AP Psychology is a yearlong college level course for 11th and 12th grade students. Although every college has its own policy, credit will often be granted if the student receives a 4 or a 5 on the AP Exam.

 

 

This course is the equivalent of an introductory college level course in psychology taken in the first year of college. 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.

 

 

This is a college level course, requiring more reading, writing and analysis than regular Regents level courses. In teaching this course, the instructor will use a combination of lecture, class discussion, simulations, and varied assessments. This course gives much of the responsibility of "learning the facts" directly to the student, as such, strong note taking skills are necessary to successfully complete the course.

 

 

Students will take approximately 6 examinations each semester, a mid-term/final as applicable, submit 1-2 papers, complete the reading of an extensive textbook, and prepare for the AP Exam in May. Although taking and passing the AP Exam is not a requirement, the course focuses on preparation for it.

 

 

An AP course requires an enormous personal commitment. Time demands may interfere with other course work or extra-curricular activities. Students who take this course will be doubling up in Social Studies during the semester when they take U.S. History, Economics, and/or American Government. Students should have at least a 91% average in social studies.