AP Psychology Rancho Bernardo High School Instructor: Mike Inumerable
Why take AP Psych? There are many reasons to take this course, but for starters, read this December 2013 article from a teen writer (and current AP Psych student) for Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost. com/hannah-loesch/appsychologyclass_b_4418571.html
General Information Course Description: This is a year-long course in psychology that prepares students for the AP Psychology exam. 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. Also: The content is generally easy to relate to! Students will learn about more about themselves, their friends, family, and community. Students will sharpen their communication and people skills. Students will be given opportunities to access all learning styles and both sides of their brains.
Units Covered in AP Psychology Semester 1 1. Social Psychology (3 weeks) 2. History/Careers/Theories (3 weeks) 3. Research/Statistics (2 weeks) 4. Biological Basis of Behavior (3 weeks) 5. Sensation and Perception (3 weeks) 6. States of Consciousness (1 week) 7. Learning (1.5 weeks) 8. Memory (1.5 weeks) Semester 2 9. Cognition/Intelligence/Testing (1.5 weeks) 10. Language and Development (4 weeks) 11. Motivation/Emotion (2.5 weeks) 12. Personality and Stress (3 weeks) 13. Disorders and Treatment (3 weeks)
Recommended Materials A separate binder or section for the course (much easier to stay organized). Physical folders or a flash drive to keep old work and notes for studying purposes. Text book: Psychology (Myers, 10 th ed.) It is also highly recommended that you acquire a study guide/book for AP Psych (you will be issued one that accompanies the Myers text). Paper and something to write with.
Scholarship Grading Policy Students will be graded in the following categories by a straight point system: Final Exam/midterm up to 200 points Unit Tests up to 100 points Quizzes 10-20 points Projects 50-100 points Assignment Packets Varies, but usually no more than 60 points Participation Points Student participation will be recorded day to day and added up for each unit 10 points per unit Extra Credit Students will be given various E.C. opportunities throughout the semester. They are allowed to earn a maximum of 50 points Grade Scale:89-100 % - A, 79-88% - B, 69-78% - C, 59-68% - D, <58% - F*
Unit Tests At the end of every unit (1-4 weeks), students will take a 30-40 multiple choice question unit test based on the format of the actual AP Psychology Exam and respond to a free response question (FRQ). Unit tests will usually take place on Fridays. Students will have ample time to prepare during the class period or extended learning period before the test day. Testing in this format will prepare them for the AP exam. Re-takes: I will permit test retakes for students that receive less than a 70%. They will be required to complete a reflection, test corrections, and take an alternative exam during ELP or another arranged period. STUDENTS HAVE TWO WEEKS TO COMPLETE THE INTERVENTION PROCESS, or they will keep the original score.
Weekly Assignments Students will be given a reading assignment at the start of each week that is typically 20-30 textbook pages with possible supplemental articles on learning point. Reading quizzes are given on Fridays. In class students, will take lecture notes with a unit outline, participate in demonstrations and discussions, and work on various individual group tasks. All assignments are collected in packets at the end of each unit (same day as a unit exam). Lectures will typically take up about 30% of a class period and I aim to provide students with details and examples of the content with plenty of supplemental (and entertaining) video clips. Students will also be graded on participation. They are expected to contribute to the class by actively participating and demonstrating exemplary behavior.
Long-term Assignments (Projects) Students will be expected to complete two major projects (one per semester). They will be given a chance to design and conduct psychological experiments, collect data, and relate the data to course material in a follow up writing component. Example: During semester 2, students complete a project in which they test the cognitive development of a child in their family or neighborhood and relate their findings to the research of famous developmental psychologists. Their will also be less intensive projects from time to time including presentations, art projects, and PIE (psychology is everywhere) assignments (At the start of each unit, students are asked to find and complete a write up on a current study related to the unit we are studying).
How to Survive in AP Psych! This is a fast-paced, college level course. Stay organized and manage your time wisely! Stay on top of reading assignments. Work on memorizing the key terms/people/experiments/ideas/psychological phenomena that you are responsible for. Be able to APPLY the information you have learned to hypothetical/real world situations. Keep your old work/exams/frqs organized so you can use them to study for the AP exam. Always ask for assistance when in doubt.
About The Instructor: Mr. Inumerable I am a social science teacher from Chula Vista, CA. I started teaching AP Psychology and World History at RBHS in 2013, after working in the Sweetwater District for three years. I am also the advisor for the RBHS Musician s Club and Link Crew. Outside of RBHS, I am an active local musician and spend a lot of my free time playing shows and recording music at my home studio. My goal as an educator is to be a good resource for my students and provide a relatable, relevant, and engaging (and sometimes humorous) classroom experience for all.
Contact Please contact Mr. Inumerable at minumerable@powayusd.com if you have any questions.