Advanced Placement

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Note: All courses are one credit unless otherwise noted.

AP English Literature

1.0 credits
Prerequisites: English 11 or equivalent

Course Description

This is a college level class that ultimately prepares students for the Advanced Placement exam in May. In addition, it provides students with other 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 their 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. Students will learn to apply critical literary terms as tools for learning, understanding, and communication. Learning activities include close reading, paraphrasing, discussions, essays, short answer exams, research papers, reflective journals, web quests and others. The unit structure below identifies the main headings of the units only. Most units will include a combination of genres and activities. The structure to the class is not based upon a sequence of chronology, national origin, or genres. It is instead based upon the sequence that best supports the learning needs of the student.

Course Materials

Required Texts:

  • Selected from several novel choices
  • Text or online versions of Oedipus Rex, Antigone, and Hamlet
Course Outline
Semester 1
  • Introduction to the Course
  • Observing, Thinking and Learning: An Introduction to the Analysis of Literature
  • Oedipus the King
  • The Odyssey: Literature as Ethnology
  • Reading and Rhetoric
  • First Novel: Introduction to Literary Research
  • Poetry Analysis
  • Second Novel
Semester 2
  • Medieval Literature
  • Hamlet
  • Romanticism
  • Realism and the 20th Century: The Changing Focus of Literature
  • Independent Thematic Study: The Individual in Society.
  • Independent Project

AP English Language

1.0 credits
Prerequisites: English 10 or equivalent

Course Description

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 style, 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.

Course Materials

Required Texts:

  • Selected readings, available online or at the local library
Course Outline
  • Socrates - Meno
  • Measure for Measure
  • The American Dream - The Great Gatsby
  • Nonfiction: Past and Present
  • Nonfiction and AP - Exam
  • Coming to America
  • American Poetry
  • Independent Reading
  • Their Eyes Were Watching God
  • The Portrait of Youth
  • Satire
  • Review
  • Research Project

AP Statistics

1.0 credits
Prerequisites: Algebra II

Course Description

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 most cases the calculator is sufficient but the fundamental tool of data analysis is the computer.

Course Materials

Required Book:

  • The Practice of Statistics / ISBN: 0716747731

Required Equipment:

  • TI 83 Plus Calculator
Course Outline
Semester 1

Part I. Organizing Data: Looking For Patterns And Departures From Patterns

  1. Exploring Data
  2. The Normal Distributions
  3. Examining Relationships
  4. More on Two-Variable Data

Part II. Producing Data: Samples, Experiments, And Simulations

  1. Producing Data

Part III. Probability: Foundations Of Inference

  1. Probability: The Study of Randomness
  2. Random Variables
Semester 2
  1. The Binomial and Geometric Distributions
  2. Sampling Distributions

Part IV. Inference: Conclusions With Confidence

  1. Introduction to Inference
  2. Inference for Distributions
  3. Inference for Proportion
  4. Inference for Tables: Chi-Square Procedure
  5. Inference for Regression

AP Calculus AB

1.0 credits
Prerequisites: Knowledge of algebra, geometry, trigonometry, analytic geometry, and elementary functions

Course Description

This is a college level course that prepares students for the Advanced Placement exam in May. This 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. Each unit contains exam preparation content for the AP Calculus AB exam.

Course Materials

Required Book:

  • Calculus, 8th Ed. (Larson, Hostetler, Edwards) / ISBN: 0-618-50298-X

Required Equipment:

  • TI 83 Plus Calculator

Recommended Book:

  • Calculus with Infotrac / ISBN: 0534437362
Course Outline
Semester 1

Unit 1 Part 1 Overview

Unit 2 Limits and Their Properties

  • Section 1: Limits and Their Properties: Introduction
  • Section 2: Linear Models and Rates of Change
  • Section 3: Functions, Graphs of Functions, and Finding Models to Data
  • Section 4: Finding Limits Graphically, Numerically, and Analytically
  • Section 5: Continuity, One-Sided Limits, and Infinite Limits

Unit 3 Differentiation

  • Section 1: Differentiation: Introduction
  • Section 2: The Derivative
  • Section 3: Differentiation
  • Section 4: Implicit Differentiation

Unit 4 Applications of Differentiation

  • Section 1: Applications of Differentiation: Introduction
  • Section 2: Extrema and The Mean Value Theorem
  • Section 3: Derivative Tests, Limits, and Graphs
  • Section 4: Optimization, Newton's Method, and Differentials

Unit 5 Semester 1 Exam

Semester 2

Unit 6 Integration

  • Section 1: Integration: Introduction
  • Section 2: Antiderivatives and Indefinite Integration
  • Section 3: Area, Riemann Sums, and Definite Integrals
  • Section 4: The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
  • Section 5: Integration by Substitution and Numerical Integration

Unit 7 Logarithmic, Exponential, and other Transcendental Functions

  • Section 1: Logarithmic, Exponential, and other Transcendental Functions: Introduction
  • Section 2: The Natural Logarithmic Function
  • Section 3: Inverse Functions and Exponential Functions
  • Section 4: Inverse Trigonometric Functions
  • Section 5: Hyperbolic Functions

Unit 8 Differential Equations

  • Section 1: Differential Equations: Introduction
  • Section 2: Slope Fields, Euler's Method, and Growth and Decay
  • Section 3: Separation of Variables and First Order Linear Differential Equations

Unit 9 Applications of Integration

  • Section 1: Applications of Integration: Introduction
  • Section 2: Area of a Region Between Two Curves
  • Section 3: Volumes, Arc Lengths, and Surfaces
  • Section 4: Work, Moments, and Fluids

Unit 10 Semester 2 Exam

AP Calculus BC

1.0 credits
Prerequisites: Knowledge of algebra, geometry, trigonometry, analytic geometry, and elementary functions

Course Description

This is a college level course covering derivatives, integrals, limits, approximation, applications and modeling, and sequences and series.

Course Materials

Required Equipment:

  • TI 83 Plus Calculator

Optional Book:

  • Calculus with Infotrac / ISBN: 0534437362
Course Outline
Semester 1

A. Function & Graphs

  1. Functions & Function Notation
  2. Absolute Value & Piecewise Defined Functions
  3. Inequalities
  4. Composition & Combination of Functions
  5. Exponential & logarithmic functions
  6. Transformation of Functions
  7. Trigonometric Functions
  8. Polynomial & Rational Functions
  9. Vectors & Vector-Valued Functions
  10. Polar Coordinates & Graphs
  11. Parametric Equations & Conic Sections

B. Limits & Continuity

  1. Intuitive Definition of a Limit
  2. Algebraic Techniques for Finding Limits
  3. One-Sided Limits
  4. Infinite Limits
  5. Limits at Infinity
  6. Limits of Special Trigonometric Functions
  7. Continuity

C. Derivatives

  1. Definition of the Derivative
  2. Differentiation Rules
  3. The Chain Rule
  4. Derivatives of Exponential Functions
  5. Derivative of Logarithmic Functions
  6. Derivatives of Inverse Functions
  7. Differentiability & Continuity
  8. Implicit Differentiation
  9. Logarithmic Differentiation
  10. Parametric Derivatives
  11. Differentiation with Polar Curves
  12. Limits & Continuity of Vector-Valued Functions

D. Application of the Derivative

  1. Tangent & Normal Lines
  2. Position, Velocity, & Acceleration (PVA)
  3. Related rates
  4. Relative Extrema & the First Derivative Test
  5. Concavity & the Second Derivative Test
Semester 2

E. Anti-Derivatives

  1. Differential Equations and Slope Fields
  2. Antiderivatives
  3. The Chain Rule for Antiderivatives
  4. Antiderivatives of Exponentials
  5. Antiderivatives of Logarithms
  6. Antiderivatives of Inverse Trig Functions
  7. Integration by Parts
  8. Integration by Partial Fractions
  9. Trigonometric Substitutions
  10. The Definite Integral
  11. Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
  12. Improper Integrals

F. Application of Integrals

  1. Net Change and Displacement
  2. Volume
  3. Separable Differential Equations
  4. Numerical Solutions to Differential Equations
  5. Logistic Growth
  6. Work
  7. Arc Length & Surface of revolution
  8. Integration of Vector-Valued Functions
  9. Parametric Integrals
  10. Polar Integrals
  11. Other Applications of Definite Integrals

G. Infinite Sequences and Series

  1. Sequences
  2. Series
  3. Estimating Sums
  4. Other Tests for Convergence
  5. Power Series
  6. Taylor and Maclaurin Series

AP Chemistry

1.0 credits
Prerequisites: None

Course Description

Advanced Placement Chemistry is equivalent to a full-year introductory college course in 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.

Course Materials

Required Book:

  • Chemistry: The Molecular Nature of Matter and Change (Silberberg) / ISBN: 0073101699

Required Equipment:

  • Chemistry: Lab Kit / Available from Hands-On Labs, Inc. (www.athomescience.com)
Course Outline
Semester 1
  • An Introduction to Chemistry
  • The Components of Matter
  • Stoichiometry of Formulas and Equations
  • The Major Classes of Chemical Reactions
  • Gases and the Kinetic-Molecular Theory
  • Thermochemistry: Energy Flow and Chemical Change
  • Quantum Theory and the Nature of Light
  • Electron Configuration and Chemical periodicity
  • Models of Chemical Bonding
  • The Shapes of Molecules
  • Theories of Covalent Bonding
Semester 2
  • Intermolecular Forces: Liquids, Solids and Phase Changes
  • The Properties of Mixtures: Solutions and Colloids
  • Periodic Patterns in the main-Group Elements
  • Organic Compounds and the Atomic Properties of Carbon
  • Kinetics: Rates and Mechanisms of Chemical Reactions
  • Equilibrium: the extent of Chemical Reactions
  • Oxidation and Reducation Reactions
  • Thermodynamics: Entropy, Free Energy and the Directions of Chemical Reactions

AP Biology

1.0 credits
Prerequisites: General Biology and Chemistry

Course Description

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.

Course Materials
Semester 1

Required Book:

  • Biology, 7th Ed, (Campbell, Reese) / ISBN: 0-8053-7146-X
Course Outline

Unit I: Introduction & The Chemistry of Life

  • Exploring Life
  • Molecular Biology

Unit II: The Cell

  • Diffusion & Osmosis Lab
  • Enzyme Catalysis
  • Mitosis & Meiosis
  • Cell Respiration
  • Plant Pigments & Photosynthesis

Unit III: Genetics

  • Genetics of Organisms

Unit IV: Mechanisms of Evolution

  • Population Genetics & Evolution

Unit V: Evolutionary History of Biological Diversity

Unit VI: Plant Form and Function

  • Transpiration

Unit VII: Animal Form and Function

  • Physiology of the Circulatory System

Unit VIII: Ecology

  • Animal Behavior
  • Dissolved Oxygen & Aquatic Primary Productivity

AP Physics B

1.0 credits
Prerequisites: Physics (strongly recommended, but not required); Trigonometry

Course Description

Physics is the science of matter and energy-how the universe is put together. This course is a non-calculus survey course covering five general areas: Newtonian mechanics, thermal physics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, and atomic and nuclear physics. Students will get an understanding of the core principles involved and learn to apply these principles in the solution of problems.

Course Materials

Required Book:

  • Physics: Principles with Applications (Giancoli) / ISBN: 0130606200
Course Outline
Semester 1
  1. General Introduction
    1. Introduction to Physics
    2. Mathematical Review
  2. Newtonian Mechanics
    1. Kinematics
    2. Newton's Laws of Motion
    3. Work, Energy & Power
    4. Systems of Particles, Linear Momentum
    5. Circular Motion & Rotation
    6. Oscillations & Gravitation
  3. Fluid Mechanics & Thermal Physics
    1. Fluid Mechanics
    2. Temperature and Heat
    3. Kinetic Theory & Thermodynamics
Semester 2
  1. Electricity & Magnetism
    1. Electrostatics
    2. Conductors & Capacitors
    3. Electric Circuits
    4. Magnetostatics
    5. Electromagnetism
  2. Waves & Optics
    1. Wave Motion
    2. Physical Optics
    3. Geometric Optics
  3. Atomic & Nuclear Physics
    1. Atomic Physics & Quantum Effect
    2. Nuclear Physics

AP US Government and Politics

0.5 credits
Prerequisites: Successful completion of U.S. History from 1700 to the present.

Course Description

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.

Course Materials

Required Books:

  • Edwards, Wattenberg, Lineberry, Government in America, 12th Edition AP* EDITION, Prentice Hall
  • (American Government: Readings and Cases, ISBN #0321329776.
Course Outline
  • Constitutional Underpinnings: 5-15%
  • Political Beliefs and Behaviors: 10-20%
  • Political Parties, Interest Groups, and Mass Media: 10-20%
  • Institutions: Congress, Presidency, Bureaucracy, Courts: 35-45%
  • Public Policy: 5-15%
  • Civil Rights and Civil Liberties: 5-15%

AP US History

1.0 credits
Prerequisites: None

Course Description

This course covers all of the material outlined by the College Board as necessary to prepare students to pass the AP U.S. History exam. Students will: Demonstrate comprehension of a broad body of historical knowledge; express ideas clearly in writing; work with classmates to research an historical issue; interpret and apply data from original documents; identify underrepresented historical viewpoints; write to persuade with evidence; compare and contrast alternate interpretations of an historical figure, event, or trend; explain how an historical event connects to or causes a larger trend or theme; develop essay responses that include a clear, defensible thesis statement and supporting evidence; effectively argue a position on an historical issue; critique and respond to arguments made by others; raise and explore questions about policies, institutions, beliefs, and actions in an historical context; evaluate primary materials, such as historical documents, political cartoons, and first-person narratives; evaluate secondary materials, such as scholarly works or statistical analyses; and assess the historical significance and cultural impact of key literary works.

Course Materials

Required Book:

  • The American Pageant / ISBN: 0618247327
Course Outline: AP US History
Semester 1

Unit 1: Exploration and Colonial America

Unit 2: Colonial Society

Unit 3: The Shot Heard Round the World

Unit 4: The New Nation Forms

Unit 5: America's Growing Pains

Unit 6: The Concurrent Rise of Nationalism and Sectionalism

Unit 7: The Era of Andrew Jackson

Unit 8: Emergence of America's Literary, Philosophic, and Religious Movements

Unit 9: The Coming of the Civil War

Unit 10: The Only Recourse: War

Unit 11: Picking up the Pieces

Semester 2

Unit 12: The New South and the New West

Unit 13: Industrial Ascendancy

Unit 14: Urbanization: A Changing America

Unit 15: Agrarian Discontent and Progressivism

Unit 16: Isolationist to World Power

Unit 17: Wilson and the World

Unit 18: Boom to Bust

Unit 19: The U.S. at War

Unit 20: The Cold War

Unit 21: Turbulent Decades

Unit 22: Toward a New Century

AP World History

1.0 credits
Prerequisites: None

Course Description

AP World History covers the history of the world from 600 CE to the present with an introduction unit on the period before (covering around 8000 BCE to 600 CE). 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.

Course Materials

Required Book:

  • World Civilizations: The Global Experience, AP Edition (Stearns, et.al.) / ISBN: 0321099699
Course Outline
Semester 1

Unit 1: Foundations (c. 8000 B.C.E. to 600 CE)

Unit 2: World History, 600 CE to 1450 CE Two Worlds (Eurasia & Americas)

Unit 3: World History 1450 CE to 1750 CE World in Collision & Change

Semester 2

Unit 4: World History 1750 CE to 1914 CE One World Triumphs

Unit 5: World History 1914 CE to the Present, Globalization: A Work in Progress (Creation of the Global Village)

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