Advanced Placement United States History

HIS40-14, 2012-2013
Mrs. Susanna Waters Classroom L30 Description: This AP course explores the development of America starting with the arrival of European settlers in the early 17th century and ending with more contemporary issues of the latter 20th and early 21st centuries. In each unit, our class will examine and weigh topics for their political, social, economic, global and historical significance. Students will learn to explore the multiple interpretations of a historical event, and give thought to point of view and bias. Much attention will be devoted to developing critical thinking through class discussion, as well as working on primary document analysis skills and essay writing. Students will work consistently throughout to prepare themselves for the AP exam in May. In addition, class time will be devoted to outlining current events, which will help students to learn how relevant historical knowledge can be in understanding todays politics and culture. Texts: Davidson, James West, et al. Nation of Nations: A Narrative History of the American Republic. 6th ed. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2008. Degler, Carl N. Out of Our Past: The Forces That Shaped Modern America. 3rd ed. New York: HarperPerennial, 1984. Newman, John J. United States History: Preparing for the Advance Placement Examination. New York: Amsco School Publications, Inc., 2004. Website: We have a class blog! This site will serve to keep us up to date on assignments, as a forum for survey and discussion, and as a launching pad to the rest of the web which will help aid our research as historians. You can access the blog at watersapus.blogspot.com. I will teach you in class how to follow it and other pertinent details. Check it nightly! Supplies: Pen/pencil, highlighter, notebook paper, three ring binder with dividers for history. If you have a laptop or iPad, bring it to classwe will use it often. You must be prompted by me to open your computer, otherwise, it should remain in your bag. In addition, cell phones are not allowed unless I grant you specific permission. At the start of class everyday, you will place your phone in the designated bin by the door. Failure to do so will result in the confiscation of the device for the remainder of the school day. Cell: (781) 248-6235 swaters@brookssschool.org

Class Participation & Attendance: Students are expected to participate in class discussions and activities, both through active listening and thoughtful contribution. Full credit will be awarded to those students who demonstrate their involvement by asking questions, offering valuable insight, and showing respect for classroom policies and procedures. Attendance is an essential component of class participation. In the case of an excused absence, the student may consult his or her assignment sheet and submit the work by the next class meeting. Any exceptions must be arranged ahead of time and receive approval. However, if the absence is unexcused, then the work due for the class missed will receive a zero (this also includes anything administered during class time). Students who attend class, but submit late work will face a grade deduction of one letter grade (e.g. an A paper becomes a B). In accordance with Brooks School policy, no late work will be accepted past three days following the due date. Homework Assignments: Assignments will be approximately 45 minutes per night. All written work, or work to be submitted electronically, is due by the beginning of the class period. Do not bother to email assignments or show up to class late because you were printing, as the assignment will be counted as late anyway. Formal Assessment: Fair warning and review will be given for all DBQs, quests and tests that students will enjoy this year. The class will usually receive notice of a quiz, though once in a while you may encounter a pleasant surprise. The AP exam will be administered on Wednesday May 15th 2013. Students should expect to meet as a class following the exam. Projects/Essays: Much attention will be devoted to writing throughout the year, so instruction in formatting and citation will further illuminate expectations. However, please know now that all papers must be 12-point default font, double spaced with 1 margins, and stapled properly before submission. All homework must be typed or in pen, though in-class work can be in pencil. Accurate and consistent notation is compulsory, and any instance of plagiarism will receive a zero and be referred to the Deans office for disciplinary action. Grades: Averages are calculated by a point system. The students total points will be divided by the total points possible in the quarter/semester/year. Please see Mrs. Waters AT ANY TIME about any concerns you might have regarding your grade (or anything else!). I am, and hope you are too, looking forward to a great year!