Advanced Placement United States History
Manhasset High School
2014-2015
AP United States History
Student Guidelines and Expectations
Course Description:
Advanced Placement United States History is a one-year intensive survey of North American History focused on, but not limited to the United States. The course will begin with an examination of the origins of the United States in the areas of culture, political structure, social dynamics and conclude with a brief overview of contemporary issues in the region today. This course will be a blend between a traditional high school class and a college level History course. The emphasis of this course will not be on the memorization of dates and figures (although some memorization will be required). This course will primarily focus on the development and improvement of the skills required for a college level course. These skills include independent study, analytical writing, and independent research. The course will culminate with the Advanced Placement Exam on May 8th and it is expected that all students in this course will be taking the Advanced Placement Exam.
Units:
Students will receive a detailed outline with specific due dates for assignments and tests throughout the year.
Attendance Policy:
The attendance policy for this class requires that you conform to the rules established by Manhasset High School and Manhasset Public Schools. Students who miss class because of an excused absence are responsible to SEE the instructor for work they miss. Lateness to class will be monitored daily and excessive lateness will carry a penalty. In addition, class participation is an essential part of a history course, and there will be numerous discussions that will require your daily attendance.
Grading Policy:
The final grade for this course will be comprised of the average of four quarters and standardized exams. Quarterly grades will be based on exams, projects, quizzes, homework assignments and class participation.
Tests:
● will be given on average two to three times per quarter and announced in advance.
● can be given over two days and contain both Multiple Choice and Essay Questions.
● will be made up promptly following an absence.
Projects:
● will involve in and out of class work and will emphasize students’ research skills and writing abilities.
● will involve individual or group work.
Quizzes:
Comprehensive Quizzes
● will be scheduled in advance.
● will cover a smaller amount of material than a Test.
Pop Quizzes
● will not be given regularly.
● will under special circumstances be used to evaluate Homework completion.
Homework:
As this is a college course, homework will need daily attention. However, the burden for budgeting your time for reading, writing and researching is largely left up to the student. If you need assistance in creating a work schedule, please discuss this with your instructor who will be happy to assist you. It is expected that you will be completing your assigned work in a timely fashion. Homework that is assigned and due on a specific date will be expected on the date it is due. However, it is understood that on occasion emergencies will happen. For this reason, students are permitted to turn in one assignment a day late per quarter. This is allowed for emergencies only. Please do not “plan” on being a day late as you will not be granted a "free" second lateness. After this one lateness subsequent late papers will not be accepted.
Class Participation:
Illegal Absences will negatively impact your participation grade and more importantly will endanger your standing in this course at any point during the year (including after the exam). Constructive, active participation includes speaking up during discussions, contributing to group activities, actively listening, responding to classmates and using online discussion boards that will be introduced during the first few weeks. On some occasions, students will be graded on in class discussions related to assigned readings following a discussion rubric.
Class Materials
● Textbooks-Distributed and will remain at home for reference.
● A binder with loose-leaf or a notebook and folder (I suggest you consider what will help you stay the most organized-you will be holding onto these materials and will need to reference handouts and notes for the Exam)
● Pens/Pencil
● Highlighter
(Special Note on Organization—It is highly recommended that students consider what means of organization will work best for them. Students arriving to class without the proper materials such as a binder or notebook for United States History will be considered unprepared)
With regard to plagiarism of any kind:
As written in theannualstudent planner, "To help students achieve their maximum academic potential, Manhasset Secondary School promotes an environment which fosters integrity and honorable conduct. Administrators, faculty, students and parents share the responsibility for maintaining an atmosphere in which personal accountability is valued." With this statement in mind, studentsmust maintain work that is theirs alone anddoes notviolate the academic integrity policy. Please refer to the handbook regarding the consequences and procedures used when an academic integrityviolation has occurred