Advanced Placement United States History
2015 Summer Assignment
AIS/Independence High School
1967 Patriot DR.
Charlotte, NC 28227
May 22, 2105
I am happy to take this opportunity to welcome you to Advanced Placement United States History. The
2015-2016 school year will be a very busy one as we prepare for the Advanced Placement exam on May 6, 2016.
APUSH is a rigorous college-level course that will require extensive background knowledge in US History.
Since this is a college-level course that requires extensive background knowledge we really cannot waste
any time in preparing, and need to hit the ground running in August. To do this, every APUSH student will be
required to complete the following summer assignments that will be due on the first day of class, August 24, 2015 (Aday students) or August 25, 2015 (B-day students). Please pay attention to the date that your course starts.
History is not merely a recollection of dates and facts, but rather is an argument about the past. You will be
expected to interpret, analyze and synthesize facts to make logical historical arguments. Zinn is a rather
controversial figure and his historical perspectives are often challenged. You are assigned this reading to challenge
your thinking and to begin to understand how historical events can be interpreted in different ways. Daniel Flynn
writes an article called Howard Zinn’s Biased History. I have included a link to it and asked you to write a reflection
comparing Flynn and Zinn.
The assignments are listed below. Please contact me prior to June 10, 2015 if you would like to borrow a
book from Independence. The People’s History can be found at the local libraries, bookstores, and on various
websites. The essay questions are attached, but you may also email me for an electronic copy. All assignments and
some of the readings will be available on the Edmodo site. (See below for details) All assignments must be
completed as specified for credit. Good Luck!
Historically yours,
Ms. K Willett
katie.willett@cms.k12.nc.us
Summer Assignments:
Assignment #1: Sign up on Edmodo for our APUSH course.
1. Go to https://www.edmodo.com/
2. Use the code: c77nme
3. Once you have set up your profile, you will see that there is a forum to post a message. Please introduce
yourself and what you hope to learn about US History. Note: Everyone will be able to see this message.
I encourage you to respond to each other. It is good to get used to this platform as it will be something that
we will be using for the course. If you have trouble, contact me via email as soon as possible. Your parents
also have access to Edmodo and you can give them a parent code.
Assignment #2: A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn
1. Read the book. There are copies at the library, at local and online book retailers and at this website:
http://www.historyisaweapon.com/zinnapeopleshistory.html
2. For each chapter, provide a hand-written summary that addresses the major components of each chapter
along with the answer to the following questions/prompts.
a. What is the thesis of the chapter? Summarize the thesis in your own words and provide textual
evidence for the thesis.
b. How is Zinn’s argument different from “traditional” history? Provide textual evidence for this.
3. Answer the following essay question. No typed essays please. Please put your name (first, last) in the
upper right-hand corner, followed by the date on the next line. This essay will be graded as your first test
grade and will be graded according to the AP rubric, and should include a thesis and be written in proper
essay format. Blue or Black ink only.
a. Zinn proposes the argument that he is telling history from the people and not from those in power.
Support, modify or refute that he challenges “traditional” history in two of the following topics:
Native Americans
American Revolution
Industrial Workers
American Civil War
4. You will have an assessment on the first day of school on Zinn’s content.
“History is a guide to navigation in perilous times. History is who we are and why we are the way we are.” –David McCullough
Advanced Placement United States History
2015 Summer Assignment
AIS/Independence High School
1967 Patriot DR.
Charlotte, NC 28227
Assignment #3: Howard Zinn’s Biased History by Daniel Flynn
1. Read the article: http://hnn.us/article/1493 (you can also find it on the Edmodo site)
2. Write a 2-3 paragraph reflection on:
a. What are the differences between Zinn and Flynn?
b. What criticism does Flynn put forth of Zinn as a writer?
c. Which of these historians (Zinn or Flynn) would you rather have as your history teacher? Why?
Assignment #4: United States Map
1. Complete the blank map of the United States attached to the summer reading assignment.
a. Label the 50 States, along with their capitals in ink.
b. Label the Mississippi River, Great Lakes, Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and the
Hudson River in blue
c. Label the Appalachian Mountains, Rocky Mountains in brown
d. Label Mexico and Canada in green
2. Put your name (first, last) in the upper right hand corner, followed by the date on the next line.
3. Students will be expected to label the 50 states on a map and use critical thinking to analyze the map within
the first week of school WITHOUT the use of their map.
Materials Needed for the First day of Class:
1. Notebook paper, college ruled
2. Pen (blue or black ink only!)
3. #2 pencil
4. Summer assignments.
Guidelines for your AP US History Long Essay Question (Based on the Zinn text)
Argument-(Thesis)
• Contains a clear, well-developed thesis that addresses all components of the question. Is NOT a repeat of the prompt
Critical Thought• In-depth, effective analysis addressing differing sources and content
• Relevance of outside knowledge to the argument.
Evidence• Supports thesis with substantial, relevant information
• Demonstrates a strong command of outside sources to inform the response
• There is a comprehensive explanation and high degree of relevance
• Provides effective analysis of change over time; emphasis placed on the question topic.
• May contain minor errors
Writing Style• Is well organized and well written
• Proper sentence structure and mechanics is evident
• Proper MLA format for works cited and parenthetical notations is used (if required)
• Meets required length, font, margins and numbering sequence
Synthesis
• Counterargument and development; additional appropriate area of analysis/connects to other historical periods, geographical
contexts, or circumstances
If you find you need help over the summer, please contact me via Edmodo or my school email. I am available on a limited
basis through the summer holidays. Please note that my time is limited in the middle of August. Your questions and
concerns should come to me before August 17, 2015.
“History is a guide to navigation in perilous times. History is who we are and why we are the way we are.” –David McCullough
Advanced Placement United States History
2015 Summer Assignment
AIS/Independence High School
1967 Patriot DR.
Charlotte, NC 28227
“History is a guide to navigation in perilous times. History is who we are and why we are the way we are.” –David McCullough
Advanced Placement United States History
2015 Summer Assignment
AIS/Independence High School
1967 Patriot DR.
Charlotte, NC 28227
“History is a guide to navigation in perilous times. History is who we are and why we are the way we are.” –David McCullough