John Marshall High School

Course Syllabus:

AP Psychology

 
 

Title of Course

Advanced Placement Psychology

Instructor

Dave Stutz
E-mail: dastutz@rochester.k12.mn.us
Class webpage: http://www.stutzfamily.com/mrstutz

Prerequisite

None

Minnesota Graduation Standard

Case Study

Course Description

This course is designed as preparation for the AP test in psychology. It follows the College Board guidelines concerning topics covered in the examination. Please access a summary of those here.

Materials

  • JM Student Planner
  • Textbook Psychology, Rathus, Fourth Edition (1988)
  • A three ring binder, loose-leaf paper, and pen/pencil daily
  • 2 floppy discs (PC formatted) and a plastic disc protector
  • Additional resources and readings as supplied in class


Course Schedule

The ultimate 'aim' of this class is the AP exam. This test takes place on May 16, and we will cover the material necessary to take the exam. Because of this immense time constraint, we will have to stick to an extremely tight topic schedule. A comprehensive exam will follow each of the units below:
 
Jan 29 - Feb 15
Introduction, Chapter 1, Chapter 2
April 8 - April 26
Chapter 10, Chapter 12
Feb 19 - March 8
Chapter 3, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Appendix A
April 29 - May 10
Chapter 13, Chapter 15
March 11 - March 27
Chapter 8, Chapter 9
May 13 - May 15
Review and AP prep


Grading

This course is a college-level offering, and as such I expect that each student will act with the degree of responsibility that is expected of college-level students. This expectation extends to:

Readings

  • You are expected to read all material by the beginning of the class for which that material is assigned. 
  • I will occasionally and arbitrarily give quizzes to insure that you have done the required reading. 
  • Participation 

  • All students will be required to participate in class discussions, debates, and other activities which are part of the course curriculum.
  • All students will also be expected to be prepared to begin class immediately at the bell.
  • Attendance

    • Every tardy will result in a 1% reduction in the quarter grade.
    • Every unexcused absence will result in a 2% reduction in the quarter grade. 
    Your final grade for each quarter is determined by adding all your points up and dividing by the total number possible. The resulting percentage determines your grade. Semester grades are computed as follows: 
    (Quarter 1 percentage x .4) + (Quarter 2 percentage x .4) + (Semester exam percentage x .2)
      • 90 – 100% A
      • 80 – 89% B
      • 70 – 79% C
      • 60 – 69% D

    Extra help opportunities

    Mr. Stutz is always in the school until at least 4PM. This is the single best time to meet with him and get extra help. Make arrangements and stick around for a bit - during the school day it is virtually impossible to meet for extra help.

    Make up procedures

    • Students who have an excused absence will have 2 days for each day missed to turn work in ‘on time.’ Thereafter, the assignment will be not be accepted. 
    • "Late" work is not accepted.
    • It is the student's responsibility to check the class web page or approach Mr. Stutz to determine what work is missing and make arrangements to redo such assignments.
    • Make up tests take place ONLY after school. Do not ask to do them during school.


    Classroom Procedures and Rules

    You are juniors and seniors. You don’t need a list of petty rules to follow. I have several pet peeves that translate into firm classroom expectations of conduct:
    1. Arrive in class on time with paper, binder, writing utensil, and any previously designated materials
    2. Remain in your seat until Mr. Stutz has dismissed the class
    3. Do NOT bring cell phones, beepers, or CD/tape players into the room. If I see them, I will take them and a parent or guardian will have to retrieve them.
    4. Swearing and derogatory remarks have no place in the classroom and will not be tolerated
    5. Cheating and plagiarism are not acceptable and will result in an automatic "0" on the assignment.
    6. Show those who are speaking (including teachers and students) the respect, courtesy, and quiet they deserve