Spring Break AP Psychology Crash Course

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.