Capstone, Principles, & Electives

Featured Courses

AP Seminar

AP Seminar is a foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Using an inquiry framework, students practice reading and analyzing articles, research studies, and foundational, literary, and philosophical texts; listening to and viewing speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts. Students learn to synthesize information from multiple sources, develop their own perspectives in written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a team. Ultimately, the course aims to equip students with the power to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments.

AP Research

Per the College Board, 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 approximately 40005000 words (accompanied by a performance or exhibition of product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense.

Public Speaking

In Public Speaking class, students are introduced to the fundamentals of public speaking by learning how to be confident and well-spoken in front of an audience. This course is based on the Dale Carnegie method which enforces speaking about something you have earned the right to talk about through Experience or study. The Public Speaking course prepares students to be able to present topics, stories and events effectively to an audience. This course also prepares the student to debate effectively and gain cooperation when in charge of a group of people.

Outside the Lines: Sports and Wellness

This course uses ESPN programming segments to read, write, research, and present about sports and wellness-related topics. Units include (1) "SC Features" to write informational stories about school sports, (2) "Pardon the Interruption" and "Scouting Reports" to practice argumentation skills, and (3) "Outside the Lines" to study and discuss the connection between sports, wellness, and culture. Texts will include articles, ESPN segments, biographies, and documentaries. The course will feature guest speakers such as coaches and wellness specialists.

Full Course Catalog

AP Capstone is a diploma program based on two yearlong AP courses: AP Seminar and AP Research. These courses are designed to complement other AP courses that the AP Capstone student may take. Instead of teaching specific subject knowledge, AP Seminar and AP Research use an interdisciplinary approach to develop the critical thinking, research, collaboration, time management, and presentation skills students need for college-level work.

Principles courses offer an introduction to a wide variety of subjects. A Principles course can act as a starting point for students pursuing an academic interest, or a useful tool for fulfilling graduation requirements.