About the Course
The Capstone AP Seminar for English Language Arts (ELA) is the foundational, skills-based course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations where they can explore complex academic and real-world topics. The inquiry framework, QUEST, is utilized to analyze diverse texts, including foundational literary and philosophical works, research studies, speeches, and artistic performances. The primary purpose is to transform the 10th-grade English experience into a student-centered, research-heavy environment that prepares learners for college-level challenges. High school teachers will be able to equip students with the independent research, collaborative teamwork, and professional communication skills highly valued by higher education and employers; provide a comfortable entry point for first-time AP students by allowing them to investigate topics they are personally passionate about, such as social media impacts or environmental issues; and empower students to analyze information with accuracy and precision so they can communicate evidence-based arguments in a media-rich world.
- Combine the critical inquiry skills of the AP Capstone program with the literacy standards of a high school English curriculum.
- Guide Rhetoric Evaluation, Argument Assessment, and analyzing issues through multiple lenses.
- Facilitate evidence-based synthesis; and the mastering of citation/academic integrity.
- Support students in their ability to identify real-world problems and propose multi-faceted solutions.
- Conduct research defense.
- Meet 10th-grade English standards by applying Seminar skills to classic and contemporary literature within a literary work using research-based lenses.