Ulysses Signature Program
NORTHWEST HIGH SCHOOL
Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland
Program coordinator: Dr. Michelle Alcoser Email: michelle_e_alcoser@mcpsmd.org
Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland
Program coordinator: Dr. Michelle Alcoser Email: michelle_e_alcoser@mcpsmd.org
The Ulysses Program is a four-year course of study that encourages student-initiated explorations in areas of strong interest. Research skills are emphasized through signature sections of English and Science and students in the program pursue the AP Capstone Diploma (more here: https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-capstone). Students develop their own pathway to success and enroll in the most academically rigorous courses available at Northwest High School throughout their four years. All course offerings are at the honors or AP level; interdisciplinary connections are encouraged. Through independent and collaborative research and technological presentations, students experience various modes of inquiry while learning to use their minds well. Ulysses students study, create, and achieve in an intellectual and nurturing community of learners.
Freshmen who are accepted to the Ulysses Signature Program will be registered for the following three courses in the Ulysses Program: Honors English 9, Honors Biology, and Signature AP US Government. Beginning with the Class of 2029, 9th grade students will also take an elective AP course, chosen by the student based on their interests. The students take their remaining four courses with the rest of Northwest High School.
Ulysses upperclassmen take the following courses in the Ulysses Program listed, such as Signature Honors English 10, Signature Honors Chemistry, and AP US History; the courses not listed (i.e., math, art, music) are taken with the rest of Northwest High School. Beginning with the Class of 2029, Ulysses students will also take an elective AP course of their choice during their 10th and 11th grade year. This extends to 12th grade if students have not earned the minimum score of 3+ on four separate AP Exams.
Juniors: AP Seminar
Required for Ulysses juniors, this a year-long 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 research- based 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.
Seniors: AP Research
AP Research, the second course in the AP Capstone experience, allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, issue, or idea of individual interest. Students design, plan, and implement a yearlong investigation to address a research question. Through this inquiry, they further the skills they acquired in the AP Seminar course by learning research methodology, employing ethical research practices, and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information. Students reflect on their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of their scholarly work through a process and reflection portfolio. The course culminates in an academic paper of 4,000–5,000 words (accompanied by a performance, exhibit, or product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense.