AP Psychology Miss Altland Palmyra Area High School Room 107 2016-2017 Course Syllabus and Classroom Expectations Contact Information Email- [email protected] Website- https://classroom.google.com/u/0/c/MTYzMjk0NzUyNFpa Phone- (717) 838-1331 Ext. 2107 Office Hours by appointment- Mornings 7:30 to 7:50 and Afternoons 2:45 to 3:15 Course Purpose The AP Psychology course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice. (College Board, 2013) Course Description Advanced Placement Psychology is designed as a rigorous curriculum that provides an overview of current psychological theory and practice. Students will explore the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of humans and other animals. Students will be exposed to the principles, concepts, and phenomena associated with major subfields within psychology, including biological bases of behavior, cognitive and emotional processes, and diagnoses and treatment of psychological disorders. In accordance with the driving principles of current psychological practice, this course will emphasize scientific method and procedure, ethical standards in research, and critical thinking skills. Student academic performance is expected to meet or exceed the challenging requirements of an introductory-level college survey course. Student work will be required outside of class time. The course provides the opportunity for students to receive college credit by taking the A.P. Psychology Exam in May. Students are strongly encouraged to register for the A.P. exam in the spring. Fees for the A.P. exam are to be paid by the student. AP Psychology is a one-year course that will meet approximately 135 times. Palmyra Area High School operates on a modified block schedule. The school day is composed of five 72-minute classes. Students will participate in AP Psychology every day during the first semester. During the second semester students will participate in AP Psychology every other day. Course Standards 1. This course aims to make YOU a budding psychologist. The course will stress the need to think like a psychologist. Whether you choose to pursue a career in Psychology or a completely different field, this habit of mind will be of great value. 2. Mastery of Psychology’s core concepts. 3. The ability to graphically represent complex concepts. 4. The ability to apply complex concepts or multifaceted units of study in discussion and written work. 5. The ability to apply Psychology to your life. Application does not stop once you leave the classroom. The concepts we study shape our existence. Thought ‘Psych Immersions.’ You will constantly look for psychological applications in your life. 6. Literacy in the 21st century skills you need for success in today’s world. At Palmyra Area High School we don’t just teach you content, we teach you how to use that content. At the end of this course you’ll be able to: a. Read, review, and critique real psychological research. b. Write about psychology for your peers, while improving your writing skills. c. Be critical consumers of scientific research. d. Review, compare, and contrast scholarly publications in the field of psychology. e. Analyze and research controversial psychological issues. f. Think critically and logically about research findings using psychological terms. g. Use problem-solving techniques to solve your real world problems. h. Use technology to enhance learning. i. Collaborate in a professional learning community through small groups. j. Orally present and debate a complex argument based on psychological research. k. Analyze, interpret, and respond to stimulus-based data including charts, graphs, cartoons, and quotes. l. Discuss both historical and contemporary psychological issues and psychology-related events. m. Utilize a variety of study aides to increase overall memory level. n. Evaluate strengths and weaknesses in your own academic performances. o. Set personal learning foals to hold yourself accountable not only for high scores, but also for true learning of content and skills. 7. To change the way you view the world! Course Expectations 1. We learn from each other- COLLABORATION! 2. Knowledge for life application 3. Psychologists read- As AP students, you will be expected to do a considerable amount of daily reading in the text, etc. You must show evidence of daily preparation by participating in class discussions, asking critical questions, making text-to-world connections, and bring a rough draft of your concept map to each class. 4. Active note taking 5. A College-Level Effort Course Text Zimbardo, P. G., Johnson, R. L., Weber, A. L., and Gruber, C. W. (2010). Psychology: AP Edition with Discovering Psychology (10th ed.). Prentice Hall, Inc. I strongly recommend that students acquire a test preparation resource to use in conjunction with the materials distributed in the AP Psychology course. Many test preparation resources will aid students in determining a proper schedule for AP Psychology exam preparation. 1. AP Psychology All Access, Fenton, N. (2012) 2. Kaplan AP Psychology, Hakala, C. (2012) 3. AP Psychology Crash Course, Krieger, L. (2011) 4. 5 Steps to a 5: AP Psychology, Maitland, L. L. (2013) 5. Barron’s AP Psychology, McEntarffer, R., and Weseley, A. J. (2012) 6. 5 Steps to a 5: 500 Psychology Questions to Know by Test Day, Williams, L. (2011) Course Requirements Many materials will be available to you in the classroom; however, this is a list of items that you will need to be successful and organized in AP Psychology. 1. 1-3” 3-ring Binder 2. Notebook paper 3. Pencil 4. Blue or Black ink pen for exams 5. Google Account Access- You will be expected to check your email frequently for updates and announcements. Any information you need to know will be posted in our Google Classroom page. 6. Access to Internet- Please see me privately if this will be an issue for you at home. Optional, but strongly encouraged: 7. 16-20 Binder Section Dividers 8. Highlights (at least 2 colors) Tentative Course Schedule 1. This schedule is a GUIDE to the school year. It is subject to change as necessary. Every group of students is different and will progress at a different rate. The course will be adjusted, as needed, in response to student needs and/or interests. Any modifications to this schedule will be announced in class and through Email. 2. More accurate and detailed schedule will be distributed at the beginning of each unit for student planning purposes. 3. Don’t Forget: Beginning January 17, 2017 we will only meet every other day. Introduction: August 29- September 1 Unit 1: September 5- September 16 Unit 7: September 19- September 23 Unit 2: September 26- October 7 Unit 14: October 11- October 21 Unit 3: October 24- November 4 Unit 4: November 7- November 18 Unit 5: November 29- December 2 Unit 6: December 5- December 14 Unit 8: December 15- December 23 Unit 9: January 2- January 13 Unit 10: January 17- February 3 Unit 11: February 6- February 22 Unit 12: February 23- March 24 Unit 13: March 27- April 19 AP Exam Review: April 20- April 28 Exam: May 1, 2017 After the Exam Projects: May 2- June 7 Teaching Strategies Although this course requires some lecture (there is no way around this!), students will be expected to play a large role in their own learning process through analysis, critical thinking, writing, research, debate, group discussion, and presentation. Students will be given multiple opportunities to practice taking a publicly released AP Psychology Exam during the course in preparation of the ultimate goal of passing the exam in May with a score of 3, 4, or 5. Additionally, all course exams will be modeled after the AP Psychology Exam. The AP Psychology Exam is a comprehensive exam, covering all material and concepts studied during the course. Assessments/Point System Grading Scale- AP Psychology grades will be weighted as follows: Quarter/Semester Grades: Homework and Learning Logs: 20% Classwork and Participation: 20% Unit Exams, Unit Projects, and Quizzes: 60% Final Course Grade: Quarter 1 Grade: 24% Quarter 2 Grade (Includes Midterm): 30% Quarter 3 Grade: 13% Quarter 4 Grade: 13% Cumulative Final Exam: 20% **Remember: When grades are weighted dividing points by total points WILL NOT result in an accurate average** Discussion/Participation Grade Discussion and class participation are an integral part of an AP Psychology course. Each student will earn a participation grade for each quarter. The participation grade may include class discussions, labs/experiments, presentations, classwork, contribution to group activities, etc. The following are general guidelines for determination of the participation grade: 90%-100%: Always on task; Active participant in the class; Engaged with full attention; Outstanding contributions to class discussions showing initiative and thoughtfulness 80%-90%: Usually on task; Active participant in the class; Engaged throughout most of the class; Volunteers relevant and pertinent information frequently 70%-80%: Typically on task; Participates in class; Answers questions when called upon; Occasionally volunteers information 60%-70%: Typically on task; Sometimes distracted during class; Rarely engaged in the class; Rarely contributes to class discussion 1-60%: Usually off task; Not engaged in the class; Does not pay attention; Engages in inappropriate class behaviors (sleeping, completing work for other classes, texting, off task talking, etc.); May refuse to participate when called upon; Does not contribute to class discussions Assignments/Evaluation AP Psychology students should be prepared for assignments on most nights in order to prepare for class and, ultimately, the AP Psychology Exam. All written work for the class should be typed or written legibly.