AP Psychology Syllabus
Teacher: Fr. Bill McCandless, OSFS, MS, NCC
Major Text: Psychology, sixth edition. David G Myers
Supplementary Book: Barron’s: How To Prepare For The AP Psychology Exam,
2nd edition. Robert McEntarffer and Allyson J. Weseley
Course Description and Goals
The goal of this course is to increase the understanding of psychology; it's methods, theory and research, with the objective that each student passes the Advance Placement Examination. The course will explore the psychological facts, principles and phenomena associated with each of the major sub fields of psychology. The course is broken into 13 topics, which reflect a division of the major areas of psychology. This course is taught at the college level and student study habits and participation should reflect this fact. It is hoped that knowledge of psychological inquiry will provide perceptions of the world around us, insights into one's own and others' behavior, and an appreciation of the complexity of human behavior
Grading for AP Psychology
Quarter Grade:
Based on exams for each topic. All exams will be weighted equally.
Semester (Final) Grade:
3rd quarter grade – 40%
4th quarter grade – 40%
Research Project - 20 %
Grade Scale
100-93…..A
89-92…...B+
85-88…...B
81-84…..C+
77-80…..C
73-76…..D+
70-72…..D
69-0……F
Term Paper or Research Project
A term paper will be assigned and handed in on December 15th. An alternative to the paper is to develop a research project. All term papers and research projects must be presented. This grade is worth 20% of your final grade.
Course Schedule
The schedule and outline for AP Psychology is included with the syllabus. We will strictly adhere to the schedule for reading assignments and exams. In the event of snow days, teacher absence, or any other unforeseen event that may result in school cancellation, we will drop the days missed on our schedule and you will be expected to cover that material on your own. If we miss school on an exam day, the exam will be given on the day that the class reconvenes.
In the event a student is absent on an exam day, that student will be expected to take the exam on the first day they return to class. In the event of a prolonged absence (3 days or more) the student must see me on the day they return to school to insure all work will be made up in a timely fashion.
The course schedule, outline, and class notes can be found on my web-site.
Reading and Notes
Students are to come to class prepared each day having read the topics listed on the course schedule and outline. We will not be able to cover all topics in depth. Students are expected to read and take notes on their own for each topic. In addition to our regular class days, there is a discussion and review day before each scheduled exam. If the student has any questions, or needs clarification on material, this is the time to bring it up.
Exams
Exams will include material covered in class and material covered in reading assignments. All exams will be in AP format.
Confidentiality Policy
Some material covered in class may pertain to you or a fellow student. Although sharing personal information is not required in this class, if it does occur, all information shared is considered strictly confidential and may not be shared with people outside this class. Breaking this policy may result in detention, demerit, or suspension/expulsion from AP Psychology.
Required Material
Myers Text and Barron’s Book.
A three-ringed binder to keep notes, handouts, and assignments.
I have read this syllabus and the course outline, with reading schedule. I understand what is required of me for AP Psychology.
Student Signature: ___________________________________ Date: __________