Ms. Michelle Menna- michelle.menna@lcps.org
AP U.S. HISTORY 2014-2015
Overview:
This course traces the American story from the first contact with Europeans and Native
Americans to the rise of the United States as the world’s major superpower. We seek to involve
every student in the discipline of history through interactive lectures, discussions, simulations, and
other various activities. Our mission for the year is to prepare for the Advanced Placement United
States History exam in May 2014. Due to the sheer amount of material we must cover, students must
be prepared to assume responsibility for synthesizing the information presented in class with the
outside readings in order to create a comprehensive understanding of the content. There is always
help and support available to every student, but you must be prepared to work, think, try, and seek
help when needed.
Advanced Placement US History places attention upon understandings equivalent to those
gained in a college level introductory course; emphasis is on the general narrative of American
history from 1400 to 2006; the study also includes an examination of the political, diplomatic,
intellectual, cultural, social, and economic history of the United States. While we understand that
you have outside responsibilities and are taking other courses, this is a college-level class and you
will be expected to work and think at the college level. You will need to put in the work to earn your
grade and AP score, meaning completing the reading, thinking about what you’ve read, practicing your
writing, and studying your notes outside of class. You will have a much harder time being successful if
you do not put in effort outside of class as you would for a college-level course.
AP TEST: MAY 8th
Materials for Success:
All students need a 3 ring binder with loose leaf paper, pencils/pens, highlighters and composition
notebooks. Students will be issued a text book, The Enduring Vision. Students are responsible for
bringing the text or supplemental readings as prescribed each day.
Expectations:
Follow all rules as prescribed in the Park View High School agenda/handbook (pages 7-14).
In terms of behavior, my only and most serious expectation is that you will treat everyone the way
that you would like to be treated. If students are having issues with appropriate conduct and
interaction, then they may participate in a retraining clinic to practice the necessary life skills that
need to be reviewed. Retraining clinics are held Monday – Friday at 8AM or 4PM.
Grading:
Your grade will be determined based on the following summative assessments:
 Unit Tests
 DBQ Practice
 Projects/ Essays
 Class Discussions
 Document Analysis
 Quizzes
 Reading Quizzes/Responses
 Identifications
Major Assignments:
 Reading Log: Throughout the quarter you will be assigned articles to read. For each article you
will complete a reading log, which will be checked periodically at the time of the unit test.
 Identifications: Each unit will have identifications for you to complete. These are expected to be
detailed. Each term requires a detailed description of the who, what, where, when, and most
importantly, the significance of the term.
 Chapter outlines/summaries/questions: For each chapter you will have a corresponding
assignment. These will include outlines, summaries, or questions for you to answer. In these
questions you will be expected to include key terms from the chapter and provide detailed
analysis.
 Homework: In addition to the readings, you will be assigned other homework. In order to be
successful in this course, you must do the homework.
Units of Study:
Unit One- 1491-1607
Unit Two- 1607-1754
Unit Three- 1754-1800
Unit Four- 1800-1848
Unit Five- 1844-1877
Unit Six- 1865-1898
Historical Thinking Skills
Historical causation
Patterns of continuity and change over time
Periodization
Comparison
Contextualization
Unit Seven- 1890-1945
Unit Eight- 1945-1980
Unit Nine- 1980-Present
Historical argumentation
Appropriate use of relevant historical evidence
Interpretation
Synthesis
Test Retake Policy:
Students will be allowed to correct any of the graded assessments. Corrections are due a week after the
assessment is handed back to the students.
1. Procedure for multiple choice questions:
a. Rewrite the question and answer in a complete sentence.
b. Explain why the first answer is incorrect or why it was missed.
c. Explain why the new answer is correct and where the new answer was obtained.
2. Written assignments:
a. Using the feedback on the graded assessment, rewrite or revise the portion of the written
assessment that was incorrect or lost points.
Late Work Policy:
All late work must be turned in by the time of the unit test. Late work for that unit will not be accepted
once the unit test has been taken.
Instructor Availability
I am available before school or after school to provide extra help. Please let me know when you are
planning on coming so I will be sure to be available at that time. You can also reach me by email at
michelle.menna@lcps.org.
Student signature: _____________________________________________ Date: _________