Advanced Placement U.S. History Information
Advanced Placement United States History
Contact Info
Mr. Schlieman
Room 402
Course Overview
AP U.S. History is a comprehensive survey course that covers that American story from its earliest inhabitants 30,000 years ago to the events and issues of the current day. It will be a long and challenging journey, but an exciting and rewarding one as well. We will cover this story in 4 scopes: Political, diplomatic, social, and economic; some eras being covered more intensely than others. At the same time you will learn to read, write, and think about history analytically. Please keep in mind, that this is a HIGH SCHOOL course with COLLEGE level work. Do not get caught up in the college credit, some colleges will not even give credit for the course. The best reason to take this course is the experience, both academically and socially. Some things to remember about this course………………………………
Attitude
Everything you have heard about this course is most likely true. There is a heavy work load and we will move through the material quickly. Your attitude will play a big role in determining what you get out of this class.
Work Ethic
This is not a class for lazy students or procrastinators. We have a large amount of info to get through in a short amount of time. In addition to the course work, we also have to learn the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills you will need on the test and in the future. Our blocks will be full and there will be a significant amount of homework. You will need to work hard to do well. Stay organized and stick to a schedule.
Writing Skills
Writing will be a HUGE part of this course. Your skills will improve tremendously by the end of the year. We will follow a format and work together to make improvements.
Vocab
This is a very important area. It is tough to write an essay if you don’t understand the words used in the question. When you come across words you don’t know in this class, write them down!!!! Also don’t be afraid to ask questions about vocab.
DBQ
Document Based Question. This is a large component of the AP Test. You will learn to analyze and make correlations between documents. In addition, you will learn to use this analysis, combined with your own knowledge and write an essay response.
Tests
I am unsure at this time how we will do tests. We will do an assessment activity after every unit; (DBQ, Essay, Multiple Choice). The AP College Board Test is on May 8th. You will have the opportunity to receive college credit or placement based on your score. Don’t worry about that now, we’ll cover it later.
The most important thing about this class is what you get out of it. Learn to study and be determined to do quality work. Do not be afraid to use your classmates and especially use me as a resource. I want you to do as well as you can in this class. Use the outside help that is available!!!!
Materials
Textbooks: The American Pageant
American Spirit
Notebook
3-Ring Binder
Pencils and Pens (bring 3-4 different colors)
Grading Components
Daily Work 25%
Quizzes/Projects 35%
Tests 40%
Advice from former AP students
Take good notes on your own and during class
Stay organized
Read and reread
Ask for help when you need it
Don’t procrastinate
Study like you have never studied before
Some odds and ends
No cell phones, they will be confiscated
Late work: 50% credit if turned in by the next class, 0 after that
Extra credit will be sporadic, take advantage when it’s offered
No food or drink
Course Outline
Semester 1
Unit 1 Chapters 1-5: Settling American and Colonial Life
Unit 2 Chapters 6-10: Revolution, the Constitution, and a New Government
Unit 3 Chapters 11-15: Jeffersonian Democracy, Nationalism, and Jackson
Unit 4 Chapters 16-19: Manifest Destiny, Slavery, and Sectional Struggles
Unit 5 Chapters 20-23: Civil War and Reconstruction
Semester 2
Unit 6 Chapters 24-26: Industrial Revolution and the Old West
Unit 7 Chapters 27-30: Power Abroad and Reform at Home
Unit 8 Chapters 31-33: Roaring 20’s and Its Consequences
Unit 9 Chapters 35-37: WWII and Cold War
Unit 10 Chapters 38-40: The 60’s and Beyond
