Discussion Review Assignment: Be prepared to discuss in class on Tuesday! “If you had to select one defining moment, challenge, social cause, or political struggle that the United States faced in the first half of the 19th century what would it be and why?”
Suggested Reading:
Wilentz, Sean. Andrew Jackson. New York: Times Books, 2005.
Posted in A.P. United States History
Review your vocab of the pre-Revolution period and then begin our essay preperation review here with the American Revolution. You are responsible for reviewing your vocab. Our review will focus on important events and themes in an effort to prepare you for the AP Exam and specifically the essays.
Please read the following:
I want you to read the first chapter of To begin the world anew: the genius and ambiguities of the American founders, By Bernard Bailyn. Dr. Bailyn discusses how as “Provincials” the founders had a unique relationship with the Crown and also their distance from authority allowed them a unique political experience. [Note the book is limited in access so read what you can.]
Ellis, Joseph J. His Excellency: George Washington. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2004.(p. ix-xiv).
Click here to read.
Wood, Gordon S. The American Revolution: A History. Modern Library Chronicles, 9. New York: Modern Library, 2002. (p. xxiii-xxv).
Click here to read.
Wood, Gordon S. “A Century of Writing Early American History: Then and now compared; Or how Henry Adams got it wrong.” American Historical Review 100, no. 3 (June 1995): 678-696.
Click here to read.
Review Learning Objectives:
Analyze, interpret, and synthesize the American and British perspectives on the American Revolution and consider the role Native and African Americans played in the conflict as well.
Video:
“Founding Brothers, Joseph J. Ellis”
Watch below, follow this link:
Assignment:
Write a 1-2 page response to this prompt: Access the validity of this statement by John Adams: “The Revolution was effected before the war commenced. The Revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people… This radical change in the principles, opinions, sentiments, and affections of the people was the real American Revolution.” John Adams (1818)
Posted in A.P. United States History
The AP course and examination in U.S. History are intended for qualified students who wish to complete studies in secondary school equivalent to COLLEGE introductory courses in U.S. History. This is not a regular history class and I expect more from you. I will give you my best instruction and I expect your best in return. Students are expected to take the AP Test in early May of 2010. This is a college class and you can receive three or more college credits (depending on the policies of each institution) if you receive a qualifying score on the test. Therefore the workload is VERY demanding compared to a regular history class. I expect homework be completed and outside assignments ready for work each day. Expect a lot of homework. We have 44 chapters to cover in 34 weeks, but we will do it!
Course Objectives
Students Will…
1. Master a broad body of historical knowledge with the help of a college level textbook, historiography and primary source studies
2. Demonstrate an understanding of historical chronology and themes. Themes you will notice throughout the year are: the evolution of political parties, the cyclical nature of the US economy, the role of minorities and immigration in domestic policy, the growth of democracy, and the changing role of the US in the world
3. Use historical data to support an argument or position
4. Interpret and apply data to support an argument or position
5. Effectively use analytical skills of evaluation, comparing and contrasting, and determining cause and effect
6. Work effectively with others to produce projects and solve problems
7. Prepare for the Advanced Placement Exam
8. Learn that history is fun, exciting, and relevant!
Attendance:
A.P. US History is a rigorous class. It requires an extensive commitment from you, if you want to be successful. Attendance in class is essential. Missing class can create problems. The fewer days missed, the better your chance of success. We will follow the school’s attendance policy regarding absences and make-up work. (Refer to your student handbook.) Beginning in March there will be nightly reviews once a week and daily reviews at lunch. Attendance at the review session is not mandatory but is highly recommended.
Make Up Work:
I do not accept late work, except for excused absences. In this case, the student has 2 days to complete missed assignments. Students participating in extra-curricular activities need to see me before they leave to find out what they are missing.
Tardies:
Tardiness is not acceptable. 5 points will be deducted from your grade for each unexcused tardy. We have a lot of material to cover, so every minute is valuable.
Materials:
Each student must come to class every day with the following:
There will be daily binder checks so students must consult the library web page to print off chapter notes in advance of reading. While reading students must complete an interactive notebook.
Reading Materials:
John Mack Faragher, Mari Jo Buhle, Daniel Czitrom, Susan H. Armitage. Out of Many. Parentice Hall, 2006 – 5th Edition.
Various handouts and articles incorporating historiography and primary source documents will be used in each unit to supplement the text. These are read aloud and discussed in class.
**Please note, the reading is vigorous and it is vital that students do not fall behind. Plan on spending at least one hour per night on reading/homework.
Organization:
This class will be a combination of lecture, discussion, group work, and student projects and presentations. A unit syllabus will be provided for each unit, which includes homework, discussion questions and test/quiz dates. Also a vocabulary list will be provided for each unit which must be completed by students before the date of the unit exam.
Grading:
Assignments and tests will be weighted as follows:
The grading scale is as follows:
A=90%
B=80%
C=70%
D=60%
F=50%
Tests:
Unit tests will be in the form of the Advanced Placement test, consisting mainly of previous AP multiple choice questions and essays. Every test will consist of both multiple choice and essay questions. For every unit, students will receive a “practice” test. Go over this test carefully and be prepared to ask me any questions. This will help you immensely on the unit test. Tests are graded at a college level, therefore, students often struggle. Receiving an “A” in this class is very challenging.
Classroom Policies:
High expectations are enforced. Work that is unreadable will be returned.
Disruptive behavior is not permitted.
Respect for others is a MUST.
Be on time.
Do your own work and only AP History work in class.
Come to class ready to work and with all necessary supplies. No leaving to go to car or locker.
Posted in A.P. United States History
