ADVANCED PLACEMENT UNITED STATES HISTORY

COURSE SYLLABUS

COURSE DESCRIPTION

AP American History is a college course in the social, political, economical, and cultural history of the <= st1:country-region w:st=3D"on">United States from Reconstruc= tion until the year 2000. This is not acollege prep = or honors class. It is a college level class in which the goal is to prepare students to take the AP exam in May so they may achieve college credit. As a result of this class students should develop a strong background in U.S. History; while they learn, practice, and demonstrate higher level thinking skills; and they should develop study skills and time management skills comparable to or greater than a college student taking U.S. History. The ri= gors of this course should put you far ahead of other students who do not take AP when you enter college.

Students will be expected to spend at least 8-10 hours= a week outside of class reading, writing responses to various topics presente= d in class, researching historical topics, and studying information assigned in = the text. As well as supplemental information that is provided. Students will be provided a study guide before each chapter/topic to assist with outlining a= nd assigned readings. Students are expected to refer to the Skills Workbook for each unit to guide them in their studies and to provide valuable information for writing Free Response Questions and Document Based Questions.

WHY AP?

In addition to the skills you will acquire as stated a= bove, successful completion of the AP exam may exempt you from taking introductory level history classes in college. More than 2800 colleges and universities grant credit in varying amounts for high scores on the AP test. A complete = list of colleges accepting AP credits can be found on the College Board website,= www.collegeboard.com. Reports from Colleges and Universities indicate that AP students are better prepared for college life in the following areas:

Skills Workbook is a valuable resource to use with the group. I= f you with= your group with prior notice or to use our school’s media center.

GRADE

This course is graded on a point basis. Most tests cou= nt for 100 points; essays and Document Based Questions usually count 50 points. Participation in class activities, independent assignments, and group proje= cts will receive a separate assessment grade. Pop quizzes from reading assignme= nts will usually range from 20 to 50 points. Extra credit is not given in this course.

Successful completion of this course satisfies the high school graduation requirement for U.S. History.

COURSE OUTLINE

RECONSTRUCTION

Chapter 22: the Ordeal of Reconstruction