Course: SS730 AP Psychology

Grade: 11, 12

Subject Area: Social Studies

Type: Accelerated, Advanced Placement, Articulated Credits

Credits: 1

Course Information:

This is a year-long course that requires selection of both semesters: S1 and S2. AP Psychology provides a college-level introduction to psychology at the secondary level. This course stresses critical thinking, reading, and writing within the context of scientific methodology and questioning. Students are introduced to the major topical areas of psychology by studying core concepts and theories and by learning the basic skills of psychological research. This course has been designed to help students successfully complete the National College Board Advanced Placement Psychology exam, administered in May, which may allow students to earn college credit. The course outline compiled by the College Board will be used as a guide for the units taught in class. This course will examine research methods, human psychological and biological development, sensation/perception, states of consciousness, learning, memory, thinking and language, intelligence, motivation, emotion, developmental psychology, personality, abnormal psychology, treatment of psychological disorders, stress, and social psychology. Students signing up for an Advanced Placement course will be expected to take the AP Exam in May.

Outcomes:

• Develop scientific attitudes and skills including critical thinking, problem-solving and an understanding of scientific methodology related to psychology

• Demonstrate knowledge of psychological concepts, perspectives, theories, terminology, and their interconnectedness

• Develop methods to use psychological knowledge in everyday life

• Produce clear and coherent writing to answer Free-Response Questions

• Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research

Prerequisites:

Contemporary US History or AP US History

Corequisites:

If you take this course, you must also take SS730-S2 – AP Psychology S2

Notes: It is recommended that students receive a minimum of a C in Contemporary US History or AP US History before taking AP Psychology