Description

AP Seminar – Online

AP Seminar is a course that focuses on developing essential research, writing, and presentation skills for both college and career. AP Seminar will be a 32-week live course taught by Mrs. Kelly Tobias, who has 8 years of experience teaching AP Seminar and has worked as an AP Seminar exam scorer for the College Board for 3 years. This course can be taken on its own or as the first course in the AP Capstone program (followed by AP Research).

Students who have taken AP Seminar report feeling more prepared for the rigors of other AP classes and for college. This class is challenging yet rewarding, as it offers students unique opportunities to focus their research projects on topics they are passionate about. The goal of the course is to empower students to pursue their interests while fostering a community of learners who are willing to help and support one another.

In AP Seminar, students will complete two Performance tasks as part of their overall end-of-course exam score. Performance Task 1 focuses on a team research question. Each team member will complete an individual research report, which will serve as the collective foundation for the team’s presentation. Performance Task 2 has students write an argumentative research paper and present their findings in an individual presentation. Students must also take a brief, essay-only exam in May. To be successful in this course, students must be willing to attend the live class sessions (with cameras on) and participate actively in each session. Students will also be required to find time to work with their peers outside of the scheduled live classes.

Objectives

The major assignments for this course will be the two Performance Tasks. Performance Task 1 requires teams to develop a team research question around a real-world problem or issue. Each team member will write an individual research report on one aspect of the issue, and then the team will come together to create a presentation arguing for a solution to their problem or issue. Performance Task 2 is an individual project in which students write a research question and compose an argumentative research paper that discusses the problem and argues for the best solution. Students will also prepare a presentation in which they present their findings.

In class, students will have multiple opportunities to interact with each other, practice their presentation skills, and participate in class discussions and activities. Although direct instruction is sometimes essential, the course is ultimately designed to emphasize student collaboration, with the instructor serving as a mentor and guide.

Skills You’ll Learn

In AP Seminar, students will develop a wide variety of academic skills. After taking this course, students will be…

• more adept at thinking analytically and critically.
• skilled at conducting research and assessing the quality of sources.
• capable of writing academic research papers (e.g., research reports and argumentative papers).
• more experienced at working with a team to achieve a common objective.
• able to create and deliver engaging presentations to an audience.
• familiar with giving and receiving constructive feedback to support growth.
• more proficient at managing their time and meeting deadlines.

Who Should Enroll

Prerequisites (if any)

No prerequisites

Duration and Schedule

Live classes will meet on Tuesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 pm ET.

Technology and Materials

• High-speed, broadband internet
• A webcam, sound card, and microphone
• Streaming video capabilities

Evaluation and Feedback

Students will receive feedback on all course assignments, except for components of the Performance Tasks submitted to the College Board (College Board Policy prohibits teachers from providing feedback on these items). When I am unable to provide feedback, students will learn to give one another constructive feedback to support one another through those projects.

I will also hold multiple conferences with students throughout this process to provide support and address questions. Video calls are available if students require additional support; they should contact me, and we will schedule a meeting.