AP US HistoryREQUIREDSummer Assignments:

  1. Go to our class website: Become familiar with this website and bookmark it. You will use it throughout the school year. Under “AP US history” on the right hand side, select “Note-taking guide.” Read it thoroughly. Taking notes in history classes is a KEY skill that you must do well. Pay attention to the suggestions on how you should take notes. You will use the Cornell note-taking style this year and to begin practicing this style, see #2!
  2. Purchase or borrow the text, Founding Brothersby Joseph Ellis. Read the text over the summer and take notes on each chapter according to Cornell style (see #1). Type your notes and organize them by chapter. Notes will consist of no more than 1 page typed(on one side, and use no smaller than 9 pt. font). Include page references s so you may find the important information later in the text. Don’t forget the summary at the end of each chapter!! You will be tested over the material in the book, but will be able to use your notes.
  3. Go to and find under “AP US History,” “Primary Source Documents.” Click on “primary source documents” and you will see a list of important primary sources you need to read before school starts. If you can, I would suggest (not required) that you print off each source, place them in plastic cover pages and put them in your binder. We will refer to these sources throughout the year. As you read each source, underline/highlight or write in the margins of the documents important topics, themes, questions and details you need to remember. Also, type a 1-2 sentence summary of each document that states the document’s significance, author, and date. This will be turned in for points the first week of school!
  4. Collaborative Project with Advanced American Literature Summer Assignment: Begin research on your History Day project. A History Day project is required for every student in AP US history. You have the option of taking your project to competition. Please go to to find information about a History Day project. The theme for 2012-2013 school year is Turning Points in History: People, Ideas and Events. On the History Day website, find the types of projects you can do: documentary, paper, exhibit, website, performance and consider what you would like to do. All of these projects can be completed in a group (up to 5 people) or individually EXCEPT for the paper which can only be completed on an individual basis. Complete the following once you understand the History Day project requirements. If you have Advanced American Literature at Central Academy, it is the samesummer project, so you will need to turn in TWO completed assignments, one to Mrs. Snyder and one to Mrs. Finnegan/Ms. Morain. If you are not in Advanced American Literature, you will only turn in ONE completed assignment to me.
  • Create 5 topics you would like to research that correspond to the theme. These topics should be of high interest to you as you will be researching them throughout the year.
  • Research and print 1 primary source for EACH topic you selected. A primary source is a physical object or document written or created at the time under study.
  • Read and complete a document analysis sheet for each primary source. The document analysis sheet can be found on our class website at under “AP US History” on the right side of the page.
  • For each of the 5 topics answer the question how does this topic relate to the history day theme (Type your topic idea, and then the question with your response).
  • For each of the 5 topics answer the question, why does this topic interest me and how can I connect this historical topic to today?(Type your topic idea, and then the question with your response).

AP US History OPTIONAL Summer Assignments:

  1. Print off and read through the syllabus and requirements-found on our class website at (Please note the syllabus may change!) Buy a 3 ring binder (min. 1 inch) to use for class throughout the year. Read the advice from 2011-2012 students!
  2. Select “ID QUIZ Terms” under AP US History on our class website. Read the directions. Research the terms for all 8 quizzes (who, what, when, where, significance)—go back to your syllabus to see when you will be quizzed over them. Now you have all the research completed so you don’t have to complete it through the school year when you are busy with other assignments.
  3. Print off and study the “Top 40 Events” in US history. You will be quizzed over them and may not miss more than 1 on the quiz—see syllabus for potential quiz dates.
  4. Find “AP US History”, “Chapter Lesson Form and Rubric” on our class website at Read over the expectations and details of this assignment. You and a partner will teach your classmates about a particular historical period using the textbook as your main reference point. We will sign up for these presentations the first week of school. The chapter lesson form and rubric will need to be turned in when you present.
  5. Find “Advanced Placement Agreement.” Read it over and sign. Pass it to your parents to read over and sign too.
  6. Know your states and capitals!!!

*I’m excited to personally meet all of you and to get to know you during the 2012-2013 school year! This class is a great opportunity to learn about your nation’s history and hear stories of the past! Feel free to email me over the summer at with any questions.