Thomas Wootton High School Social Studies Department:
Advanced Placement Psychology
Fall/Spring Semester
Instructor: Mr. Salvatore Assenza
Email: Salvatore_Assenza@mcpsmd.org
Required Text:
Myers’ Psychology for AP*
Suggested Readings:
Brain Rules, Medina
Hallucinations, Sacks
The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat, Sacks
Mastermind: How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes, Konnikova
Online Psychology Reader for Wootton High School, Assenza
Additional Online Supports:
New York Times Science Section
Psychology Today
Scientific America
Psych Central
Mayo Clinic
Time Health
Barron’s AP Review Book
Course Description:
Advanced Placement Psychology offers students an introduction to the principles and phenomena of psychology. It is a survey course that includes psychoanalytic, biological, behavioral, cognitive, developmental, and social perspectives or subfields.
Major emphasis is placed on learning terminology and basic vocabulary, understanding theories and how those theories are connected or contrast others. It is within this construct that the students will integrate personal connections with the hope of making the study of psychology absolutely relevant for each person in the room.
The course will follow a discussion/lecture format and provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their knowledge through reflection and research papers, open and closed note quizzes, and unit tests.
Expectations:
AP Exam – All students enrolled in this course are expected to take the AP Exam.
We will begin in-class review/practice sessions in April. Completed review quizzes and essays will count in your quarter grade. I expect you to take preparing for the exam seriously throughout the year.
Classroom Rules:
All rules regarding the Thomas S. Wootton Handbook apply to our classroom. In addition, I expect that all students behave properly throughout the year.
Grading policy:
Breakdown for categories:
TESTS/QUIZZES (Summative): 50%
Formative Assessments: 40%
Assignments for completion: 10%
Honor Code:
Please refer to your student handbook regarding academic integrity and honesty. That means that cheating, plagiarizing, or copying is NOT permitted. I expect you to be accountable for your own work.
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