Why take AP Psychology? Benefits of taking any AP class • Looks good on college and scholarship applications. • Passing the AP exam will save you money on tuition and books. • Makes college easier since you know a lot going in. • Through academic rigor, you will develop excellent study skills. Benefits of AP Psychology • Psychology is good for lawyers, medical people, teachers, advertisers, any career where you deal with people, and of course, psychologists and psychiatrists. • Gain understanding of the minds and behaviors of your friends, family, and your self. What is Psychology? Psychology is the study of how we think, feel and behave. •. What will we learn? Will venting make me feel less angry? How can I listen more actively in my own relationships? How do we communicate nonverbally? Personality • Are you an introvert or an extrovert? • Are you scatterbrained or mentally organized? • Are you a thinker or a feeler? The Brain and Nervous System Perception Social Psychology • How do we conform or rebel? • How do we stereotype? • How do we persuade? • How do we interact with others? Memory • How can we use our memory more effectively? • Why do we remember or forget? Developmental Psychology A branch of psychology that studies physical, cognitive and social changes throughout the lifespan. Why is it a bad idea to date a 24–year-old? Intelligence How do we define it? Measure it? Why do we experience emotions like fear? Emotion How can we tell when some is lying? Mental Disorders and Treatment Unconscious mind What do you see? Career Connections What kinds of learning activities are offered in this class? Lots of hands-on demonstrations Self-Inventories Film Studies Projects Whole group, small group discussion Quizzes and tests = practice for the AP exam) What does the ‘A’ Stand for in AP Psychology? I, your teacher, can make the class fun, but YOU will have to work. • YOU will have to have excellent attendance. • YOU will have to memorize hundreds of terms. • YOU will have to write essays. • YOU will need to ask for help when you need it. How do you get in? Getting in 1. Prerequisites: AP Psychology students must……  be a Junior or Senior  have strong study skills  be willing to work very hard outside of the classroom. 2. Enrollment begins the first week of February. Be sure you get enrolled if you want in! 3. Talk to Ms. Potter in A203 if you have questions about the course.