Advanced Courses

Advanced Placement Contacts, Kristina Morgan - AP for Curriculum
https://ap.collegeboard.org/

Advanced Placement

The college application process is more competitive than ever before. Therefore, colleges and universities have prioritized the importance of student course load above standardized test scores and extracurricular activities. Advanced Placement (AP) courses are among the most challenging in the country, with a standardized curriculum and exit examination. If you intend to go to a four year college or university, you need to be prepared to take several AP courses throughout your high school career.

Advanced Placement courses are challenging and time consuming. There is an emphasis on reading for comprehension, writing, and critical thinking. Before enrolling in an AP course, understand it is a substantial commitment you must make. Throughout the curriculum guide, we have set minimum prerequisites for all of our courses, including AP. Even if you meet these prerequisites, you still need to understand that AP courses are challenging in both content and time commitment. With that said, no other courses will prepare you for the rigor of college like AP. Research shows that students who take AP courses in high school are more successful at the college and university level.

 
   
   
   
   

Advanced Placement Test (AP)

This test is given at the completion of an advanced placement course in May of each year. Scores range from 1 to 5 and are mailed to the student, high school, and specified colleges. A score of 3 or higher may result in the award of college credit hours by most colleges and universities. Students should inquire at the college they wish to attend about acceptance of Advanced Placement credit.

Taking an AP course not only prepares you for college but depending on your AP score, it can earn you college credits. Students can earn between 3 to 9 college credits depending on the AP exam taken and the number of AP exams taken here at Ida Baker High. Check with the college or university you plan to attend for exact awards.

Students are required to take the AP exam at no cost. Failure to take the scheduled AP exam, however, will result in a
student reimbursing $65 to Ida Baker High School.

Senior Courses

English Literature

1001430

1 Credit

Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition is a seminar course designed to develop the student’s abilities as an independent reader and writer.  The course is a college-level class; upon successful completion of course work and a passing score on the AP exam in May, the student may qualify for up to one year’s credit at his/her college. AP English Lit is both demanding and intellectually stimulating. Reading and writing assignments are important features of this course.  Classroom discussion and active participation are vital and serve as a means of testing ideas.  Through various class activities, especially student-conducted seminars, the teacher acts as facilitator, allowing the student to assume responsibility for learning.

Macroeconomics

2102370

0.5 Credit

Prerequisites: Algebra 2

An AP course in Macroeconomics is designed to give you a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole. Such a course places particular emphasis on the study of national income and price determination, and also develops your familiarity with economic performance measures, economic growth, and international economics. Students will take an AP test at the end of the year.

Courses that can be taken if prerequisites are met Sophomore/Junior/Senior year:

Art History

0100300

1 Credit

Prerequisites: None

This course covers the history of art from prehistoric man to modern art. College credit (humanities) can be earned for those students who earn passing marks on the national AP test. This is not a course to create art, but rather to study the history of art, artistic movements and great works.

Calculus AB/BC

1202310/1202320

1 Credit

Prerequisites: Pre-Calculus with an A/B

These courses are equivalent to college level courses. Topics include elementary functions, limits, differential calculus, related rates, and integral calculus, all coupled with applications. Graphing calculators are required. Students take the AP test in the spring.

Capstone Research

17005100

1 Credit

Prerequisites: Capstone Seminar

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 year-long research based investigation to address a research question. In the AP Research course, students further their skills acquired in the AP Seminar course by understanding research methodology; employing ethical research practices; and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information as they address a research question. Students explore their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of the development of their scholarly work in a portfolio. The course culminates in an academic paper of 4000–5000 words (accompanied by a performance or exhibition of product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense.

Chemistry

2003370

1 Credit

Prerequisites:  Chemistry Honors

Topics include, but are not limited to, atomic theory, chemical bonding, molecular geometry, gas laws, solutions, stoichiometry, equilibrium, chemical kinetics, and thermodynamics.

Spanish

0708400

1 Credit

Prerequisites:  Instructor approval & completion of Spanish 3 and/or Spanish 4

AP Spanish is a diverse, cultural, and immersive class that teaches students to further their Spanish knowledge and communication abilities. In today’s global community, competence in more than one language is an essential part of communication and cultural understanding.

Studio 2D

0109350

1 Credit

Prerequisites:  Drawing I and teacher approval

Students may focus on drawing, painting, and photography skills while focusing on the design aspects of 2D art. AP Art is a studio art class that stresses the creation of different mediums of art with a concentration on individual style and subjects (summer work required).

Studio 3D

0109360

1 Credit

Prerequisites: Ceramics I/Ceramics 2 and teacher approval

Students will focus on three dimensional mediums to create a college level portfolio utilizing central design concepts. AP Art is a studio art class that stresses the creation of art with a concentration on individual style and subjects (summer work required).

 

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