home.talkcity.com/LaGrangeLn/ronaldblue/index.html
· Illusions: http://www.uni-mannheim.de/fakul/psycho/irtel/cvd.html
· Illusions: http://www.eyetricks.com/illusions.htm
VI. Week 13
States of Consciousness (2-4%)
Chapter 7 States of Consciousness (pp. 271-311)
A. Sleep and Dreaming
B. Dreaming
C. Psychoactive Drug Effects
VII. Week 14 & 15
Learning (7-9%)
Chapter 8 Learning (pp. 313-347)
A. Classical Conditioning
B. Operant Conditioning
C. Cognitive Processes in Learning
D. Biological Factors
E. Social Learning
Selected Resources:
· Reading: Skinner, Walden Two.
· Video: Limitations of Classical Learning Theory.
· Video: Bandura's Bobo Doll Study.
· Video: The Mind: Module 36.
· Learning Theory Taught at the Zoo:
VIII. Week 16, 17, & 18
Cognition (8-10%)
Chapter 9 Memory (pp. 349-393)
Chapter 10 Thinking and Language (pp. 395-429)
A. Memory
B. Language
C. Thinking
D. Problem Solving
Semester Break Final Exams
IX. Week 19 & 20
Testing and Individual Differences (5-7%)
Chapter 11 Intelligence (pp.431-467)
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
X. Week 21, 22, & 23
Motivation and Emotion (7-9%)
Chapter 12 Motivation & Work (pp. 469-506)
Chapter 13 Emotion (pp. 513-547)
A. Biological Basis
B. Theories of Motivation
C. Hunger, Thirst, Sex and Pain
D. Social Motives
E. Theories of Emotion
Chapter 14 Stress & Health (pp. 549-593)
F. Stress
XI. Week 24 & 25
Personality (6-8%)
Chapter 15 Personality (pp. 595-637)
A. Personality Theories and Approaches
B. Assessment Techniques
C. Self-concept, Self-esteem
D. Growth and Adjustment
Selected Resources:
Video: 42 Up: http://www.shop.pbs.org/
Personality Theories: http://www.coping.org/courses/theories/theorieslinks.htm\
XII. Week 26 & 27
Abnormal Psychology (7-9%)
Chapter 16 Psychological Disorders (pp. 639-683)
A. Definition 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
Selected Resources
Video: The Brain
Video: The Mind
Video: Three Approaches to Psychotherapy.
Video: HBO: Dead Blue/Surviving Depression.
Cassette: Virtual Hallucinations.
Demonstration: DSM-III Case Book.
Demonstration: Outcome Research: Regression to the Mean.
Demonstration: Improving Listening Skills.
Software: Exploring Psychological Disorders.
Phobias Crossword Puzzle: http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/xwords/index.html
XIII. Week 28
Treatment of Psychological Disorders (5-7%)
Chapter 17 Therapy (pp. 685-721)
A. Treatment Approaches
1. Insight Therapies: Psychodynamic/Humanistic Approaches
2. Behavioral Approaches
3. Cognitive Approaches
4. Biological Approaches: Psychoparmacology/Psychosurgery
B. Modes of Therapy
C. Community and Preventive Approaches
XIV. Week 29 & 30
Social Psychology (7-9%)
Chapter 18 Social Psychology (pp. 723-772)
A. Group Dynamics
B. Attribution Processes
C. Interpersonal Perception
D. Conformity, Compliance, Obedience
1. Video on Milgram experiment
E. Prejudice and discrimination
1. Video: “Blue Eyed”
F. Attitudes and Attitude Change
G. Organizational Behavior
H. Aggression/Antisocial Behavior
1. Research: Learning violence and aggression: Albert Bandura and social learning
2. Effects of violence in the media
Selected Resources:
· Implicit Associations Test: http://www.yale.edu/implicit
· Social Psychology Network: http://www.socialpsychology.org/teaching.htm
· Milgram Web Site: http://www.stanleymilgram.com/
· Prisoners' Dilemma: http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/playground/
· CROW (Course Resources on the Web): http://jonathan.mueller.faculty.noctrl.edu/crow/
Other Resources:
· Video Series on Discovering Psychology
· Video Series on The Brain: Our Universe Within
Psychology Study Guide
· Web Access for text website - http://bcs.worthpublishers.com/myers7e/
Course Objectives:
1. Students will study the major core concepts and theories of Psychology. They will be able to define key terms and use these terms in their everyday vocabulary.
2. Students will learn the basic skills of psychological research. They will be able to devise simple research projects, interpret and generalize from results, and evaluate the validity of research reports.
3. Students will be able to apply psychological concepts to their own lives.
4. Students will develop critical thinking skills. They will become aware of the danger of blindly accepting or rejecting any psychological theory without careful, objective evaluation.
6. Students will build their reading, writing, and discussion skills.
7. Students will learn about psychology as a profession.
More important than intelligence is one’s attitude, study skills, effort and self-discipline. Motivation is much more important than one’s ability level. If you want to succeed in this course and if you are willing to put in the necessary effort, you will succeed.
Required Methods and Materials:
1. 3 ring binder for all handouts, notes, assignments, and journals in order to remain organized
2. Use SQ3R and the Cornell Note Taking method complete with marginal questions.
3. Note cards for all vocabulary words
4. Loose-leaf paper: assignments will only be accepted on loose-leaf or word processed
5. Folder or notebook for Journal Assignments
Absences & Grading Scale:
All rules and grading scale can be found in the school academic handbook.
Grading :
1. For each chapter you will be required to turn in vocabulary cards and assignments—including
notes with marginal questions and completed study guides. You may have occasional quizzes at
your instructor’s discretion.
2 There will be a chapter test for every chapter. All tests will consist of multiple
choice questions and 1-2 essay questions.
SEMESTER GRADES:
1. Quarter 1 or 3----------------------------------------------------- 40%
2. Quarter 2 or 4------------------------------------------------------ 40%
3. 1st Semester Cumulative Exam----------------------------------20%
4. 2nd Semester Cumulative Exam--------------------------------- 10%
5. 4th Quarter Project (Research Paper)------------------------- 10%
** Three to four weeks before the AP exam will be dedicated to review.
** All assignments must be turned in on time or the student will receive a “0” for the grade.
** Changes in the schedule may be made at the discretion of the teacher.
** You will need to spend a minimum of five (5) hours per week reading, studying, and preparing for the week. At the college level the rule is that for every hour spent in class, the student should be spending two to three hours studying and reading outside of class.
AP Policy for 2007-2008 School Year
Grading Scale and AP Exam: The class of 2008 will be able to acquire the 5.0 scale if they meet the requirements stated below. All students will be required to take both the semester 1 and semester 2 final exams for the course. Students will have the option of taking the AP Exam at the end of the school year, but taking the AP Exam does not exempt one from the Semester II final exam.
Acquiring a Weighted Grading Scale: A 5.0 grading scale will be applied to semester grades in AP courses provided all of the following occur:
1. The student achieves a “C” or higher for each semester grade.
2. The student completes the full-year course.
3. The student takes the College Board AP Exam in May. The 5.0 scale
will be applied to both first and second semester upon completion of the
AP Exam for that subject area.
AP Exam--2008
May 13, 2008 12:00 Noon