Course title

Pre-requisite

Course description

AP Seminar is a foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Using an inquiry framework, students practice reading and analyzing articles, research studies, and foundational literary and philosophical texts; listening to and viewing speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts; and experiencing artistic works and performances. Students learn to synthesize information from multiple sources, develop their own perspectives in written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a team. Ultimately, the course aims to equip students with the power to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments.

Course Goals: Students will

• · Engage in rigorous college-level curricula focused on the reading, writing, and speaking skills necessary for successful college completion;
• · Extend their abilities to synthesize information from multiple perspectives and apply skills in new situations and contexts;
• · Collect and analyze information with accuracy and precision;
• · Cultivate their abilities to craft, communicate, and defend evidence-based arguments; and
• · Practice disciplined and scholarly research skills while exploring relevant topics that appeal to their interests and curiosity.

Students will demonstrate mastery of the course goals through two research projects and an end-of-course exam.

Research Project 1: 20% of the score

As a culmination of their first research project, students write a 1,200 word research report, deliver an 8-10 minute team presentation which examines an issue through multiple lenses, and orally defend their team’s solution/resolution.

Research Project 2: 35% of the score

As a culmination of their second research project, students write a 2,000 word research argument and deliver a 6-8 minute presentation which presents the main claim and relevant evidence in support of the argument. Students will orally defend their research process and conclusions.

End-of-Course Exam: 45% of the score

Students will read an argumentative text, analyze the argument’s claims and reasoning, and evaluate the effectiveness of the argument’s evidence. Students will then read four sources, identify a theme or issue that connects the sources, and write an argument that presents their own perspective on the theme or issue, utilizing at least two of the sources for support.

School country

School state

High school

School / district Address

School zip code

Requested competency code

Date submitted

Approved

Approved competency code

• ENGL
• 4 years of English

Approved date

Online / Virtual