Advanced Placement Courses
Provided by VITAL

One Semester, Half Credit AP Courses

Advanced Placement® United States Government and Politics  - 1 semester

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

"Lights, Camera, Action" ...Prepare to study the intricacies of the American Political Culture. The script is written and the actors participate daily in the drama of American politics. You will be "on location" to delve into primary source documents. You will go behind the scenes with stars such as the President, Congress people, and Supreme Court Justices. You will research the roles of the media, political parties, interest groups, states, candidates, bureaucracy, and the public in the governmental process. Finally, you will witness the large- scale production of policy building in the areas of economic/social policy, foreign policy and public administration.

Advanced Placement® Environmental Science - 1 Semester

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course is designed to acquaint you 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 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.

Advanced Placement® – Microeconomics - 1 Semester

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

 You traveled to the Macro Islands to assist the leader in winning re-election. You came for a job, but you realized as you were working that you loved the islands and wanted to make your home there. Because you are adept at giving economic advice to the leader, you have been appointed as the new President of the Sunny Seas Shell Company.

As part of your role in assuming the leadership duties of the company, you will need to brush up on microeconomics. The Board of Directors has appointed Ms. Equilibrium to act as your personal assistant and advisor as you transition into your new role. You will be learning all you can about microeconomics and will be required to exhibit your knowledge in May at the annual Board of Directors’ meeting (the AP Exam).

Advanced Placement® Macroeconomics – 1 Semester

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

You have been called upon to assist the leader of the Macro Islands who is running for reelection next year. The economy is in shambles, and you need to come up with some feasible solutions. This will not only help the people of the Macro Islands but will also ensure a victory for your employer.

You were hired over the Internet and received a first class ticket to the Macro Islands where you can learn first hand about the situation. You arrive at Pineapple Airport in the middle of the day and are met by a man with a briefcase who is holding a sign with your name on it. You approach the man and introduce yourself.

"I'm Mr. Scarcity," he says. "I'll be your guide as you learn about the economic situation of the islands. You need to learn everything you can about both macroeconomics and our Macro Islands for your presentation to our island leader in May." (Your AP Exam.)

Advanced Placement® Psychology - 1 Semester

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

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.

Full Year, Two Semester, 1 Credit AP Courses

Advanced Placement® Art History – 2 Semesters

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

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.

Advanced Placement® Biology – 2 Semesters

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.

Advanced Placement® Comparative Government and Politics: U.S. & Comparative - 2 Semesters

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Does the political process and its implications intrigue you? During the first semester of this course, students develop an analytical perspective on government and politics as they examine general concepts used to interpret U.S. political events. In addition, students examine the sources of public authority and political power, as well as the role of nationhood, civil rights, civil liberties, public policy and the court system. The second semester introduces comparative politics, based on an exploration of the political frameworks of France, Great Britain, China, Russia/the former Soviet Union, and one of the following: India, Mexico or Nigeria. This course prepares students for two exams: AP® Government and Politics: U.S. and AP® Government and Politics: Comparative

Advanced Placement® Calculus AB – 2 Semesters

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

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.

Advanced Placement® Calculus BC – 2 Semesters

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

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

Advanced Placement® Computer Science A – 2 Semesters

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The AP® Computer Science A course is equivalent to the first semester of a college level computer science course.  The course involves developing the skills to write programs or part of programs to correctly solve specific problems.  AP® Computer Science A also emphasizes the design issues that make programs understandable, adaptable, and when appropriate, reusable.  At the same time, the development of useful computer programs and classes is used as a context for introducing other important concepts in computer science, including the development and analysis of algorithms, the development and use of fundamental data structures, and the study of standard algorithms and typical applications.  In addition an understanding of the basic hardware and software components of computer systems and the responsible use of these systems are integral parts of the course.

Advanced Placement® Chemistry – 2 Semesters

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The AP® Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year. For some students, this course enables them to undertake, in their first year, second-year work in the chemistry sequence at their institution or to register in courses in other fields where general chemistry is a prerequisite. For other students, the AP Chemistry course fulfills the laboratory science requirement and frees time for other courses.

Advanced Placement® English Language and Composition – 2 Semesters

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The AP Language and Composition course will provide high school students with college level instruction in studying and writing various kinds of analytic or persuasive essays on literary and nonliterary topics in language, rhetoric and expository writing.   Students will become skilled readers of prose written in various periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts.  Both their reading and writing should make students aware of the interactions among a writer’s purposes, audience expectations, and subjects as well as the way writing conventions and language contribute to effectiveness in writing.  This course will effectively prepare students for the AP Exam by enabling them to read, comprehend, and write about complex texts, while developing further communication skills on a college level.

Advanced Placement® English Literature and Composition – 2 Semesters

COURSE DESCRIPTION: 

Students must take the Advanced Placement Exam in order to receive Advanced Placement credit.  Students who do not take the AP® Exam will be awarded Honors level credit.

For a year, participate in an AP upscale dining experience in the AP Literature and Composition course. Students act as food critics of exquisite literary cuisine.  Menu items include reading, analyzing, writing, rewriting, and discussing creations by the master chefs, renowned authors. With intensive concentration on composition skills and on authors' narrative techniques, this dining experience equips students with recipes for success in college, in a career and the AP exam.

Advanced Placement® European History– 2 Semesters

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

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

Advanced Placement® French Language – 2 Semesters

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

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.

Advanced Placement® Physics B – 2 Semesters

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

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.

Advanced Placement® Physics C – 2 Semesters

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This advanced course provides students with a detailed study of both classical mechanics and classical electromagnetism.  Physics C is designed for those students who have some prior physics experience and are interested in majoring in a technical science in college. The rigor of the course requires the use of calculus to solve college-level problems and prepares students to take the AP® Physics C exams: Mechanics and/or Electricity and Magnetism.

Advanced Placement® Spanish Language – 2 Semesters

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

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, AP Spanish Language prepares students for the AP Exam and for further study of Spanish language, culture, or literature.

Advanced Placement® Statistics – 2 Semesters

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 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.

Advanced Placement® World History – 2 Semester

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The AP U.S. History course is designed to provide students with the analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in U.S. history. The program prepares students for intermediate and advanced college courses by making demands upon them equivalent to those made by full-year introductory college courses. Students should learn to assess historical materials—their relevance to a given interpretive problem, reliability, and importance—and to weigh the evidence and interpretations presented in historical scholarship.

Advanced Placement® World History – 2 Semester

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

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.