Advanced Placement Courses

Introduction

The Advanced Placement Program offers college level courses and exams to high school students. For over 70 years, committees of university faculty and experienced high school teachers have collaborated to create courses that give high school students the opportunity to earn college credit and to stand out to colleges. Research consistently shows that AP students are better prepared for college than students who don’t take AP, regardless of their exam score. They’re more likely to enroll and stay in college, do well in their classes, and graduate in four years. Taking AP can help students become familiar with college level work, boost confidence, develop critical thinking and time management skills, discover their passion and boost their GPA.

At Shaker Heights High School, students can choose from over 20 AP courses to create a class schedule that reflects their interests. Information regarding how AP courses connect with college majors and careers can be found here.

AP courses offered at Shaker Heights High School

INDIVIDUALS & SOCIETIES

AP US History

Grade 10

Full Year – 1 Unit

Advanced Placement US History accommodates the guidelines established by the College Board and is structured as a college-level survey course. This course considers the American past both chronologically and thematically, and encourages students to assess the ways in which the past informs a variety of contemporary issues. Emphasis is on the development of critical-thinking skills, analytical reading and the construction of college-level essays. Students will be expected to engage in a long-term National History Day research assignment. This course requires students to take the Advanced Placement Test in US History. To receive Advanced Placement Credit on a Shaker Heights High School transcript, the student must take the Advanced Placement Exam.

AP African American Studies

Grades 11/12

Full Year - 1 Unit

The value of pursuing African American studies is gaining knowledge and an understanding of the past and present history of American people descended from Africa. AP African American Studies is an interdisciplinary course that examines the diversity of African American experiences through direct encounters with varied sources. Students explore key topics that extend from early African kingdoms to the ongoing challenges and achievements of the contemporary moment. Given the interdisciplinary character of African American Studies, students in the course will develop skills across multiple fields, with an emphasis on developing historical, literary, visual, and data analysis skills. This course foregrounds a study of the diversity of Black communities in the United States within the broader context of Africa and the African diaspora. To receive Advanced Placement Credit on a Shaker Heights High School transcript, the student must take the Advanced Placement Exam.

Prerequisite: US History

AP European History

Grade 11/12

Full Year – 1 Unit

European History will conform to Advanced Placement guidelines. Classroom methodology will include lectures, examination of primary sources and historiography, answering document-based questions, readings, and discussions, including Socratic seminars. AP European History will cover the history of Europe from 1450 to the present, with particular attention to political, economic and cultural developments. Students will be required to take the Advanced Placement Exam, and National History Day research projects are required for all students during the first semester. To receive Advanced Placement Credit on a Shaker Heights High School transcript, the student must take the Advanced Placement Exam.

Recommended: US History

AP World History: Modern

Grade 11/12
Full Year – 1 Unit

This full-year survey course is an examination of world history from multiple perspectives. AP World History: Modern offers a balanced, non-western global approach covering a study of Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania from 1200 CE - present. This course presents an opportunity for students to study the Mali Empire, Chinese Dynasties, Mongol Empire and other civilizations that have impacted our world and culture in order to gain perspectives through analysis of first person accounts, developing a deeper understanding of the dynamic relationships in today’s world. Students will be required to read and evaluate a variety of sources, construct written products that analyze class discussions and readings, as well as participate in discussions covering significant trends throughout world history. The goal and focus of this class is as Yaa Gyasi writes in her book, Homecoming, “We believe in the one who has power. He is the one who gets to write the story. So when you study history, you must ask yourself, Whose story am I missing? Whose voice was suppressed so that this voice could come forth? Once you have figured that out, you must find that story too. From there you get a clearer, yet still imperfect, picture.” To receive Advanced Placement Credit on a Shaker Heights High School transcript, the student must take the Advanced Placement Exam.

Recommended: US History

AP US Government and Politics

Grade 12

Full Year - 1 Unit

AP US Government and Politics is an year-long introductory college-level course in U.S. government and politics that prepares students for the AP U.S. Government and Politics Exam. Students will study U.S. foundational documents, Supreme Court decisions, and other texts and visuals to gain an understanding of the relationships and interactions among political institutions, processes, and behavior. They will also engage in disciplinary practices that require them to make comparisons and applications, read and interpret data, and develop evidence-based arguments. In addition, they will complete an applied civics project. The course is designed using a project based curriculum where students will explore the content and apply the skills they are learning while creating podcasts, debating bills in a model Congress, participating in a Moot Appellate Court and more. To receive Advanced Placement Credit on a Shaker Heights High School transcript, the student must take the Advanced Placement Exam.

AP Psychology

Grade 12

Full Year – 1 Unit

This AP College Board audited course “is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice.” No students are permitted to take the course pass/fail. To receive Advanced Placement Credit on a Shaker Heights High School transcript, the student must take the Advanced Placement Exam.

AP English Language and Composition

Grade 12

Full Year – 1 Unit

As an option for students wishing to take 12th-grade AP English, this course is focused on writing and preparation for the AP Exam in English Language & Composition, an alternative to the exam following the AP literature course. Students experience sophisticated writing through studying examples in the major modes of writing—narration, description, exposition, argumentation—by ancient and modern writers; they develop sophisticated skills by writing exercises, short pieces, full-length essays and a research paper. Analysis of written passages for style, syntax, structure, tone, diction and other techniques prepares students for the AP exam. To receive Advanced Placement Credit on a Shaker Heights High School transcript, the student must take the Advanced Placement Exam.

Recommended: 11 Language & Literature

AP English Literature and Composition

Grade 12

Full Year – 1 Unit

The AP English Literature and Composition Course complies with the curricular requirement described in the AP English Course Description of the College Board. The course offers the academic experience of a college-level literature course. Students engage in sophisticated analysis of masterpieces of American and World literature in a number of genres through writing, research and student-led discussions. They develop an understanding of audience and of interpreting literature from various perspectives and an empathy for differences - of gender, culture, race, religion, and others. They enhance their awareness of how authorial choices, in structure, style, use of literary elements and devices, help to convey themes. The course seeks to help students enhance their appreciation of literature and to develop skills in reading, writing, researching and discussing great works. 12 AP Literature prepares students to be successful on the AP Literature and Composition exam given in May, and in the literature and writing courses they take in college. To receive Advanced Placement Credit on a Shaker Heights High School transcript, the student must take the AP English Literature and Composition Exam in May.

LANGUAGE ACQUISITION

AP French Language and Culture

Grades 11/12

Full Year – 1 Unit

This course is designed for the IB HL two year student, and the AP student. Students are included in a French V/VI looped class where they will explore different topics while perfecting their French and preparing for the French HL IB or AP exam. One section will be focused on the needs of the IB learner, while another will be focused on the needs of the AP learner. To receive Advanced Placement Credit on a Shaker Heights High School transcript, the student must take the Advanced Placement Exam. To receive International Baccalaureate credit on a Shaker Heights High School transcript, the student must complete the IB Internal and External Assessments. Students may also be eligible to participate in the assessment to receive the Seal of Biliteracy.

AP German Language and Culture

Grades 11/12

Full Year – 1 Unit

Through various media (literature, movies, current news, podcasts or websites), students will develop language by addressing cultural themes: Identities, Experiences, Social Organizations, Human Ingenuity, Global Issues and Sharing the Planet, all through the lens of cultural diversity and with particular emphasis on the German-speaking world. Students will be asked to demonstrate mastery of different tenses and registers of language in interpersonal and presentational communication. To receive Advanced Placement Credit on a Shaker Heights High School transcript, the student must take the Advanced Placement Exam.

AP Latin

Grade 12

Full Year – 1 Unit

Additionally, this class will concentrate on written composition of Latin utilizing video recordings, songs, games and story writing to build vocabulary and incorporate grammatical constructions into everyday conversations and writings. In order to receive Advanced Placement credit on a Shaker Heights High School transcript, a student must take the AP Latin Exam. In order to receive International Baccalaureate credit on a Shaker Heights High School transcript, a student must complete the IB Internal and External Assessments. Students may also be eligible to participate in the assessment to receive the Seal of Biliteracy.

AP Spanish Language and Culture

Grade 12

Full Year – 1 Unit

Topics explored include personal and public identities, family and community, aesthetics, science and technology, and world challenges. Instructional materials will include books, movies, podcasts, music, interviews and other technology. The fifth-year course is conducted in Spanish and the consistent use and continual improvement of spoken Spanish is calculated as a part of the class grade. Students learn to glean information, find and process main ideas, infer from linguistic, cultural and contextual clues, and synthesize ideas with a view to producing original thoughts on material they have heard or read. In order to receive Advanced Placement credit on a Shaker Heights High School transcript, a student must take the AP Spanish Exam. Students may also be eligible to participate in the assessment to receive the Seal of Biliteracy.

AP Spanish Literature and Culture

Grade 12

Full Year – 1 Unit

The sixth-year course is conducted in Spanish with some of the learning delivered to the cohort as an independent and collaborative study. Students will consistently use Spanish to communicate for continual improvement of spoken Spanish. Students will delve into Spanish and Latin American literature through the study of 16 different authors and the historical context ranging from Medieval times through more contemporary works. Students will continue to hone their skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening. In order to receive Advanced Placement credit on a Shaker Heights High School transcript, a student must take the AP Spanish Exam. Students may be eligible to participate in the assessment to receive the Seal of Biliteracy.

MATHEMATICS

AP Statistics

Grades 11/12

Full Year – 1 Unit

AP Statistics is intended for students in grades 11 or 12 who completed 10 Math Honors and Precalculus or Algebra II or Mathematical Modeling & Reasoning. Eleventh graders who elect to take AP Statistics should also be enrolled in 11 Advanced Math or Precalculus. The Advanced Placement Statistics Examination is a course requirement. Topics: Data analysis using graphical and numerical techniques, designing samples and experiments, probability and simulation, and statistical inference. A graphing calculator is required. A TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is recommended. To receive Advanced Placement Credit on a Shaker Heights High School transcript, the student must take the Advanced Placement Exam.

Recommended Prerequisite: Algebra II, 10 Math Honors, or Precalculus, or Mathematical Modeling & Reasoning

AP Calculus AB

Grade 12

Full Year – 1 Unit

AP Calculus AB is intended for students who completed Precalculus or 11 Advanced Math. The Advanced Placement Examination (Calculus AB) is a course requirement. Students are responsible for meeting registration deadlines and paying fees. A limited amount of financial aid is available. Topics: Functions, limits, differential calculus and integral calculus. A graphing calculator is required. A TI-84 Plus calculator is recommended. To receive Advanced Placement Credit on a Shaker Heights High School transcript, the student must take the Advanced Placement Exam.

AP Calculus BC

Grades 11/12

Full Year - 1 Unit

AP Calculus BC is intended for students who completed 11 Advanced Math. The Advanced Placement Examination (Calculus BC) is a course requirement. Topics: Differential calculus, integral calculus, sequences and series. A graphing calculator is required. A TI-89 Titanium calculator is preferred, but a TI-84 Plus can also be used. To receive Advanced Placement Credit on a Shaker Heights High School transcript, the student must take the Advanced Placement Exam.

Recommended Prerequisite: Mathematics HL I (or equivalent) or 11 Advanced Math

MUSIC

AP Music Theory

AP Music Theory

Grades 9/10/11/12

Full Year – 1 Unit

Advanced Placement Music Theory is equivalent to a first year college course in music theory. The class develops the student’s ability to recognize, understand, perform, analyze and describe the theoretical aspects of music. The course includes theory, harmony and dictation, and analysis of the structure of music. Melodic and harmonic dictation, sight-singing, listening skills and composition within given parameters are important aspects of the course. To receive Advanced Placement Credit on a Shaker Heights High School transcript, the student must take the Advanced Placement Exam.

SCIENCE

AP Biology

Grade 10

Full Year – 2 Units

Advanced Placement Biology is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester college introductory biology course taken by biology majors. This course is fast paced and rigorous. The class meets for two consecutive class periods daily and is two units of credit. At Shaker it has been formulated to offer sophomores who have been very successful in Physical Science the opportunity to be challenged and to learn at an accelerated pace. To complete the requirements for this course, it may be necessary to occasionally meet for extra time periods after school. The course takes a biochemical approach to biology. To receive Advanced Placement Credit on a Shaker Heights High School transcript, the student must take the Advanced Placement Exam.

Recommended: Physical Science and student has a passion for Biology and willingness to commit to roughly an hour of work an evening.

AP Chemistry

Grades 11/12

Full Year – 2 Units

AP Chemistry parallels a college chemistry course and requires students to take the AP Chemistry test in May. The class meets for two consecutive class periods daily and earns two units of credit. In-depth training in chemistry with appropriate mathematical applications can be expected. To receive Advanced Placement Credit on a Shaker Heights High School transcript, the student must take the Advanced Placement Exam.

Recommended: Honors or Advanced Math and one unit in Physical Science

AP Physics C: Mechanics

Grade 12

Full Year – 1 Unit

This theoretical and lab course prepares students for and requires students to take the AP Physics C Mechanics test in May. It parallels a college physics course with an emphasis on mechanics. The major focus of the course is on problem solving, and it offers the highest level of preparation for those interested in science and engineering. To receive Advanced Placement Credit on a Shaker Heights High School transcript, the student must take the Advanced Placement Exam.

Concurrent: AP AB/BC Calculus

AP Physics: Electricity & Magnetism

Grade 12

Full Year – 1 Unit

Concurrent: AP AB/BC Calculus

AP Computer Science Principles

Grades 10/11/12

Full Year - 1 Unit

AP Computer Science Principles provides a broad overview of computer science topics focused on computational thinking practices and problem solving. The course covers five big ideas which are essential to studying computer science: Creative Development, Data, Algorithms and Programming, Computer Systems and Networks, and the Impact of Computing. The course covers a range of topics such as programming, algorithms, computer systems, networks, big data, digital privacy and security, and the societal impacts of computing. Students will learn JavaScript and use this programming language to solve problems and create computational artifacts.

Students will independently complete a performance task as outlined by the College Board and upload it to their AP Digital Portfolio. The AP performance task and the AP CSP exam in May are combined to determine the final AP score for this class. To receive Advanced Placement Credit on a Shaker Heights High School transcript, students must take the Advanced Placement Exam.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1

AP Computer Science A (JAVA)

Grades 9/10/11/12

Full Year – 1 Unit

The course introduces students to fundamental topics including problem solving, design strategies and methodologies, organization of data (data structures), approaches to processing data (algorithms), analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and societal implications of computing. Students should be proficient in independent problem solving and comfortable with mathematics. The course emphasizes both object-oriented and imperative problem solving and design using Java language exclusively. These techniques represent proven approaches for developing solutions that can scale up from small, simple problems to large, complex problems. Successful completion of Introduction to Computer Science Principles would benefit students who do not have a background in writing computer code, but may not be necessary if the candidate is a strong problem solver.

To receive Advanced Placement Credit on a Shaker Heights High School transcript, students must take the Advanced Placement Exam.

AP Environmental Science

Grades 11/12

Full Year – 1 Unit

AP Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary laboratory science course designed to give students the knowledge and methodologies necessary to understand the interrelationships of our world, to analyze environmental problems, and to evaluate solutions to those problems. Field experiences, using satellite technology and state of the art software, will be used to demonstrate ecological principles. Students will be required to take the AP Environmental Science test in May. To receive Advanced Placement Credit on a Shaker Heights High School transcript, the student must take the Advanced Placement Exam.

Prerequisite: One unit Biology, one unit in Physical Science and one unit Chemistry or concurrent Chemistry