Course Syllabus

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SYLLABUS AP Psychology, First Semester

Mizzou Academy

Welcome

We are pleased that you selected this course to fulfill your unique educational needs. You are now a member of the Mizzou Academy's global student body.

Course Overview

In this course, you are exposed to the basic concepts of psychology. The lessons emphasize the empirical examination of behavior and mental processes and apply this knowledge to themselves and others. Lesson topics include the biological basis of behavior, developmental psychology, sensation and perception, states of consciousness, learning, and memory.

Most AP courses consist of 2 semesters and you should complete semester 1 before starting semester 2. AP exams are offered early in May.

NOTE: If you enroll after the start date in an AP course, it is important that you adjust the pacing chart accordingly so you can complete your course before the scheduled AP exam dates or use this link to find more information about Advanced Placement and to see the AP Exam Calendar.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

This online course will:

  • prepare you to take the College Board Advanced Placement Psychology Examination.
  • emphasize the scientific nature of the methods of inquiry and research that lay the foundation for the study of psychology.
  • challenge you to think critically and creatively as you increase your awareness and understanding of the concepts and principles related to human behavior and mental processes.
  • help you to become a better communicator, decision-maker, and problem solver as you become more aware of the influences (past and present) in the development of your own "personality" (including behaviors, needs, emotions, and thoughts).

On a more personal note, as you can see from the course objectives, this course is not designed only for the AP exam. It will also reflect the aspiration of creating lifelong learners through student-centered, active learning. We will be using a variety of readings and activities to keep you motivated and learning. This course will be both rigorous and rewarding, and your instructor looks forward to exploring the content and application of psychology with you this year.

Prerequisites

None.

Pacing

Although the freedom to choose when and where to study is a privilege, it is also a responsibility that requires motivation and self-discipline. To succeed at learning, you will need to develop a study plan by setting realistic goals and working toward them.  

Required Materials

Technical Requirements

The most up-to-date requirements can be found here: 

Additional requirements for the course are below: 

  • audio and video recording capabilities (e.g. smartphone, camera)

Accessibility

If you anticipate barriers related to the format or requirements of this course, please let Mizzou Academy know as soon as possible. If disability-related accommodations are necessary (for example, a scribe, reader, extended time on exams, captioning), please contact Mizzou Academy.

Exams

You are required to take two proctored exams for this course. Each exam contains multiple-choice questions as well as two free-response short-answer questions.

AP Exam

When you register for the AP exam, please use the Mizzou Academy/University of MO High School provider code: 041. If you have any questions, please let your AP instructor or our AP Coordinator, Alicia Bixby know. Ms. Bixby’s email is bixbya@missouri.edu. 

Grades

Your final grade will be based on the number of points you earn on quizzes, assignments, and exams.

The following grading scale applies:

Grading Scale
Grade Percentage
A 90–100
B 80–89
C 70–79
D 60–69
F 0–59

After completing the course, unofficial transcripts will be available in the Tiger Portal. See this page for information on requesting official transcripts. 

AP - Discussions and Chats

Participation in online discussions (e.g., discussion forums, peer reviews, community projects, and/or instructor conferences) is expected, and will factor into your overall course grade.

Your participation in required online discussions will be evaluated on criteria such as frequency, timeliness, thoughtfulness and effort, and overall contribution to the knowledge base and learning experience of your classmates.

AP - Late Work and Absences

Work must be turned in on time for full credit. If you are unable to complete an assignment on time, contact your instructor immediately. Prior permission from the online course instructor must be obtained for special circumstances to receive credit for late work. These decisions will be made on an individual basis.

You must notify your instructor if you expect to be offline for more than 1 week.

AP - Exam Prep Through LearningExpress Library

In the next section, you will find "Getting Started Resources." Within the Library Material is LearningExpress Library, which contains AP practice exams and study material, in addition to what is on the AP website. 

Below we are providing you with a direct link to the College Prep Center of the LearningExpress Library. You can only launch it through this link. When you arrive, you should see "Mizzou K-12" on the left-hand side, showing that you are with our institution. You will want to create an account in order to save any work or test prep you do.  

Once you click the link below, select "Prepare for your AP Exam". Please create a help ticket (Help -> Report a problem) if you cannot find what you are looking for.

EBSCOhost

Canvas and Technical Support

Canvas will be used as the primary platform for accessing course materials and assignments for this class.

Course Summary:

Course Summary
Date Details Due