AP U.S. History
Guide
Description
This course is designed to be a challenge equivalent to an introductory college course. The course is
divided into two semesters: Discovery through the Gilded Age and The Road to Empire to the present.
The areas of concentration include historical, political and economic history coupled with an intense
study of cultural and intellectual institutions and their development. This course is taught at the college
level, and the major differences between a high school class and a college class are the amount of
reading and focus. Most high school classes stress “What Happened?” intending to provide enough
background to ensure good citizenship. College courses stress “Why and How” things happened as
well as the consequences of actions. An Additional fee is required for the AP Exam.
Course Expectations
1.
Students will master a broad body of information and display historical knowledge.
2.
Students will use Historical data to support an argument.
3.
Students will interpret and apply data from primary source documents.
4.
Students will effectively use analytical skills of evaluation, cause and effect, and compare and
contrast.
5.
Students will prepare for the Advanced Placement Exam.
Average weekly time commitment
4-6 hours
Resources/Supplies/Materials
1.
Pens/Pencils
2.
Notebook/Paper
3.
Textbook
4.
Folder/Binder
Evaluation
1.
Tests: Unit essays will be considered test grades. Therefore, regular unit
tests will be multiple choice only and written to reflect samples of AP Exam
style questions.
2.
Short Answer/Free Response Essay/DBQ Essay (Historical writing
component of the class!)
3.
Unit Assignments: A. Focus questions related to the textbook and
packets B. Group Projects, Video analysis and simulation activities
4.
Semester Exams