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AP PSYCHOLOGY

Course SyllabusHialeah Gardens Senior High

Mrs. Borges

The purpose of AP Psychology is to introduce students to the studies of behavior and mental processes ofhumans and animals. Students will be provided with a critical overview of the study of psychology,

focusing on the theories and research methods used in psychological science and practice. Becausepsychology is a fascinating course, it is possible to explore the field using a variety of methods. Thecourse information will be presented through lectures, class participation activities, demonstrations, and

audio-visual aids.

COURSE TEXTBOOK

Weiten, W. (2004). Psychology: Themes and Variations (6th ed.).

California: Wadsworth/Thompson Learning.

REQUIRED MATERIALS

2" (minimum) 3-ring binder (I give a lot of materials to help you along the way)

2 spiral notebooks (for notes, pages will not be ripped out!)

1 pack of dividers (for binder)

1 box of 12 colored pencils (12 minimum- 24 maximum)

1 box of markers (8-12)

1 highlighter (any color)

2 blue or black ink pens

2 pencils

college ruled notebook paper (in notebook and refilled as needed)

COURSE EXPECTATIONS

Students are expected to arrive to class on time, participate in class discussions and activities, andcomplete all assigned reading and assignments. Any make-up assignments must be completed no later

than 2 days after returning to class and must be accompanied with an excused admit.

AP COURSE DEMANDS

It should be understood from the beginning of this course that the expectations of this class are

consistent with those of any Advanced Placement course. Students should expect a workload similar tothat of a college level course. This will involve extensive reading every night, active participation in class

discussions and activities, taking notes, completing projects, and doing research.

THE AP EXAM

One of the goals of this course is to prepare you for the AP Exam. A passing score will earn youcollege credit for the class. The AP Psychology Exam is scheduled forTuesday, May 11th.

GRADING SCALE

GradeNumber Value Grade Point Av.

A 90-100 3.5 - 4.0

B 80-89 2.5 - 3.49

C 70-79 1.5 - 2.49

D 60-69 1.0 - 1.49 F 0-59 0.0 - 0.99

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COURSE PLAN

CHAPTER 1: The Evolution of Psychology- History and Approaches (1 week)

Logic, Philosophy, and History of Science

Historical Schools: Functionalism vs. Structuralism

Approaches: Biological, Behavioral, Cognitive, Humanistic, Psychodynamic, Sociocultural, Evolutionary

CHAPTER 2: Research (1 week)

Experimental, Correlational, and Clinical Research

Nature of Science Inquiry: Sources of bias and error

Statistics: Central tendency, variance, significance, correlation

Ethics in Research: Human participants, animal subjects

CHAPTER 3: Biological Basis of Behavior(3 weeks)

Neural Transmission

Functional Organization of Nervous System

Physiological Techniques Neuroanatomy

Endocrine System

Genetics and Heritability

CHAPTER 4: Sensation and Perception (2 weeks)

Thresholds

Sensory Mechanisms

Sensory Adaptation

Attention

Perceptual Processes

CHAPTER 5: Consciousness (2 weeks)

Sleep and Dreaming

Hypnosis

Psychoactive Drug Effects

CHAPTER 6: Learning (1 weeks)

Classical Conditioning: Pavlov, Watson, applications

Operant Conditioning: Thorndike, Skinner, Bandura, behavior modification

Cognitive Processes in Learning

Biological Factors

Social Learning

CHAPTER 7: Human Memory (1 weeks)

Memory: Encoding, Storage, and Retrieval

CHAPTER 8: Language and Thought (1 weeks)

Language: Skinner and Chomsky

Thought

Problem Solving and Creativity

CHAPTER 9: Intelligence and Psychological Testing (2 weeks)

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Heredity/Environment and Intelligence

Human Diversity

Extremes of Intelligence: Mental Retardation, Giftedness

Standardization and Norms

Reliability and Validity

Types of Tests

Ethics and Standards in Testing

CHAPTER 10: Motivation and Emotion (2 weeks)

Biological Bases

Theories of Motivation

Hunger, Thirst, Sex, and Pain

Social Motives

Theories of Emotion

CHAPTER 11: Human Development (3 weeks)

Prenatal, Infancy, Childhood, Adolescence, and Adulthood

Research Methods: Longitudinal and cross-sectional studies

HeredityEnvironment Issues

Nature vs. Nurture (maturation versus learning)

Sex Roles, Sex Differences

Influential Theories: Piaget and cognitive development, Freud and psychosocial development Kohlberg and

moral development, Gilligan and gender differentiation.

CHAPTER 12: Personality (2 weeks)

Personality Theories and Approaches

Assessment Techniques

Growth and Adjustment

CHAPTER 13: Stress and Health (1 week)

Nature of Stress

Major Types of Stress

Responding to Stress

Effects of Stress

Health-Impairing Behaviors

CHAPTER 14: Abnormal Psychology (3 weeks)

Definitions of Abnormality

Theories of Psychopathology

Diagnosis of Psychopathology

Types of Disorders: Anxiety, Somatoform, Mood, Schizophrenic, Organic, Personality, Dissociative

CHAPTER 15: Treatment of Psychological Disorders (2 weeks)

Treatment Approaches

Modes of Therapy

Community and Preventive Approaches

CHAPTER 16: Social Psychology (3 weeks)

Person Perception, Forming Impressions of others

Attribution Process: Explaining Behavior

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Interpersonal Attraction: Liking and Loving

Attitudes: Making Social judgments

Conformity, Compliance, Obedience

Group Behavior

Prejudice

REVIEW & PRACTICE

The remaining class time will be spent reviewing and practicing for the AP Psychology Exam.