AP Courses at GOC
What is Advanced Placement?
What is the Advanced Placement (AP) Program?
Advanced Placement (AP) is a program for college-level courses and exams that gives high school students the opportunity to receive advanced placement and/or credit in college. About 1.2 million students participate in the AP Program each year, usually through an AP course.
AP courses are introductory college courses, so they are not easy, but neither are they impossibly difficult. An AP course will be more demanding than a regular high school course. A student should realize that taking an AP class is a serious commitment. Students should give careful thought to which and how many AP courses to take in one year.
Why Participate?
Taking AP courses in high school could give you an advantage in college by letting you:
- Earn college credit depending on how you score on the AP Exam
- Save money and time at college
- Stand out to colleges by having “AP” on your high school transcript which shows colleges you’ve tackled college-level work
As students plan their schedules, they should also consider time commitments required. Carefully review the course descriptions before you make your decisions.
Why take an AP Exam?
AP exams are administered each year in May. An exam contains both multiple-choice and free-response questions that require essay writing, problem solving, and other skills. Every examination receives an overall grade on a five-point scale.
Scale:
5-Extremely Well Qualified
4-Well Qualified
3-Qualified
2-possibly qualified
1-no recommendation
AP Grade Reports are sent in July to each student’s home address, high school, and if the student has requested it, to the designated colleges.
Each college decides how much credit to award for AP scores. You can find this information for the college(s) you are interested in by using the AP Credit Policy.
*See College Board website for additional details as well as the updated AP Exam schedule for the May exams.
*Enrollment in an AP course is a yearlong commitment.
AP Biology
Course Description:
AP Biology is designed to be the equivalent of a first-year college biology course. Although many topics will be familiar from your first high school biology course, more detail into those topics will be learned, with an emphasis on applying what you have learned to new situations. Additionally, higher level topics, such as cell communication, will be included.
Academic Suitability:
Students should have completed a first year high school biology course. Students can be enrolled in chemistry concurrently with AP Biology
Out of Class Commitment:
Students should plan to spend additional time in any AP course. In AP Biology, this time will vary based on student familiarity with the topic. At most, 1.5 hours would be spent by students outside of any normal class time. This is equivalent to college course expectations.
Summer Suggested Preparation:
None required.
School Issued Text Name:
AP Biology uses an eTextbook provided through the course. Your instructor will give you the appropriate codes to sign up for access. APEdition Campbell Biology In Focus, 4 edition
Additional Resources:
AP © Classroom is available to students and resources will also be available there. Tutoring can be arranged in either whole class or small group settings and will be announced by the instructor. Any review guide can be utilized by students as long as it aligns to the current AP Biology Curriculum Framework.
AP Calculus AB
Course Description:
AP Calculus AB focuses on students' understanding of calculus concepts and provides experiences with methods and applications. Through the use of big ideas of calculus (e.g., modeling change, approximation and limits, and analysis of functions), the course becomes a cohesive whole rather than a collection of unrelated topics. The course requires students to use definitions and theorems to build arguments and justify conclusions. The course features a multi-representational approach to calculus, with concepts, results, and problems expressed graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally. Exploring connections among these representations builds understanding of how calculus applies limits to develop important ideas, definitions, formulas, and theorems. A sustained emphasis on clear communication of methods, reasoning, justifications, and conclusions is essential. Teachers and students should regularly use technology to reinforce relationships among functions, to confirm written work, to implement experimentation, and to assist in interpreting results. AP Calculus AB is designed to be the equivalent to a first semester college course devoted to topics in differential and integral calculus.
Academic Suitability:
Students should have successfully completed all math courses through Accelerated Precalculus prior to taking AP Calculus AB.
Out of Class Commitment:
Students should spend 1/2 to 1 full hour per day more than previous math courses on AP Calculus AB coursework
Summer Suggested Preparation:
None
School Issued Text Name:
Hard Copies of Pearson's Calculus: Graphical, Numerical, Algebraic, 3rd Edition are available upon request
Additional Resources:
- AP Classroom by College Board may be used throughout the course
- Students will also need access to a graphing calculator
AP Computer Science A
Course Description:
APCSA is a rigorous college-level computer science course focused on the study of the Java programming language. Students will write, analyze, test and debug Java code. Topics covered include primitive data types, coding objects, Boolean expressions, if statements, iteration, writing classes, arrays, ArrayList, 2D arrays, inheritance and recursion. Students will also prepare for the College Board exam which consists of four free-response computer programming questions and a multiple-choice exam.
Academic Suitability:
It is strongly suggested to take APCS Principles or CS Principles as a prerequisite to APCS A. This is a fun but challenging course. If you are interested in learning how to program in Java this is the course for you.
Out of Class Commitment:
This course is a deep dive into the Java programming language and preparation for the APCS A exam. Students will prepare for the College Board APCS A exam through course activities even if they choose not to take the exam Students should expect to spend 5-8 hours per week outside of class working on this course.
Summer Suggested Preparation:
Go to course.csawesome.org and create an account - join our CS Awesome supplemental interactive workbook by using the course code: GOCAPCSA2021.Complete Unit 1 over the summer.
School Issued Text Name:
Introduction to Java Programming AP Edition by Y. Daniel Liang
AP Computer Science Principals
Course Description:
AP Computer Science Principles is an introductory college-level computing course that introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world. It is a rigorous, engaging, and approachable course that explores many of the foundational ideas of computing, so all students understand how these concepts are transforming the world we live in. Topics covered in APCS Principles include how the Internet works, the sending and receiving of digital information, how to analyze data, and cybersecurity concepts. Students will also learn to program in the Python programming language. Through coding they will learn the basics of variables, conditionals, functions, lists, loops, algorithms, parameters, return functions and libraries. Students will also prepare for the College Board APCS Principles exam which consists of a coding Create Task submission along with a multiple choice exam.
Academic Suitability:
It is suggested that students take Introduction to Digital Technology prior to taking APCS Principles. Students will learn about general computer science topics as well as learn to code in the Python programming language. This is a fun but rigorous course. During the course all students will prepare for the APCS Principles exam and will complete the Create Performance Task for this exam. After taking APCS Principles, students will be prepared to take the APCS A (Java programming) course.
Out of Class Commitment:
Students should expect to spend 5-8 hours per week outside of class working on their AP Computer Science Principles coursework.
Summer Suggested Preparation:
Go to https://codehs.com/go/080D2 and use the course code (080D2) to join this online workbook. Complete the Introduction to Programming Unit over summer.
School Issued Text Name:
There is not a school issued textbook for APCS Principles. This course uses online lessons and an interactive workbook to prepare students for the AP Exam.
Additional Resources:
- APCS Principles Course Overview
- Barron's AP Computer Science Principles 2nd Edition (2021)
AP Environmental Science
Course Description:
AP Environmental Science is a year-long course designed to be equivalents to a one semester introductory college level environmental science course. The course is interdisciplinary and focuses on the understanding of the natural world, environmental issue, and human impacts on the planet. The course includes laboratory investigations, field work, and data analysis to apply knowledge to real-world situations.
Academic Sustainability:
Students should have completed biology, Chemistry and Algebra.
Out of Class Commitment:
Students should plan for about 1.5 hours of daily study, which includes lessons and assignments. Be prepared for hands-on field experiences that take you outside, and make sure to regularly review using AP Classroom and other resources like study guides to ace those unit exams and the AP exam.
Summer Suggested Preparation:
Practice math skills; half-life and percent change, scientific notation, unit conversion, dimensional analysis and energy conversions. Review chemistry concepts. Know the names of the first 36 elements on the Periodic Table. Review global geography. Sharpen observations skills. Pay attention to environmental issues occurring locally and globally.
School Issues Text Name:
Friedland, A.J., & Relyea, R. (2023). AP Environmental Science (4th ed.). Bedford, Freeman & Worth.
Additional Resources:
Smeades: Complete AP Exam Review Optional: Barron's AP Environmental Science Study Guide prep book; Princeton Review AP Environmental Science Study Guide prep book.
AP Human Geography
Course Description:
This course introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine socioeconomic organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their research and applications. It is often summarized by Human Geography teachers as, "why what is where, and why does it matter?"
Academic Suitability:
Students should be able to read college level texts, think critically, and have a natural interest in Social Studies. The course requires a great deal of stamina and/or self-motivation. The bottom line is students must be willing to do the work.
Out of Class Commitment:
Students should expect to spend around 4-6 hours per week (depending on the week) outside of class. Students have regularly assigned vocabulary, reading, and practice assignments, in addition to necessary consistent review.
Summer Suggested Preparation:
None
School Issued Text Name: The Cultural Landscape
AP Language and Composition
Course Description:
AP English Language and Composition is an introductory college-level composition course. Students cultivate their understanding of writing and rhetorical arguments through reading, analyzing, and writing texts as they explore topics like rhetorical situation, claims and evidence, reasoning and organization, and style.
Academic Suitability:
Students should have successfully completed their 9th-10th grade honors/gifted ELA courses.
Out of Class Commitment:
Students should be prepared to spend 5-8 hours outside of class a week working on AP Language & Composition. Work is assigned daily and includes reading novels, academic/scientific/historical documents, news articles, dropbox assignments in response to reading, crafting discussion post responses, reading check quizzes, viewing AP Classroom Daily Skill videos, and practice AP multiple-choice and free response questions (within the course and/or in AP Classroom via CollegeBoard). Students will also keep other assignments in their AP Notebooks via Google Docs.
Summer Suggested Preparation:
It is recommended that you read at least one of the novels from this list.
School Issued Text Name:
The Language of Composition, Reading Writing Rhetoric
AP Literature and Composition
Course Description:
AP English Literature and Composition is an introductory college-level literary analysis course. Students cultivate their understanding of literature through reading and analyzing texts as they explore concepts like character, setting, structure, perspective, figurative language, and literary analysis in the context of literary works.
Academic Suitability:
Students should have successfully completed their 9th-11th grade honors/gifted ELA courses and/or AP Language & Composition.
Out of Class Commitment:
Students should be prepared to spend 5- 8 hours outside of class a week working on AP Literature & Composition. Work is assigned daily and includes reading novels, poems, short stories, dropbox assignments in response to reading, crafting discussion post responses, reading check quizzes, viewing AP Classroom Daily Skill videos, and practice AP multiple-choice and free response questions (within the course and/or in AP Classroom via CollegeBoard). Students will also keep other assignments in their AP Notebooks via Google Docs.
School Issued Text Name:
Perrine's Literature Structure, Sound and Sense
AP Macroeconomics
Course Description:
AP Macroeconomics is a college-level course that introduces students to the principles that apply to an economic system as a whole. The course places particular emphasis on the study of national income and price-level determination. It also develops students’ familiarity with economic performance measures, the financial sector, stabilization policies, economic growth, and international economics. Students learn to use graphs, charts, and data to analyze, describe, and explain economic concepts.
Academic Suitability:
There are no prerequisites for AP Macroeconomics. Students should be able to read a college-level textbook and possess basic mathematics and graphing skills.
Out of Class Commitment:
Students should expect to spend 5-8 hours per week outside of class working on AP Macroeconomics. Homework is assigned nightly and includes reading, graphing practice, and practice AP multiple choice and free response questions.
Summer Suggested Preparation:
The Economics of Public Issues (18th Edition) (Pearson Series in Economics (Paperback)) 18th Edition Naked Economics: Undressing the Dismal Science by Charles Wheelan
School Issued Text Name:
Krugman’s Economics For AP Anderson/Ray 3rd Edition
Additional Resources:
College Board Course At a Glance found on the College Board AP website
AP Music Theory
Course Description:
The AP Music Theory course corresponds to one-to-two semesters of typical, introductory college music theory coursework that covers topics such as musicianship, theory, and musical materials and procedures. Musicianship skills, including dictation and listening skills, sightsinging, and harmony, are an important part of the course. Through the course, students develop the ability to recognize, understand, and describe basic materials and processes of tonal music that are heard or presented in a score. Development of aural (listening) skills is a primary objective. Performance is also part of the curriculum through the practice of sight-singing. Students learn basic concepts and terminology by listening to and performing a wide variety of music. Notational skills, speed, and fluency with basic materials are emphasized.
Academic Suitability:
Five or more years of experience in music is recommended. A strong knowledge of reading music is required.
Out of Class Commitment:
Typical of other AP classes, expect to spend at least one to two hours each day on homework for this class.
School Issued Text Name:
Tonal Harmony, 7th Edition, Kostka, Payne, Almen (textbook and workbook)
Additional Resources:
AP Physics 1
Course Description:
AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study, in-class activity, and hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory work as they explore concepts like systems, fields, force interactions, change, conservation, and waves.
Academic Suitability:
Students should have completed a geometry course and be concurrently taking Algebra II or an equivalent course.
Out of Class Commitment:
An average student taking AP Physics 1 should be prepared to spend 1.5 hours dedicated to lessons in the course and assignments. Students should additionally be prepared to dedicate time to review in preparation for the AP Physics 1 Exam using materials provided in the AP Classroom for AP Physics 1.
School Issued Text Name:
Online Access to: Modified Mastering Physics for College Physics: A Strategic Approach 4th Edition for Advanced Placement
Additional Resources:
- 5 Steps to a 5: AP Physics 1 by Greg Jacobs
- Flipping Physics
- TwuPhysics
AP Psychology
Course Description:
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, treatments of psychological disorders, and social psychology. Throughout the course, students employ psychological research methods, including ethical considerations, as they use the scientific method, evaluate claims and evidence, and effectively communicate ideas.
Academic Suitability:
Students should be open to learning new things that they may have not learned before. Students should be able to read a college-level textbook and write grammatically correct, complete sentences.
Out of Class Commitment
Students should expect to spend 5-8 hours per week outside of class working on this course.
Summer Suggested Preparation:
Students can purchase the Barron’s AP Psychology Test Prep book and begin to work through the material.
School Issued Text Name:
Myer's Psychology (BFW)
Additional Resources:
Barron’s AP Psychology Test Prep
AP U.S. Government & Politics
Course Description:
Students will study the key concepts and institutions of the political system and culture of the United States. Students will read, analyze, and discuss the U.S. Constitution and other documents as well as complete a research or applied civics project.
Academic Suitability:
There are no prerequisite courses for AP U.S. Government and Politics. Students should be able to read a college-level textbook and write grammatically correct, complete sentences.
Out of Class Commitment:
Students should expect to spend 5-8 hours per week outside of class working.
Summer Suggested Preparation:
- The Declaration of Independence
- The Articles of Confederation
- Brutus No. 1
- Federalists No. 10, 51, 70, 78
- The Constitution of the United States
- Letters from a Birmingham Jail
School Issued Text Name:
American Democracy Now (McGrawHill)
Additional Resources:
AP U.S. History
Course Description:
In AP U.S. History, students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes in nine historical periods from approximately 1491 to the present. Students develop and use the same skills and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; making historical connections; and utilizing reasoning about comparison, causation, and continuity and change. The course also provides eight themes that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places: American and national identity; work, exchange, and technology; geography and the environment; migration and settlement; politics and power; America in the world; American and regional culture; and social structures.
Academic Suitability:
Students should be able to read a college-level textbook and write grammatically correct, complete sentences. Analysis skills are also key in this course.
Out of Class Commitment:
Students should expect to spend 5-8 hours per week outside of class working on this course.
Summer Suggested Preparation:
Students can purchase the AMSCO and begin to work their way through the text.
School Issued Text Name:
Fabric of a Nation
Additional Resources:
AMSCO Advanced Placement United States History
AP World History: Modern
Course Description:
In AP World History: Modern, students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes from 1200 to the present. Students develop and use the same skills, practices, and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; making historical connections; and utilizing reasoning about comparison, causation, and continuity and change over time. The course provides six themes that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places: humans and the environment, cultural developments and interactions, governance, economic systems, social interactions and organization, and technology and innovation.
Academic Suitability:
There are no prerequisites for AP World History: Modern. Students should be able to read a college-level textbook and write grammatically correct, complete sentences.
Out of Class Commitment:
Students should expect to spend 5-8 hours per week outside of class working on AP World History: Modern. Homework is assigned nightly and includes reading, evaluating primary and secondary sources, analyzing claims, evidence, and reasoning you find in sources, putting historical developments in context and making connections between them. Practicing multiple choice, SAQs, LAQs, and DBQs.
Summer Suggested Preparation:
A History of the World in 6 Glasses by Tom Standage
Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford
School Issued Text Name:
AMSCO Advanced Placement Edition World History: Modern (1200-Present)
Additional Resources: