AP Research, the second course in the AP Capstone experience, allows students to deeply explore the academic topic, problem, issue, or idea of individual interest. Students design, plan and implement a yearlong investigation to address a research question. Through this inquiry, they further the skills they acquired in the AP Seminar course by learning research methodology, employing ethical research practices and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information. Students reflect on their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of their scholarly work through a process and reflection portfolio. The course culminates in an academic paper of approximately 4000-5000 words (accompanied by a performance, exhibit, or product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense.

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, foundational, literary, and philosophical texts; listening to and viewing speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts; and experiencing artistic works and performances. 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.

The Bible will be studied as literature. Course content will include selections from both the Old Testament and the New Testament.

Emphasis is placed on creative writing for those students with a desire to refine these skills and work with others to improve their creative writing. Students will expand on their powers of observation, imagination, and language and will be exposed to various forms of creative writing in the fields of prose, fiction and nonfiction (i.e. poems, fiction, drama, etc.).

The English I course provides a foundational study of genres (novels, short stories, poetry, drama, literary nonfiction). The literature explores cultural perspectives from outside of the United States in addition to historical U.S. documents. Through academic reading, writing, listening, and speaking, students will work independently and collaboratively to use textual evidence to support a critical analysis of how authors develop various themes, central ideas, structures, tones, and arguments. Academic writing instruction is integrated to hone critical communication and research skills through argumentative, informational, and narrative writing. Grammar and language instruction provide a further lens for reading and writing. Honors English I meets the same requirements as English I; however, it is distinguished by the quality and depth of the work expected. Standards are explored with greater complexity and acceleration. Students taking the Honors course are expected to complete more complex tasks.

The English II course extends the standards taught in English I. It furthers a study of genres (novels, short stories, poetry, drama, literary nonfiction). The literature continues to explore cultural perspectives from outside of the United States in addition to historical U.S. documents. Through academic reading, writing, listening, and speaking, students will work independently and collaboratively to use textual evidence to support a critical analysis of how authors develop various themes, central ideas, structures, tones, and arguments. Academic writing instruction is integrated to hone critical communication and research skills through argumentative, informational, and narrative writing. Grammar and language instruction provide a further lens for reading and writing. An End-Of-Course test will be administered in English II. Honors English II meets the same requirements as English II; however, it is distinguished by the quality and depth of the work expected. Standards are explored with greater complexity and acceleration. Students taking the Honors course are expected to complete more complex tasks. An End-Of-Course test will be administered in Honors English II.

This course is designed to assist students in meeting the English II Exit Standard. The student can take the course first semester as a preparation for the EOC course second semester. The course may also be used after the student completes the EOC course but has not met the exit standard. A student may take this course a maximum of two times for elective credit. UCPS PROGRAM OF STUDIES 2025 - 2026 www.ucps.k12.nc.us 3031 31

English III adds complexity to the standards taught in English I and English II. It furthers a study of genres (novels, short stories, poetry, drama, literary nonfiction, and historical U.S. and British documents). Through academic reading, writing, listening, and speaking, students will work independently and collaboratively to use textual evidence to support a critical analysis of how authors develop various themes, central ideas, structures, tones, and arguments. Academic writing instruction is integrated to hone critical communication and research skills through argumentative, informational, and narrative writing. Grammar and language instruction provide a further lens for reading and writing. Honors English III meets the same requirements as English III; however, it is distinguished by the quality and depth of the work expected. Standards are explored with greater complexity and acceleration. Students taking the Honors course are expected to complete more complex tasks.

English III adds complexity to the standards taught in English I and English II. It furthers a study of genres (novels, short stories, poetry, drama, literary nonfiction, and historical U.S. and British documents). Through academic reading, writing, listening, and speaking, students will work independently and collaboratively to use textual evidence to support a critical analysis of how authors develop various themes, central ideas, structures, tones, and arguments. Academic writing instruction is integrated to hone critical communication and research skills through argumentative, informational, and narrative writing. Grammar and language instruction provide a further lens for reading and writing. This class prepares students for AP English Language and Composition.

English IV provides the culmination of the standards taught in English I, English II, and English III. It furthers a study of genres (novels, short stories, poetry, drama, literary nonfiction, and historical U.S. and British documents). Through academic reading, writing, listening, and speaking, students will work independently and collaboratively to use textual evidence to support a critical analysis of how authors develop various themes, central ideas, structures, tones, and arguments. Academic writing instruction is integrated to hone critical communication and research skills through argumentative, informational, and narrative writing. Grammar and language instruction provide a further lens for reading and writing. Honors English IV meets the same requirements as English IV; however, it is distinguished by the quality and depth of the work expected. Standards are explored with greater complexity and acceleration. Students taking the Honors course are expected to complete more complex tasks.

English IV provides the culmination of the standards taught in English I, English II, and English III. It furthers a study of genres (novels, short stories, poetry, drama, literary nonfiction, and historical U.S. and British documents). Through academic reading, writing, listening, and speaking, students will work independently and collaboratively to use textual evidence to support a critical analysis of how authors develop various themes, central ideas, structures, tones, and arguments. Academic writing instruction is integrated to hone critical communication and research skills through argumentative, informational, and narrative writing. Grammar and language instruction provide a further lens for reading and writing. This class prepares students for AP English Literature and Composition.

Film literature is a course based on the standards for English Language Arts and is a study of how literature is adapted for film or media and includes role playing as film directors for selected screen scenes. Students read about the history of film, the reflection or influence of film on the culture, and issues of interpretation, production and adaptation. Students examine the visual interpretation of literacy techniques and auditory language in film and the limitations or special capacities of film versus text to present a literacy work. Students analyze how films portray the human condition and roles of men and women and the various ethnic or cultural minorities in the past and present .