Class Information 
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| Teacher's Name: |
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Mr. Lazarewicz |
| Email: |
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adam.lazarewicz@tusd1.org |
| Course URL: |
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http://www.uhseport.net/published/A/La/ALazarewicz/home/1/ |
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| Course Description: |
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This course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings, as well as other animals. Students will be exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields of psychology. They will also learn about the research methods and ethics that psychologists use in their research and practice. AP Psychology is designed to be equivalent to an introductory college course in psychology.
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| Textbook & Class Materials: |
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Textbook: Myers, David G. Psychology. New York, NY: Worth, 8th ed. 2007.
Class Materials: Each student should have a notebook dedicated exclusively to Psychology notes (or a binder if you choose to use the lecture notes). It would be helpful to have a pocket in the notebook (or a separate folder) for handouts, returned papers, etc.
Students are also strongly encouraged to purchase an AP review book (I have a number of such books for you to look at). This is not mandatory for class, but it will be helpful to you in preparing for the AP Exam. Such books are available both at bookstores and online for about $20. If you choose to buy one of these review books, I would recommend doing so early in the course, and using it as we progress through the class material.
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| Grading Procedure: |
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Your grade in this class will depend on your performance in 5 areas: exams, quizzes, Connections assignments, in-class/homework assignments, and class participation. Each assessment will be worth a specified number of points (see below). At the end of each quarter, the number of points you earn will be divided by the total number of possible points to calculate your grade percentage. Letter grades will be determined according to the traditional scale below.
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| Grade Scale: |
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A: 90-100%
B: 80-89%
C: 70-79%
D: 60-69%
F: below 60%
e.g. If you earn 285 out of 300 possible points, you will receive an A (285/300 = .95). If you earn 210 of the 300 points, you will receive a C (210/300 = .76).
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| Extra Credit: |
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Extra credit may be given at the teacher's discretion and will be offered to the entire class. Absolutely no individual extra credit will be assigned or accepted.
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| Exams: |
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There will be an exam after every two units we cover in class, covering only those two units. The precise exam dates will be announced at least 3 days in advance, and will include material from the textbook, lectures, assignments, films, and class discussions. Exams will consist primarily of multiple-choice and essay questions (mirroring the AP exam), but some exams will have other sections. Every exam will have at least one question from the textbook that was not covered in class.
There will be cumulative final exams at the end of each semester.
Exams (excluding the final exams) are worth 100 points each.
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| Quizzes: |
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There will be at least one quiz on each unit, and some of the longer units will have two quizzes. Quizzes will be on material covered in class and the textbook, and will primarily consist of multiple-choice questions. Every quiz will have at least one question from the textbook that was not covered in class.
Quizzes are worth 20 points each.
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| Connections Assignments: |
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Please see Connections Assignment handout (distributed in class and posted on the class website).
Connections assignments will be worth 10 points each.
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| In-Class/Homework Assignments: |
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We will do a variety of in-class assignments this year, several of which will be graded. If you miss one, please look it up online and turn it in during the next class period. There will also be a few assignments that you will complete at home.
Point values for in-class/homework assignments will depend on the type of assignment.
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| Class Participation: |
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Student participation is critical to the success of this class. Being a good participant means not only engaging in class discussions, but also being an attentive and respectful member of the class. Keeping up with the reading is a key element of participation. It will be impossible for me to cover every possible AP test topic in class, so you will need to read to supplement your knowledge. Other than Connections Assignments, your only regular homework assignment in this class is to be diligent about reading. Attendance and tardiness are also considered when assigning Class Participation grades (see below).
At the end of each quarter, each student will be assigned up to 20 points for class participation.
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Content Outline & Reading Assignments 
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| Course Outline: |
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Unit 1: History and Approaches
Unit 2: Research Methods
Unit 3: Biological Bases of Behavior
Unit 4: Sensation and Perception
Unit 5: States of Consciousness
Unit 6: Learning
Unit 7: Cognition
Unit 8: Motivation and Emotion
Unit 9: Developmental Psychology
Unit 10: Personality
Unit 11: Testing and Individual Differences
Unit 12: Abnormal Psychology
Unit 13: Treatment of Psychological Disorders
Unit 14: Social Psychology
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| Myers Reading: |
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Unit 1: Prologue
Unit 2: Ch. 1
Unit 3: Ch. 2
Unit 4: Ch. 5 & 6
Unit 5: Ch. 7
Unit 6: Ch. 8
Unit 7: Ch. 9 & 10
Unit 8: Ch. 12 & 13
Unit 9: Ch. 4
Unit 10: Ch. 15
Unit 11: Ch. 11
Unit 12: Ch. 16
Unit 13: Ch. 17
Unit 14: Ch. 18
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Class Policies 
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| Attendance: |
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Students are expected to be present and on time for class. The TUSD and UHS 10 Absence policies will be enforced in this class. Specifically, any student with 10 or more excused absences must submit a petition to myself and also to the UHS administration in order to receive consideration for class credit.
In the event of excessive absences or excessive tardies, the student's Class Participation grade will drop. Attending class and being on time are critical pieces of Class Participation.
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| Classroom Behavior: |
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Any student caught cheating or plagiarizing will be awarded a zero for that exam, quiz, assignment, or project.
No electronic devices (cell phones, iPods, video games, etc.) are allowed in class, unless I specifically tell you otherwise. Any such devices being used during class will be confiscated until the end of the class period.
Please be respectful of your classmates by keeping talk during class to a minimum. There will not be assigned seats to begin the year, but this policy will change if students abuse the privilege.
Sleeping in class is unacceptable. Any student who sleeps in class will be referred for disciplinary action and/or examination by the school nurse. Sleeping in class is also an excellent way to lower your Class Participation grade.
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| AP Exam and Grade Changes: |
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I will NOT change any grades as a result of your score on the AP Psychology exam.
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| Missed Work: |
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Keep up with class. It is YOUR responsibility to be up-to-date with course material, whether you are here or not. Be sure to get notes from a classmate for any classes you miss.
If you anticipate missing a quiz or exam, please let me know in advance so we can schedule a make-up.
***You may not schedule a make-up on the day of an exam or quiz, you must do so in advance.***
If you miss any quizzes, exams, or other assignments due to an unexpected absence, you are to schedule a make-up on the first day you are back at school.
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| Extra Help: |
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This class covers a lot of material, some of it quite technical and specific. I am available throughout the school year to address any questions or concerns that you may have. Please do not ever hesitate to come talk to me before or after class. I'm here to help you!
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| Disclaimer: |
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This syllabus is subject to change.
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