Course Syllabus

Jump to Today

AP PSYCHOLOGY (2025-2026)

Hillary Beach 

hbeach2@wcpss.net 

 

Course Description:

AP Psychology is a college level class culminating in the AP Psychology exam on Tuesday May 12, 2026 at noon. My goal is to help you rise to the challenge of passing the AP exam. Your goal should be to pass the exam and get college credit.

 

Our book defines psychology as “the science of behavior and mental processes.” By the end of this course you will:

1) have a broad understanding of the field of psychology, 

2) be able to compare the major perspectives that shape the discipline, 

3) learn about the systematic ways that people have researched different aspects of human beings,

4) be able to “speak” the language of psychology. 

 

Our semester class schedule means that we will move extremely fast through the material. Reading for comprehension is imperative and may require reading the material more than once.  

 

All disciplines have their own vocabulary. Students should master the vocabulary and concepts from each chapter because this is the language of Psychology. KNOWING THESE TERMS IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE EXAM. 



Required Materials:

School Issued Chromebook & Charger Binder/Notebook/paper Index Cards Pencils/Dark Colored

Pens/Highlighters Sketch paper/computer paper EARBUDS

 

Suggested Materials:

Barron’s Review Book Planner



Additional Classroom Wishes: 

Constructions paper Poster Board Dry erase markers 

Tissues Cleaning wipes Hand sanitizer

 

Class Policies and Expectations: 

  1. Be On Time: Arrive in your assigned seat promptly.
  2. Be Prepared: Have Chromebooks, notebooks, and other class-specific materials ready. Get your work done on time so that you do not fall behind.
  3. Be Respectful: Maintain an open mind to learning and practice good digital citizenship  
  4. Be Honest: Do not copy or cheat on assignments.
  5. Be Engaged: Actively participate in class discussions and activities.
    1. Participate – Some of what you do in our class may seem like busy work, but trust me when I say the activities are selected carefully to help you either learn new content, think critically, perform a new skill, or practice collaboration. Trust the process and practice good self-discipline! 

 

Daily Procedures: 

  1. Enter the classroom promptly; please do NOT linger in the hallway/doorway
  2. Place your cell phone into the phone holder at the front of the room.
  3. Log into your Chromebook and to Canvas before class begins. Please have your Chromebook charged from the night before, there are limited extra chargers available.
  4. Keep the area where you work as clean as possible!  Messes happen–please just clean up before you leave. If you need cleaning supplies, just ask!
  5. ASK QUESTIONS IF YOU ARE CONFUSED

 

Attendance Policy: 

We will follow the WCPSS attendance policy.

 

Grading Policy:

  • Majors (Tests / FRQ): 60%
  • Minor (Weekly Checks/Homework): 30%
  • In-Class Activities / FRQ Labs: 10%

Revisions:

Each Test/FRQ can be revised for ¼ credit back

  • In order to revise test/FRQ grades, students must complete the following tasks:
    • Completed Guided Notes 
    • Completed Vocabulary Activity
    • Completion of Personal Progress Check in AP Classroom
      • This can be done before the test date as a study tool

 

Each Weekly Check can be revised for ½ credit back

  • In order to revise Weekly Checks, students must complete the following tasks:
    • Completed Guided Notes 
    • Watch an AP Daily video of their choosing related to the content in the Weekly Check and complete a two paragraph hand written write up.
      • Paragraph 1 will be a summary of the material
      • Paragraph 2 will be a reflection on any misunderstandings that you had on the Weekly Check

 

Deadlines: Students must complete assignments by the teacher's established due date. Any late assignments will be accepted until the end of the unit for a reduction in credit with a grade floor of 40%. After the unit ends no more assignments from that unit will be accepted.

 

Resubmissions: Resubmissions for all minor assignments may only take place during the next available BOLT lunch tutorial. Students will be given one opportunity to resubmit, and they can potentially receive full credit for the resubmission. If students do not prioritize our assigned BOLT lunch tutorial schedule, administrators will be contacted.

 

Cheating/Plagiarism:

Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary action for ALL those involved.  Per WCPSS policy 4309, “cheating includes giving or receiving any unauthorized assistance on academic work.  Plagiarism includes copying the language, structure, or idea of another and representing it as one’s own work.” The student will be subject to consequences set by WCPSS and school policy.

 

Examples of cheating/plagiarism include but are not limited to:

  • Copying answers from another student

  • Copying resources from the internet

  • Utilizing artificial intelligence to compose written work

Unit Pacing Outline 

Unit

Title

0

Introduction to Psychology and Research Methods

1

Biological Bases of Behavior

2

Cognition

3

Development and Learning

4

Social Psychology

5

Mental and Physical Health

BOOKS AND RESOURCES:

We will be using the Myer’s Psychology for the AP Course, Updated 3rd edition. 

 

Course Summary:

Course Summary
Date Details Due