Arlington Catholic AP Capstone
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AP Capstone

AP Capstone

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Key Facts

The College Board’s AP Capstone™ is an innovative college-level program based on two new courses, AP® Seminar and AP Research, that complement and enhance discipline-specific AP courses.

The program immerses high school students in the challenging practice of the critical skills students need today. The ability to think independently, write effectively, research, collaborate, and learn across disciplines is essential for success in college and beyond.

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™. This option allows students taking multiple AP courses to distinguish themselves to colleges and universities. Students who earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research but not on four additional AP Exams will receive the AP Seminar and Research Certificate™.

AP Capstone Brochure

AP Seminar

May be taken in Grade 10, 11 or 12
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.
 
What to consider before enrolling--  Students who are highly motivated and prepared for college-level course work are best suited for the program, but the program also benefits those students who show potential for AP course work but have not as yet enrolled in AP courses. Students should demonstrate curiosity about real-world issues, a willingness to take intellectual risks, and a dedication to acquiring the skills that colleges and universities value — critical inquiry, analysis, and research. In short, AP Capstone students have an interest in becoming curious, independent, and collaborative scholars. Above average grades in English are highly suggested.
 
Prerequisite: Instructor approval required. Students will be required to sign an enrollment contract and make a commitment to remaining in the course once enrolled.
 
This course may be used to fulfill the 3 year Social Studies requirement.
Juniors who elect this course must also enroll in a US History course.
 
More information can be found here.  
 
 

AP Research

May be taken in Grade 11 or 12
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 yearlong investigation to address a research question.
 
In the AP Research course, students further develop the skills 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 approximately 4,000–5,000 words (accompanied by a performance, exhibit, or product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense.
 
Juniors who elect this course must also enroll in a US History course.
 
Prerequisite: AP Seminar is a prerequisite for AP Research. Instructor approval required.
More information can be found here.
 
 

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