AP Psychology History / Social Sciences | Grades 11–12 | AP Course
AP Psychology offers a college-level introduction to the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes, organized around five thematic units: the biological bases of behavior, cognition and memory, development and learning, social psychology and personality, and mental and physical health. At Hyde, the course is taught with the understanding that psychological self- knowledge is inseparable from character development. Students do not simply study human behavior from a distance but are asked to examine their own patterns of thinking, motivation, emotional regulation, and social influence with honesty and courage. In the fall term, students ground their work in research methods and the biological sciences, observing and discussing how environment, stress, and community shape behavior and wellbeing. During the winter term, the focus shifts to cognition, development, and learning as students explore how identity and character form over time, connecting developmental theory to Hyde’s own emphasis on growth and self-knowledge. A field experience component may include visits to social service organizations or mental health providers in the Portland area, giving students direct exposure to the systems and professionals that translate psychological theory into practice. In the spring, the course turns to social psychology, personality, and mental health. Throughout the year, students build toward the AP exam in May while producing original research designs, participating in Socratic discussions, and applying psychological frameworks to real ethical dilemmas. This course carries both the rigor of a college introductory psychology course and the reflective depth Hyde demands of every learner.
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