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The Advanced Placement Program in United States History is designed to provide students with the factual knowledge and analytical skills necessary to study United States history in a sophisticated manner. AP US is a demanding course intended for students of high ability, self-motivation, and personal responsibility. It is a course that involves extensive reading and writing. AP US is designed and taught as a higher-level course focusing on class discussions of text readings, primary sources, and supplemental readings. The most common type of assessments are multiple choice tests and essays. A primary focus of the class is the writing process, which aids the students in preparation for the AP Exam in May. Students will also be exposed to other study aids that will help them prepare for the AP Exam. Students are strongly encouraged, but not required to take the AP exam. The class grade they receive in the course is independent of the AP national exam grade.
Essential Questions for the Course
1. How did the roles of race, class, ethnicity and gender impact the history of the United States?
2. Is “American exceptionalism” a legitimate view of American national character?
3. Is there a “popular culture” in American history and society?
4. What are the economic, social, and political effects of immigration?
5. How do you evaluate the effects of capitalist development on American society?
6. What are the long term implications of industrialization, urbanization, and suburban expansion?
7. How do you measure the continuing and growing struggle for civil rights within the framework of American democracy?
8. Why have reform movements and not revolution been the method for redressing complaints in American society?
9. Has American benefited from our history of global encounters?
