CURRICULUM NIGHT 2015AP Seminar

CONTACT INFORMATION Instructor: Dr. Shannon Beach

Shannon.Beach@chagrinschools.org

440-247-2072 ext. 4469

@ShannonBeach1

My Website: http://www.chagrinschools.org/10APSeminar.aspx

College Board’s Website: https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/apcourse/ap-seminar

Google Classroom Code 1st Period: gqzfn10

Google Classroom Code 2nd Period: wdr6qw7

Google Classroom Code 3rd Period: v6uo01r

Google Classroom Code 7th Period: uuun3cw

COURSE DESCRIPTIONAP 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. The course aims to empower students with the ability to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments.

AP SEMINAR GOALSThe AP Capstone program aims to empower students by

engaging them with rigorous college-level curricula focused on the skills necessary for successful college completion;

extending their abilities to synthesize information from multiple perspectives and apply skills in new situations and cross-curricular contexts;

enabling them to collect and analyze information with accuracy and precision;

cultivating their abilities to craft, communicate, and define evidence-based arguments; and

providing opportunities for them to practice disciplined and scholarly research skills while exploring relevant topics that appeal to their interests and curiosity.

CLASS REQUIREMENTSIn order to find success in the AP Capstone program, students must abide by the following requirements:

Attendance

Preparedness

Technology

Assessment Annotations/SOAPSTone/RAVEN Essays Reflections Practice AP Seminar Tasks Class Participation Class Binder*

ADDITIONAL HELP Instructor-Student Help

Available Periods: 5th (lunch) and 8th (planning); 4th and 6th (writing center); before or after school

Student-Student Help Writing center: 4th-6th Periods

Peer Support Groups Establish a productive, problem-solving peer group early

YEAR IN PREVIEW: 1ST SEMESTER Unit 1: Summer Reading and an

Overview and Introduction to the QUEST Framework

Unit 2: Identifying and Evaluating Arguments

Unit 3: Analyzing Multiple Perspectives and Arguments

Unit 4: Identifying Themes and Perspectives in Arguments while Creating Your Own

Individual Photo Essay and Presentation

Collaborative Definition Essay and Presentation

Partner and Group Debates

Individual Casual Argument and Presentation

Comparison/Contrast Essay and Presentation

Problem-Solution Argument Essay

Individual Written Report for Team Report

Team Report and Presentation

Formal Reflections

AP Seminar Practice Exams

Semester Outline Summative Assessments

YEAR IN PREVIEW: 2ND SEMESTER Unit 1: Performance Assessment

Task 1 (Team Project and Presentation)—January/February

Unit 2: Performance Assessment Task 2 (Individual Research-Based Essay and Presentation)—March/April

Unit 3: AP Seminar End-of Course Exam—May 5

Unit 4:?(To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee)—end of May

-Individual Research and Reflection (teacher scored; college board validated)-Written Team Report (teacher scored; college board validated) -Team Multimedia Presentation and Defense (teacher scored)

25% of overall score

-Individual Written Argument (teacher scored; college board validated)-Individual Multi- multimedia Presentation (teacher scored) -Oral Defense (teacher scored)

35% of overall score

-Section I, Part A (30 minutes): analyze argument using evidence-Section I, Part B (60 minutes): evaluate effectiveness of two arguments -Section II (90 minutes): build original arguments

40 % of overall score

Semester Outline Summative Assessments