Ulysses Signature Program
NORTHWEST HIGH SCHOOL
Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland
Program coordinator: Mr. David Parks Email: david_p_parks@mcpsmd.org
Welcome to the Ulysses Signature Program at Northwest High School.
The Ulysses Program is a four-year program that encourages student-initiated explorations in areas of strong interest. Research skills are emphasized through signature sections of English and Science. All course offerings are at the honors or AP level; interdisciplinary connections are encouraged. Through independent and collaborative research and technological presentations, students experience various modes of inquiry while learning to use their minds well. Ulysses students study, create, and achieve in an intellectual and nurturing community of learners.
Freshmen who are accepted to the Ulysses Signature Program will be registered for the following three courses in the Ulysses Program: Signature Honors English 9, Signature Honors Biology, and AP US Government. The students take their remaining four courses with the rest of Northwest High School.
Ulysses upperclassmen take the following courses in the Ulysses Program listed, such as Signature Honors English 10, Signature Honors Chemistry, and AP US History; the courses not listed (i.e., math, art, music) are taken with the rest of Northwest High School.
Juniors: AP Seminar
Required for Ulysses juniors, this a year-long foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Using an inquiry framework, students practice reading and analyzing articles, research studies, and foundational literary and philosophical texts; listening to and viewing speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts; and experiencing artistic works and performances. Students learn to synthesize information from multiple sources, develop their own perspectives in research- based written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a team. Ultimately, the course aims to equip students with the power to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments.
Seniors: AP Research
AP Research, the second course in the AP Capstone experience, allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, issue, or idea of individual interest. Students design, plan, and implement a yearlong investigation to address a research question. Through this inquiry, they further the skills they acquired in the AP Seminar course by learning research methodology, employing ethical research practices, and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information. Students reflect on their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of their scholarly work through a process and reflection portfolio. The course culminates in an academic paper of 4,000–5,000 words (accompanied by a performance, exhibit, or product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense.