AP US History Syllabus

Advanced Placement United States History

Contact Information: Instructor: Ms. Gleason Office: 409 Plan Period: 7th Period Course Content: Classroom: 404 Email: mgleason@psd202.org

The AP program in United States History is designed to provide students with the analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in United States history. The program prepares students for intermediate and advanced college courses by making demands upon them equivalent to those made by fullyear introductory college courses. Students should learn to assess historical materials their relevance to a given interpretive problem, their reliability, and their importance and to weigh the evidence and interpretations presented in historical scholarship. An AP United States History course should thus develop the skills necessary to arrive at conclusions on the basis of an informed judgment and to present reasons and evidence clearly and persuasively in essay format. (College Entrance Examination Board. Course Description: United States History. New York, New York. 2006.)
Objectives: By the end of the course, students should be able to: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Text: Although numerous outside readings, including primary source, will be utilized during this course, the main text is: American History: A Survey (12th Edition) Alan Brinkley McGraw Hill Boston, MA 2007 Required Materials (to be brought to class every day): 1. 2. 3. APUSH textbook APUSH binder Pens, pencils, paper, etc. Master a vast array of content concerning United States History Think critically and historically about events of the past Interpret information and meaning from primary sources, including speeches, documents, cartoons and letters, graphs, and works of art Defend their position(s) in a formal essay that is clear and concise Engage in critical discussion(s) with colleagues where they are able to examine all sides of an issue Apply their analytical skills to address and solve problems and issues of the present-day Prepare for and pass the Advanced Placement Examination in May

Organization:

AP US History Syllabus The course is broken into nine separate units that range in length from 2 to 5 weeks. For each unit, students will receive an agenda that lists all assignments and daily activities throughout the entire unit. During the course of the year, students will be exposed to American history through the use of lecture, discussion, primary sources, individual research, group work, and selected video clips. Although the course is not covered in a thematic approach, there are major themes that are the focus for the course and each individual unit. Those themes include: American Diversity, American Identity, Culture, Demographic Changes, Economic Transformations, Environment, Globalization, Politics and Citizenship, Reform, Religion, Slavery, and War & Diplomacy. In addition to presenting historical content, heavy emphasis is placed on the improvement of students ability to think critically and creatively. In addition, each unit will allow students to further enhance their abilities to write essays that are clear, thorough and are able to meet college-level standards. To ensure that students improve their writing during the course, they will be expected to write a minimum of 12 formal essays. (See pages 3-4 for essay rubrics.) The course is designed to complete the presentation of new material several days prior to the AP Exam which will provide the class the opportunity to review. After the AP Exam, students will write additional essays that allow them to research and express their own interest(s) in history, as well as, evaluate the current state of the nation. Assessments: Students will be assessed using a variety of formats. Chapter, topic and vocabulary quizzes will include multiple-choice or short answer questions. Unit exams, on the other hand, contain AP style multiple-choice questions. Unit exams range between 40 and 75 questions. Chapter and unit assessments can also be in the form of essays. Students will be expected to display their knowledge and writing skills through Free Response Questions and Document-Based Questions. Depending on the question(s) asked, when in-class essays are given, students will have between 35 and 56 minutes to complete them. Students will also be assessed on their ability to read and comprehend historical material. Students will regularly be assigned reading from the textbook and other outside sources. Students will be expected to come to class prepared to discuss text and primary source readings. Failure to come to class prepared will result in a loss of participation points. Students will also be expected to take final exams during the schools final exam week. The final exam will consist of multiple-choice AP style questions. In addition, students will be expected to complete other homework assignments and projects. Guidelines and rubrics will be made available to students for most major assignments. Student Evaluations: Course grades will not be based upon a total accumulation of points. Instead, student semester grades will be determined based on the following weighted categories: Final Exam Assessments Essays Projects Daily Assignments Participation 20% 20% 20% 20% 10% 10%

A=100 90; B=89 80; C=79 70; D=69 60; F=59 and below

AP US History Syllabus

FRQ Essay Rubric

Superior Essay
_____ _____ _____ _____ Superior Thesis Extremely well organized essay Addresses all areas of the prompt Excellent use of analysis to support thesis and main ideas _____ Extremely well written essay _____ Generally error free

Strong Essay
_____ Strong thesis (contain general analysis) _____ Well organized essay _____ Addresses all areas of the prompt; may lack some balance between major areas _____ Some important information left out _____ Strong analysis in most areas; needs more _____ Strong use of evidence; may lack balance _____ Well written essay _____ May contain minor errors

Adequate Essay
_____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ Clear thesis (needs more analysis) Thesis a bit vague Fairly well organized essay Address all areas of the prompt, but lacks balance Contain some analysis (more needed) Some major events omitted Contains some evidence (more needed) Essay deviates at times from thesis May contain significant historical errors Some facts are irrelevant to time period _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____

Weak Essay
Undeveloped thesis (simple thesis) Does not establish purpose of the essay Thesis does not fully address question Weak organization Does not address one or more aspects of the question Most major events omitted Lacks analysis of key issues Lacks evidence to support main ideas Contains major historical errors Much information irrelevant to question Essay is somewhat incomplete (too short)

Poor Essay
_____ _____ _____ _____ No thesis or poor thesis Incorrect or incomplete essay Facts not specific, accurate & relevant Poor analysis of key issues

Unbecoming of an AP Student Essay

_____ Writes on topic completely different from the prompt _____ Little or no effort shown in preparation of essay

Comments:
_____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ Introduction contains vague or wasted sentences Essay contains vague statements or generalizations not supported by facts. Strong conclusion _____ Weak conclusion Strong topic sentences _____ Improve topic sentences Dont use I, we, me, my, our, us, you, your, like, things & stuff statements Dont connect issues to today, unless asked Dont use flowery or colloquial (informal) style

_____ No conclusion

Total Score: ______/_______

AP US History Syllabus

DBQ Scoring Guide

Thesis and Writing Quality: _________ Points _____ Strong thesis clearly developed, well organized, well written & focused on the question. _____ Contains a well-developed thesis that clearly addresses the question, clearly organized and written. _____ Thesis addresses question, but not as focused or comprehensive, acceptable organization of writing. _____ Presents a limited, confused, and/or poorly developed thesis, weak organization and writing. _____ Contains no thesis or a thesis that does not address the question, disorganized and poorly written. Address Question: __________ Points _____ Detailed analysis of analysis of all parts of the question, equal treatment is given to all parts. _____ Presents an effective analysis of all parts of the question, although treatment may be uneven. _____ Analysis deals with part of the question in some depth, other parts in a more general way. _____ Deals with one aspect of the question in a general way or all parts in a superficial way with simplistic explanations. _____ Inadequate or inaccurate understanding of the question. Use of Documents: __________ Points _____ Sophisticated use of substantial number of documents. _____ Uses a substantial number of documents effectively. _____ Uses some of the documents effectively. _____ Quotes or briefly cites documents. _____ Contains little or no understanding of the documents or ignores them completely. Outside Information: __________ Points _____ Makes substantial use of relevant outside information to support thesis. _____ Considerable relevant use of outside information _____ Some relevant outside information. _____ Contains little outside information or information that is inaccurate or irrelevant. _____ Inappropriate or no use of outside information. Errors: __________ Points _____ May have insignificant errors. _____ May contain errors that do not seriously detract from the quality of the essay. _____ May contain errors, usually not major. _____ May contain major errors. _____ Numerous errors, both major and minor. Total: ________/______

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AP US History Unit Pacing Outline

Unit I:
Settlement and the Establishment of an Unique Nation
Total Length of Unit: 2.8 Weeks AP Course Description Topic Outline: 1-4 Unit Themes: American Diversity, American Identity, Economic Transformations, Environment Politics & Citizenship, Reform, Religion, Slavery, War & Diplomacy

This unit examines Pre-Columbian America through the establishment of the first state governments in the late 18th Century. Through the use of outside sources, heavy emphasis is placed on the nature and process of historiography and historical interpretation. Considerable focus will also be spent on the developing economic trends and their influence on the emerging political and social institutions of the colonial era. As a result, attention is given to the creation of the American identity, including the impact of religion, women, minorities and the environment on American society. General Topics Chapter 1: The Meeting of Cultures (Summer Work) Pre-Columbian Societies European exploration and colonization Chapter 2: Transplantations and Borderlands (Summer Work) Establishment of the English Colonies Mercantilism Glorious Revolution Chapter 3: Society and Culture in Provincial America Political, social, cultural and economic institutions of the English Colonies Origins of slavery Chapter 4: The Empire in Transition Seven Years War Causes of the American Revolution Chapter 5: The American Revolution Declaration of Independence Mobilization for war The War of Independence Treaty of Paris Establishment of state governments and the Confederation

AP US History Unit Pacing Outline

Unit II: Birth of the Nation and the Development of the American Character
Total Length of Unit: 5 Weeks AP Course Description Topic Outline: 5, 7-8 Unit Themes: American Diversity, American Identity, Culture, Economic Transformations, Environment, Politics & Citizenship, Reform, Religion, War and Diplomacy

Unit II covers U.S. History from the creation of the federal government through the evolution of the American character during the early to mid-1800s. This unit will highlight the numerous challenges that occurred as a result of creating the federal government, as well as, westward expansion on both Americans and the native populations. In addition, the changing economy and the rise of industry in the north will also be stressed. Lastly, considerable time will be spent covering the evolving American character, including the changing views toward women and minorities. During this unit, special focus will be placed on the further development of students writing and interpretation skills of primary sources. General Topics: Chapter 6: The Constitution and the New Republic Anti-Federalist v. Federalists Constitutional Convention Establishment of American political parties Revolution of 1800 Chapter 7: The Jeffersonian Era Development of American Culture Origins of Industrialism Jefferson presidency Conflict with the American Indian War of 1812 Chapter 8: Varieties of American Nationalism Growth of the American Economy Westward expansion Era of Good Feelings Sectional differences Marshall Court Monroe Doctrine Election of Andrew Jackson

AP US History Unit Pacing Outline

Unit III
Reform and Compromise
Total Length of Unit: 2.8 Weeks AP Course Description Topic Outline: 6, 9-10 Major Themes: American Diversity, Culture, Demographic Changes, Economic Transformation, Politics & Citizenship, Reform, Slavery, War and Diplomacy

This unit investigates the effects of the increased standard of living on the political, economic, religious and social institutions of America during the early to mid 19th Century. Special significance will be focused on the material and philosophical impact of slavery on both slaves themselves and their slaveholders. Emphasis will also be placed on the numerous reform movements of the era, especially the role of women in their quest to achieve fair labor practices, and their influence in the growing abolition movement. Finally, this unit will analyze the impact of Westward expansion on the North and South, as well as, the nations inability to establish a lasting compromise to prevent a bloody civil war. In addition to selected primary sources, opposing historians views on the causes of the Civil War will also be critiqued and discussed. General Topics: Chapter 9: Jacksonian America Jackson presidency and the Common Man Nullification Indian Removal Bank War Establishment of the Whig party Chapter 10: Chapter 11: Americas Economic Revolution Immigration Growth of transportation, technology, and trade The American worker in the early industrial age The American family in the early industrial age The changing Agricultural North Cotton, Slavery, and the Old South The Rise of King Cotton Southern trade & industry Antebellum social classes Slavery and slave culture

Chapter 12: Antebellum Culture and Reform Transcendentalism Reform movements of the early to mid 1800s

AP US History Unit Pacing Outline

Unit IV
The Civil War & Reconstruction
Total Length of Unit: 2.4 Weeks AP Course Description Topic Outline: 11-13 Major Themes: American Diversity, American Identity, Economic Transformations, Politics & Citizenship, Reform, Slavery, War and Diplomacy

Unit IV analyzes the US Civil War. Although, time will be given to the different military strategies and the war itself, the thrust of this unit is on the impact the war had on all Americans. Particular attention will be given to the mobilization efforts of the North and South, as well as the influence women had on the war effort. Consideration will also be given to the role that African-Americans played during the war. The unit will conclude with an examination of the challenges and obstacles of newly freed slaves, in addition to, the changing political atmosphere during the Reconstruction Era. Students will be asked to continue to interpret numerous primary sources, as well as, be required to write their first Free Response Question.

General Topics: Chapter 13: Chapter 14: Chapter 15: The Impending Crisis Manifest Destiny and westward Expansion Mexican-American War Evolution of the American political party Turbulent 1850s Election of 1860 The Civil War The Crisis of Secession Advantages of the North and South Mobilization of the North and South Northern and Southern strategy Major Battles Impact of Northern victory Antebellum Culture and Reform Lincolns, Johnsons and the Radical Republican Reconstruction plans Legislation during the Reconstruction Era Impeachment of Andrew Jackson The Grant Administration The end of Reconstruction

AP US History Unit Pacing Outline

Unit V
The Conquering of the West & the Rise of American Economic Supremacy
Total Length of Unit: 2.1 Weeks AP Course Description Topic Outline: 14-15 Major Themes: American Diversity, American Identity, Culture, Demographic Changes, Economic Transformations, Environment

This unit examines Westward expansion, and its effects on the nation and the American Indian. Considerable focus will be given to the evolving idea of what it means to be an American, and the evolving historical interpretation of The West. In addition, the rise of American industrial power will be studied, including the relationship between the nations leading industrials and the growth of the labor movements. During this unit, students will examine several primary sources, and continue to demonstrate their writing skills through a documentbased essay. General Topics: Chapter 16: Chapter 17: The Conquest of the Far West Westward Movement Romanism toward the West Treatment of Hispanics & Chinese in the West Economy in the West Demise of Indian culture Industrial Supremacy Reasons for industrial growth Impact of scientific management Rise of Corporations Robber Barons v. Captains of Industry The rise of the American worker

AP US History Unit Pacing Outline

Unit VI
The Changing Democratic Ideal
Total Length of Unit: 3.8 Weeks AP Course Description Topic Outline: 16-17 Major Themes: American Diversity, American Identity, Demographic Changes, Globalization, Politics & Citizenship, Reform, Religion War and Diplomacy

Unit VI explores America during the turn of 20th Century. Particular emphasis will be placed on the economic and political struggles of both Americans and recent immigrants against the status quo, and their attempts to overcome them. Emphasis will also be given to the impact women and minorities had on the Progressive movement. In addition, the growth of the American city and the development of a consumer culture will be investigated, as well as, the growth of American economic and political power throughout the world. During this unit, students will have to demonstrate their knowledge, as well as their interpretation and writing skills through two essays and a research project.

General Topics: Chapter 18: Chapter 19: Chapter 20: Chapter 21: The Age of the City Urbanization Immigration Development of Leisure Time High and low culture From Stalemate to Crisis Late 1800s political parties Agrarian dissent Panic of 1893 Rise & fall of the Populist Party The Imperial Republic American imperialism Spanish-American War The American Empire Open-door policy The Rise of Progressivism The origins of progressivism Womens impact on reform The evolution of democracy Minority impact on progressive reform The rise of socialism

Chapter 22: The Battle for National Reform Progressive policies of T. Roosevelt, Taft and Wilson US foreign policy 1900-1914

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AP US History Unit Pacing Outline

Unit VII
From Prosperity To Hopelessness
Total Length of Unit: 3.8 Weeks AP Course Description Topic Outline: 18-20 Major Themes: American Diversity, American Identity, Culture, Economic Transformations, Politics & Citizenship, Reform, Religion, War and Diplomacy

Unit VII explores United States history from the Great War through the Depression of the 1930s. The efforts to maintain neutrality, the events that lead the US into war and the process of mobilization will be highlighted. This unit will also emphasize the challenges that minorities and immigrants faced during and after the war. Furthermore, the rise of the economy, as well as, the laissez-faire practices of the 1920s presidential administrations will be studied. Unit VII will also include a further analysis of the changing American culture, and will end with an in-depth examination of the causes of the Great Depression, in addition to, the governments attempts to help the country out of its economic and social turmoil. Students will be asked to examine the historical interpretations of the New Deal, as well as, be asked to develop their own interpretation regarding the success of FDRs administration through a document-based essay. (CR: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8) General Topics: Chapter 23: Chapter 24: Chapter 25: American and the Great War Cause of WWI and reasons for US entry Trench warfare Mobilization Dissent & the challenge of civil rights Paris Peace Conference Post-war labor hardships Race Riots Red Scare The New Era The economic boom of the 1920s The establishment of a consumer culture Changing image of women Nativism and the reemergence of the KKK The decline of religious fundamentalism Laissez-faire & republican scandal The Great Depression Origins of the Great Depression Effects on the American people Media and entertainment during the Great Depression The failure of the Hoover Administration

Chapter 26: The New Deal

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AP US History Unit Pacing Outline The New Deal programs Criticisms of the New Deal The Second New Deal Successes and limitations of the New Deal

Unit VIII
World War II and the Beginning of the Cold War
Total Length of Unit: 3.8 Weeks AP Course Description Topic Outline: 21-23 Major Themes: American Diversity, American Identity, Politics & Citizenship, War and Diplomacy

This unit covers American history during World War II and the beginning of the Cold War. Special attention will be given to US diplomacy from the end of World War I through 1941. Furthermore, the mobilization efforts of America during the war, and the eventual defeat of the Axis Powers will also be covered. Unit VIII will conclude with an examination of post-war Europe, and the origins of the Cold War, including rise of McCarthyism in America. Students will be required to interpret several primary sources, and write an answer to a Free Response Question. (CR 2, 3, 7, 8) General Topics: Chapter 27: Chapter 28: The Global Crisis American Diplomacy after WW I Isolationism v. Internationalism From neutrality to intervention America in a World War Two front war Mobilization Defeat of the Axis Powers

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AP US History Unit Pacing Outline

Unit IX
The Making of Modern America
Total Length of Unit: 3.8 Weeks AP Course Description Topic Outline: 24-28 Major Themes: American Diversity, American Identity, Culture, Economic Transformation, Environment, Globalization, Politics & Citizenship, Reform, War and Diplomacy

Unit IX studies America from 1950 through the present-day. Focus will be given to the evolving American culture, as well as, Americans changing attitude toward government, and governmental responsibilities. Emphasis will also be given to Americas reaction to the growing communist threat abroad. Furthermore, Unit IX will cover the challenges, successes and limitations of minorities, immigrants and women throughout the past sixty years. Finally, this unit will examine Americas challenges at the beginning of the 21st Century, and the nations role in the world. In addition to examining primary sources, students will be asked to critique the different historical interpretations of the Watergate Crisis, and demonstrate their skills through a document-based question. General Topics: Chapter 29: The Cold War Origins of the Cold War The Second Red Scare The Korean War The growth of the feminist movement The growth of environmentalism Nixon and the Cold War Domestic policies of the Nixon Administration Chapter 33: From The Age of Limits to the Age of Reagan Watergate The Carter Administration The growth of conservatism and the Reagan Revolution The end of the Cold War Chapter 34: The Age of Globalization The Clinton & Bush presidencies The economic boom of the 1900s Globalization The War on Terror

Chapter 30: The Affluent Society Becoming an economic giant The establishment of a consumer culture The other America The origins of the Civil Rights movement Eisenhower and the Cold War Chapter 31: Civil Rights, Vietnam, and the Ordeal of Liberalism The New Frontier and the Great Society The battle for racial equality Kennedy and the Cold War Vietnam Chapter 32: The Crisis of Authority The Counter Culture The mobilization of minorities

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