AP Seminar: The Power of Inquiry

The Power of Inquiry:
Social Media & Its Impact

A Unit of Study for AP Seminar

Enduring Understandings

By the end of this unit, students will understand that...

  • The research process is iterative and recursive; inquiry is not a linear process.
  • Perspectives shape understanding. To fully understand a complex issue, one must consider multiple viewpoints.
  • Effective arguments are evidence-based. The credibility and relevance of sources are crucial for a valid argument.
  • Communication is intentional. The way an argument is presented affects how the audience perceives it.
Essential Questions
  • How does social media influence our understanding of the world and ourselves?
  • How can we evaluate the credibility of information we encounter on social media?
  • What are the intended and unintended consequences of using social media, for both individuals and for society?
  • How do different social media platforms shape the conversations and arguments around an issue?
  • In what ways do our personal biases and experiences affect our engagement with online content?
Learning Objectives & Skills

By the end of this unit, students will be able to...

  • Question & Explore: Formulate an open-ended research question about a social media-related issue.
  • Understand & Analyze: Identify an author’s thesis, claims, and line of reasoning within a given text.
  • Evaluate Multiple Perspectives: Compare and contrast different perspectives on a social media issue.
  • Synthesize Ideas: Formulate a preliminary argument using evidence from multiple sources.
  • Team, Transform, & Transmit: Present findings clearly and coherently to a small group of peers.