What is AP Seminar and how does it fit into the AP Capstone program?

I've heard of this course called AP Seminar as part of the AP Capstone program, and I'm interested in learning more. Can someone explain what AP Seminar is about and its role in the AP Capstone program?

AP Seminar is the first of two courses in the AP Capstone program, which is designed to develop college-level research, writing, and communication skills. The AP Capstone program is comprised of two courses: AP Seminar and AP Research. These courses focus on cultivating students' critical thinking, collaboration, and inquiry skills, which are essential for success in college and beyond.

AP Seminar, typically taken during the 10th or 11th grade, serves as an introduction to research and academic discourse. In this course, you'll explore various topics from multiple perspectives by examining a variety of academic sources, including articles, research studies, and foundational texts. You'll learn how to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information to form evidence-based arguments. The course emphasizes collaboration, as you'll work with your peers to develop and present your findings.

The AP Seminar course culminates in two performance tasks and a written end-of-course exam. The performance tasks involve working in a team to develop a research question, conduct research, and present findings, as well as independently researching and writing an evidence-based argumentative essay. The end-of-course exam consists of multiple-choice questions testing your analytical skills and a written argumentative response to a provided stimulus.

After completing AP Seminar, students move on to the second part of the AP Capstone program, AP Research. In AP Research, you'll conduct an in-depth, year-long research project on a topic of your choice and compose a scholarly research paper. If you score a 3 or higher on the AP Seminar and AP Research exams and achieve a 3 or higher on four additional AP exams, you'll earn the AP Capstone Diploma™.

Overall, the AP Capstone program is an excellent opportunity for students interested in developing advanced research and writing skills, which will be invaluable in college and future careers. AP Seminar serves as the foundation for this program by teaching the necessary skills and methods of inquiry, preparing students for the independent research they will undertake in AP Research.