A.P. American History
2009-2010
Course Description
This course is part of the overall school mission of helping students live fulfilling and productive
lives. More specifically, this is a year long survey course of American history from the period of
European exploration to the present day. It is designed to provide students with the analytic
skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal with the problems and content of American
History. Attention will be given to political, economic, social, cultural, and intellectual history as
well as particular attention to the history of minorities. In addition broad themes such as
American diversity and our changing demographics, the development of American identity, the
qualities of citizenship, economic transformations and their effect on the American way of life,
and the processes by which America has arrived at its current state, will be explored in class
discussion and through writing. At the end of the course, students will possess the skills and
knowledge necessary to handle most issues in U.S. History. Advanced Placement prepares
students for intermediate and advanced college courses by making demands on them equivalent
to a full-year introductory college course.
Prerequisites
The College Board is committed to the principle that all students deserve an opportunity to
participate in rigorous and academically challenging courses and programs. All students
who are willing to accept the challenge of a rigorous academic curriculum should be considered
for admission to AP courses. There is no GPA requirement for enrollment. However, students
who enroll in this course must have the drive and commitment to participate in the rigorous
course-work. This course will make large demands on reading and writing skills. Proficiency
isn’t necessary, but the desire and effort to improve is necessary. Please see the instructor if you
have questions concerning your individual qualifications.
Course Goals
– Pass the A.P. examination.
– Apply analysis, synthesis, and evaluation skills in writing concise interpretive essays.
– Acquire the ability to deal with a high work load in a mature and diligent manner.
– Understand the different types of historical interpretations.
– Acquire a broader perspective and understanding of the many historical periods of American
History.
– Understand and appreciate the contribution of minorities and special interest groups, especially
women, native Americans, and African Americans.
– Identify and analyze the American Dream as it relates to citizens, their hopes and aspirations,
their frustrations, and their feelings of despair.
– Help students acquire a sense of what it means to live in America, especially as it relates to
citizenship and participation in democracy.
TEXTBOOK
Faragher, John Mack, et al. Out of Many: A History of the American People : AP Edition.
Revised 3rd ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall 2002
COURSE WORK
Many assignments will be given throughout the year. Late work will be accepted with a penalty unless previous arrangements have been made with the instructor. The following is a general list of what can be expected.
Unit Assignments
Students will answer all review questions and write a valid *essay that answers the document based question at the end of each chapter. These assignments will consist of historical identification and essays that involve the use of primary sources. These are essential in building a strong foundation of historical knowledge.
* The essays will be written in class using the standard AP test time limits and will be scored using the AP rubrics. Some essays will be scored and recorded. Others will be scored by classmates and given general participation points.
Class Lectures & Discussions
In order to cover the necessary material efficiently, lecturing will be the primary mode of content delivery. Although students may break up the monotony of lecture through their own comments and discussion.
Students should take a detailed set of class notes. If you are absent, get the missed notes from a friend in the class.
Documentaries & Films
As a discipline, history is well suited for the documentary format(see History Channel). Several good documentaries and films will be shown throughout the year. Students are required to pay attention and take notes on the when viewing these. Information from the documentaries and films may be used tested using pop quizzes.
Quizzes & Test
Quizzes will be given periodically with little or no warning. These will be done to reinforce recent lecture and assignments. Format will range from multiple choice, true/false, and short answers.
Test will be given at the end of each chapter. In addition there will be test covering LARGE sections of American History. Expect at least one every 12 week period.
Presidents Test
At some point during the year (around February or March), students will take a test requiring them to list every president, their political party, their years in office, and important historical events that took place in their term. This will help provide students with a chronological framework.
GRADING SCALE
100 - 93% = A 86 - 83% = B 76 - 73% = C 66 - 63% = D
92 - 90% = A- 82 - 80% = B 72 - 70% = C- 62 - 60% = D-
89 - 87% = Bt 79 - 77% = Ct 69 - 67% = Dt 59% - 0 = F
AP TEST INFORMATION
The AP Test is an integral part of the curriculum for this class as specific preparation will occur during the year. All students must take the AP Test in the spring. Those not wishing to take the test should drop the class. The AP Test will be given Friday, May 7th. The cost of the test is $86.
The AP Test will assess what you have learned from our year together. It is approximately a
4 hour test consisting of multiple choice section (80 questions) a free-response (essay) section and a document based essay question. The test covers the time period from the first European exploration to the present. Students earning a 3 or better on the test may earn up to 8 college credits, depending on individual policies.
As the parent/guardian of _________________________________________, I have read and discussed the contents of this syllabus with my student and am aware of the demands and expectations of AP American History.
Student Signature: __________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________________________________________
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