AP Capstone
Brooks is one of a HUNDRED schools in the world who offer the AP Capstone Program. Students who complete required coursework and earn a 3 or higher on the AP Exams for the AP Capstone program will receive the AP Capstone Diploma. Developed in collaboration with the Association of American Colleges and Universities, The Partnership for 21st Century Skills, Common Core State Standards Initiative, and the Council of Writing Program Administrators, the AP Capstone Diploma is highly regarded as a top distinction awarded by College Board, which is extremely beneficial for college admittance and future academic goals.
About AP Capstone
AP Capstone™ is a diploma program based on two yearlong AP courses: AP Seminar and AP Research. These courses are designed to complement other AP courses that the AP Capstone student may take.
Instead of teaching specific subject knowledge, AP Seminar and AP Research use an interdisciplinary approach to develop the critical thinking, research, collaboration, time management, and presentation skills students need for college-level work.
In both courses, students investigate a variety of topics in multiple disciplines. Students may choose to explore topics related to other AP courses they’re taking.
Both courses guide students through completing a research project, writing an academic paper, and making a presentation on their project.
Over the course of the two-year program, students are required to:
Analyze topics through multiple lenses to construct meaning or gain understanding.
Plan and conduct a study or investigation.
Propose solutions to real-world problems.
Plan and produce communication in various forms.
Collaborate to solve a problem.
Integrate, synthesize, and make cross-curricular connections.
Taking AP Capstone Courses
All Brooks students can choose to take courses toward the AP Capstone Diploma. In order to be eligible for the AP Capstone diploma, students are required to take BOTH AP Seminar and AP Research, and 4 other AP courses (any time between Freshman and Senior year). Students must receive at least a 3 or higher on each AP exam in order to earn the AP Capstone Diploma.
Students who are interested in taking AP Seminar and AP Research but who are not interested in trying for an AP Capstone diploma can do so. Students who successfully complete AP Seminar and AP Research and earn a 3 or higher on the AP Exams will earn an AP Capstone Certificate.
What is in it for me?
The AP Capstone Diploma is a distinguishing honor that will set you apart from all other students in the nation, as very few schools offer this program. The AP Seminar and Research courses will strengthen your reading, writing, analytical, and critical thinking skills. These skills will be essential in college and beyond. Both classes help with communication and presentation skills, which are vital for employment interviews and future academic and workforce requirements.
How Do I Sign Up?
All students are encouraged to partake in the AP Capstone program.
Remember this course is a TWO YEAR commitment. Students will take AP Seminar during their Junior year, and AP Research during their senior year. Brooks Academic Center Students may be able to take AP Seminar Sophomore year, and AP Research Junior Year.
If you are interested speak to ANY of your current teachers to secure a recommendation. You can also speak to your counselor!
*Source: College Board
AP Seminar
AP Seminar
Level: AP
Credit(s): 1
Semester(s): 2
Prerequisites: Junior level on-track standing, or Sophomore (AC Student). Teacher recommendation.
Strong candidates are also recommended for AP Lang.
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. (Source: The College Board)
Recommended Qualities for Course Success:
Good attendance
Organized
Work Effort
Cooperative
Communication Skills
Receptive to Feedback
Level of Challenge (1-5) 5 is extremely challenging: 4
Typical Homework Commitment: Independent work schedule determined by student.
AP Research
Level: AP
Credit(s): 1
Semester(s): 2
Prerequisites: AP Seminar. Commitment to conduct student research independently.
AP Research allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, or issue of individual interest. Through this exploration, students design, plan, and conduct a year-long research-based investigation to address a research question. In the AP Research course, students further their skills acquired in the AP Seminar course by understanding research methodology employing ethical research practices; and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information as they address a research question. Students explore their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of the development of their scholarly work in a portfolio. Students also work closely with specific experts on their topic to develop their research skills and thinking. The course culminates in an academic paper of approximately 4000-5000 words (accompanied by a performance or exhibition of product where applicable) and presentation with an oral defense. (Source: The College Board)
Level of Challenge: 4
Typical Homework Commitment: Independent work schedule determined by student. Can vary by week quite a bit depending on how Research Projects unfold.