1101 AP Seminar

Gr 10-12 | 6 Credits | Year-Long | 5x per Cycle

This is the foundational course in the AP Capstone Diploma program.  AP Capstone is an innovative diploma program from the College Board that equips students with independent research, collaborative teamwork, and communication skills most sought after by colleges and employers. AP Capstone is built on the foundation of two AP courses — AP Seminar and AP Research — and is designed to complement and enhance the in-depth, discipline-specific study experienced in other AP courses. AP Seminar 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.  Students who earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research and on four additional AP Exams of their choosing will receive the AP Capstone Diploma. Students who earn a 3 or higher in only AP Seminar and AP Research recieve a Seminar and Research certificate.

Essential Skills

Skill 1: I can question and explore a variety of issues by

• Identifying a problem or issue and developing a question about it

• Finding and organizing the information you need to answer the question

• Evaluating the sources of information you use

• Looking at the problem or issue from different perspectives

Skill 2: I can understand and analyze a variety of sources by

• Reading critically for a purpose

• Explaining and analyzing the line of reasoning of an argument

• Evaluating the evidence an author uses to support their argument

• Assessing potential resolutions, conclusions, or solutions raised by an argument

Skill 3: I can evaluate multiple perspectives by

• Identifying, comparing, and interpreting different perspectives on, or arguments about, an issue

• Evaluating objections, implications, and limitations of different perspectives or arguments

Skill 4: I can synthesize ideas by

• Formulating a well-reasoned argument

• Using data and information from various sources to develop and support an argument

• Linking evidence to claims

• Offering resolutions, conclusions, or solutions based on evidence

Skill 5: I can work alone and in a team to communicate my ideas to an audience by

• Planning, producing, and presenting an argument while considering audience, context, and purpose

• Communicating information through appropriate media

• Using effective techniques to engage an audience

• Contributing your own work to a group project