AP Capstone Diploma » AP Capstone Diploma Program

AP Capstone Diploma Program

Program Details 

https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-capstone/how-ap-capstone-works 

Students typically take AP Seminar in grade 10 or 11, followed by AP Research. Each course is yearlong, and AP Seminar is a prerequisite for AP Research. 

In both courses, students investigate a variety of topics in multiple disciplines. Students may choose to explore topics related to other AP courses they’re taking. 

Both courses guide students through completing a research project, writing an academic paper, and making a presentation on their project. 

Over the course of the two-year program, students are required to: 

  • Analyze topics through multiple lenses to construct meaning or gain understanding. 
  • Plan and conduct a study or investigation. 
  • Propose solutions to real-world problems. 
  • Plan and produce communication in various forms. 
  • Collaborate to solve a problem. 
  • Integrate, synthesize, and make cross-curricular connections. 

Pedagogy 

AP Capstone gives students the following pedagogical foundation, called the QUEST framework, to develop, practice, and hone their critical and creative thinking skills as they make connections between various issues and their own lives: 

  • Question and Explore 
    Questioning begins with an initial exploration of complex topics or issues. Perspectives and questions emerge that spark one’s curiosity, leading to an investigation that challenges and expands the boundaries of one's current knowledge. 
  • Understand and Analyze Arguments 
    Understanding various perspectives requires contextualizing arguments and evaluating the authors’ claims and lines of reasoning. 
  • Evaluate Multiple Perspectives 
    Evaluating an issue involves considering and evaluating multiple perspectives, both individually and in comparison to one another. 
  • Synthesize Ideas 
    Synthesizing others’ ideas with one’s own may lead to new understandings and is the foundation of a well-reasoned argument that conveys one’s perspective. 
  • Team, Transform, and Transmit 
    Teaming allows one to combine personal strengths and talents with those of others to reach a common goal. Transformation and growth occur upon thoughtful reflection. Transmitting requires the adaptation of one’s message based on audience and context.