AP Psychology – Mr. Shaffer

Course Description:

This course is a basic introduction to the field of psychology.  We will attempt to cover all of the major areas within psychology including: the history of psychology, the biological functions of the brain, social psychology, abnormal psychology, and others.

Course Goals:

1. Prepare students to take the AP psychology exam.
2. Give students a general overview of all of the major areas of psychology.
3. Make students more aware of themselves and the world around them.
4. Give students an understanding of what a psychologist is and does.

Classroom Methodology:

Material will be communicated through lecture, notes, readings, in-class experiments, homework, and internet research. 

Grading and Assignments:

            1.  Tests (65-100 points each) – There are approximately 4 tests plus a quarter                                     final each quarter.  You must take the test on the day assigned, even if you                        are absent for notes.

            2.  Quarter Final (100 points) – Will cover all first quarter material

            2.  Homework

                        a)  AP Test questions (15 points each):  You will be given a practice AP                                                test.  As marked on your calendar, you will be assigned five                                       questions at a time.  You will be required to determine the correct                                        answer and to   explain why it is correct.  You must also explain                                                 why the other four answers are incorrect individually.

                        b)  Study Questions (10 points each) – On each test day, you must answer                                            the pre-assigned study questions.  Each answer must be at least one                                    paragraph.

                        c)  All homework must be typed and printed off before class begins.  If it                                               is not typed and/or if it is not printed out and in the class before the                                   bell rings, you will lose 5 points.  If the homework is not turned in                                       on the due date, unless you are absent, then you will not receive                                                 credit.  If you are absent, you must present your absent slip with                                                the homework.  Homework will not be accepted if it is late. 

            3.  Crossword Puzzles (10 points each) – After each test you will be assigned a                                     crossword puzzle for the next chapter.  The crossword puzzles are meant                           to introduce you to the next chapter.