AP Capstone Program

Students who earn a passing score in AP Seminar and AP Research in addition to four other AP exams at SJCS will be eligible for the AP Diploma.The AP Capstone program is intended to provide interested students with a strong foundation in research and analytical skills that are critical to engaging in innovative independent work at the undergraduate and graduate level. It consists of two year-long AP level courses: AP Seminar and AP Research. These courses are interdisciplinary and focus on developing critical thinking, collaborative abilities, time management, and the ability to systematically conduct research and synthesize information. Students may take the AP Seminar course beginning their sophomore year. Successful completion of this class is a prerequisite for the AP Research course. Individuals interested in participating in the Capstone program should contact the Dean for Academic Success for more information about the AP Capstone program.

AP Seminar

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 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

Prerequisites: Most recent History and English averages of 80 in AP-level courses, 85 in honors-level courses, or 90 in CP-level courses

Grade 10/11 · Full Year· 1 Credit

AP Research

AP Research is the second course in the AP Capstone experience. It 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.

Prerequisites: AP Seminar and departmental approval

Grade 11/12 · Full Year· 1 Credit

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AP Capstone Program