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Spring Break AP Psychology Crash Course

This course will cover the history and major theories of the field of psychology, explore careers related to psychology, and the impact of the field on society.
Class
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What's included

5 live meetings
6 hrs 15 mins in-class hours
Homework
1-2 hours per week. Written daily reflection; short essay exam final. Some advanced reading or viewing may be required; no more than 30 minutes per day.
Assessment
4 short reflections in the Outschool course discussion forum 1 short essay exam final submitted individually
Grading
Students can choose a letter grade or certificate of completion if they complete 60% or more of the course.

Class Experience

US Grade 8 - 11
Beginner Level
This course will teach four major paradigms of psychological theory: Psychodynamic, Behavioral, Developmental, and Ethological.  We will examine several major theorists in their social-historical context. We will discover the effects of psychology on society from the 19th -21st centuries. We will discuss how psychology is used in different careers and fields of practice. Finally, we will examine the study and practice of psychology through a critical, intersectional lens and how psychology is being decolonized in the 21st century.

Monday: Psychodynamic Theories
Freud, the birth of Psychology and Psychoanalysis, how psychology changed society

Tuesday: Psychodynamic and Developmental Theories
Jung and Erikson: the unconscious and symbolism and myth in art, developmental trajectories across the lifespan

Wednesday: Ethological Theories
Bowlby & Ainsworth, Darwin: Links between mammalian development and human development, effects on parenting styles and child-rearing practices

Thursday: Behavioral Theories
Backlash and behaviorism; Methodology and ethics; Skinner, Pavlov, and Bandura

Friday: Developmental Theories & Wrap Up
Piaget & Montessori, Bowen; Nature & Nurture, Research vs. Practice

Classes will be no more than 30% lecture and 10% video presentations. Students will work individually and in groups on case studies, analysis, and short presentations. There will be a daily written reflection and a short reflection essay due at the end. 

I use slides for short lectures with frequent interactive activities. I may use short videos in class to further engage students and illustrate points. Students will interact with me and each other through chat, online discussion forums, and occasional breakout rooms. I also use tools like word clouds, mind maps, and other visualizations that enhance comprehension for a neurodiverse student body. 

My teaching style is discussion-based. Students may interact with me via message, chat, or voice. Camera is required for check-in but is optional thereafter. I practice Trauma-Informed Pedagogy, which means I provide content warnings for material that may be uncomfortable and alternative activities if students opt out.

Learning Goals

Students will be able to explain the genesis of the field of psychology and its impact on society in the 20th and 21st centuries. They will become familiar with several major theorists and five paradigms. They will be able to demonstrate knowledge of how psychology is put into practice in different careers and fields. They will understand that the socioeconomic context in which science is developed affects its accessibility and applicability to marginalized groups.
learning goal

Other Details

Learning Needs
This course will provide subtitles and recordings suitable for a neurodiverse audience. We will change tasks and activities frequently.
Parental Guidance
There will be limited discussion of psychological disorders and the intersection between societal trauma and psychological health.
Pre-Requisites
8th grade and up. Ability to interact through computer using voice, text, and camera.
Supply List
Computer or tablet with working camera and microphone. Internet access.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
  • Youtube
Sources
We may use the following channels on YouTube: SciChannel Crash Courses TedEd The School of Life TedTalks
Joined January, 2024
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Teacher expertise and credentials
Doctoral Degree in Psychology from Fielding Graduate University
Master's Degree in Psychology from Fielding Graduate University
Master's Degree in Music or Theatre or Arts from San Francisco Conservatory of Music
Bachelor's Degree in Music or Theatre or Arts from San Francisco Conservatory of Music
PhD in Human Development
12 years college teaching experience
6 years teaching developmental psychology

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Live Group Class
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$100

for 5 classes
5x per week, 1 week
75 min

Live video meetings
Ages: 14-17
3-12 learners per class

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