AGBU MANOOGIAN-DEMIRDJIAN SCHOOL
ADVANCED PLACEMENT U.S. HISTORY SYLLABUS
Instructor: Mrs. R. Bedrossian
Room 216
COURSE TEXT
America’s History, 8th edition; Henretta, Hinderaker, Edwards, Self
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. 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 independent study, are necessary to succeed. Emphasis is placed on critical and evaluative thinking skills, essay writing, interpretation of original documents, and historiography.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Students will:
- 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, letters, etc.
- Effectively use analytical skills of evaluation, cause and effect, compare and contrast
- Work effectively with others to produce products and solve problems
- Prepare for and successfully pass the Advanced Placement Exam
COURSE PURPOSE
This course has several purposes. First and foremost, students will learn U.S. history. The course is also intended to prepare students to take the AP U.S. History Exam.
STUDY TECHNIQUES
The reading load is considerable. While each student is expected to read all text material, discussing questions and answers with other students may be beneficial. You are responsible for understanding all of the material for testing. The amount of time required for homework for this class will vary with your reading speed. Assignments vary in length. Watch your OWS and plan ahead for long assignments, tests, etc. Time management is an essential skill for this class, and you must take the responsibility for budgeting your time. As you become accustomed to the course format and text, things will fall into place and become easier. It is important to remain encouraged.
THE KEY TO SUCCESS
The most important grading factor in this class is consistent effort and improvement. Stay motivated if it takes you a little longer to achieve expectations. If you knew the material already, then you wouldn’t need the course. What you will learn in terms of writing, thinking, and study skills will be worth the effort!
ATTENDANCE
Attendance in this class is essential. Much of the material for success is provided through lecture/discussion. Missing class can create problems.
COMPREHENSIVE EXAMS
A quarterly exam may be administered at the end of the first quarter, as well as a cumulative 3rd quarter exam. A mid-term exam will be given at the end of the first semester. Of course, the AP Exam is scheduled for May. Taking the exam is a requirement of this course.
COURSE OUTLINE
UnitDates CoveredAreas of Particular Focus
11450-1700Content: Contact and collision of cultures
Theme: Environment
21660-1763Content: Colonial comparisons
Theme: Peopling
31763-1820Content: The American Revolution
Theme: Identity
4 1800-1860Content: Growth and spread of democracy and capitalism
Theme: Work, Exchange, and Technology
51844-1877Content: Division, war, and reunion
Theme: Politics and Power
Mid-term exam
61877-1917Content: The Gilded Age
Theme: Ideas, Beliefs, and Culture
71890-1945Content: Reforming the system-and the world
Theme: America in the World
81945-1980Content: The Cold War and liberalism
Theme: Identity
91980 to the PresentContent: Globalization and conservatism
Theme: America in the World
Review for AP exam