What is ap seminar?

AP Seminar is a college-level course designed to help students develop research, collaboration, and communication skills. It's the first of two AP Capstone courses (followed by AP Research). Here's a breakdown of key information:

Course Structure & Focus:

• Research & Inquiry: Students learn to formulate compelling research questions, conduct thorough investigations, and evaluate sources critically. This includes exploring various research methodologies and perspectives.
• Argumentation & Evidence: A significant emphasis is placed on constructing well-supported arguments using credible evidence, acknowledging counterarguments, and demonstrating sophisticated reasoning.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Students work collaboratively on team-based projects, learning to navigate group dynamics, share responsibilities, and contribute effectively to shared goals.
• Communication Skills: Students hone their communication skills through presentations, written reports, and discussions, learning to adapt their communication styles to different audiences and purposes.
• Individual and Team Projects: The course culminates in two major assessments: a team-based research presentation and a individual research-based presentation.

Assessment:

• Team Project: A substantial research project completed collaboratively, involving a presentation and a written report. This requires extensive research, collaboration, and argumentation.
• Individual Research-Based Presentation: A presentation based on individual research, demonstrating independent investigation and sophisticated argumentation.
• Multiple Smaller Assessments: Throughout the year, students complete various smaller assignments, including individual and group tasks designed to build skills in research, argumentation, and presentation. These can include things like annotated bibliographies, source analysis, and practice presentations.

What makes it different from other AP courses:

• Open-ended research: Unlike many AP courses with a specific curriculum, AP Seminar encourages students to pursue their own research interests within a broad thematic framework.
• Emphasis on process: The course focuses not just on the end product, but also on the research and development process itself. Students are expected to reflect on their learning and refine their approaches.
• Development of transferable skills: The skills developed in AP Seminar, such as research, collaboration, and communication, are highly transferable and valuable for college and beyond.

Preparing for AP Research:

AP Seminar serves as a foundational course for AP Research. The skills and knowledge gained in Seminar are essential for success in the more in-depth, individual research project of AP Research.

In short: AP Seminar is a demanding but rewarding course that prepares students for the rigors of college-level research and communication. It's a great choice for students who are curious, inquisitive, and enjoy working collaboratively to tackle complex issues.