AP US History Syllabus Leslie Martin 2015-2016

Course Description

From the College Board:

“The AP U.S. History course focuses on the development of historical thinking skills (chronological reasoning, comparing and contextualizing, crafting historical arguments using historical evidence, and interpreting and synthesizing historical narrative) and an understanding of content learning objectives organized around seven themes, such as identity, peopling, and America in the world…”

In other words, this course will focus on many aspects of US history. The traditional timeline of facts will be central. However, we will look at both the forests and the trees, as we take those facts and use them to understand broader themes in history. Beyond this we will also work on historical thinking skills, being not just content to learn history, but also to learn to be historians.

Textbook/Materials

Fraser, James W. By the People: A History of the United States. AP ed. Boston: Pearson, 2015. Print.

Grading

Tests/Projects: 60%

Quizzes: 20%

Classwork/Online Discussions: 20%

Work Expectations

AP courses are designed to be equivalent to college courses. Therefore students are expected to do more work both inside and outside the classroom than in a regular high school class. I expect my students to:

1) Read all assigned texts before class. Information in those texts is the responsibility of the student. Most of this information will be reviewed/worked with in class; however there may be cases where the only exposure to some tested information will come from the readings.

2) Students need to make every effort to attend every class. The activities and discussions we do in class will be critical not only to a student’s course grade, but also to their success on the AP Exam in the spring. Our focus in class will be on developing our historical thinking skills. Those skills are central on the AP Exam.

3) Students need to be actively involved in all aspects of class. This course does not simply test factual knowledge. Knowing the facts is only the beginning. We will be working to analyze and synthesize information. This requires mental engagement in all class activities and assignments. Giving minimum effort will only yield minimum results.

Basic Course Outline

Period Date Range Est. Test Date Textbook Chapters 1 1491-1607 August 26th 1 and 2 2 1607-1754 September 18th 3 and 4 3 1754-1800 October 15th 5, 6, and 7 4 1800-1848 November 10th 8 – 11 5 1844-1877 December 9th 12 – 15 6 1865-1898 January 28th 16 – 19 7 1890-1945 March 7th 20 – 23 8 1945-1980 April 15th 24 – 27 9 1980-present April 27th 28 - 30

Other Test Info - The midterm will cover Periods 1-5. - We will have an additional test each nine weeks covering the Presidents, Amendments/Major Court Cases, Economic Trends, and Foreign Policy. - The AP Exam in on Tuesday, May 10th. Classroom Rules and Procedures Rules: 1) Be respectful of others. 2) Follow directions when given. 3) Listen attentively while the teacher or another student addresses the class.

Consequences: 1) Reminder of correct behavior 2) After School Detention 3) Parent contact/ office referral

Procedures: - When you come in to class start working on the bellwork. This will be done through either the Socrative app or on Google Classroom. Directions for the bellwork will be on the board. - You will have until the timer is up to complete your bellwork. - It is strongly suggested that you take notes from your assigned readings. You can then use these notes on your Short Answer quizzes, as a reference for assignments, and to study with for tests. - About Google Classroom: o We will use Google Classroom this year for homework and to extend our discussions outside of class. o You will be able to access Google Classroom from your iPad or any computer connected to the internet. o The code to join our class is: o Parents can sign up for Edmodo and access parent content by using the code given in the student’s account.

Additional Help: - Social studies tutoring will be available each Tuesday after school either from me or from Mrs. Hill. I am also available most days after school until 3:45, just check with me first and I will be happy to stay and help you.

Comments from Former Students:

“If you don’t want to work, don’t take this class.”

“If you want an A read the book.”

“Take notes in class.”

“The assignments are actually helpful, do them.”

“Watch Crash Course, read the book, don’t expect an A.”