AP United States History is a college level U.S. History class that is designed to provide students with analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in American history. Skills attained in the course should provide transferable skills such as analysis and argumentation. Students are expected to frequently read and write. The coursework will be more demanding than regular high school courses.
This course is specifically designed to help students attain the following six AP Historical Thinking Skills:
Developments and Processes: Identify and explain historical developments and processes.
Sourcing and Situation: Analyze sourcing and situation of primary and secondary sources.
Claims and Evidence in Source: Analyze arguments in primary and secondary sources.
Contextualization: Analyze the context of historical events, developments, or processes.
Making Connections: Using historical reasoning processes (comparison, causation, continuity and change), analyze patterns and connections between and among historical developments and processes.
Argumentation
The AP U.S. History course is divided into nine different sections:
Unit 1: 1491-1607
Unit 2: 1607-1754
Unit 3: 1754-1800
Unit 4: 1800-1848
Unit 5: 1844-1877
Unit 6: 1865-1898
Unit 7: 1890-1945
Unit 8: 1945-1980
Unit 9: 1980-Present
Weight on the AP Exam per unit as of 2020 (Unit 1-9):
Weight on AP Exam: 4-6%
Weight on AP Exam: 6-8%
Weight on AP Exam: 10-17%
Weight on AP Exam: 10-17%
Weight on AP Exam: 10-17%
Weight on AP Exam: 10-17%
Weight on AP Exam: 10-17%
Weight on AP Exam: 10-17%
Weight on AP Exam: 4-6%
As we explore these nine units, we will be revisiting the following eight AP themes:
Theme 1 American and National Identity (NAT): Theme focuses on how and why definitions of American and national identity and values have developed among diverse and changing population of North America. Theme also focuses on related topics such as citizenship, constitutionalism, foreign policy, assimilation, and American exceptionalism.
Theme 2 Work, Exchange and Technology (WXT): Theme focuses on the factors behind the development of systems of economic exchange— particularly the role of technology, economic markets, and government.
Theme 3 Geography and the Environment (GEO): Theme focuses on the role of geography and both the natural and human-made environments in the social and political developments in what would become the U.S.
Theme 4 Migration and Settlement (MIG): Theme focuses on why and how the various people who moved to and within the U.S. both adapted to and transformed their new social and physical environments. Theme 5 Politics and Power (PCE): Theme focuses on how different social and political groups have influenced society and government in the United States as well as how political beliefs and institutions have changed over time.
Theme 6 America in the World (WOR): Theme focuses on the interactions between nations that affected North American history in the colonial period. Theme also focuses on the influence of the U.S. on world affairs.
Theme 7—American and Regional Culture (ARC): Theme focuses on the how and why national, regional, and group cultures developed and changed as well as how culture has shaped government policy and the economy.
Theme 8—Social Structures (SOC): Theme focuses on how and why systems of social organization develop and change as well as the impact that these systems have on broader society.
In addition to course content, it is my desire that you learn the importance of studying history. It is common to view history as a discipline that revolves around memorization. Although AP US History requires memorization, it is my desire that all of us can discuss and learn why we study history and how we should approach the past. For example, what is a “proper” historical approach? How often is history a story we tell ourselves about who we think we are and what are the dangers of such approach? I also desire to discuss how we can approach the past from a Christian perspective as well. For example, what does it mean to honor and love God and to love our neighbors through the study of history? (Matthew 22.37, 39)
Syllabus located on homepage.
Textbook Usage
Because APUSH is content heavy, students are expected to read their AP US History textbook. In addition to their textbook, students are free to the below mentioned links for gathering information as well.
Students can also access their AP US History Textbook online; there is no need to carry around your textbook!
AP Classroom Link
At the end of each unit or key concepts, Personal Progress Checks will be provided in class or as homework assignments in AP Classroom. These will be graded for completion, so students are encouraged to treat these questions as if they were taking the real test. Honest answers will help me understand how I can assist students who struggle with certain concepts or historical information.