Advanced Placement Us History Syllabus 2017-18

ADVANCED PLACEMENT US HISTORY SYLLABUS 2017-18

Mr. Metzger, MA

RM 1729

Course Expectations

AP US History is a college course taught in high school to students who desire a challenge. The content in the course is organized thematically and is designed to teach historical thinking skills based upon the AP Curriculum Framework. Furthermore, it provides a college preparation foundation, and trains students to get a qualifying score on the national AP exam in early May. The course is demanding, requiring alarge investment of time and energy in reading and writing. The expectation is that you work hard inside and outside of class, that you behave respectfully, exhibit intellectual curiosity, and take the AP Exam in the Spring. A score of three or higher ensures college credit in most universities.

This is not a lecture course. You are expected to read the textbook and other reading material and come to class ready to discuss topics and content.

Required

1 ½” binder with 5 dividers, loose leaf notebook paper, spiral notebook, blue or black pen, red pen and other items tba. Bring text every day.

Grading—district policy

A variety of oral and written, group and individual assignments will be given.

Exams and projects—70%

Essays are graded based upon the College board rubric.

Multiple choice and essay tests are modeled after the AP exam. Questions come primarily from the textbook and will often cover information not discussed in class.
Special projects may be assigned periodically.

Daily Grades—30%

Includes daily quizzes, reading guides, history logs and otherclasswork.
Reading guides may be used on daily quizzes.
Completed reading guides count for extra credit on tests

DO NOT PROCRASTINATE: Even if a reading assignment is not due for two or three days it is advisable that you read a little every day rather than wait until the night before to do your reading guide. We seldom use class time to review for a test so likewise it is advisable that you study a little every day rather than cram the night before. All reading assignments are to be done at home. Do not read History in other classes without that teacher’s permission. If I find out you have done this, and I am encouraging other teachers to tell me, then you will get a 0 on that day’s quiz and reading guide.

Textbook: U.S. History, Amsco Publication. $18.95. Money must be turned in on or before Aug. 24, when the Amsco rep will be here to sell books. If you do not bring money that day you will have to buy a copy online and you will get behind on reading assignments.

Integrity: The highest degree of integrity is expected at all times. Every paper with your name on it should be your own, independent work, including reading guides. The cheater as well as the enabler will receive zeroes. Do not be a dirty, low-life, sleazy cheater, and don’t be the stupid, weak chump who did his own work but then enabled some lazy bum to cheat. When it comes to drugs and cheating, “just say no.”

School rules: School rulesare enforced in this classroom in reference to tardies, absences, make up work, late work, dress code, discipline etc. See student handbook.

Classroom Behavioral Expectations: There are three general principles regarding your classroom behavior. If you follow these three principles you will not do wrong. The other rules follow logically from these three.

Follow instructions
Be respectful (to me and your fellow students)
Do not be distracted or cause distractions. This course is hard and requires focus and concentration.

Follow common sense and common courtesy as well as these few rules:

Do not lay your head down on the desk. Do not sleep or look asleep. Do not argue if I tell you to wake up.
Do not throw things (like pencils for ex.)
You may drink in class but do not eat after the bell has rung. If you do the food is mine.
No personal grooming during class.
Stay seated until the bell rings.
If an unexpected technological problem causes an assignment to be late, a note signed by the parent must be submitted to verify the problem.

Cell Phone Policy: These devices will not be allowed unless the teacher specifically indicates so. A device that is used in class without permission will be placed in the designated location until the end of class. Repeat offenders may require further disciplinary action. If this becomes a chronic problem for an entire class all students will be required to put their phones in the calculator caddies on the side wall of the class. When you enter the class, your phone should be turned off and put in your bag or pocket.

Bonus points: Bonus points are awarded to test grades at teacher’s discretion for test corrections and after school or West Hour tutorial sessions. No grade can exceed 100.

Scope and Sequence: APUSH is organized around nine chronological periods. Period 1, 1491-1607, which corresponds to Chapter 1, will take about one week. Period 2, 1607-1754, corresponds to Chapters 2 and 3, and will take about two weeks. Period 3, 1754-1800, corresponds to Chapters 4-6, and will take about three weeks.Period 4, 1800-1848, corresponds to Chapters 7-11, and will take about five weeks. Period 5, 1848-1877, corresponds to Chapters 12-15, and 17 and will take about five weeks. This will conclude semester one. Semester two commences with Period 6, Chapters 16,18-19 and will take about three weeks. Period 7, 1898-1945, Chapters 20-25, will take about five weeks. Period 8, 1945-1980, Chapters 26-29, will take about three weeks. And finally Period 9, 1980-present, Chapters 30-31, will take about one week. There will be about two weeks of review prior to the AP Test on May 5th.

Useful Websites: Hip Hughes History and Crash Course in US History on Youtube.

ffapush.com; apush.northgwinnett.com; apushexplained.com; apushreview.com.

APUSH Agreement

I have read the AP US History syllabus and understand this is a college level course with all the challenges and intensity of such. I understand that the purpose of this course is to prepare students for the national AP US History Exam in May. To the best of my ability I will

Keep up with my assignments
Show academic maturity and intellectual curiosity
Maintain my integrity by placing my name only on work I have done and not cheat in any way.

If I have any problems I will contact Mr. Metzger asap.

Student signature______Date ______

Parent signature______Date______

Parent email______Parent phone #______

Computer access at home yes_____ No______

Internet access at home yes_____ No______