COURSE NAME: AP Psychology

SCHOOL DISTRICT: Salem

INSTRUCTOR: Jason Groark

FULL YEAR

MAXIMUM TOTAL CLASS ENROLLMENT - ALL SITES: 20

COURSE PREREQUISITES: None

BRIEF COURSE DESCRIPTION / OUTLINE:

This class is designed for those students who wish to experience a university-level introductory course in
psychology. This will be a reading intensive class. If you do not keep up on assignments you will fall behind
quickly and it will be extremely difficult to catch up.

Psychology is the study of behavior and mental processes. It is a science with roots in the fields of biology,
philosophy and physiology. The philosophical background causes psychologists to wonder about the behavior
and thinking of humans, and the more science-based knowledge allows us to test our hypotheses.
Discussions, lectures, and assignments will introduce the student to developing an understanding of human
behavior.

The primary questions addressed in the course, will be "Why do people act the way that they do in specific
situations?" and "How can people change their behaviors?" This introductory course will expose students to
many of the fields of interest within Psychology. Topics covered will be the more familiar Personality
Development, Altered States of Consciousness (sleep, dreams, and hypnosis), Learning, Memory, and
Abnormal Behavior. Students will also study the Biological Basis of Behavior, Motivation, Sensation,
Perception, Health Psychology and Social Psychology.

Students will also learn about the methods psychologists use in their science and practice. In addition,
students are expected to develop their critical thinking skills throughout the course, while building their
reading, writing, and discussion skills. This is a college level course and will deal with and touch on
controversial topics. Understand that you will be taking this as if you were in college and I ask that you bring
an open mind and that you are ready to contribute as a college student.

* Students will demonstrate an understanding of theoretical perspectives in psychology,research methods,
key terms, concepts and principles associated with the major topics in psychology

* Students will complete written work and will receive written and/or oral feedback on both psychological
content and technical aspects of writing

* Students will critically evaluate psychological issues presented to them in class.

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