Course Information

AP Psychology is a fast-paced, college-level course that conforms to the College Board topics for the Advanced Placement Introductory Psychology Examination. The AP Psychology course introduces you to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. While considering the psychologists and studies that have shaped the field, you will explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with such topics as the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation, developmental psychology, testing and individual differences, treatments of psychological disorders, and social psychology. Throughout the course, you will employ psychological research methods, including ethical considerations, as you use the scientific method, evaluate claims and evidence, and effectively communicate ideas.

There are several requirements that all AP classes have in common: high expectations of the students, a high level of rigor, and the expectation that students will engage in self learning outside the classroom. There are many topics on the AP Exam in May. We will learn a great deal in class with rigorous learning activities. However, as in college, it will be necessary for all students to complete work and research topics at home that we may not discuss in class.

Important: Psychology is a course that includes a number of sensitive topics that you may feel uncomfortable talking or hearing about in class. I ask that students have an open mind, practice professionalism, and maintain respectful attitudes toward others and the content.

Required Course Materials:

Notebook paper (either loose leaf, composition notebook, spiral bound notebook, or legal pad)
Blue or black ink pen (all FRQs will be written in blue or black ink to mirror requirements on AP exam)
Highlighter (multiple colors are recommended)
Folder for notes & handouts (a 3 ring binder with tab dividers is recommended)

Course Outline:

Unit 1: Scientific Foundations of Psychology
Unit 2: Biological Bases of Behavior
Unit 3: Sensation and Perception
Unit 4: Learning
Unit 5: Cognitive Psychology
Unit 6: Developmental Psychology
Unit 7: Motivation, Emotion, & Personality
Unit 8: Clinical Psychology
Unit 9: Social Psychology

Grading Policy:

Major assessments (tests, projects) -- 60% of overall grade
Minor assessments (FRQs, Quizlet vocabulary practice, retrieval guides, online practice) -- 20%
Final exam -- 20%

_AP Psychology Syllabus 2023

Required Supplies:

Pen or pencil
Notebook paper
Something to hold notes and assignments (3 ring binder, pocket folder, etc).

Breakdown of Course:

Unit 1: Ancient & Classical Civilizations
Unit 2: Byzantine Empire, Mongol Empire, Islamic World, & African Kingdoms
Unit 3: Medieval Europe, Renaissance, Protestant Reformation, & Scientific Revolution
Unit 4: Mesoamerica & the Age of Exploration
Unit 5: Absolutism, the Enlightenment, & the Age of Revolutions
Unit 6: The Industrial Revolution & Age of Imperialism
Unit 7: WWI, Russian Revolution, Interwar Period, & WWII
Unit 8: The Cold War, World Since the 1960s, and Globalization

Grading Policy:

Major assessments (tests, projects, Work Ethic) -- 50% of overall grade
Minor assessments (classwork, quizzes, homework) -- 30% of overall grade
Final exam -- 20% of overall grade.

For more information about the class, please read the syllabus attached below. For insight on my classroom management, please click on the "Expectations, Policies, & Procedures" section of this website.

_WH syllabus + classroom contract 2022.docx

A Message to Parents & Guardians

Dear parents and guardians,

Thank you for the wonderful opportunity of working with your child! I became a teacher so that I could work with teenagers to help them become the best version of themselves, and I am honored that I get to be a part of students' lives. My goal is to help students build competence and confidence in themselves, not just in regard to academics, but in life and interpersonal skills as well. When your child leaves my classroom, I hope that he/she knows how to think critically about situations and ideas, represent him/herself in writing and in speech, and persevere through challenges and adversities.

I firmly believe that all students should have the opportunity to learn. It is my responsibility to give students the best education I possibly can and to create a positive learning environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. In order to do so, I've developed a list of my classroom expectations, policies, and procedures that I require students to follow. I believe in open and honest communication; therefore, I've made this list available to both you and students through my syllabus, which was printed and distributed in class during the first week of school. Digital copies of my syllabus can also be found on both of the "Expectations, Policies, & Procedures" and "Course Information" sections of this website. Additionally, all of this information was explained to students on the first day of school and is reinforced throughout the semester.

If you ever have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me! All of my contact information can be found on the "HOME" section of my teacher website. If I miss your phone call, please leave me a voice message and I will get back to you as soon as I can. All emails received after 4:30 PM will be answered the following morning.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Peevy