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* AP Seminar: Critical Thinking and Research
Class Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Follows College Board Advanced Placement Curriculum
Aligned with Advanced Placement (AP) Standards
This course is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement (AP) Seminar exam by developing their critical thinking, research, and argumentation skills. Through a series of interdisciplinary inquiries, students will explore complex topics, conduct independent research, and engage in collaborative discussions. The course will focus on building proficiency in evidence-based argumentation, source analysis, and presentation techniques necessary for success in the AP Seminar assessment...
30 lessons//15 Weeks
Week 1Lesson 1Introduction to AP SeminarOverview of course objectives, structure, and AP exam format Introduction to the AP Seminar performance tasks (Team Project, Individual Research Report)Lesson 2Introduction to AP SeminarExplanation of the AP Seminar rubrics and scoring criteriaWeek 2Lesson 3Critical Thinking and InquiryDeveloping essential questions for inquiry-based learning Techniques for analyzing and evaluating argumentsLesson 4Critical Thinking and InquiryPractice in identifying bias, assumptions, and logical fallaciesWeek 3Lesson 5Research Methods and Source EvaluationIntroduction to research methodologies (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods) Evaluating sources for credibility, reliability, and relevanceLesson 6Research Methods and Source EvaluationUsing databases and scholarly resources for academic researchWeek 4Lesson 7Interdisciplinary PerspectivesExploring interdisciplinary connections and approaches to complex issues Analyzing how different disciplines frame and address research questionsLesson 8Interdisciplinary PerspectivesCase studies and examples of interdisciplinary research projectsWeek 5Lesson 9Formulating Research QuestionsCrafting clear and focused research questions Brainstorming potential research topics and areas of interestLesson 10Formulating Research QuestionsPeer review and feedback on research question developmentWeek 6Lesson 11Literature Review and Annotated BibliographyConducting a literature review to identify existing research on the chosen topic Summarizing and synthesizing key findings from scholarly sourcesLesson 12Literature Review and Annotated BibliographyCreating an annotated bibliography to document research sourcesWeek 7Lesson 13Data Collection and AnalysisCollecting primary and secondary data through surveys, interviews, experiments, etc. Analyzing data using appropriate statistical or qualitative methodsLesson 14Data Collection and AnalysisInterpreting findings and drawing evidence-based conclusionsWeek 8Lesson 15Drafting the Individual Research Report (IRR)Structure and components of the IRR (Introduction, Methodology, Results, Discussion) Writing strategies for clarity, coherence, and organizationLesson 16Drafting the Individual Research Report (IRR)Peer editing and revision workshopsWeek 9Lesson 17Developing the Team Multimedia Presentation (TMP)Collaborative planning and organization of the TMP Integrating research findings into a cohesive multimedia presentationLesson 18Developing the Team Multimedia Presentation (TMP)Rehearsals and feedback sessions for presentation skillsWeek 10Lesson 19Ethical Considerations in ResearchEthical principles in research (informed consent, confidentiality, avoiding plagiarism) Discussing ethical dilemmas and case studies in researchLesson 20Ethical Considerations in ResearchEnsuring integrity and transparency in reporting research findingsWeek 11Lesson 21Peer Review and FeedbackPeer review sessions for IRR drafts and TMP outlines Providing constructive feedback on content, argumentation, and presentationLesson 22Peer Review and FeedbackImplementing peer feedback for improvementWeek 12Lesson 23Presentation Skills and TechniquesStrategies for effective public speaking and presentation delivery Using visual aids and multimedia tools to enhance presentationsLesson 24Presentation Skills and TechniquesPracticing techniques for engaging and persuading an audienceWeek 13Lesson 25Final Revisions and PreparationFinalizing the IRR and TMP based on peer feedback and instructor guidance Reviewing AP exam preparation strategies and tipsLesson 26Final Revisions and PreparationAddressing any remaining questions or concerns about the AP Seminar examWeek 14Lesson 27Practice Exam SimulationSimulated AP Seminar exam session with timed writing and presentation tasks Feedback and debriefing on performance and areas for improvementLesson 28Practice Exam SimulationReviewing scoring rubrics and self-assessment strategiesWeek 15Lesson 29Culminating Presentations and ReflectionStudents present their Team Multimedia Presentations to the class Reflection on the research process, collaboration experiences, and personal growthLesson 30Culminating Presentations and ReflectionCelebration of achievements and recognition of individual contributions
- Course Objectives: Develop critical thinking skills through interdisciplinary inquiries. Conduct independent research using credible sources and methodologies. Evaluate and synthesize multiple perspectives on complex issues. Construct and defend evidence-based arguments in both written and oral formats. Collaborate effectively with peers in group research projects and presentations. Demonstrate proficiency in AP Seminar assessment tasks, including the Individual Research Report (IRR) and Team Multimedia Presentation (TMP). Cultivate habits of intellectual curiosity, ethical reasoning, and self-reflection.
Hi! I’m Karimah. I am an AP authorized teacher. I’m also a mom of four, global citizen, ardent traveler, and communications specialist of 25 years. I’m originally from Alabama but call Raleigh, NC home for now. I’ve spent 15 years traveling and working abroad, primarily in journalism, communications, and marketing. Among the many roles I’ve assumed, I’ve worked as a teacher, AP teacher, university instructor, coach, trainer, consultant, curriculum developer, and evaluator. It goes without saying that my professional passion is helping others effectively communicate – whether through a speech, essay, presentation, or ad. My methodology springs from a singular truth; great communication is about understanding the motivations of the receiver and what you want the end result to be. Once you’re able to understand that, everything else will fall into place! I’ve had immense fun seeing my students bloom into effective communicators. When it “clicks”, there’s an excitement in their eyes, which I look forward to seeing in each of my students’ eyes here!
Homework
Frequency: Available upon requestFeedback: Available upon requestDetails:Assessment
Frequency: Available upon requestDetails:Grading
Frequency: Available upon requestDetails:
Booth, Wayne C., Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams. The Craft of Research. 3rd edition. University of Chicago Press. Burk, Jim. Uncharted Territory. 1st edition. W.W. Norton and Company. Turabian, Kate L., Gregory C. Colomb, Joseph M. Williams, and the University of Chicago Press Editorial Staff. The Student’s Guide to Writing College Papers and Turabian Teacher Collaborative Topic Sheets. 4th edition. University of Chicago Press. Upson, Matt, C. Michael Hall, and Kevin Cannon. Information Now. 1st edition. University of Chicago Press. Austin, Michael. Reading the World: Ideas that Matter. W.W. Norton and Company. Chaffee, John. Critical Thinking, Thoughtful Writing. Cengage Learning. Jacobus, Lee A. A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. Bedford/St Martins. Graff, Gerald, Cathy Birkenstein, and Russel Durst. "They Say, I Say" The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing. W.W. Norton and Company. Johnson, June. Global Issues, Local Arguments. Pearson. Palmquist, Mike. The Bedford Researcher. Boston, MA: Bedford/St. Martin’s
Teacher expertise and credentials
3 teachers have a Graduate degree
Master's Degree in Education from University of Toronto
JelenaMaster's Degree in History from University of Cambridge
Brandy DahlenMaster's Degree from Eastern Michigan University
Karimah Whitaker2 teachers have a Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's Degree in History from Birmingham-Southern College
Brandy DahlenBachelor's Degree from University of Alabama at Birmingham
Karimah WhitakerNew to Outschool learners, use code BRANDYD2020 for $20 off your first class on Outschool. Let me know if you use this code :) Hi everyone! I am Brandy, and I lead BE Education. I have a master's degree in history from the University of...
Group Class
$500
for 30 classes2x per week, 15 weeks
45 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
2-6 learners per class