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Last Updated: June 02, 2024

Advanced Placements- World Languages and Cultures

Advanced Placement Examinations, commonly referred to as AP Exams, are standardized tests administered by the College Board in the United States. These exams are designed to assess a student's knowledge and understanding of college-level material in various subjects. AP Exams are typically taken by high school students who have completed advanced coursework in a particular subject and wish to demonstrate their proficiency to colleges and universities. The exams cover a wide range of subjects, including but not limited to English literature and composition, calculus, biology, chemistry, physics, history, psychology, and foreign languages.

Taking AP Exams can have several benefits for students. Firstly, it allows them to challenge themselves academically and engage with college-level material. Secondly, earning a high score on an AP Exam can enhance a student's college application and demonstrate their commitment to academic excellence. Furthermore, receiving college credit or advanced placement can save students time and money by allowing them to bypass introductory courses in college.

Courses Offered in AP World Languages and Cultures

The AP World Languages and Culture section of the Advanced Placement program contains 8 courses all of which are-

AP Chinese Language and Culture

The AP Chinese Language and Culture program is an advanced placement program offered by the College Board that focuses on developing students' proficiency in the Chinese language and their understanding of Chinese culture. The AP Chinese Language and Culture course in Mandarin Chinese focuses on promoting effective communication through the use of interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational skills in authentic contexts. This encompasses vocabulary usage, language proficiency, communication tactics, and cultural sensitivity.

Course Framework Components

AP Chinese Language and Culture Course Skills

AP Chinese Language and Culture Course Themes

Prerequisites for AP Chinese Language and Culture

There are no required courses prior to taking AP Chinese Language and Culture. Nevertheless, students usually have completed four years of high school-level study. Native or heritage speakers may have a distinct study path that leads to this course.

Exam Structure of AP Chinese Language and Culture

Section IA: Multiple Choice Listening
This section encompasses a diverse range of audio materials, encompassing transportation announcements, voice messages, school conversations, radio reports, instructions, and dialogues. This particular section comprises a range of 25 to 35 questions, accounting for 25% of the overall score. The allotted time for this section is 20 minutes. It is divided into 2 subsections: Section IB: Multiple Choice Reading
This section is made up of 35-40 questions that need to be completed within 60 minutes and make up 25% of the overall score. It encompasses a variety of written materials. The questions aim to evaluate the student's ability to identify the main ideas and supporting details in the written content, understand the meaning of different vocabulary words, infer the meaning of unfamiliar terms, determine the significance of a text based on cultural or interdisciplinary information, and deduce implied meanings from context.

Section IIA: Free Response Written
This section consists of two questions that must be answered within a time limit of 30 minutes. It contributes to 25% of the overall score. Section IIB: Free Response Spoken
This section comprises two tasks and seven questions that must be responded to within 11 minutes. It contributes to 25% of the total score.

AP French Language and Culture

The AP French Language and Culture program places a strong emphasis on effective communication, which involves both comprehending and expressing oneself to others. This is achieved through the application of interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational skills in authentic everyday scenarios. These skills encompass the appropriate use of vocabulary, mastery of language mechanics, implementation of effective communication strategies, and a deep understanding of cultural nuances.

Course Framework Components

AP French Language and Culture Course Skills

AP French Language and Culture Course Themes

Prerequisites of AP French Language and Culture

There are no mandatory requirements for enrollment; nevertheless, students generally have completed four years of high school-level French language courses. Native or heritage speakers may follow an alternative route of study to access this course.

Exam Structure of AP French Language and Culture

Section IA: Multiple Choice
This section comprises 30 questions that must be responded to within the allotted 40 minutes. It holds a weightage of 23% towards the final score. This section includes 4 sets of genuine printed sources such as announcements, advertisements, literary texts, articles, charts, and letters, accompanied by corresponding questions. The questions will require students to recognize the primary concepts and supporting information, ascertain the significance of vocabulary words in context, identify the author's perspective or the intended audience, and exhibit comprehension of the cultural or interdisciplinary information conveyed in the text.

Section IB: Multiple Choice with Audio
This particular section comprises 35 questions that must be responded to within 55 minutes. It holds a significant weightage of 27% towards the overall score. Within this section, a diverse range of genuine audio sources are incorporated, such as conversations, audio reports, interviews, instructions, and presentations. Furthermore, it is further divided into two subsections: Section IIA: Free Response Written
In this section, there are two questions that must be completed in 70 minutes and count for 25% of the overall score. Section IIB: Free Response Spoken
In this section, there are two questions that must be completed in 18 minutes and count for 25% of the overall score.

AP German Language and Culture

The AP German Language and Culture program focuses on fostering effective communication through the application of interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational skills in authentic contexts. This encompasses the use of vocabulary, language proficiency, communication tactics, and cultural sensitivity.

Course Framework Components

AP German Language and Culture Course Skills

AP German Language and Culture Course Themes

Prerequisites for AP German Language and Culture

There are typically no requirements for enrollment in this course, although it is common for students to have completed four years of high school-level German language study. Native or heritage speakers may follow an alternative study path to access this course.

Exam Structure of AP German Language and Culture

Section IA: Multiple Choice
This section consists of 30 questions that need to be answered within 40 minutes. It accounts for 23% of the total score. It contains 4 sets of authentic printed materials like announcements, ads, literary works, articles, charts, and letters, along with related questions. Students will need to identify key ideas and supporting details, understand the meaning of vocabulary words in context, recognize the author's viewpoint or target audience, and demonstrate an understanding of the cultural or interdisciplinary information presented in the text.

Section IB: Multiple Choice with Audio
This section contains 35 questions that need to be answered within 55 minutes. It accounts for 27% of the total score. Various authentic audio sources are included in this portion, including conversations, audio reports, interviews, instructions, and presentations. Additionally, it is divided into two subsections: Section IIA: Free Response Written In this section, there are two questions that must be answered within 70 minutes, making up 25% of the overall score. Section IIB: Free Response Spoken There are two questions in this section that must be answered within 18 minutes, which accounts for 25% of the overall score.

AP Italian Language and Culture

The primary objective of the AP Italian Language and Culture course is to improve communication skills, including comprehension and expression. This is accomplished by practicing interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational abilities in real-life situations. The course encompasses vocabulary usage, language proficiency, communication tactics, and cultural understanding.

Course Framework Components

AP Italian Language and Culture Course Skills

AP Italian Language and Culture Course Themes

Prerequisites for AP Italian Language and Culture

There are no mandatory requirements for enrollment, although students generally have completed four years of high school Italian language courses. Native or heritage speakers may have an alternative route to qualify for this class.

Exam Structure of AP Italian Language and Culture

Section IA: Multiple Choice
This section includes a total of 30 questions that must be answered in a time limit of 40 minutes. It contributes to 23% of the overall score. It comprises 4 sets of genuine printed materials such as announcements, advertisements, literary pieces, articles, charts, and letters, accompanied by relevant questions. Students will be required to identify main concepts and supporting information, comprehend the meaning of vocabulary words in the given context, acknowledge the author's perspective or intended audience, and exhibit an understanding of the cultural or interdisciplinary information presented in the text.

Section IB: Multiple Choice with Audio
In this section of the test, students will encounter 35 questions that must be answered within a time limit of 55 minutes. This section accounts for 27% of the total score. It includes various audio materials that reflect real-life situations, such as conversations, audio reports, interviews, instructions, and presentations. Additionally, this section is divided into two smaller subsections: Section IIA: Free Response Written
In this section, students need to answer two questions in 70 minutes, which counts for 25% of their total score. Section IIB: Free Response Spoken
Two questions are presented in this portion that necessitate responses within 18 minutes, constituting a quarter of the total score.

AP Japanese Language and Culture

The AP Japanese Language and Culture course places a strong emphasis on effective communication, ensuring that students are able to comprehend and express themselves clearly in various real-life scenarios. This is achieved through the application of interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication. Students are encouraged to enhance their vocabulary usage, language control, communication strategies, and cultural awareness. The course not only delves into contemporary culture but also explores historical contexts, allowing students to gain a comprehensive understanding of Japanese culture. Moreover, the course aims to foster students' awareness and appreciation of social, political, and educational issues, such as the role of religion in society and the dynamics between traditional and modern gender roles. Additionally, the course covers more traditional topics including arts, customs, festivals, geography, and history.

Course Framework Components

AP Japanese Language and Culture Course Skills

AP Japanese Language and Culture Course Themes

Prerequisites for AP Japanese Language and Culture

Prerequisite courses are not required, but students generally have completed four years of high school-level Japanese language study. Native or heritage speakers may follow a different course pathway to access this class.

Exam Structure of AP Japanese Language and Culture

Section IA: Multiple Choice Listening
This section comprises 30-35 questions that must be completed within 20 minutes and account for 25% of the total score. It encompasses a range of audio resources such as public announcements, voice messages, instructions, cultural presentations, school debates, radio reports, and dialogues.

Section IB: Multiple Choice Reading
Within this portion, there are 35-40 questions that must be responded to within 60 minutes, accounting for 25% of the total assessment. This segment encompasses a range of written content such as journalistic and literary pieces, emails, letters, instructions, and travel brochures.

Section IIA: Free Response Written
This section comprises two tasks and seven questions that need to be answered within a time limit of 30 minutes. It holds a weightage of 25%. Section IIB: Free Response Spoken This section contains 2 tasks and 5 questions that must be responded to within 10 minutes. It carries a value of 25%.

AP Latin

The AP Latin course centers on the thorough examination of excerpts from two of the most significant works in Latin literature: Vergil’s Aeneid and Caesar’s Gallic War. Students are expected to analyze and translate the assigned readings while also analyzing these texts within a relevant framework, fostering the growth of critical, historical, and literary awareness.

AP Latin Course Skills

AP Latin Course Themes

Prerequisites for AP Latin

There are typically no prerequisites for this course; however, students are generally in their fourth year of high-school-level study.

Exam Structure of AP Latin

Section I: Multiple Choice
In this section, 50 questions must be answered within a 60-minute time limit, and they account for 50% of the total exam score. This section evaluates students' comprehension of the poetry and prose readings discussed in the course, along with their aptitude for reading unfamiliar texts. The questions also necessitate students to establish connections between the Latin texts and the historical, cultural, and literary aspects of ancient Rome. The 4 types of questions in this section are: Section II: Free Response
In this section, there are five questions that must be answered within two hours, which includes a 15-minute reading period. This section accounts for 50% of the exam score.

AP Spanish Language and Culture

The AP Spanish Language and Culture program focuses on enhancing communication skills (comprehension and expression) through the use of interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational abilities in authentic contexts. This encompasses vocabulary application, linguistic proficiency, effective communication techniques, and cultural sensitivity.

Course Framework Components

AP Spanish Language and Culture Course Skills

AP Spanish Language and Culture Course Themes

Prerequisites for AP Spanish Language and Culture

Students are not required to have any prerequisites, but they are usually in their fourth year of high school Spanish language study. Native or heritage speakers may follow a different study path to access this course.

Exam Structure of AP Spanish Language and Culture

Section IA: Multiple Choice
This particular section comprises a total of 30 questions that need to be responded to within 40 minutes. It contributes to approximately 23% of the overall score. Within this section, students will encounter 4 sets of genuine print sources, including announcements/advertisements, literary texts, articles, charts, and letters, each accompanied by a set of questions.

Section IB: Multiple Choice with Audio
This section consists of 35 questions that must be completed within a time limit of 55 minutes. It accounts for 27% of the total score. The section encompasses a range of genuine audio materials, such as dialogues, audio news, interviews, directions, and lectures. It is divided into 2 subsections: Section IIA: Free Response Written This section comprises of two questions that must be answered within a time limit of 70 minutes. These questions account for 25% of the total score. The two tasks in this section are outlined below: Section IIB: Free Response Spoken
This section comprises of two questions that must be answered within a time limit of 18 minutes. It contributes to 25% of the overall score. The two speaking tasks in this section are as follows:

AP Spanish Literature and Culture

The AP Spanish Literature and Culture course adopts a thematic approach to familiarize students with significant literary works (such as short stories, novels, poetry, plays, and essays) from Peninsular Spanish, Latin American, and U.S. Hispanic literature. The exploration of literature takes place within the framework of its respective time and place, allowing students to gain a deeper understanding of the diverse voices, historical periods, and cultures represented in the mandatory readings and other texts. Additionally, the course places a strong emphasis on exploring cultural, artistic, and linguistic connections and making comparisons, which is facilitated through the examination of various forms of media such as art, music, film, articles, and literary criticism.

AP Spanish Literature and Culture Course Skills

Prerequisites for AP Spanish Literature and Culture

Although there are no requirements for enrollment in this course, AP Spanish Literature and Culture is intended for students who have finished a minimum of three years of Spanish language study at the high school level. While not mandatory, students might consider finishing the AP Spanish Language and Culture course prior to enrolling in AP Spanish Literature and Culture, since the materials are in Spanish. Native or heritage speakers may have an alternative route of study that leads to this course.

Exam Structure of AP Spanish Literature and Culture

Section IA: Multiple Choice Interpretive Listening
This particular section comprises three sets of questions derived from authentic audio texts. In total, there are 15 questions that need to be answered within 20 minutes. This section contributes to 10% of the overall score. The 3 sets are as follows: Section IB: Multiple Choice Reading Analysis
This section consists of 50 questions that need to be answered within 1 hour and contribute to 40% of the overall score. It encompasses 6 sets of 7-10 questions, which are derived from readings covering a wide range of genres, periods, and locations within the Spanish-speaking world. Two passages will be included in one set, which are connected by a common theme. One of these passages is sourced from the required reading list, while the other is extracted from a non-required text. Reading includes: Section II: Free Response
The free-response section includes two short-answer questions and two long-essay questions that need to be answered within a time limit of 1 hour and 40 minutes. This section accounts for up to 50% of the total score.

2025 Advanced Placement Test Dates

Understanding Advanced Placement

Courses Offered in AP

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