White Station High School
Advanced Placement Courses for 2014 – 2015
Pre AP English II
Prerequisite: English I (grade 9)
Students who take advanced courses in language and literature should expect to encounter challenging texts and to
produce complex compositions. Advanced Placement students should embrace academic rigor, as well as show
independence and integrity.
Pre-Advanced Placement English is an advanced-level course designed to prepare students for the college-level A.P.
English Language and Literature courses. Students who consistently produce quality work, who can respectfully address
mature topics, who consistently show independent work habits, and are not afraid of participating in class discussions,
tend to be successful in this course.
Pre-course Requirements: Summer reading (3 books) with critical annotation, cross-literary connections, online
discussions, and instruction-specific reading journals. Online submissions have due dates throughout the summer;
annotations and journals must be turned in the first day of school.
AP English Lang and Comp III Prerequisite: English II (grade 10)
A.P. English Language and Composition is a first-year university course; as such, the quantity and pace of reading and
writing are demanding. It is vital that students be skilled in critical thinking and reading; because the course is based on
these skills, they are not taught. Data suggests a strong correlation between A.P. success and P.S.A.T. Critical Reading
scores no lower than the 80th percentile.
The course centers on non-fiction literature and helps make strong writers even better. Argument writing is stressed – not
creative writing. (Opportunities for creativity are provided through the study of American literature, but the A.P. Exam is
based on non-fiction reading and analysis, synthesis, and argument writing.
Students sometimes feel burdened by the workload for this (and other) A.P. classes. Students considering enrolling in the
class should understand that college-level work is more stringent than that for high school, and that requirements are
tougher (e.g., late work is not accepted). Furthermore, A.P. English students must be willing and able to participate in
many wide-ranging discussions on a variety of topics.
Pre-course Requirements: Summer reading (3 books) with extensive writing and annotating, turned in the first day of
school.
AP English Lit and Comp IV
Prerequisite: English III (grade 11)
AP English Literature and Composition is a first-year university English course. The quantity and pace of reading and
writing is demanding, and late work will not be accepted. Challenging fiction requires careful deliberative reading, followed
by personal perceptive reflection and insightful collaborative discussion. Data suggests a strong correlation between
minimum 80th percentile PSAT/SAT Critical Reading Scores and A. P. success.
Through oral and written expression, students are expected to demonstrate the ability to analyze and interpret a variety of
genres, make careful observations of textual detail, establish connections among their observations, and draw from those
connections a series of inferences leading to an interpretive conclusion about a work’s meaning and value.
It is essential that students share their work and critique each other’s efforts; therefore, individuals possessing personal
maturity and academic confidence will find the course most gratifying.
Pre-course Requirements: Summer reading (4 texts) with critical annotation, online critical reviews, and evaluative
composition analyzing stylistic and thematic parallels among the four texts .
Pre AP Pre Calculus
Prerequisite: Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry
Description: Homework should take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the type of assignment. PreAP Pre-calculus is rigorous and a lot is expected of students. There is a lot of material to learn in a short time and a lot of
the material is new to students. Students must be aware of this and plan to be in class at every opportunity.
Overextended students will have difficulties succeeding. TI83s, TI84s, or TI89s are required.
Summer Work: Summer work is obtained from the Pre-AP Pre-calculus Website.
AP Calculus AB
Prerequisite: Pre-calculus
In this course you will learn more than mathematics. You will discover real life applications, become proficient on a
graphing calculator, and develop excellent critical thinking skills. AP Calculus AB is a college level course, so you will
learn college level Calculus (and more)! We will study functions, graphs, limits, derivatives, and integrals. The best service
I can give you is to require discipline, dedication, and hard work. To learn how to solve a problem on your own is a
necessary and priceless tool. You will be solving problems graphically, numerically, and analytically. This class is taught
with a heavy emphasis on student response and discussion. I will provide you with many opportunities to work in groups
during which you will collaborate on in-class assignments and present your findings to the class. I will also provide you
with worksheets containing AP Calculus questions from previous years.
Summer work is required. The material from the summer work will be graded and the students will be tested on this
material during the first week of classes. Daily work at home and in class is a major part of each six weeks grade.
Students should expect 2-3 major tests per six weeks grading period.
AP Calculus BC
Prerequisite: Pre AP Pre-calculus
Description: Homework should take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the type of assignment. BC
Calculus is rigorous and a lot is expected of students. There is a lot of material to learn in a short time and most of the
material is new to the students. Students must be aware of this and plan to be in class at every opportunity. In April and
May, some activities may have to be curtailed in order to make room for the calculus. Please be aware of this and plan
accordingly. Overextended students will have difficulties succeeding. Several weeks before the AP exam we will do
some very intensive reviewing. We will decide on at least one weekend morning or afternoon date to go to the University
of Memphis and take practice exams which will be 3 hours in length. We will need to allow about 4 hours to include
administration of the test. Be prepared to arrange your schedule to do this.
Summer Work: Summer work is obtained from the Calculus BC Website.
AP Statistics
Prerequisite: Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry
AP Statistics will introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions
from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes:
1. Exploring Data: Describing patterns and departures from patterns
2. Sampling and Experimentation: Planning and conducting a study
3. Anticipating Patterns: Exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation
4. Statistical Inference: Estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses
Students should expect about 5 to 7 hours of homework per week. Second year Algebra is a prerequisite for the course,
however, students with a stronger mathematical background are more likely to receive college credit (scoring a 3 or above
on the AP exam).
AP Biology
Prerequisite: Passing Grade in Biology, Chemistry, and Instructor Approval
This is a fast-paced comprehensive course that provides an evolutionary overview of biology. Built
around recurring themes, this course seeks to unify the diversity that is life. Students who wish to
take this course must be able to analyze content and data. Expect to dedicate at least 8-10 hours per
week in reading the textbook and science magazines. Additional time outside of class will be
required to complete laboratory assignments. Summer assignment- Students will be expected to complete a
question packet that covers reading from the first six chapters of the course text book
AP Physics 1:
Co-requisite - Algebra II and Instructor Approval
AP Physics 1 is the equivalent to a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics. The
course covers Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum); work,
energy, and power; and mechanical waves and sound. It will also introduce electric circuits. The
central theme of this physics course is to develop ability to use physics knowledge by applying it to
the practice of scientific inquiry and reasoning. Twenty-five percent of class time is devoted to
laboratory exercise. These investigations will foster student engagement in the practice of science
through experimenting, analyzing, making conjectures and arguments, and solving problems in a
collaborative setting, where they direct and monitor their progress toward an academic goal.
Students must have taken Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry to be eligible for this course. A
PSAT Math score of 60 or higher is required in both math and writing. Students who have not taken
Honors Physics may take AP Physics 1 if they have shown exceptional aptitude in their previous
science courses and have a high recommendation from their math teacher as well as their science
teacher.
AP Physics 2:Prerequisite AP Physics 1, Co-requisite - Algebra II and Instructor Approval
AP Physics 2 is the equivalent to a second-semester college course in algebra-based physics. The
course covers fluid mechanics; thermodynamics; electricity and magnetism; optics; and atomic and
nuclear physics. The central theme of this physics course is to develop ability to use physics
knowledge by applying it to the practice of scientific inquiry and reasoning. Twenty-five percent of
class time is devoted to laboratory exercise. These investigations will foster student engagement in
the practice of science through experimenting, analyzing, making conjectures and arguments, and
solving problems in a collaborative setting, where they direct and monitor their progress toward an
academic goal. Students must have taken AP Physics 1 to be eligible for this course.
AP Physics C: Mechanics
Co-requisite – Pre-Calculus and Instructor Approval
AP Physics C mechanics is a calculus-based physics course that covers kinematics, dynamics,
energy, momentum, rotation, gravitation and oscillation. This course is the first of a two-course
sequence that is equivalent to the introductory physics sequence taken by science and engineering
students at most colleges and universities. This course is designed for students who will be majoring
in the physical sciences, such as physics, engineering, chemistry and mathematics in college.
Students must have taken Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry to be eligible for this course. A
PSAT Math score of 60 or higher is required in both math and writing. Students who have not taken
Honors Physics or AP Physics 1 may take AP Physics C: Mechanics if they have shown
exceptional aptitude in their previous science courses and have a high recommendation from their
math teacher as well as their science teacher.
AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
Pre-requisite AP C: Mechanics Co-requisite – B/C Calculus and Instructor Approval
AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism builds on the C: Mechanics with the addition of forces
exerted on charged particles, electric and magnetic fields, electric circuits and their components, and
the nature of electromagnetic radiation. This course is equivalent to the second semester of the
introductory physics sequence typically offered at colleges and universities. This course applies both
differential and integral calculus. This course is designed for students who will be majoring in the
physical sciences, such as physics, engineering, chemistry and mathematics in college. Students
must have taken AP Physics C: Mechanics to be eligible for this course.
AP World History
Prerequisite: World History
Sophomore or higher class standing. Successful completion of Honors World History is highly recommended.
Students must be highly motivated to succeed and prepared to do extensive independent study. Well-developed reading
comprehension and essay writing skills are necessary.
Workload:
Students are expected to read, comprehend, and take notes on 10 pages of text prior to each day’s class. The
course moves at a rapid pace. Outside class written and computer-based assignments are also a part of the
course.
Summer Assignment:
Students will read an assigned book and submit (on the first day of class) a summary of not less that 1500 words.
Students will have opportunities to begin coursework during the summer, although this is not required.
AP European History
Prerequisite: World History
Prerequisites: AP U.S. History, AP World History, Honors Geography preferred, and a strong background in essay
writing. Good Attendance and strong interest in history!
Level: 10th 11th and 12th grade
Summer Work: Perspective students for this course will be expected to complete a summer research project on the Late
Middle Ages using various Internet and library materials. In addition, students will have one summer reading assignment
(book TBA).
Course Information: The AP European History class is a college level course that is designed to help students to attain
college credit while in high school. This fast-paced course is for the serious student who is mature and hard working. The
course material will cover the development of early modern European (The Renaissance) History culminating with the
formation of the European Union. The course is very challenging and requires weekly essay assignments centering upon
critical analysis of European History themes. Students will also work with primary and secondary historical sources. A
sample syllabus may be found at the following site: classjump.com\michaelstephenson. Then scroll until you locate a file
listed as AP European History Syllabus. More information about the AP European History course and the exam that
determines college credit may be found at the following site: http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/Controller.jpf
AP US History
Prerequisite: None
Prerequisites: AP World History or Honors Geography preferred and a strong background in essay writing. Good
Attendance and strong interest in history!
Level: 11th and 12th grade
Summer Work: There is a summer research project that investigates the origins of the Atlantic World (Africans,
Europeans, Natives of the Western Hemisphere) concluding with the 16 th and early 17th Century European Colonization.
There will also be a summer reading assignment and book review due upon return for the fall semester. (Book TBA).
Course Information: The AP U.S. History class is a college level course that is designed to help students to attain college
credit while in high school. This fast-paced course is for the serious student who is mature and hard working. The course
is very challenging and requires weekly essay assignments centering upon critical analysis of U.S. History themes.
Students will also work with primary and secondary historical sources. A sample syllabus may be found at the following
site: classjump.com\michaelstephenson then scroll until you locate a file listed as AP US Syllabus. More information about
the AP U.S. History course and the exam that determines college credit may be found at the following site:
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/Controller.jpf
AP Latin Vergil
Prerequisite: Latin III and prior approval of the instructor
Honors Latin I, II, III are the prerequisite courses for the AP Latin exam. Students must have an A or B average in these
courses that indicates master of all of the Latin grammar syntax and familiarity with works from the Latin authors Caesar,
Cicero and Ovid. The summer reading assignment for AP Latin is to read Books I and of The Aeneid in English and Book
I of De Bello Gallico. (All three are a few dozen pages.) In addition, students are required to read Books four, six, eight
and twelve of The Aeneid in English and Books six and seven of De Bello Gallico during the course of the school year
Students will translate as literally as possible 900 lines of The Aeneid from Books I, II, IV and VI and chapters from Books
I, IV, V and VI from De Bello Gallico from Latin into English as required by the AP Latin syllabus put forth by the College
Board. Students will prepare for the free response part of the exam by translating passages from The Aeneid and De
Bello Gallico , writing essays analyzing both the required Latin lines and the overall English translation and answering
spot questions on sample Latin passages. In addition, students will prepare for the multiple choice section by reading
sight passages and answering grammar and reading comprehension questions on the National Latin Exam and other
practice tests.
AP Music Theory 10 – 12
Prerequisite: Theory and Harmony or approval of instructor.
This is a continuation of Theory and Harmony which provides additional study in the fundamentals of
music in creating and analyzing music such as triad inversions; dominant sevenths; secondary triads;
and modulations as they apply to the eighteenth century. Laboratory study devoted to ear-training
and keyboard proficiency is required.
AP Studio Art (2D) (3D is tentative)
Prerequisite: Visual Art I and Portfolio Review
1- FOR APPLICATION TO ANY AP ART PORTFOLIO, STUDENTS MUST HAVE TAKEN ART 1 WITH A
RECOMMENDED MINIMUM "B" AVERAGE.
2-STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE COMPLETED (6) SUMMER SKETCHBOOK COMPOSITIONS.
ASSIGNMENT SHEETS ARE AVAILABLE IN MR. BERLIN'S ROOM 215. THESE ARE TURNED IN THE FIRST FRIDAY
UPON RETURN FROM THE SUMMER BREAK.
3-STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A MINIMUM (10) WORKS BASED ON OBSERVATION ALREADY
ESTABLISHED FROM PRIOR ART EXPERIENCES.
4- SUBJECT MATTER IN THE STUDENT'S PORTFOLIO MUST BE DRAWN ACCORDING TO ESTABLISHED
DRAWING PRINCIPLES: CORRECT SYMMETRY, PROPORTION, VALUE STRUCTURE, APPLIED PERSPECTIVE
AND COMPOSITIONAL PLACEMENT.
5-IT IS RECOMMENDED BUT NOT REQUIREDTO TAKE A SUMMER WORKSHOP IN ART TO ENCOURAGE THE
STUDENT TO PRACTICE. THE GRADING BY THE AP BOARD IS EXTREMELY RIGID AND REQUIRES THE
STUDENT TO BE HIGHLY SKILLED IN DRAWING FROM OBSERVATION.
6- ADDED COSTS IN THE CLASS BEYOND THE STANDARD AP TEST FEE ARE ART SUPPLIES WHICH VARY
ANYWHERE FROM $30.00 TO $150.00, DEPENDING UPON WHERE THE STUDENT BUYS MATERIALS. (5) WORKS
OF ART WILL BE MATTED OR MOUNTED AND GENERALLY TOTAL IN THE AMOUNT OF $60.00. THESE AMOUNTS
ARE SPREAD OVER THE COURSE OF A YEAR.
7-STUDENTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO EXECUTE (1) FINISHED PROJECT INSIDE CLASS AND (1) FINISHED
PROJECT OUTSIDE OF CLASS THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE YEAR. PLEASE BE AWARE THIS IS A HOMEWORK
INTENSIVE CLASS.
1- STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE TAKEN ART I WITH A MINIMUM OF A “B” AVERAGE.
2- STUDENTS MUST HAVE ESTABLISHED (10) WORKS BASED ON OBSERVATION IN THEIR PORTFOLIO FROM
PRIOR ART EXPERIENCES BEFORE ENTERING THE CLASS.
3- STUDENTS MUST HAVE EXECUTED A SUMMER SKETCHBOOK OF (6) WORKS. A SUMMER SKETCHBOOK
ASSIGNMENT SHEET IS AVAILABLE FROM MR. BERLIN’S ROOM, #215.
4- WORK SUBMITTED IN THE PORTFOLIO MUST ADHERE TO ACCEPTED ACADEMIC DRAWING PRINCIPLES:
ACCURACY TO OBSERVED SUBJECT MATTER, CORRECT PROPORTION, SYMMETRY, AND APPLIED
PERSPECTIVE. ACCURATE VALUE STRUCTURE AND DETAIL ARE ALSO IMPORTANT.
5- THE STUDENT WILL BE REQUIRED TO EXECUTE ONE WORK IN CLASS AND ONE WORK OUTSIDE CLASS
THE ENTIRE YEAR. This is a homework intensive class!
6- ADDED EXPENSES BEYOND THE $83.00 TEST FEE INCLUDE ART SUPPLIES AND MATTING EXPENSES
WHICH CAN RANGE FROM $100 TO $200, DEPENDING ON WHERE THESE ITEMS ARE PURCHASED. THESE
EXPENSES ARE GENERALLY SPREAD OVER THE COURSE OF THE SCHOOL YEAR.
AP Art History
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to provide the same benefits to secondary school students as those provided by an introductory
college course in art history: an understanding and knowledge of architecture, sculpture, painting, and other art forms
within diverse historical and cultural contexts. In the course, students examine major forms of artistic expression from the
past and the present from a variety of cultures. They learn to look at works of art critically, with intelligence and sensitivity,
and analyze what they see.
AP Computer Science
Prerequisite: Programming I & II with an grade of A and permission of
the teacher OR Advanced Programming in Java and
permission of the teacher OR Previous programming
experience and permission of the teacher
The AP computer Science A course is an introductory course in computer science. Because the design and
implementation of computer programs to solve problems are skills that are fundamental to the study of computer science,
a large part of the AP CS course is built around the development of computer programs that correctly solve a given
problem.
AP Computer Science covers
Object-Oriented Programming in Java
Program Implementation
Program Analysis
Standard Data Structures
Standard Algorithms
AP Chemistry
Prerequisite: Honors Chemistry (with high passing grade)
Honors Physics (Prerequisite, or co-requisite)
PSAT Math score of 60 or higher, with overall
score of 180, Instructor Approval
This course is for the student desiring a first year college-level chemistry course. The topics covered are solution and gas
chemistry, oxidation-reduction, electrochemistry, equilibrium relations, acid-base/buffer systems, thermodynamics,
kinetics, and descriptive chemistry. This course also includes numerous “Hands-on” laboratories which come from a
variety of sources utilizing standard lab procedures, micro-scale, calculator-based labs, etc. You will be required to collect,
process, and manipulate data taken from physical observations, develop and formally report your conclusion.
AP Chemistry is a math intensive course and students must have a strong grasp of the concepts learned in algebra II and
Trigonometry. It is recommended that students have taken Pre-Calculus, possibly Statistics, and have take or taking AP
Calculus (AB or BC) and AP Physics.
Students should expect to spend between 30 to 60 minutes every day on reading and homework, with an additional 2 to 3
hours writing laboratory reports (approximately 6 labs will be performed every 9 weeks of class).
AP Psychology
Prerequisite: None
The AP Psychology 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
AP Spanish
Students applying for AP Spanish should have obtained a B or better in Spanish III and IV.
Communication in the AP Spanish language class is carried out in Spanish, with English limited to student translation of
Spanish materials when necessary, and students’ class participation grades reflect a strong requirement that they use
Spanish in the classroom. Students will also be required to purchase their own textbook for the class. Summer
assignments will be given in order to prepare for the class.
AP German
Students applying for AP German should have obtained a B or better in German III and IV.
Communication in the AP German language class is carried out in German, with English limited to student translation of
German materials when necessary, and students’ class participation grades reflect a strong requirement that they use
German in the classroom. Students will also be required to purchase their own textbook for the class. Summer
assignments will be given in order to prepare for the class.
AP French
Prerequisite: Level IV preferred and/or Intermediate Mid level on ALL
parts of the STAMP Test"
Students applying for AP French should have obtained a B or better in French III. Communication in the AP French
language class is carried out in French, with English limited to student translation of French materials when necessary,
and students’ class participation grades reflect a strong requirement that they use French in the classroom. Students will
also be required to purchase their own textbook for the class. Summer readings will be assigned in order to prepare for
the class.
AP Microeconomics
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to give the student a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to the
functions of the individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, within the economic system. It places primary
emphasis on the nature and functions of the markets, and includes the study of factor markets and the role of government
in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy.
AP Human Geography
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to introduce students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human
understanding, use, and altercation of Earth’s surface. Students will employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to
examine human social organization and its environmental consequences. They will also learn about the methods and
tools geographers use in their science and practice. Concepts to be introduced and studies are maps and special data,
the implications of associations among phenomena in places, relationships among patterns and processes, the
regionalization process, and interconnections among places.
AP Environmental Science
(Tentative for 2014-2015)
Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry, Algebra I
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 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: science is a process; energy conversions underlie all
ecological processes; the Earth itself is one interconnected system; humans alter natural systems; environmental
problems have a cultural and social context; human survival depends on developing practices that will achieve
sustainable systems.
AP United States Government and Politics (Tentative for 2014-2015)
United States Government and Politics will give students an analytical perspective on government and politics in the
United States. This course includes both the study of general concepts used to interpret US government and politics and
the analysis of specific examples. It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that
constitute US government and politics. While there is no single approach that an AP United States Government and
Politics course must follow, students should become acquainted with the variety of theoretical perspectives and
explanations for various behaviors and outcomes. Students will: learn important facts, concepts, and theories
pertaining to US government and politics; understand typical patterns of political processes and behavior and their
consequences (including the components of political behavior, the principles used to explain or justify various
government structures and procedures, and the political effects of these structures and procedures); be able to
analyze and interpret basic data relevant to US government and politics (including data presented in charts, tables,
and other formats); be able to critically analyze relevant theories and concepts, apply them appropriately, and
develop their connections across the curriculum
Cambridge Capstone Program – AP Seminar (for 11th grade students)
In this foundational course, students develop and strengthen analytic and inquiry skills, exploring two
to four relevant issues chosen by the student and/or teacher. Students learn to consider an issue
from multiple perspectives, evaluate the strength of an argument, and make logical, fact-based
decisions. Students will think critically and creatively, research, explore, pose solutions, develop
arguments, collaborate, and communicate using various media.
Themes and Topics
Themes that allow for deep exploration based on student interests, local and/or civic issues, global or
international topics, and concepts from other AP courses are typically selected. For example,
students might explore the question of whether national security is more important than a citizen’s
right to privacy; or whether genetic engineering is a benefit to society.
Assessment
During the course, students complete a team project, an individual paper and presentation, and take
a written final exam. The AP Seminar Exam score is based on all three components and is reported
on the standard 1–5 AP scoring scale.
AP Research (for 12th grade students)
Prerequisite: AP Seminar
The second course in the AP Capstone experience allows students to design, plan, and conduct a
year-long research-based investigation on a topic of individual interest. Through this inquiry and
investigation, students demonstrate the ability to apply scholarly understanding to real-world
problems and issues.
Students further the skills developed in AP Seminar by understanding research methodology,
employing ethical research practices, and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information to build,
present, and defend an argument. Students may choose to



Dig deeper into a topic studied in an AP course
Work across academic areas with an interdisciplinary topic
Study a new area of interest, perhaps one for further study at the college level
Assessment
At the end of the research project, students submit an academic paper of about 5,000 words and
defend their work through a presentation. The AP Research Exam score is based on the paper,
presentation, and defense, and is reported on the standard 1–5 AP scoring scale.