AP Seminar
Course Information
AP Seminar is an interdisciplinary course that engages students in analyzing complex academic and real-world issues from multiple perspectives.
Subject Area: Interdisciplinary / English
UC A-G Area: B – English
Course Level: Advanced Placement
Open Terms: Summer & Fall
Enrollment Information
Course Start: 9/12/2026
Course End: 5/1/2027
Class Mode: Onsite/Online
Enrollment Period: 5/1/2026-8/30/2026
Related College Majors
Because AP Seminar develops research, writing, communication, and analytical skills that apply across disciplines, it provides useful preparation for a wide range of college pathways, including:
Pre-Law / Public Policy / Communications / Journalism / History / Sociology / Business Administration / Interdisciplinary Studies / English
Prerequisites
Students entering AP Seminar should meet the following:
- 10th-grade standing with an A or B in Honors or AP English, or an A in CP English
For 9th-grade students, Franklin Academy requires:
- A strong academic record
- Successful completion of a placement test
- Readiness for advanced reading and writing
Students should be prepared for substantial reading, source analysis, academic writing, group collaboration, and oral presentations.
Course Units
AP Seminar is organized around the QUEST inquiry framework:
- Question and Explore
- Understand and Analyze
- Evaluate Multiple Perspectives
- Synthesize Ideas
- Team, Transform, and Transmit
Comparison Table
2027 AP Assessment Information
Performance Task Deadline: April 30, 2027 | Assessment Duration:2 Hours
End-of-Course Exam: Monday, May 10, 2027 | Exam Duration: 2 Hours
Section I
Performance Task 1
Team Project and Presentation
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20% of AP Seminar Score
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Individual Research Report: 1,200 words
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Team Multimedia Presentation and Defense: 8–10 minutes
Students work in teams to investigate an academic or real-world issue, evaluate multiple perspectives, consider possible solutions, and present their conclusions.
The Individual Research Report is scored by College Board, while the team presentation and defense are scored by the teacher.
Performance Task 2
Individual Research-Based Essay and Presentation
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35% of AP Seminar Score
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Individual Written Argument: 2,000 words
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Individual Multimedia Presentation: 6–8 minutes
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Oral Defense: 2 questions
Students use a set of source materials provided by College Board as a starting point for an individual investigation. They develop an evidence-based argument, present their findings, and respond to questions about their research and reasoning.
The written argument accounts for 70% of the Performance Task 2 score, the multimedia presentation 20%, and the oral defense 10%.
Section II
End-of-Course Exam
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2 Hours
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45% of AP Seminar Score
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Fully Digital in Bluebook
The exam assesses students’ ability to evaluate arguments, analyze sources, and develop an evidence-based argument using provided materials.
All exam responses are completed and submitted digitally through Bluebook.
Related AP Courses
Explore other AP courses that complement this course and can help you build a broader academic pathway based on your interests, strengths, and future college goals.
AP Research
Continue into the second course of the AP Capstone program and design an independent, year-long research investigation.
AP English Language and Composition
Strengthen rhetorical analysis, critical reading, argumentation, and evidence-based writing skills.
AP World History: Modern
Develop source-analysis and historical reasoning skills while studying global developments from approximately 1200 to the present.
AP U.S. History
Strengthen evidence-based writing and source evaluation while exploring the development of the United States.
Questions About AP Seminar
What is the AP Capstone Diploma?
AP Capstone™ is a College Board diploma program built around two courses: AP Seminar and AP Research. Students who earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research, along with scores of 3 or higher on four additional AP Exams, can earn the AP Capstone Diploma.
Where can I find official AP Seminar resources and assessment details?
For the official course framework, performance task requirements, assessment information, and student resources, visit the College Board AP Seminar page.
Is there a standard textbook for AP Seminar?
No single textbook defines the course. AP Seminar is interdisciplinary and inquiry-based, so students work with a wide variety of sources, including academic research, articles, foundational texts, visual materials, speeches, and other media.
What college course is AP Seminar equivalent to?
College Board notes that AP Seminar does not correspond to one single college discipline. Typical college equivalents include interdisciplinary or general elective courses focused on critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and academic research.
Will I receive high school credit for taking this course?
Yes. Franklin Academy is a WASC-accredited private school. Upon completion of the course, Franklin Academy issues an official transcript with the WASC seal. Students may choose to transfer credits to their school of record or submit the Franklin Academy transcript as part of their college application materials.
Interested in Enrolling in AP Classes?
Franklin Academy offers a range of AP courses designed to help students strengthen their academic foundation, explore advanced subjects, and prepare for college-level coursework. Complete the form below and let us know which AP courses you’re interested in.