2006-2007 SY

Instructor: Kim Pehrson

kpehrson@ames-slc.org
801-278-9460, ext. 211

Welcome back!

I am excited to be offering AP Psychology as an elective again this year at AMES. Last

year’s students excelled in class and their AP scores exceeded my wildest
expectations for our first year. I have very high hopes for our class this year!

As many of you know, I spent three years at Westminster College as a Psychology

major before switching my focus to secondary education and history. Academically
speaking, Psychology is my first love. As a high school student, all those many years
ago, I took and passed AP Psychology, earned college credit and had the advantage of
taking more specialized courses my first semester of college.

This is an introductory Psychology class and will prepare students to take the AP Test
in the spring. Though students are not required to take the AP Test to receive high
school credit for the class, it is strongly recommended on account of the opportunity
for college credit and the valuable experience with a college level test. Students who
pass the AP Psychology test earn 3 credit hours and fulfill their Introductory
Psychology class requirement at most colleges. (Check individual institutions for
specifics). Further information on AP and the test will be forthcoming.

I’m looking forward to another wonderful year here at AMES. Let’s make it a good
one!

Sincerely,
Kim Pehrson

TEXTBOOK

Nevid, Jeffrey S. (2003). Psychology: Concepts and Applications. Boston: Houghton

Mifflin Company.

Additional readings from various sources will be assigned periodically.

MATERIALS

1. Students will have a copy of the textbook checked out to them for the duration
of the class. It should be brought to class EVERY DAY.
2. Pen/pencil, paper, and BRAIN!
3. AMES STUDENT PLANNER, every day!
4. I strongly suggest students have a large 3-ring binder for keeping all
assignments and handouts given in class. NOTHING SHOULD BE THROWN AWAY!
**I will allow snacks and drinks in class. However, this is subject to change if it
becomes disruptive or messy. Students late to class will not be allowed to have food
or drink.

**All nuisance items (cell phones, pagers, PDAs, etc.) must be turned off and put
away during class. Anything that becomes a distraction or disruption will be taken
from the student. Any items confiscated will be sent to the office, to be retrieved
from the principal by a parent or guardian.

ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING

Course grades will be determined using the following categories:

Assignments (50%) – Anything assigned in class or as homework, including

individual and group projects, lecture notes, and research assignments.

Exams and Essays (35%) – There will be a midterm and final exam each term.
Students will also be assigned both in-class and take home essays.

Participation (15%) – Success in this class requires students to attend and

participate in class activities, and to complete their assigned reading and class
work on time. Students are also required to use their AMES Student Planners to
keep record of class topics and assignments. Planners will be checked
periodically as part of the points in this category.

Late and make-up assignments: Late assignments will be accepted no more than
two weeks past the due date. Students may lose points on late assignments.
Make-up work will only be accepted for absences that have been EXCUSED
through our office. Students are responsible for collecting work they have missed
in a timely fashion in order to receive credit.

GRADING SCALE

94-100% A
90-93% A-
87-89% B+
83-86% B
80-82% B-
77-79% C+
73-76% C
70-72% C-
69% ↓ I/F
SCHEDULE

The following is a tentative schedule of the content that will be covered in the class:

Term 1 Term 3

History and Approaches Personality

Research Methods Testing and Individual Differences
Biological Bases of Behavior Abnormal Psychology
Sensation and Perception Treatment of Psychological Disorders
States of Consciousness
Term 4
Term 2
Social Psychology
Learning Review for AP Exam
Cognition AP Test: Wednesday, May 16th
Motivation and Emotion Research Project
Developmental**

**This section includes reading and discussion of gender identity and gender roles, both of which
appear in the AP Psychology curriculum and test. Readings beyond these topics will not be assigned.
USOE guidelines will be followed. Please contact me if you would like to have more specific
information on this unit.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns related to
these policies and procedures or for any other reason.

Thank You,
Kim Pehrson
 PLEASE RETURN THIS PAGE FOR EXTRA CREDIT
BY SEPTEMBER 8th

I have read and understand the above disclosure statement for AP Psychology with
instructor Kim Pehrson.

Student Signature Date Period

Parent/Guardian Signature Date

PARENTS/GUARDIANS – Please provide the following contact information

The best way to reach me is by:

□ Telephone

□ E-mail

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