Mrs. Snyder
2011-2012
AP U.S. History
Course # 233
AP AMERICAN HISTORY SYLLABUS
Credit Earned: 1
Prerequisite:
Level: Advanced Placement
Textbooks: Specified Below
I.
SCHOOL PROFILE
Hillcrest High School is located in Country Club Hills, IL. It is a public high school that serves 1200
students from grades 9-12.
II.
OVERVIEW OF ADVANCED PLACEMENT U. S. HISTORY
A. Program: Advanced Placement U.S. History is offered to high school juniors. The
school has opened enrollment in its honors classes, as well as to students that show
aptitude in history classes. The school recommends that students earn at least a B in an
honors course or an A in a regular social studies course when she or he elects the AP
course.
B. AP Class Size: 25-30 students per class
C. Course Design: AP U.S. History is a challenging course that is meant to be the
equivalent of a freshman college course and can earn students college credit if they do
well on the AP Exam given in May. It is a two- semester survey of American history
from the age of exploration and discovery to the present. Solid reading and writing skills,
along with a willingness to devote considerable time to homework and study, are
necessary to succeed. Emphasis is placed on critical and evaluative thinking skills, essay
writing, interpretation of original documents, and historiography.
D. Course Objectives: Students will:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
E.
Course Texts and Readings:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
F.
Master a broad body of historical knowledge
Demonstrate an understanding of historical chronology
Use historical data to support an argument or position
Differentiate between historiographical schools of thought
Interpret and apply data from original documents, including cartoons, graphs,
and letters
Effectively use analytical skills of evaluation, cause and effect, compare and
contrast
Prepare for and successfully pass the Advanced Placement Exam
Katzman and Norton: A People and a Nation
Bailey and Kennedy: The American Spirit Vols. 1 and 2
Johnson: A History of the American People
Newman and Schmalbach: United States History: Preparing for the Advanced
Placement Exam
Hofstadter: The Age of Reform
Zinn: A People’s History of the United States
Princeton Review Text: cracking the AP Exam
Course Purpose: This course has several purposes. First, students will learn U.S.
History and government. The course is also intended to prepare students to take the
Advanced Placement American History Exam.
Mrs. Snyder
2011-2012
AP U.S. History
Course # 233
G. Organization and Assignments:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Chapter assignment sheets will be provided and due at the end of every unit of
study. These chapter sheets are to coincide with the daily readings.
Outside readings from other sources (primary and secondary), along with
reading questions will be due at the end of the unit of study.
Students will be responsible for keeping up with readings and be aware of,
and ready for, quizzes and tests.
Class will be a combination of lecture, group work, coverage of discussion
questions and answering student questions.
All tests will mirror the AP Exam; there will be multiple choice exams, essay
exams, and DBQ exams.
Tests will be given at the end of every unit of study.
H. Study Techniques:
1.
2.
3.
4.
I.
The reading load is considerable; it is the responsibility of the student to keep
up.
Time management is an essential skill for this class.
Students will get used to the workload, DO NOT GIVE UP.
Keep working to get better, if you need help come and see me.
Grading: The grading scale is as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
A= 100%- 90%
B= 89%-80%
C= 79%-70%
D= 69%-60%
E= 59%-0%
This scale applies to tests, quizzes and assignments, on a 5.0 scale.
J.
Attendance: Attendance in this class is essential. Much of the material for success is
provided through lecture/discussion. Missing class can create problems.
K. Advanced Placement Exam: The AP Exam is given in May. Registration for the exam
takes place in February. Although taking the exam is not required, it is highly
recommended and may earn you college credit. Buy the ticket take the ride.
III. COURSE OUTLINE
SEMESTER ONE
A. Unit One: Colonial History (2 weeks)
1.
2.
Norton, Chapters 1-3
Newman, Chapters 1-2
B. Themes
1.
2.
The emergence of American cultural traits and the factors that contributed to them
Emerging regional patterns and how they evolved
C. Content
1.
2.
3.
Motives and methods of colonization: Spain, France, and Great Britain
Push-pull factors bringing colonists to the New World
Comparison and contrast of Southern, Middle and New England political, economic,
social, and religious patterns
Mrs. Snyder
2011-2012
4.
AP U.S. History
Course # 233
Cultural differences between Americans and Europeans
D. Assignments and Assessment
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Chapter worksheets due
Outside reading questions due
Multiple Choice Test
Essay Test
DBQ Test: Colonial Society
A. UNIT TWO: Independence (2 Weeks)
1.
2.
Norton, Chapters 4-6
Newman, Chapters 4-5
B. Themes
1.
2.
3.
Colonists reevaluate their relationship with Great Britain and with each other
The American Revolution as conservative, economic, social or radical movement
Birth of a Republic
C. Content
1.
2.
3.
4.
Mercantilism, costs and benefits for Britain and colonies
British policy changes, post 1763
Emerging colonial cooperation and decision for independence
Outcome of the war
D. Assignments and Assessments
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Chapter Sheets due
Outside reading questions due
Multiple choice Test
Essay test
DBQ Test: Impact of the French and Indian War
A. UNIT THREE: Critical Period (1-2 Weeks)
1.
2.
3.
Norton, Chapters 7-8
Newman, Chapters 6-7
Bailey and Kennedy, Chapters 9-11
B. Themes
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Impact of colonial experience on post-independence American government
Development of the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights
The emergence of political parties and the dividing factors
The development of sectional specialization and interdependence
The conflict between national power and states’ rights
C. Content
1.
2.
3.
Positives and negatives of the Articles of Confederation
Constitutional Convention
Hamilton vs. Jefferson
Mrs. Snyder
2011-2012
4.
Presidencies of Washington and Adams
D. Assignments and Assessments
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Chapter Sheets due
Outside reading questions due
Multiple Choice test
Essay test
DBQ test: Constitution and Articles of Confederation
A. UNIT FOUR: Age of Jefferson and Nationalism (1-2 weeks)
1.
2.
Norton, Chapters 9-10
Newman, Chapters 7-8
B. Themes
1.
2.
3.
The peaceful transfer of power from one party to another
Changes in party positions
National growth and the growth of nationalism
C. Content
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Jefferson’s “Revolution of 1800”
Federalists vs. Democratic Republicans
Louisiana Purchase
War of 1812
Era of Good Feelings
Rise of Nationalism
Diplomatic Achievements
Marshall Court
Monroe Doctrine
D. Assignments and Assessments
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Chapter Sheets due
Outside reading questions due
Multiple Choice test
Essay test
DBQ test: War of 1812
A. UNIT FIVE: Age of Jackson (1-2 weeks)
1.
2.
Norton, Chapters 11-12
Newman, Chapters 10-11
B. Themes
1.
2.
3.
4.
C. Content
The emergence of the second American party system
The emergence of the “Common Man” in American politics
Geographical and economic expansion
Reform movements and the American character
AP U.S. History
Course # 233
Mrs. Snyder
2011-2012
1.
2.
AP U.S. History
Course # 233
Elections of 1824 and 1828 and the founding of Jacksonian Democracy
Jackson’s Presidency
a.
b.
c.
d.
3.
4.
Spoils system
Nullification
Destruction of the Second Bank
Native American policies
Manifest Destiny
Immigration; social, political and economic developments; and reform movements, 18201850
D. Assignments and Assessments
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Chapter sheets due
Outside readings sheet due
Multiple Choice test
Essay test
DBQ test- Andrew Jackson
A. UNIT SIX: Union in Peril (3-4 Weeks)
1.
2.
Newman Chapters 13-15
Norton Chapters 14-16
B. Themes
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Sectionalism
Slavery and the causes of the Civil War
Secession and war
Reconstruction issues and plans
The fight for equality
Native American policies
C. Content
1.
2.
Slavery as a social and economic system
Politics of slavery
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Missouri Compromise
Abolitionists
Compromise of 1850
Kansas-Nebraska Act
Dred Scott
Lincoln-Douglass
John Brown
Elections of 1856 and 1860
Military strategies, strengths and weaknesses, events and outcomes
Social, economic and political impact of the war on the North and South
Presidential v. Congressional Reconstruction plans and outcomes
The New South
Compromise of 1877
Booker T. Washington v. W.E.B. DuBois, Ida B. Wells
Mrs. Snyder
2011-2012
9.
Indian Wars and Dawes Act
D. Assignments and Assessments
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Chapter Sheets due
Outside reading sheets due
Multiple Choice test
Essay test
DBQ test: Civil War Causes
A. UNIT SEVEN: Industrialization of America (2 weeks)
1.
2.
3.
Newman, Chapters 17-19
Norton, Chapters 18-20
Zinn, Chapters 10-11
B. Themes
1.
2.
3.
4.
Political corruption during the Gilded Age
Role of government in economic growth and regulation
Social, economic, and political impact of industrialization
Old immigrants v. New immigrants
C. Content
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Gilded Age Politics: Corruption and Care- taker Presidents
Industrial growth
Government support and actions
Robber Barons
Rise of Labor
The new battle Labor v. Management
D. Assignments and Assessments
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Chapter Sheets due
Outside reading questions due
Multiple Choice test
Essay test
DBQ: Industrialization
A. UNIT EIGHT: Populists and Progressives (2-3 weeks)
1.
2.
Newman, Chapter 21
Norton, Chapter 21
B. Themes
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
C. Content
Role of government in the economy
Rise of the third party Populist Movement
Immigration and urbanization
Reformers
Importance of William Jennings Bryan
TR/Taft/Wilson: The Progressive Presidents
AP U.S. History
Course # 233
Mrs. Snyder
2011-2012
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
AP U.S. History
Course # 233
Rise of the political farmer, the Agrarian Revolt
Immigration and urbanization in the 19th Century
Social and cultural developments of the late 19th Century
Elections of 1896 and 1912
Middle-class reformers
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
6.
Muckrakers
Women’s issues and roles
Political corruption and reforms
Consumer and environmental protection
Business and labor issues
TR, Taft and Wilson administration and the Progressive Movement
D. Assignments and Assessments
1.
2.
3.
4.
Chapter Sheets due
Outside reading questions due
Essay Test
Multiple Choice test
SEMSTER BREAK WORK: to write out by hand the terms from the beginning of US History
through WW I.
IV. COURSE OUTLINE SECOND SEMESTER
A. UNIT NINE: Imperialism and World War One (1-2 weeks)
1.
2.
Newman, Chapters 20 and 22
Norton, Chapters 22-23
B. Themes
1.
2.
3.
The role of the US in world affairs, from isolation to power
US reasons for involvement in WW I and the aftermath
The President v. Congress, the fight for peace
C. Content
1.
2.
Reasons for interest in world affairs
Spanish-American War
a.
b.
c.
d.
3.
4.
Cuban situation and US reaction
Military preparedness and action
Treaty Provisions
Philippine Annexation
Open Door Policy
TR’s Big Stick Diplomacy
a.
b.
c.
Roosevelt Corollary
Panama
Nobel Peace Prize
Mrs. Snyder
2011-2012
5.
6.
AP U.S. History
Course # 233
Taft’s Dollar Diplomacy
Wilson
a.
b.
c.
7.
The war at Home
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
8.
Mexico
Neutrality 1914-1917
World War I
Economic impact
Harassment of the German and Irish Americans
Women and minorities
Espionage and Sedition Acts
Business and Labor relations
Wartime propaganda
The Treaty of Versailles and the fight
D. Assignments and Assessments
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Chapter sheets due
Outside reading questions due
Multiple Choice Test
Essay Test
DBQ: Treaty of Versailles
A. UNIT TEN: 1920’s and 1930’s (2-3 weeks)
1.
2.
3.
Newman, Chapters 23-24
Norton, Chapters 25-26
Bailey and Kennedy Vol.II, Chapters 33-34
B. Themes
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Post WW I compared to post-Civil War nativism, laissez-faire, labor-government,
farmers, attitudes toward reform
US pursuit of “advantages without responsibilities”
Cultural conflicts: native v. foreign; rural v. urban
Revolution in manners and morals
Role of government in society and the economy
Political realignment
Human suffering and response to the Great Depression
C. Content
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Post war recession and agricultural problems
Intolerance
KKK
Immigration restriction
Sacco and Vanzetti
Prohibition and Organized Crime
Jazz Age
Business growth
Harding, Coolidge, Hoover administrations
a. Scandals
Mrs. Snyder
2011-2012
AP U.S. History
Course # 233
b.
c.
d.
e.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Trickle-Down Economics
“Business of America is Business”
Boom and Bust in the Stock market
Foreign Policy
Hoover v. FDR’s approaches to the Depression
New Deal Legislation Pro’s and Con’s
Supreme Court Plan
Dust Bowl Migration
Demagogues: Coughlin, Long, and Townsend
Impact of the Great Depression
D. Assignments and Assessments
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Chapter Sheets Due
Outside Readings Due
Multiple Choice Test
Essay Test
DBQ Test- New Deal
A. UNIT ELEVEN: World War II and the Birth of the Cold War ( 3 weeks)
1.
2.
Newman, Chapters 25-26
Norton, Chapters 27-28
B. Themes
1.
2.
3.
Comparison of Wilson and Roosevelt as neutrals, wartime leaders, Allied partners and
post war planners
US adopts new role as peacetime leader in post-war world
Home front conduct during WWI and WW II
C. Content
1.
2.
3.
Neutrality and Lend Lease
Pearl Harbor
Military Strategy
a.
b.
c.
d.
4.
Home Front
a.
b.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Germany First
Second Front Debate
Island Hopping
Atomic Bombs
Relocation of Japanese-Americans
Women and Minorities in the Workplace
Atlantic Charter
Wartime Conferences
Founding of the UN
Berlin
Truman Doctrine
Marshall Plan
NATO
Mrs. Snyder
2011-2012
AP U.S. History
Course # 233
12. Korea
D. Assignments and Assessments
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Chapter Sheets Due
Outside reading sheets Due
Multiple Choice Test
Essay Test
DBQ Test
A. UNIT TWELVE: Post War Domestic Issues (2-3 weeks)
1.
2.
Newman, Chapters 27-28
Norton, Chapters 28, 32
B. Themes
1.
2.
3.
Continued impact of the governments role in society
Struggle for civil liberties and Civil Rights
Checks and balances at work in American politics
C. Content
1.
Truman
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
2.
Eisenhower
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
3.
Fair Deal
GI Bill
Taft-Hartley Act
22nd Amendment
1948 election
McCarthyism
Modern Republicanism
Highway Act
Brown v. Board of Ed.
Warren Court
JFK/LBJ
a. Civil Rights Movement
b. War on Poverty and the Great Society
c. Counterculture Movement
D. Assignments and Assessments
1. Chapter Sheets due
2. Outside reading questions due
3. Multiple Choice Test
4. Essay Test
5. DBQ Test- Malcolm X v. Martin
A. UNIT THIRTEEN: Foreign Policy Eisenhower-Reagan (1-2 weeks)
1. Newman, Chapters 29-30
2. Norton, Chapters 30, 33
3. Bailey and Kennedy, Chapters 40-41
Mrs. Snyder
2011-2012
AP U.S. History
Course # 233
B. Themes
1. Cold War battles and races
2. Vietnam Syndrome in post war policy
3. Human rights v. self interest in policy formation
4. Interrelationship of foreign policy and economic stability
C. Content
1.
Eisenhower
a. The Dulles brothers
b. Massive retaliation
c. Korea
d. Vietnam- French, Geneva and South Vietnam
e. U-2
2.
Kennedy
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Flexible response
Social and economic development
Peace Corps
Cuba
Vietnam
Johnson
a.
Vietnam
3.
4.
Nixon/Ford
a. Vietnamization
b. Nixon Doctrine
c. Triangular Diplomacy China-Russia-Vietnam
5.
Carter
a.
b.
c.
d.
6.
Reagan
a.
b.
c.
Camp David
Iran
SALT II
Panama and Cuba
Evil Empire
SDI
End of the Cold war
D. Assignments and Assessments
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
V.
Chapter sheets due
Outside reading sheets due
Multiple choice test
Essay Test
DBQ test- Cold war
After the Exam
1. Constitution Test
2. American History 1988-Present