This document outlines the policies and requirements for an AP Psychology course taught by Ms. Slade. The course will introduce students to major psychological disorders, research methods, and develop critical thinking about psychopathology. Students will prepare for the AP exam with tests, assignments, and a focus on essay writing skills. Grades will be based on daily quizzes, tests, a movie analysis, research paper, unit assignments, and a group presentation. The textbook and class materials are listed, along with attendance, late work, and extra credit policies.

1. AP Psychology
Ms. Slade
Slade.kelli@washington.edu
Class website: Sladekelli@wix.com/slade
(801) 369-1158
Textbook: Lyons, C. & Martin, B. (2014). Abnormal Psychology: Clinical and Scientific Perspectives
(5th ed.). Redding, CA: BVT Publishers. ISBN: 9781618826343. This book includes access to the
website, practice questions, etc. It is called the “Access Package”
Course Description:
AP Psychology is designed to provide an introduction to the characteristics, onset, causes, assessment,
diagnosis, and treatment of major forms of psychological disorders. Students will also learn about the
research methods that inform our understanding of psychopathology, and develop critical thinking skills
regarding empirical literature concerning psychological disorders. AP psychology is a course meant to
students prepare to take the end of year AP psychology test, so the class will also focus on testing and
essay writing skills.
Materials Needed:
-3 Ring Binder
-Notebook Paper
-Pens
-#2 Pencils
Attendance and Tardies:
I will adhere firmly to school policy regarding absences and tardies. If you have a valid school excused
absences, you may make up missed work. Class assignments can be found online under the AP Psych tab
at sladekelli@wix.com/slade . You will be given one extra day to turn in missed assignments for every
day you were absent.
Late work Policy:

2. Work completed after the due date will be given half credit. Late work will not be accepted a week after
the due date.
Quizzes (20%):
Each day you will be given a quiz over a reading assignment that will involve a case study. These quizzes
will take various forms but will assess your completion of the reading and also count as attendance points.
Consequently, quizzes cannot be made up, but I will drop the lowest three scores.
Tests (20%):
You will take six tests: one practice AP test and five unit tests. These tests will help prepare you for the
end of year AP test, and will help me assess your understanding of the material we cover in class. Each
test will consist 50 multiple choice, true/false questions and a case study diagnosing essay.
Movie Assignment (15%):
Students will watch a movie in which one or more characters show evidence of a psychological disorder.
You can choose almost any movie, but remember it must have clear evidence of portrayal of a psychiatric
disorder. You will write a brief two-page paper discussing the character’s diagnosis and issues related to
their psychological disorder (e.g., are their symptoms consistent with what you know about the disorder
or do they reflect media stereotypes? What treatment would be recommended? What is their prognosis?).
The Movie Critique Rubric can be found on the class website.
Research Paper (10%):
In its final form, you will submit a six-page research paper outlining the evolution, treatment, and theories
of a disorder of your choice. This paper must adhere to APA 6th style formatting, be double
Spaced with 1 inch margins, use 12pt Times New Roman font. We will work on this paper throughout
unit 2. The Research Paper Rubric can be found on the class website.
Unit Assignments (20%):
During each unit, you will be given an assignment to help you more fully understand the psychological
concept we are learning about. These assignments will vary in content, but will always apply to the topic
we are covering.
Team Project (15%):

3. Each group will work together to research and create a presentation about a major psychological disorder
which they will teach to the class. Each group member is responsible for a section of the presentation will
be expected to contribute to the final presentation in front of the class. The Team Project Rubric can be
found on the class website.
Extra Credit:
Students may earn up to 10 pts additional credit for reading a peer reviewed psychological study and then
writing a 2 page paper explaining the topic they studied, the methods they used, the results they found,
and why it’s relevant.
Grade Breakdown:
97-100% A+; 93-96% A; 90-92% A-; 87-89% B+; 83-86% B; 80-82% B-; 77-79% С+; 73-76 C; 70-
72% С-; 67-69% D+; 63-66 D; 60-62 D-; 0-59% F
Quizzes---------------------------20%
Tests------------------------------20%
Reaction Journal---------------15%
Application Paper-------------10%
Chapter Assignments---------20%
Group Project------------------15%
_________________________
100%
I have read and understand the classroom policies for Introduction to Psychology.
______________________________________________________________ _________
Student Signature Date
I have read and reviewed the classroom polices for Introduction to Psychology with my student.

4. _______________________________________________________________ ________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
Parent/Guardian Phone Number:
Parent/Guardian Email:
Best time to contact:
Questions, Concerns about student: