Welcome |
Dr. Jane Thorsen, Principal |
AP in Glenbard 87 |
Dr. Mike Meissen, Superintendent |
The Role of AP Courses in College Admissions |
Anne Kremer, Associate Director of Undergraduate Admission DePaul University |
Dr. Feucht Interviews West AP Students |
Current West Seniors Elizabeth Arcan Johnny Caspers Sonia Ramirez Teresa Rankins Justin Taylor Recent West Graduates TBA |
The Role of AP in a Balanced Schedule |
Mike Neberz, Director of Guidance |
Course |
Eligible |
Prerequisite |
Course Description |
Complete Course Description from College Board Web Site |
Overview of Expectations at West |
AP Art History (1 credit) |
11,12 |
None |
AP Art History is designed to provide the same benefits to secondary school students as those provided by an introductory college course in art history. In the course, students examine major forms of artistic expression from the ancient world to the present and from a variety of cultures. They learn to look and analyze works of art within their historical context, and to articulate what they see or experience in a meaningful way. A meaningful way to experience works of art is learning to frame an understanding that relates how and why works of art communicate visual meaning. |
AP Art History.pdf | |
AP Biology (1 credit) |
11,12 |
Biology and Chemistry |
The two main goals of AP Biology are to help students develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and to help students gain an appreciation of science as a process. The ongoing information explosion in biology makes these goals even more challenging. Primary emphasis in an AP Biology course should be on developing an understanding of concepts rather than on memorizing terms and technical details. Essential to this conceptual understanding are the following: a grasp of science as a process rather than as an accumulation of facts; personal experience in scientific inquiry; recognition of unifying themes that integrate the major topics of biology; and application of biological knowledge
and critical thinking to environmental and social concerns. |
AP Biology.pdf | |
AP Calculus AB (1 Credit) |
11,12 |
Precalculus |
This is a full-year, college-level course that follows the outline of the Advanced Placement Program for Calculus AB. Topics include differentiation and integration of algebraic and transcendental functions and the application of these skills and concepts. Additionally, applications of mathematical concepts are integrated to develop connections. |
AP Calc (AB).pdf | |
AP Calculus BC (1 Credit) |
11,12 |
Precalculus H |
Calculus BC is a full-year course in the calculus of functions of a single variable. It includes all topics covered in Calculus AB plus additional topics. Both courses represent college-level mathematics for which most colleges grant advanced placement and credit. The content of Calculus BC is designed to qualify the student for placement and credit in a course that is one course beyond that granted for Calculus AB. |
AP Calc (AB & BC).pdf | |
AP Chemistry (1 Credit) |
11,12 |
Honors Chemistry or Chemistry |
This course offers honor students an opportunity to pursue college-level studies. It is a two-semester course which prepares students for the Advanced Placement exam in chemistry. They complete laboratory work in both quantitative and qualitative analysis. If a student does not earn credit the first semester, they can not continue taking the course second semester without the approval of the department chair. |
AP Chemistry.pdf | |
AP Computer Science A (1 Credit) |
10,11, 12 |
Credit in Intermediate and College Algebra |
The major emphasis in AP Computer Science is on programming methodology, algorithms and arrays. Applications of computing provide the context in which these subjects are treated; applications are used to develop student awareness of the need for particular algorithms and simple data structures. Java constitutes the language implementing computer-based solutions to particular problems. The course is intended for students who need programming language for college. Completion of this course prepares students for the Advanced Placement examination in May. Students who enroll in this course are expected to take this test. |
||
AP English Language (1 Credit) |
11 |
This college-level course meets the needs of students whose interests and abilities warrant an especially rigorous course of study. The course is a study of representative American authors and literary works from the 1600's to the present day. Students are encouraged to explore prominent themes of American culture through the intensive analysis of texts of all genres and historical periods. Students compose formal written analyses of texts (fiction and non-fiction) and compose persuasive essays using a variety of rhetorical strategies. Students participate in a summer reading program that requires the reading of several texts and the completion of written responses that are due at the
beginning of the semester. |
AP English 3.pdf | ||
AP English Literature (1 Credit) |
12 |
In this college-level course, students focus on literary criticism, research and written analysis of selected pieces of world and contemporary literature. They apply concepts in psychology, philosophy, history and sociology to literature; they analyze and evaluate logically these concepts within a framework of theoretical application. In this seminar style course, assessment of this thought process occurs through graded discussions, essay tests, critical essays and documented papers which are carefully analyzed for both content and fundamental grammatical skills. Students participate in a summer reading program that requires the reading of several texts and the completion of written responses
that are due at the beginning of the semester. |
English 4 AP.pdf | ||
AP Environmental Science (1 Credit) |
11,12 |
Biology, Chemistry, and Algebra |
The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary; it embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study. |
AP Environmental Science.pdf | |
AP European History (1 Credit) |
10,11,12 |
The study of European history since 1450 introduces students to cultural, economic, political, and social developments that played a fundamental role in shaping the world in which they live. Without this knowledge, we would lack the context for understanding the development of contemporary institutions, the role of continuity and change in present-day society and politics, and the evolution of current forms of artistic expression and intellectual discourse. In addition to providing a basic narrative of events and movements, the goals of the AP program in European History are to develop (a) an understanding of some of the principal themes in modern European History, (b) an ability to analyze
historical evidence and historical interpretation, and (c) an ability to express historical understanding in writing. |
AP European History.pdf | ||
AP French Language (1 Credit) |
11,12 |
French 4 H or Recommendation of Department Chair |
This course is designed for qualified and highly motivated students who are interested in completing studies comparable to a third-year college-level course. These students develop their proficiency in all four areas of language learning: listening, reading, speaking, and writing. Practice in oral expression is required and special attention is given to pronunciation, fluency, and accuracy in vocabulary and grammar. Students complete in-depth studies of various French authors. This course is conducted primarily in the target language. |
AP French .pdf | |
AP Comp. Government & Politics (1/2 Credit) |
11,12 |
Students examine basic concepts, theories, themes, vocabulary, and methods in comparative politics. By comparing the government structures and political processes and behaviors of Great Britain, Iran, Nigeria, Russia, China, and Mexico, students evaluate the similarities and differences among these governments and analyze and interpret the causes for these differences. This course complements the AP U.S. Government & Politics course and helps students deepen their understanding of the American system by contrasting it with other systems. |
AP Comparative Government.pdf | ||
AP U.S. Government & Politics (1/2 Credit) |
11,12 |
The AP Government & Politics: United States course provides an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. This course involves both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and the analysis of specific case studies. It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute U.S. political reality. |
AP U.S. Government & Politics.pdf | ||
AP Human Geography (1 Credit) |
10,11,12 |
AP Human Geography is a year-long course that focuses on the distribution, processes, and effect of human populations on the planet. Students focus on the questions of ìwhereî and ìwhyî and analyze the constant struggle
between globalization and local diversity. Units of study include population, migration, culture, language, religion, ethnicity, political geography, development, industry, agriculture, and urban geography. |
AP Human Geography.pdf | ||
AP Macroeconomics (1/2 Credit) |
11,12 |
An AP course in Macroeconomics is designed to give you a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole. Such a course places particular emphasis on the study of national income and price determination, and also develops your familiarity with economic performance measures, economic growth, and international economics. |
AP Macroeconomis.pdf | ||
AP Microeconomics (1/2 Credit) |
11,12 |
AP Macroeconomics |
The purpose of an AP course in Microeconomics is to provide a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, within the larger economic system. It places primary emphasis on the nature and functions of product markets, and includes the study of factor markets and of the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. |
AP Microeconomics.pdf | |
AP Music Theory (1 Credit) |
10,11,12 |
The ultimate goal of an AP Music Theory course is to develop a student's ability to recognize, understand, and describe the basic materials and processes of music that are heard or presented in a score. |
AP Music Theory.pdf | ||
AP Physics (1 Credit) |
12 |
Honors Physics or Physics |
This two-semester course offers honor students an opportunity to pursue college-level studies. Designed for students interested in the sciences and/or engineering for future careers and professions, the course focuses on problem-solving with some labs. Main course topics include mechanics, electricity, and magnetism. If a student does not earn credit the first semester, they can not continue taking the course second semester without the approval of the department chair. |
AP Physics Overview.pdf | |
AP Psychology (1 Credit) |
11,12 |
The purpose of the AP course in Psychology is to introduce the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Included is a consideration of the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. Students also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice. |
AP Psychology.pdf | ||
AP Spanish Language (1 Credit) |
12 |
Spanish 4 or 4H |
This course is designed for those students who have demonstrated interest, motivation, and high achievement in previous Spanish courses. This Advanced Placement course requires students to read unedited literary and journalistic prose, to understand lectures and conversational language, to participate in class discussions and conversations, and to write essays in Spanish. The course is conducted in the target language. |
AP Span_Lang_final.pdfAP Spanish Language for Native Speakers.pdf | |
AP Spanish Literature (1 Credit) |
11,12 |
Spanish for Native Speakers 3/3H or Spanish 4H |
This course is specifically designed for students who speak Spanish and have considerable experience in reading and writing. In AP Spanish Literature, students will develop their proficiency in reading and writing at a level comparable to a third year college-level course. Students will study advanced Spanish and Latin-American literature as recommended by the College Board. |
AP Spanish Literature 2 Syllabus.pdf | |
AP Statistics (1 Credit) |
11,12 |
Intermediate and College Algebra or equivalent |
Advanced Placement Statistics will provide a full-year Junior/Senior honors mathematics course for college-bound students. It will provide students who may enter either a non math-science as well as math-science career field with excellent preparation for dealing with significant quantities of data. This course will develop topics dealing with data analysis, data gathering, and statistical inference. A TI-83 Plus OR TI-89 graphing calculator is required. |
AP Statistics.pdf | |
AP Studio Art (1 Credit) |
11,12 |
The AP Studio Art portfolios are designed for students who are seriously interested in the practical experience of art. AP Studio Art is not based on a written examination; instead, students submit portfolios for evaluation at the end of the school year. Most AP Studio Art candidates prepare their portfolios through organized AP instruction. |
AP Studio Art.pdf | ||
AP U.S. History (1 Credit) |
11 |
Students probe the facts and interpretations of U. S. History from exploration to the present in order to make informed judgments on historical problems. The prime objectives of the course are to familiarize students with the task of the historian; to encourage them to be selective, analytical, and comparative in evaluating sources; to assist them in their understanding of events resulting in the present posture of the U. S.; to help them develop an abiding appreciation of the American heritage; and to prepare them for participation in the educated electorate. Students employ and improve the following skills: class discussion, note taking, research, expository and persuasive writing, and
critical reading of original source material and historiansí works. |
AP US History.pdf |