Delaware City Schools
Advanced Placement (AP) Program
2015-2016
The Advanced Placement (AP) Program offers college work in the comfort of a high school setting. AP students thus
have the opportunity to study one or more college-level courses and then, depending on examination results, may receive
advanced placement, credit, or both when they enter college.
Explanations of each course and necessary prerequisites are on the following pages. Students must apply for
admission to any AP class by completing the application form which includes: student information and parent permission.
Students will not be permitted to sign up for an AP course without a completed application. Those will be due to the
Counseling Office by Friday, February 12th. It is recommended strongly that each student investigate thoroughly each
course before completing the application process prior to scheduling. After admission and scheduling only under rare
circumstances will a student be allowed to drop an AP course.
Hayes High School is proud to offer the following Advanced Placement courses:
Grades 11, 12
English Language and Composition
Grades 11, 12
English Literature and Composition
Grades 11,12
Calculus AB
Grades 11,12
Calculus BC
Grades 11,12
Statistics
Grades 11, 12
European History
Grades 10, 11, 12
U.S. History
Grades 11, 12
American Government & Politics
Grades 11, 12
Biology
Grades 11, 12
Chemistry
Grades 10, 11, 12
Physics 1
Grades 11, 12
Physics 2
Grades 10, 11, 12
Psychology
Grades 11, 12
Environmental Science
Grades 11, 12
Studio Art
Grades 10, 11, 12
Art History
R. B. Hayes’ policy requires all AP students to take the College Board’s test in May, which cost approximately $89.00
per course. Fee reductions are possible for students with acute financial need. The individual course examinations,
administered in May, are approximately three hours in length each. Students taking an AP course are awarded a weighted
grade of 5 on a 4 point scale. Beginning with the class of 2014, students must earn a C- or better to earn a weighted grade.
However, please note that a student working to earn a Diploma with Honors must have a 3.5 unweighted GPA scale.
For more information please check with your counselor or go to the College Board’s AP site at:
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/about.html
Advanced Placement English Language and Composition
Student Profile
Advanced Placement English Language and Composition is for students who have an interest in language and strong
writing skills they wish to improve and refine. In addition to intensive composition work, students are responsible for
independent reading assignments, vocabulary and grammar and usage drills as needed. A 3.0 cumulative grade point
average in English is suggested.
Course Details
Students read and analyze essays illustrating a variety of writing methods including argumentation, comparison and
contrast, cause and effect, description, narration, and exemplification. Weekly writing assignments, timed or revised,
demonstrate their skills in these modes of writing. In addition to weekly assignments students produce a researched
argumentation paper and a literature-based research paper.
Vocabulary study, homework assignments based on reading, and AP multiple choice comprehension tests are included
each term. Grammar review may be included if needed. Two novels are required summer reading.
Evaluation
Grades for each term are based on weekly compositions, homework checks, vocabulary quizzes, and research papers
(1st and 3rd terms).
Advanced Placement Literature and Composition
Student Profile
The student who selects this course should be an able reader and active participant in discussions. He or she should be
willing to write frequent essays and to be responsible for revisions. The ability to demonstrate responsibility and maturity
should be present. High motivation and high interest are desirable; consequently excessive absence is not expected.
Course Details
Two novels and an analysis guide will be assigned for completion during the summer break before the class begins.
Reading requirements will continue throughout the year, including novels, short stories, poetry, and plays. The class will
study works from early British Literature through a variety of nations’ contemporary pieces. Essay writing based on the
reading and discussions that follow will occur frequently in class, many under timed conditions. Vocabulary drill and
multiple-choice testing experience will also enhance the student’s opportunity to score well on the AP exam in May and to
succeed in college work.
Evaluation
The frequent essays are graded, with the privilege of raising the grade through revision. Short recapitulations of
works studied will be required. A major research project on a novel of one’s choice will be completed during the year. A
final three-hour AP exam created and graded by Educational Testing Service will result in an evaluation of college
capability and possible college credit but will not affect the grade in this course.
Advanced Placement Calculus AB
Student Profile
Students who have completed Pre-Calculus with a grade of B or better are eligible to take AP Calculus AB. Since it is
not a subject easily learned on one’s own, regular attendance and consistent study habits are extremely important. It is
expected that students will set aside time each day for assignments rather than expecting to devote large blocks of time on
an irregular, less frequent schedule. Persistence and the ability to cope with frustration when problems are not “exactly
like the examples” is necessary. Most importantly, students should enjoy doing math, not only for the sake of its potential
applications, but for the subject itself.
Course Details
Students will be introduced to the concepts of limits and two branches of Calculus known as differential and integral
Calculus. New material is introduced almost daily, and lectures supplement rather than reiterate the text. The pace of the
course is fast, though not as fast as college courses. As mentioned above, problems in homework assignments and on tests
are often of a non-routine type requiring more in depth analysis, ingenuity, and persistence. (Often times the problems
become quite long which then requires neat, organized work habits). Use of proper mathematical notation is stressed, and
justification of procedures or conclusions requires writing explanations in complete sentences. Students will need a
graphing calculator for this course. It is required for the May exam.
Evaluation
Grades will be determined by homework, quizzes, and tests. Many homework assignments are submitted online and
graded for correctness. Tests follow the format of the AP exam, which students will take in May: part multiple choice,
part free response.
Advanced Placement Calculus BC
Student Profile
Students who have completed AP Calculus AB with a grade of B or better are eligible to take AP Calculus BC. In
addition, students who currently have a B or better in Pre-calculus can sign up for 2 periods a day of AP Calculus and
learn both AP Calculus AB and BC during the course of 1 year. Students should not consider this option unless they can
devote a significant amount of time to the course.
Course Details
Topics for Advanced Placement Calculus BC include functions, graphs, and limits; derivatives; integrals, and
polynomial approximations and series. Derivatives will include the analysis of planar curves given in parametric, polar,
and vector form including velocity and acceleration vectors. There will be a geometric interpretation of differential
equations via slope fields and the relationship between slope fields and derivatives of implicitly defined functions. The
course will also include numerical solution of differential equations using Euler's method. The concept of polynomial
approximations and series will include the series of constants and Taylor Series.
Evaluation
Grades will be determined by homework, quizzes, and tests. Many homework assignments are submitted online and graded for
correctness. Tests follow the format of the AP exam, which students will take in May: part multiple choice, part free
response.
Student Profile
Students who have completed Algebra 2 with at least a 3.0 cumulative grade average in math are eligible to take AP
Statistics. Prospective students should be one of the following.
1) Taking this course as an alternative to taking the traditional pre-calculus/calculus track if their future college plans are
not in mathematics/science fields.
2) Taking this course in addition to taking the traditional pre-calculus/calculus track if their future college plans are in
mathematics/science fields.
Course Details
The collection, processing, interpretation, and presentation of numerical data all belong to the domain of statistics.
This course will stress the development of statistical thinking, the assessment of credibility and the value of the
inferences made from data, both by those who consume them and those who produce them. This course is not like a
typical mathematics course in that it is not computationally driven, your calculator with do most of your calculations, but
rather concept driven. The computer will be used to produce graphic displays of data as well as to complete many
assignments. Ownership of a laptop with Excel would be very useful although not required for this course. Students
will need a graphing calculator as it is required for the May exam.
Evaluation
Grades will be determined by labs, tests, and projects. Tests follow the format of the AP exam which students will
take in May: part multiple choice, part free response.
Advanced Placement European History
Student Profile
The first priority for students considering this course should be a great enjoyment and appreciation of history. In
addition, a record of academic success in the subject area is expected. Due to the extensive amount and the nature of the
material covered, reading, writing, note-taking and analysis skills - as well as good study habits - are important. Since
many of the topics will be “unknowns” to students and the pace of the class is brisk, regular attendance is imperative.
Both the test and primary source collections used are college level. Juniors and Seniors with at least 3.0 average in
history may elect this course.
Course Details
European History covers that time period in modern Europe from 1450 into the 1980’s. The areas are varied and
comprehensive: social/cultural and economic developments, as well as the usual politics and diplomacy are studied.
A tiny sampling of topics includes:
The Renaissance
The Reformation
Dynastic Development and Warfare: Valois, Tutors, Habsburgs, Bourbons
Revolutions; English, French, Russian, Industrial, Intellectual
Napoleonic Europe
Nationalism, Unification of Italy and Germany
New Imperialism: Asia and Africa
The Rise of Fascism
The Cold War
Evaluation
Grades for each term will be based on chapter exams, both essay and multiple-choice, reading quizzes, a homework
packet, in class assignments, vocabulary definitions, a quarter notebook, and a quarterly timeline project. After the AP
exam, class projects and other activities may be assigned as well.
Advanced Placement Psychology
Student Profile
The first priority for students considering this course should be a desire to earn a 4 or 5 on the AP exam, as earning college
credit will be the goal of the course. Reading, writing, and analysis skills need to be proficient; the course text and
supplement texts will be college level. A curiosity about human behavior and the human mind is beneficial to success in this
course. Students need to be self-motivated, responsible, and be advocates for their own learning.
Course Details
The AP Psychology course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental
processes. While considering the psychologists and studies that have shaped the field, students explore and apply
psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with such topics as the biological bases of behavior,
sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation, developmental psychology, testing and individual differences,
treatment of abnormal behavior, and social psychology. Throughout the course, students employ psychological research
methods, including ethical considerations, as they use the scientific method, analyze bias, evaluate claims and evidence, and
effectively communicate ideas.
The AP Psychology course includes the systematic and scientific study of behavior and mental processes represented by the
following topics, concepts, and key contributors to each field:
1. History and Approaches
2. Research Methods
3. Biological Bases of Behavior
4. Sensation and Perception
5. States of Consciousness
6. Learning
7. Cognition
8. Motivation and Emotion
9. Developmental Psychology
10. Personality
11. Testing and Individual Differences
12. Abnormal Behavior
13. Treatment of Abnormal Behavior
14. Social Psychology
Evaluation Methods
Student performance will be evaluated based on class assignments, experiments, projects, essays, quizzes, and AP-style
multiple choice and written response exams. The midterm exam will emulate the AP Psychology exam.
Advanced Placement United States History
Student Profile
The first priority for students considering this course should be a desire to earn a 4 or 5 on the AP exam, as earning
college credit will be the goal of the course. Writing skills will be paramount, as over half of the AP exam grade will be
determined by performance on essays. Additionally, reading skills need to be above proficient, as the course text and
primary sources will be college level. An enjoyment and appreciation of history, as well as a record of academic success
in social studies and English, would also be beneficial. Finally, as the breadth of the content covered is quite extensive,
students need to be self-motivated and able to be advocates for their own learning, as many topics will be read and
learned outside of the classroom. Sophomores may elect to take this course in conjunction with Honors English 10.
Course Details
The content of AP United States History spans from pre-colonization to the 2000s. Obviously, to learn the social,
political, and economic aspects of over 400 years of history requires a very fast-paced course, as well as an extensive
time commitment outside of class. Students will develop as writers, readers, and improve in their ability to analyze
primary sources. In addition, students will also have the opportunity to work in a small group setting for a variety of
projects.
Evaluation
Grades will largely be determined by student performance on take-home essays, in-class essays, and AP-style
multiple choice question tests. A fraction of the overall grade will be determined by a large, quarterly notebook project
and smaller, topic specific projects. The midterm exam will seek to emulate the regular AP exam. There will be a
mandatory Saturday morning exam in March as well. In lieu of a final exam, students will create a group film project.
Advanced Placement United States Government & Politics
Student Profile
The first priority for students considering this course should be a great enjoyment and appreciation of government
and the political process. In addition, a record of academic success in the area of social studies is expected. Due to the
extensive amount and the nature of the material covered, reading, writing, note-taking and analysis skills - as well as
good study habits - are important. Since many of the topics will be “unknowns” to students and the pace of the class is
brisk, regular attendance is imperative. Both the test and primary source collections used are college level. Juniors and
Seniors with at least a 3.0 grade point average in history may elect this course.
Course Details
This course is about the American political system. We will discuss political ideology, the development of the
political system and our democratic institutions. Students will be able to evaluate the role of the national government
and its relationship to the concept of liberty in a pluralistic society. The discussions will emphasize the changing
political culture of American society and its effect on voting patterns, trends and the processes of government. In doing
so we will examine certain critical elections in American history as well as recent political movements. The main thrust
of the course, however, is to be able to apply an understanding of our political system to contemporary events.
The following five major topics will be covered: (1) The constitutional underpinnings of American government, (2)
political beliefs and behaviors, (3) political parties, interest groups, and media, (4) institutions and policy development
and, (5) civil rights and civil liberties. At the conclusion of the course students should have a more sophisticated
understanding of majority rule democracy, constitutionalism and civil liberties. Students will also be able to see the
relationships and distinctions between formal and informal institutions and the public policies that are developed as a
result of these relationships.
Evaluation
Student performance will be evaluated based on class assignments, political blog entries, quizzes, and AP-style
multiple choice and written response exams.
Advanced Placement Biology
Student Profile
If you apply for this course, you should have a love and appreciation for science and have completed biology &
chemistry. Students may be concurrently enrolled with Chemistry. A 3.2 cumulative GPA or better, though not
required, is highly recommended.
Course Details
There are several required laboratories. At times these labs may involve student free time. At least 2 of these labs
require after school participation. The pace of this course is accelerated.
The content is divided into three areas of study:
1.
Molecular and Cellular Biology
a.
Chemical Basis of Life
b.
Cells and Cell Division
c.
Enzymes
d.
Photosynthesis/Respiration
e.
Chemical Nature of the Gene
f.
Origin of Life
2.
OrganismalS Biology
a.
Plant Structures and Function
b.
Plant Reproduction and Development
c.
Structure and Function of Animals - Dissection
d.
Animal Reproduction and Development
3.
Population Biology
a.
Heredity - Breeding of Fruit Flies
b.
Evolution
c.
Ecology
d.
Behavior
Evaluation
The grade average is based on lab work, quizzes and tests. Scientific essay writing is stressed. The quality of the
work is evaluated at the college level. The AP examination is given in May.
Advanced Placement Chemistry
Student Profile
Students who enroll in AP Chemistry are highly motivated students who have been successful in previous science
courses (B avg. or above) and have the desire to acquire a more in-depth knowledge of the chemical world around them.
Anyone anticipating a college major or career in the sciences, pre-med, pre-vet, chemical engineering, among others,
should enroll in AP Chemistry. A successful experience requires that students are willing to spend quality time outside of
the classroom working challenging problems, reading the text to further their understanding of the topics presented in
class, and writing lab reports. Concurrent enrollment or completion of Pre-calculus or above is the usual math level of a
typical AP Chemistry student.
Course Details
A college textbook (Chemistry – The Central Science; Brown, LeMay, Bursten) will be used as the primary class
resource, supplemented with class lectures and an extensive laboratory experience. A detailed lab notebook will be kept
as a record of all lab activities performed during the year as a possible resource when applying for college credit.
Depending on the scheduling of the class during the school day, some labs may have to be completed during after school
hours, as college-level labs, which are typically 2-3 hour experiences, are an integral part of the course. Most
assignments will be given 4-5 days in advance of the due date, and are generally lengthy, so students will need to be able
to budget their time. Part of the course is an extension of topics encountered in College Prep Chemistry, but the majority
of it is new material that would be typical of a first year college chemistry course. Major topics include: atomic theory
and structure; chemical bonding and molecular models/geometry; gas laws and kinetic molecular theory; condensed
states of matter and their properties; solutions; reaction types; stoichiometry; equilibrium; chemical kinetics;
thermodynamics; and nuclear chemistry.
Evaluation
Grades will be based on performance on tests and quizzes, labs, and some homework. Homework will be graded
during the 1st semester by selecting parts of the assignment to evaluate for correctness. Homework will not be graded
during the 2nd semester, but will be expected to be completed as preparation for quizzes. Many test questions will be
written in the same format as those on the AP exam.
Advanced Placement Physics 1
Student Profile
Advanced Placement Physics 1 is an introductory college-level physics course. It is for students with strong math
skills that would like a more thorough introduction to physics than in the non-AP version of the course (Physics 1). The
course will enhance a student’s readiness to be successful in any college program involving any science (natural or applied)
and engineering. It is for students who want an opportunity either to have an accelerated college program or to meet a basic
college science requirement. No prior physics other than the introduction obtained in Physical Science is required.
Prerequisites: You must be concurrently enrolled in Pre-Calculus or a higher math course to enroll in AP Physics 1. You
must have a “B” or better grade average in all prior math and science classes. Students with credit for regular Physics 1 can
not enroll in this class.
Course Details
Students will study topics in Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical
waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. The major goals of the course are to create an understanding of the basic
principles and to apply these principles in the solution of problems. The course will use guided inquiry and student-centered
learning to foster the development of critical thinking, reasoning, and laboratory skills.
Evaluation
Grades for each term are based on performance on tests, quizzes, assignments and presentations, laboratory work,
and exam preparation.
Advanced Placement Physics 2
Student Profile
Advanced Placement Physics 2 is a second-year physics course for students who want to have an understanding of
the physical world and human technology. The course will enhance a student’s readiness to be successful in any college
program involving any science (natural or applied) and engineering. It is for students who want an opportunity either to have
an accelerated college program or to meet a basic college science requirement.
Pre-requisites: You must complete Physics 1 and Pre-Calculus with a “B” or better grade average in both courses to enroll in
AP Physics 2.
Course Details
Students will study topics in electricity, magnetism, fluid mechanics, thermal physics, waves, optics, and atomic and
nuclear physics. The major goals of the course are to create an understanding of the basic principles and to apply these
principles in the solution of problems. The course will use guided inquiry and student-centered learning to foster the
development of critical thinking, reasoning, and laboratory skills.
Evaluation
Grades for each term are based on performance on tests, quizzes, assignments and presentations, laboratory work,
and exam preparation.
Advanced Placement Environmental Science
Student Profile
The AP Environmental Science course is an excellent option for any interested student who has completed two years
of high school laboratory science—one year of life science and one year of physical science (for example, a year of
biology and a year of chemistry). Due to the quantitative analysis that is required in the course, students should also have
taken at least one year of algebra. Also desirable (but not necessary) is a course in earth science. If chemistry has not
been taken, it should be taken concurrently with the course. Due to the nature of the course and that extended time is not
being built into the day, some flexibility with extending labs after school and on weekends will be necessary.
Course Details
The AP Environmental Science course is designed to be the equivalent of a one semester, introductory college
course in environmental science. 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 or
preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary; it embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of
study. Yet there are several major unifying constructs, or themes, that cut across the many topics included in the study of
environmental science. Some of the major topics are to include: Environmental philosophy, Earth Systems and
Resources, The Living World, Population, Land and Water Use, Energy Resources and Consumption, Pollution, and
Global Change.
Evaluation
Evaluation for the course will be based on some completed essays, tests and presentations to the class. The major
grade for the course will be the lab notebook, which will have periodic grades through out the year. Colleges often
require students to present their laboratory materials from AP science courses before granting college credit for
laboratory, so students should be encouraged to retain their laboratory notebooks, reports, and other materials.
Advanced Placement Studio Art
Student Profile
AP Studio Art is a yearlong course designed for students who are seriously interested in the experience of art and
preparing a portfolio for entrance into an art school.
Prerequisites 4 semesters of art, including drawing & painting
 complete the application check list in guidance
 submit 5-10 pieces of artwork to the AP instructor for review
 recommendation of 2 art teachers
Course Details
AP Art studio focuses on creating art from life in the form of drawing, painting, sculpting and mixed media.
Students will do several sketchbook assignments and create nine pieces per term, so that at the end of the year they can
choose the best twenty-four artworks, (twelve “breadth” pieces and twelve “concentration” pieces), for their digital
portfolio.
The summer assignment is two self-portraits, in any medium, in the style of an inspiring artist.
Evaluation
AP Studio Art students submit portfolios containing twenty-four pieces for evaluation at the end of the school year.
Portfolios that are submitted in AP Studio Art are reviewed by college, university, and secondary school art instructors
using rigorous standards. The College Board program provides a national standard for the visual arts that allows students
to earn college credit and/or advanced placement while still in high school.
Advanced Placement Art History
Student Profile
Art History is a class for students going on to study art as well as students who are interested in history and/or
reading or writing about art. Students gain knowledge of architecture, sculpture, painting and other art forms within
diverse historical and cultural contexts. The course relies on readings, discussions, and writings, rather than hands-on
projects, though some hands-on projects may be introduced as a way of examining techniques and styles that are being
discussed.
Course Details
The course studies the history of art from the Paleolithic period through postmodernism and is designed to provide
students with the same material covered in an introductory college art history course. During the first week or two in
class, students will learn a process for critiquing and analyzing artworks. After that, students will be introduced to a new
time period on a weekly basis. As mentioned above, the course covers the same material found in an introductory college
art history course, which means the pace will be fast. Students are required to read approximately one chapter per week
from their primary textbook as well as complete supplemental readings from Web sites, articles, and other texts. Students
are required to keep a notebook of the lists of objects discussed weekly, reflections for each of the time periods, a set of
flash cards of the objects of each period, as well as collecting and reflecting on current events in the art world. There will
be frequent quizzes over reading, as well as periodic tests that will include identifying works from images as well as
timed essays. It is critically important for students to get out and see actual works of art, so assignments to get students
out in the world looking at art will regularly be given (visiting museums/galleries).
Evaluation
Grades will be determined by quizzes, tests, timed essays, projects, and notebook. Students are required to take the
AP Art History Exam in May.
Advanced Placement Program
R.B. Hayes High School
2015-16