AP Art History

This course is designed to foster in students an understanding and knowledge of architecture, sculpture, painting, and other art forms within diverse historical and cultural contexts. Students examine and critically analyze major forms of artistic expression from the past and the present from a variety of cultures. In addition to visual analysis, this course emphasizes understanding works in context, considering such issues as patronage, gender and the functions and effects of works of art. Prior art training is not a prerequisite nor does the course cater exclusively to future Art History majors. This course was designed to meet the requirements of the Advanced Placement Art History requirements precisely. Syllabus

 
AP Biology

This course is a comprehensive analysis of general biology that includes biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, mechanisms of evolution, evolutionary history of biological diversity, plant and animal form and function, and ecology. The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors or pre-medical students their first year. The textbook used, the range and depth of topics covered, discussion topics and kinds of labs done in this course are equivalent to those taking this course in college. College Board guidelines are followed in determining the course. Syllabus

AP Calculus AB

This Advanced Placement course introduces limits, differentiation, and integration of functions. Students will find and evaluate finite and infinite limits graphically, numerically, and analytically. They will find derivatives using a variety of methods including The Chain Rule and Implicit Differentiation. They will use the First Derivative Test and The Second Derivative Test to analyze and sketch functions.

Subsequently, students will find antiderivatives using a variety of methods including substitution. They will evaluate integrals using a variety of methods including numerical integration. They will understand and apply Riemann sums, definite integrals, and The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. In particular, they will differentiate and integrate logarithmic, exponential, and inverse trigonometric functions. They will solve simple differential equations that can be solved by separation of variables and use them to solve applied problems. They will use integration to determine the area between two curves and the volume of solids. TI 83 Plus Calculator required. Syllabus

AP Chemistry

Advanced Placement Chemistry is designed to duplicate an equivalent full-year introductory college course covering all aspects of general Chemistry. Students will learn fundamental analytical skills to logically assess chemical problems proficiently. Through fascinating and elaborative lessons, students will develop the skills necessary to arrive at conclusions based on informed judgment and present evidence in clear and persuasive essays. Syllabus

AP Computer Science A

Computer Science A emphasizes object-oriented programming methodology with a concentration on problem solving and algorithm development and is the equivalent of a first-semester college-level course in Computer Science. It also includes the study of data structures, design, and abstraction, but these topics are not covered to the extent that they are in Computer Science AB. Syllabus

AP English Language

The academic objectives of this course adhere to those outlined by the College Board in preparation for the Advanced Placement Exam in Language and Composition. AP Language and Composition explores the relationship between what authors say and how they are trying to say it. The literary component of the course provides a range of genres, including nonfiction, fiction, drama and poetry, and in the analysis of these works students are exposed to the analysis of both style-the more language-based approach to exploring meaning-and rhetoric-the analysis of author argument and structure. In terms of styles, students will explore how elements of language-such as tone, diction, and syntax-influence the overall meaning. In terms of rhetoric, students will examine various appeals, aspects of writer’s credibility, irony, and the overall use of logic to explore how effectively an author presents her/his position. In any aspect of analysis, students are obliged to consider what the author’s overall theme is. By understanding the purpose of a piece of writing, we recognize the elements of language as an integral too with which authors develop their work. Writing assignments cover both the expository and argumentative aspects of writing. In addition to the exploration of American and global themes of literature, students will discern how styles of writers have evolved over the last several centuries. Syllabus

AP English Literature and Composition

This college level course provides students with skills associated with the most advanced classes in high school English, including research skills. When they have completed the class, students will have acquired the reading and critical thinking skills necessary for understanding challenging new material, analyzing that material to deduce meaning, and applying what they have learned to our world. They will have the composition skills needed to communicate their understanding effectively to a variety of audiences. Students will read and analyze classic works of literature because these works contain literary qualities that merit study and provoke thinking, not because of a requirement to know a particular work or author. They will also look at modern and contemporary works as they examine all genres: plays, short stories, poetry, essays, and novels. Selected readings- available online or local library. Syllabus

AP Environmental Science (one semester course)

This course is designed to acquaint students with the physical, ecological, social, and political principles of environmental science. The scientific method is used to analyze and understand the interrelationships between humans and the natural environment. The course shows how ecological realities and the material desires of humans often clash, leading to environmental degradation and pollution. The course consists of six chapters covering the following topics: Earth's Systems, Human Population Dynamics, Natural Resources, Environmental Quality, Global Changes and Environment and Society. Chapters are divided into several subsections, each of which contains text, animations, laboratory simulations and video presentations by experts. Syllabus

AP European History

This course is the study of the social, economic, cultural, intellectual, political and diplomatic history of Modern Europe and its place in the history of the world from the fall of Constantinople to the fall of the Berlin wall and the Soviet Union. The course will be taught at a level and rigor equivalent to that required of students in a college freshman or sophomore Modern European History course. Students will develop an understanding of the major periods, ideas, movements, trends, and themes that characterize European history from approximately 1450-the high Renaissance-to the present. Students develop the ability to analyze historical evidence and express understanding and analysis in writing. The course will prepare students for the College Board examination in European History. Syllabus

AP French Language

AP French Language students apply their French grammar and vocabulary knowledge and their listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills to a wide variety of real-world contexts. Students learn to speak fluently and accurately, write complicated compositions, and comprehend native speakers. The equivalent of a college-level language course, AP French Language prepares students for the AP Exam and for further study of French language, culture, and literature. The course does not use a specific text. Rather, a variety of poems, short stories, essays, and plays are provided within the course. Students must have a microphone to submit speaking assignments. Syllabus

AP Macroeconomics (one semester course)

Macroeconomics is an emphasis on how the economic system works as a whole. Students study how the economy is measured by using concepts such as gross domestic product (GDP) and other indicators. They examine concepts such as inflation, unemployment, world trade patterns, and the role of the Federal Reserve Bank. Students engage in decision-making processes to create an environment where high employment and a higher standard of living are achievable by using the economic tools of fiscal and monetary policy. This course prepares students for the AP Exam in Macroeconomics. Syllabus

AP Microeconomics (one semester course)

Microeconomics emphasizes how individuals make choices with limited resources. Students will examine concepts such as supply and demand, factors of production, roles of labor and management, the relationship between the environment and the economy, and the impact of the government on individual decision making processes. Students study the stock market as an investment option and trace various stocks through the semester using the Wall Street Journal and the Internet as resources. This course prepares students for the AP Exam in Microeconomics. Syllabus

AP Physics B

AP Physics is a yearlong introduction to the algebra-based major areas of physics – mechanics,fluids, waves, optics, electricity, magnetism and modern physics (atomic and nuclear). Students learn to think like scientists: making predictions based on observations, writing hypothesis, designing and completing experiments, and reaching conclusions based on the analysis of data derived from these experiments. Students apply the concepts of physics to their everyday experiences and current events and issues in science and engineering. The course provides opportunities for guided inquiry and student-centered learning to foster critical thinking skills. Syllabus

AP Psychology (one semester course)

This course is a survey of psychology that introduces students to the major topics of the field, the terminology and methodology of psychology, and the historical and current understanding of human behavior and thought-processes. Students learn to analyze human experiences like psychologists do and to apply what they have learned to the world around them. The focus of the course is to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Psychology course administered by the College Board in the spring of each year. Syllabus

AP Spanish Language

AP Spanish Language students practice perfecting their Spanish speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. They study vocabulary, grammar, and cultural aspects of the language, and then apply what they've learned in extensive written and spoken exercises. By the end of the course, students will have an expansive vocabulary and a solid, working knowledge of all verb forms and tenses. The equivalent of a college-level language course, the two-semester AP Spanish Language prepares students for the AP Exam and for further study of Spanish language, culture, or literature. The course does not use a specific text, however a variety of poems, short stories, essays and plays are provided within the course. Students must have a microphone to submit speaking assignments. Syllabus

AP Statistics

AP Statistics data analysis is dependent on the use of technology. Students should have access to computers that include software capable of doing data analysis. Students will be required to interpret output generated by statistical software programs. Students are not expected to learn how to use various statistical programs. In addition one of the following Texas Instruments calculators is required, TI-83, TI-83+, TI-84, TI-84+, or a TI 89. The TI-83+ is the most popular calculator for AP Statistics. In most cases the calculator is sufficient but the fundamental tool of data analysis is the computer. Syllabus

AP US Government and Politics (one semester course)

This course will survey the complex subjects of U.S. Government and politics. We will analyze in some detail the processes and institutions (both formal and informal) through which the political system functions and policy decisions are made. This analysis will include the Constitutional structure of Government, participatory politics, the formal institutions of power, the extra constitutional influences on those institutions, and public polity and individual rights and liberties. Syllabus

AP US History

This college-level course explores the history of the United States from the first European explorations of the Americas to present day events and trends. Students examine political institutions and behavior, public policy, social and economic change, diplomacy and international relations, and cultural and intellectual developments. Syllabus

AP World History

AP World History covers the history of the world from 600 C.E. to the present with an introduction unit on the period before (covering around 8000 B.C.E to 600 C.E.). The course emphasizes “patterns of change” and the connections between the various world cultures throughout the time period being studied. Students will gain an understanding of the global experiences of humanity and be able to apply that knowledge to their growth and development as “world citizens”. The class has two major goals: 1) to prepare students to be successful on the AP World History exam and 2) to provide students with an understanding on why the world developed the way it did. Syllabus