• Psychology I & II and AP Psychology
    Text: Psychology, 7th edition by David G. Myers

    The COURSE

    AP Psychology is a course that introduces students to the discipline of psychology- the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Taking this class will encourage students to be critical thinkers, effective readers and quality AP writers while allowing them to learn more about themselves, their friends and families and their world.
    Dedicated participation in class will ultimately prepare students to take the AP Psychology exam in May. The exam itself consists of 100 multiple choice questions and 2 free response (essay) questions. Fourteen major content areas will be covered in this one-year course with time set aside for review. Additionally, in 2015 the MCAT has designated 25% of the exam to the topics in psychology that make up the Advanced Placement course. A student in med school probably doesn't have time or resources to take classes in things like "personality theory" or "motivation & emotion", so it is a very good idea to consider taking AP Psych if you have your sights set on a career in medicine.

    PSYCH I & II students will study the same 14 topics that the AP students cover without the heavy reading load and the emphasis on involved multiple-choice questions and essays. Ultimately, we will have more time in Psych I & II to examine the more interesting topics.

     

     

     
     

     

    I believe that public schools transmit the culture democracy from generation to generation. Other subjects help students grow and develop individually, but the Social Studies teaches us how to live together in civilized society, as complicated as that may be. Psychology helps students navigate the equally complex waters of their own minds and their social relationships. I enjoy teaching high school students; interfacing with teenagers on a 180 to 1 ratio is easier than parenting just one! At the risk of sounding hokey, I love my job. It’s rewarding in so ways that money cannot buy and after nearly 28 years, I’m STILL figuring out how to do it right. If Ironwood students are indicators, the future is in good hands.

     

     

    14 Major Content Areas
    The following topics are covered in AP Psychology and Psych I/II. The percentages to the right of each topic indicate the portion of the multiple choice section of the AP Psych exam that is devoted to each area of study. We will be able to spend more time on each topic in Psych I/II.

    History and Approaches...........................2-4%
    Research Methods...................................8-10%
    Biological Bases of Behavior.....................8-10%
    Sensation and Perception.........................6-8%
    States of Consciousness...........................2-4%
    Learning& Memory..................................7-9%
    Cognition, Thinking & Language................8-10%
    Motivation and Emotion...........................6-8%
    Developmental Psychology.......................7-9%
    Personality.............................................5-7%
    Testing and Individual Differences.............5-7%
    Abnormal Psychology...............................7-9%
    Treatment of Psychological Disorders.........5-7%
    Social Psychology....................................8-10%

    Order of Events *

    SEMESTER 1

    Personality

    Learning

    Memory

    Cognition

    Language & Thinking

    Biological Bases of Behavior (Structure & Function of the brain)

    Sensation & Perception

    History of Psychology & Approaches (different lenses through which we explain human behavior)


     
    SEMESTER 2

    Research Methods
    States of Consciousness
    Motivation and Emotion
    Developmental Psychology (Human Lifespan)

    Abnormal Psychology a.k.a. Psychological Disorders a.k.a. Mentall Illness
    Treatment for Psychological Disorders
    Testing and Individual Differences

    Social Psychology
     
    Review for AP Exam (AP class only- schedule of study sessions outside of class & requirments will be announced in April)