Advanced Placement United States History (APUSHistory)
Ms. McWilliams
Course Description
United States History II is a chronological survey course detailing American history from the late 1800s to the present. It incorporates a social science approach to the study of American economic, cultural, political, social and diplomatic history. It concentrates on America's rise to becoming a world power, domestic developments, how the United States functions with diverse cultures and ethnic groups internally, and how she fits into the newly changing external world.
US History II is both a history and current events course wrapped into one. You cannot and will not be able to appreciate and understand events that are happening in America and the world today unless you know how events have unfolded in the recent past. Much of how the world works to this day is based on people’s actions over the last 100+ years. We will work together to uncover what happened, why it happened and how it impacts us today.
Throughout the course we will examine people, places, events, music, art, movies, culture and more. In addition to the content, there will be a heavy emphasis on social studies skills. As we move through the year students will not only be expected to become successful students of history but also to greatly increase their abilities to read, write and speak about America’s place in the world in a knowledgeable manner.
AP USII vs. Honors USI
AP USII is the second part of a two year Advanced Placement curriculum offered by Somerville High School and the College Board. AP United States History II covers the content from 1877 to the present. Students will be expected to take the AP examination in May, which will cover content from both Honors USI and AP USII. Although AP USII is a continuation of Honors USI, students taking this course will face a different set of demands than in the past. We will cover content much more quickly than students do in USI while there will be more of a focus on making connections between the two courses. In addition students will continually hone their skill set for the AP exam by practicing Document Based Questions, Short/Long Essay Questions and by AP Exam style tests. Students taking this class must be prepared to do a significant amount of challenging reading and writing and work both in and out of the classroom in order to have a successful experience in the course.
Units of Study
1. Frontier to Factory Chapter(s) 23-26
2. American Imperialism Chapter(s) 27
3. The Progressive Era Chapter(s) 28-29
4. World War I Chapter(s) 29
5. The Roaring 20s Chapter(s) 30
6. The Great Depression Chapter(s) 31-32
7. World War II Chapter(s) 33-34
8. Cold War and Conformity Chapter(s) 35-36
9. The 60s and 70s Chapter(s) 37-38
10. Toward A New Century Chapter(s) 39-41
Evaluation and Grading:
Your grade in this class will be based on a points system meaning the total number of points you earn will be divided by the total number of possible points. Your final average will be based on the four marking. Students take the AP Exam in May will be considered for final exam
Tests: In an effort to prepare you for the AP Examination and to test the knowledge you have acquired, most units will end with a test. Any subjects mentioned in class, our textbook or other assigned readings may appear on a test. A piece of information found in a reading but not addressed in class is still very likely to appear on an test, so make sure to read closely! However, the teacher does reserve the right to give one at any time. Tests will be worth about 100 points each.
Document Based Questions (DBQs): Along with tests, these are the most frequent way your content knowledge and skill level will be tested in this course. DBQ writing will be taught at the beginning of the year and students can expect to complete a number of these this year.
Projects and Essays: It is expected that you do a quality job on all take home assignments as you will have plenty of time to create, ask questions, and refine before handing in or presenting the final product. Projects and essays, depending on the size, will be worth 25-100 points each.
Homework: You will be given reading on a nightly basis. Some nights there will be accompanying questions; other nights you will just be asked to take notes. Reading is the key to this course. It will make or break your grade so make sure to do it all even when no questions are assigned. Assignments will be announced in class, can be found on the unit calendars and posted on my website. Homework assignments with questions will be normally be worth 10 points and graded on the quality and correctness of answers.
Participation: Class participation is more than just raising your hand and answering questions. It also means that you come to class prepared with all materials, that you listen to your peers, and that you are respectful and actively engaged in the learning process.
Late Assignments/Absences: For each day that any assignment is overdue the overall maximum score will drop by 10% of its value. If you are absent for one day, you will be given two days to make up the assignment for full credit. Those who cut class will not be given the chance to make up an assignment. For those who miss a test see me the day you get back and we will schedule a makeup time together within two days. Please refer to the student handbook as all school policies apply to my class.
Academic Integrity: Students are expected to do their own work, whether in class or at home. There will be no toleration for cheating. Students who copy, students who let others copy, and students who plagiarize are all considered to be cheating. No matter what the value of the work, students will receive a zero. The assignment may not be made up. In addition, students will be subject to school sanctions as well (see the student handbook for further information).
An Important Distinction: Collaborating vs. Copying
Students are welcome to ask each other about homework they find confusing. In fact, discussion among peers is both beneficial and encouraged. However, such cooperation is only truly helpful if all parties come to understand the material on their own. Students should then be able to leave the discussion, return to their own homework, and use their own words to explain the answer. This means that the submitted work should be individualized, reflecting each student’s own wording and understanding. Work which does not meet this standard will be considered plagiarism.
Materials
· Both textbooks can be left at home.
o Kennedy, David M., and Lizbeth Cohen. The American Pageant. 16th ed. Cengage Learning. Boston, MA. 2016 (primary textbook)
o Bailey, Thomas A. and David M. Kennedy. The American Spirit: United States History as Seen by Contemporaries, Volumes 1 and 2. 11th ed., D.C. Heath and Co. 2016 (primary source readings book)
· You will need the following everyday in class:
o Pen/Pencil
o Three Ring Binder with loose leaf paper inside (You can use a spiral notebook, but a binder will be much more effective for organizing returned assignments).
· You will also need computer and internet access, though not every night. If you do not have a computer or internet access at home, please see me so we can discuss an easy solution.
How to Contact Me
I am here for you! As AP students you must show responsibility for your work. If you have non-urgent questions or want to set up an appointment to meet, please email me. If you need help, my door is always open. The best place to find me will be in Room 212 before/after school. If you need to see me during the school day and I’m not teaching, I will most likely be in the Social Studies Office. Please be aware that the later in the night that you email me, the less likely I am to return your email in time.
I will give you 100 percent everyday. I expect you to do the same. Come with a positive attitude and respect for all. I am looking forward to a great year!