AP Psychology



AP Psychology

Mr. Thomas Baffuto

Email: Baffutot@

I. Course Description: The purpose of AP Psychology is to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of 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.

II. Course Objectives:

1. Students will prepare to undertake the studies necessary to excel on the AP Psychology exam

2. Students will study major core concepts and theories of psychology

3. Students will be able to define key terms associated with psychology in their everyday vocabulary

4. Students will learn the basic skills of psychological research.

5. Students will develop critical thinking skills

6. Students will build upon their reading, writing and discussion skills

7. Students will gain an understanding of the nature of the psychological diversity of human beings with reference to biological, social, and cultural influences

8. Students will develop an appreciation of psychology as an academic discipline

9. Students will recognize the relevance of psychology and its practical applications in the student’s personal life

10. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the diverse methods of psychological inquiry

III. Course Resources:

1. AP Psychology 2nd Edition, David G. Myers.

2. Forty Studies That Changes Psychology, Explorations into the History of Psychological Research. Roger R. Hock

3. 5 Steps to a 5 AP Psychology Review Book: you may purchase this review book from Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

4. You may also want to purchase pre made AP Psychology vocabulary cards from Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

5. Video/DVD Resources

A. Moving Images: Exploring Psychology Through Film

B. Psychology: The Human Experience Teaching Modules

C. The Many Faces of Psychology Video

D. Scientific American Frontiers Video Collection, Second Edition

IV. Student Evaluation

Your grade will be determined by your performance on tests, quizzes, homework assignments, and participation in class discussions.  An AP course sets a high standard, which has several tangible benefits for students.  You will learn a great deal of psychology, you will be better prepared for college, and you will be ready to excel on the AP Psychology Exam in May. All students taking this course must take the AP Psychology exam in May or the AP designation will be removed from their report card and transcript.

A. Grading:

1. Exams 70%

2. Homework and Quizzes 15%

3. Participation 15%

4. Final exam: In lieu of a final exam, a project will be assigned in the 4th quarter and counted as your final exam grade.

V. Assignments:

1. Exams will consist of 50 multiple choice questions and an essay to be written in paragraph form in the prescribed AP style. Students are required to take a midterm exam and complete a final project to receive credit for this course.

2. Homework consists of two parts: reading and writing. It is imperative that you read all the assigned material otherwise you will not be prepared to complete your homework and discuss the material appropriately. Homework should be done in blue or black ink with a proper heading. All questions should be answered in complete sentences. Homework must be handed in the class period that it is due. Assignments handed in one day late will receive half credit. Assignments handed in more than one day late will not be accepted. Parents will be called after two missed assignments.

3. A Free Response Question will be assigned for each unit. These questions must be answered in full sentences. Your assignments should be typed.

4. Vocabulary Quizzes will consist of the chapter vocabulary and will be given on the third day after the previous chapter or unit exam.

VI. Participation/Motivation

A student is participating in class when the student:

1. Is prompt and attends class regularly

2. Participates actively and regularly in group work by offering ideas and asking questions

3. Listens respectfully when others talk, both in groups and in class

4. Has his or her homework completed, out ready to be checked, reviewed or collected

5. Makes a reasonable attempt to participate actively and regularly in class discussion

6. Does not disrupt class with private conversation

VII. Attendance

All students must be in class when scheduled. Please see your Student handbook for school policy regarding attendance, lateness to class and truancy.

VIII. Materials Needed for AP Psychology

1. 3x5 index cards. Half of the battle is vocabulary.  You will be required to make a set of vocabulary flashcards on 3-by-5inch index cards for the “Terms and Concepts” section at the end of each chapter.  As you make the cards, you are already beginning to learn the vocabulary. These flashcards provide an excellent means of review.

2. As of the first day of class all students will keep a binder dedicated solely to AP Psychology. Your binder will be equipped with paper and dividers in which to keep all course material. The binder will be checked at the end of each quarter as part of your participation grade.

3. Please divide your notebook into the following sections:

a. Administrative: course syllabus and outline.

b. Chapter Content: One for every chapter. There will be 14 of these.

c. Review materials for AP Exam

XI. Extra Help

Extra help is available during activity period or after school. Please make an appointment with the teacher in advance.

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