Read carefully. . .you will be held accountable for content 

Welcome to a wonderful adventure and investigation into human behavior.  Discover the diverse ideas and thoughts of human beings and the exploration of the human brain, the center of human action.  The objective of our college level class is to become enlightened, informed and engaged in the study of human psychology.  Have fun, ask questions, investigate, learn and become involved.  The ultimate evaluation of all objectives will be the successful registration for and passing of the AP Psychology test on the target date:                                 

May 6, 2013 noon testing time

 Text:  Myers’ Psychology for AP, 2011 by Worth Publishers

We will follow the outline of the Myers’ text as it correlates precisely with the AP College Board’s suggested content areas:

1.  History of Psychology

2. Schools of Psychology – behavioral, biological, cognitive, humanistic, etc.,

3.  Research Methods – research methodology, ethics in science, data analysis

4.  Biological bases of behavior – nervous system, endocrine system, genetics

5.  Sensation and Perception

6.  States of Consciousness – drugs, sleep

7.  Learning – conditioning, behavior modification

8.  Cognition – memory, knowledge, language, creativity

9.  Motivation and Emotion

    10.  Developmental Psychology – Age differences, nature vs. nurture

    11.  Personality types – normal vs. abnormal, self esteem

    12.  Intelligence – IQ tests, EQ, testing problems

    13.  Abnormal Psychology – disorders and their treatment

    14.  Social Psychology – How individuals are shaped by their groups

Your journey will include but not be limited to:  reading of the text, powerpoint presentations, media clips, expertise guest visitors, class discussions, experiments, online resources, well developed, prepared and delivered class presentations, student presentations, projects, tests, and your timely attendance.  Each day YOU will have the opportunity to learn something new.  YOU will be the operative variable in the learning equation.

GRADING:  will be based on attendance, participation, testing, projects and other evidence of your learning and involvement

CONTACT:  donna.maygren@ouhsd.k12.ca.us

CLASS website: 

                      http://maygren.tripod.com/achspsychology 

TESTS:   will be AP style questions reflecting multiple choice and free response (to practice the AP exam format)

CLASS EXPECTATIONS:

1. integrity and accountability (in large letters on the east wall of our room)  learn what they mean and exhibit behavior reflective of your understanding
2. diligent and conscientious efforts on your part (your teacher will most definitely be held to this standard as well)
3. regular and timely attendance:  if you are not in class, it is an absence (no discriminating for resolved or unresolved, you are gone from class and missing content of the day)
4. due dates:  calendar of assignments and activities will be posted on our class website.  Due dates are precisely as posted:  due on the day indicated on calendar.  Written work may be submitted early.  Late work (regardless of ‘reason’ ) is late and  is less than maximum potential credit for given work.
5. successfully complete and participate in all class activities and challenges
6. know that you have complete control of your attitude:  it is a conscious choice
7. comprehend and contemplate the exciting opportunity to learn:  what a great adventure is yours to anticipate and participate with enthusiasm
8. May 6, 2013:  you will successfully pass the AP Psychology exam

Suggested Supplies: (there are markers, rulers, colored pencils, glue sticks in class for your use)

1. note cards
2. USB/flash drive; you will find this of great worth  
3. Paper, pencils, pens; spiral notebook; markers if you want to use your own
4. The study guide produced by our text publisher is very helpful as a prep aid.  If you desire to purchase one, they are $15 and may be purchased from Mrs. Maygren

Consider this your 1st day homework.  You were asked to go to the class website and to peruse and specifically, to read the class syllabus and expectations.  If you have followed directions, you are now reading this message.  By 7 am on Thursday, September 6, please send me an email.

In the subject line, put your name and period number.

In the body of the email, simply state: "I have read the expectations".

This will be noted as a completed assignment and evidence that you can listen and follow directions.

First day email will be worth 25 points.