ADVANCED PLACEMENT US HISTORY

SYLLABUS AND READING LIST

The objective of this course is to increase the students understanding and

appreciation for United States history from the discovery to the present with the goal
of having each student pass the Advanced Placement Exam. The course is divided
into two semesters: discovery through the Civil War, and Reconstruction through the
present. The areas of concentration include historical data, political and economic
history coupled with an intense study of cultural, religious and intellectual
development. This course is taught at the college level. The major differences
between a high school and college history course are the focus and the amount of
reading and writing. College courses encourage knowledge of content but in
addition stress the why and how as well as the consequences and varying points of
view.

TEXT:

The American Pageant (12th edition), Thomas Bailey, Lizabeth Cohen & David M.
Kennedy

SELECTED SUPPLEMENTARY READING FROM:

Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Issues in American History, Volumes I and II (3rd
edition), Larry Madaras & James M Sorelle

The American Spirit, Bailey and Kennedy

Annual Editions in American History. Volumes I and II. R Maddox

Great Issues in American History. C. VerSteeg, R. Hofstader

Opposing Viewpoints in American History. W. Dudley

Additional resources may be used.

**Each student who expects to take the AP Exam at the end of the second semester
should purchase a current AP Exam Review book and use it throughout the year to
study previous material and practice the writing prompts. On-going review and
writing practice is the key to doing well on the AP Exam in May.
Grading: The 9-week grade will be calculated by averaging daily and homework
grades (10%), quiz grades (30%) and test grades (60%). The semester average will
be based on school board policy: the two- quarter grades will be of the average
with the final exam being 25%. All AP students are required to take the first
semester exam, regardless of absences or average. The second semester exam
exemptions, based on school board policy, will apply, but taking the AP College
Board Exam is an exemption from the final exam.

1. Each student will complete worksheets (maps, graphs, diagrams, charts,

outlines, etc.) from each chapter/era covered.
2. Student projects may consist of research assignments, class presentations and
writing assignments. Projects are not accepted late.
3. Students will read from the text and supplemental materials. Reading the
assigned material is CRITICAL to understanding.
4. Each student must maintain a US History binder.
5. All work will be returned to students. Students should keep all work in the
binder and use it as a study and review tool. Tests will be given back to the
students to examine and see what questions were incorrectly answered but
the teacher will take those back up.
6. Make up work for an excused absence is due within 3 days of a one day
absence. It is the responsibility of the student to see that this is done. Make
up work not received within the allotted time will result in a 0. For absences
of more than one day, extended time will be granted but the student must
consult with the teacher. It is the responsibility of the student to get make-up
work from the box and to schedule make-up tests. Make up tests may not be
taken during class.
7. Homework is not accepted late, that is, after the teacher has called for it,
either later in class time or after class. However, each student will be allowed
to turn in one late assignment per semester (not projects) and will receive
70% as the maximum grade.
8. Students with an UNEXCUSED absence are expected to have all work that was
due on the date of the absence(s) as well as on the date of the return to school.
Students with an UNEXCUSED absence are expected to take tests or quizzes
that are administered on the date of the return to class or during the absence.
Excused absences have the 3 day extension.
9. Students should be prepared daily for possible pop quizzes on the reading
assignment. Quizzes not based on the reading assignment will be announced.
10. Use of a cell phone during a quiz or test will result in a 0 and the phone will be
turned in to the office. Use of the cell phone during class without permission
 but not during a test or quiz, will result in the cell phone being taken up and
turned in to the office.
11. Tests will consist of multiple choice, true/false, matching, fill in the blank,
short answer and discussion.
12. Analysis through reading and writing is a strong component of AP US History.
All students will be expected to write both extended responses (discussion) as
well as complete essays. Essays will count as test grades. Essays are the only
assignments that may be re-done as a way to improve writing skills and for an
increased grade.
13. Chapter tests usually cover one chapter (60% of grade). However, in some
cases, two chapters may be combined and only one test will be given.
14. The mentoring period is designed to give students a chance to seek
assistance/tutoring from the teachers or to do make-up work. All students
who need assistance or have make-up quizzes should report to class
during mentoring.

BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS: Students are expected to come to class

prepared to learn. All supplies should be brought to class EVERYDAY unless
instructed differently by the teacher. Respect for the teacher and other
students is expected at all times. Ethical conduct is paramount. Cheating,
including plagiarism, is not acceptable and will result in a zero for the work
for ALL student involved.

ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITY: Each student is expected to abide by ethical

standards in preparing and presenting material that demonstrates his/her
level of knowledge. Such standards are founded on the basic concept of
honesty and integrity.