Course Description
This AP Psychology course is designed to introduce students to the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. This course follows the College Board’s AP Psychology curriculum framework and is intended to prepare students not only for success on the AP exam but also for future college coursework in psychology or related fields.
Throughout the course, students will explore major topics such as the biological bases of behavior, cognition, learning, development, personality, social psychology, and mental and physical health. They’ll also become familiar with the important studies and theories that have shaped the field of psychology over time.
In addition to building content knowledge, students will develop essential academic skills that will serve them well beyond the AP exam. A key part of this course is helping students grow as learners by encouraging them to analyze their own progress through tools like My AP Classroom. They’ll gain experience applying psychological concepts, interpreting data, evaluating claims, and using research methods—just as they would in a college-level psychology course.
The AP Psychology curriculum emphasizes four core science practices that will be assessed on the AP exam:
- Applying psychological concepts to new situations
- Understanding research methods and experimental design
- Analyzing and interpreting data
- Constructing evidence-based arguments
This course reflects the standards recommended by the American Psychological Association’s Introductory Psychology Initiative and is aligned with college-level expectations.
If your student is curious about how the mind works, enjoys exploring human behavior, or is interested in careers in health, education, or social sciences, AP Psychology is a valuable and engaging choice.
Course Structure
The course is structured around a combination of independent and interactive learning. Students will complete reading assignments and activities posted on both Canvas and My AP Classroom to prepare for weekly one-hour live classes. These live sessions are designed to clarify more challenging content, provide targeted instruction, and guide students in tracking their own academic growth and progress.
Active participation is encouraged during live classes, and discussions often stem from formative assessments in My AP Classroom or questions submitted via email throughout the week. To stay on track, students will need to read assigned textbook sections, watch short College Board videos, complete exit slips in My AP Classroom, and work through Unit Progress Checks—all of which build toward success on each Unit Exam.
This structure is meant to support students in developing both a strong understanding of the material and the skills they need to perform confidently on the AP Psychology exam.
Who should enroll?
Students in 10th-12th grade with an interest in psychology, a plan to attend college, and a desire to set yourself up for success, this course is a great fit. In addition to exploring fascinating topics about how the mind works, students will build strong study habits, sharpen test-taking skills, and develop the kind of academic discipline that will serve them well in college and beyond.
This course is challenging, but with a willingness to learn and the motivation to grow, students will come away with both valuable knowledge and the confidence that comes from pushing through difficult material. For students ready to be stretched and supported, AP Psychology is a smart choice. Qualified students will spend about 6-8 hours per week on this class. This accounts for reading the assigned texts, answering multiple-choice questions, writing essays, discussing class work and participating in the weekly online chats and live lectures.
Prerequisite
Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry is recommended.
Technology Requirements:
- High speed, broadband Internet
- Web cam, sound card, and microphone (for live sessions)
- Streaming video capabilities to watch recorded lectures
Evaluation and Feedback
Students receive immediate feedback on formative assessments through My AP Classroom and Canvas assignments, allowing them to monitor their understanding and growth in real time. I also respond promptly to emails and am happy to offer additional live review sessions before Unit Exams or the AP Exam in May upon student request. My goal is to ensure every student feels supported and confident throughout the course.
Communication
The best way to reach me is by email (jking[at]aimacademy.online). I will respond within 48 hours.
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