What's included
30 live meetings
22 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 per weekAssessment
7 or more throughout the classGrading
includedClass Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
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 tasks. 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. This course is structured to provide students with ample opportunities for hands-on learning, collaboration, and feedback to help them succeed in the AP Seminar exam and beyond. Emphasis will be placed on fostering intellectual curiosity, ethical reasoning, and effective communication skills essential for college and career readiness.
Learning Goals
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.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows College Board Advanced Placement CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Advanced Placement (AP) Standards30 Lessons
over 15 WeeksLesson 1:
Introduction to AP Seminar
Overview of course objectives, structure, and AP exam format
Introduction to the AP Seminar performance tasks (Team Project, Individual Research Report)
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Introduction to AP Seminar
Explanation of the AP Seminar rubrics and scoring criteria
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Critical Thinking and Inquiry
Developing essential questions for inquiry-based learning
Techniques for analyzing and evaluating arguments
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Critical Thinking and Inquiry
Practice in identifying bias, assumptions, and logical fallacies
45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
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
4 teachers have a Graduate degree
Master's Degree in Education from University of Toronto
Master's Degree in History from University of Cambridge
Master's Degree from Eastern Michigan University
Master's Degree in History from Northwestern University
Master's Degree in Religious Studies from Yale University
4 teachers have a Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's Degree in History from Birmingham-Southern College
Bachelor's Degree from University of Alabama at Birmingham
Bachelor's Degree from Middle East Technical University
Bachelor's Degree in History from Millersville University
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!
Reviews
Live Group Course
$500
for 30 classes2x per week, 15 weeks
45 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
2-6 learners per class