Grade 9: Must an A- in Humanities I or Humanities I in Action
Grade 10: Must take Humanities II or Humanities II in Action concurrently with this course
Grade 11: Must have a B+ in Humanities II or Humanities II in Action
Grade 12: Must have a B+ in AP Language and Composition or Junior English
This course is completely focused on developing a student’s skills in critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity. Students develop and refine their investigative and analytical skills through the interdisciplinary study of a variety of current global topics. Students analyze the complexity of an issue to better understand multiple perspectives and gain an awareness of the cultural, economic, political, and social factors. Individual ability to transfer skills and make connections between disciplines is greatly enhanced. Students articulate their learning through writing, discussion, presentation, and reflection. Collaboration is a critical component as students complete a team research project as part of the overall course assessment.
College Board Assessments
Assessment overview for the AP Exam:
Performance Task I - 20% of AP Score Team Project and Presentation
Performance Task 2 - 35% of AP Score Individual Research-Based Essay and Presentation
End of Course Exam - 45% of AP Score
Classroom Assessments (non-AP)
To be successful in this class, students must come prepared to engage in discussion and critical thinking. While there is no prescribed content that must be mastered, there are thinking, writing and speaking skills that need to be developed. Students are encouraged to keep pace with reading and writing assignments to enhance the richness of the classroom experience. Formative assessments will help students to hone the skills required for the larger summative assessments and allow ample opportunity for feedback. The summative assessments in the first semester mirror the live assessments completed in the second semester for the College Board. Summative assessments in the second semester range from assignments that complement the live assessments to the quality of feedback a student provides to a peer. Students will receive regular feedback throughout the year whether it is individual or overall class instruction. Course grades will be calculated following the HKIS high school policy.