AP United States History

AP U.S. History is a survey of America’s past. It is structured around the development of various historical thinking skills and challenges students to analyze historical sources (quotes, excerpts, political cartoons, pictures), connect themes across time periods, and develop complex arguments. It is a challenging course that offers students an opportunity to deepen their analytical and communication skills.

Prerequisite

A final average of an A in Honors US Government or an A/B in AP Government, and an A in English or A/B in Honors English.

Special Purchases

AP US History Crash Course, 4th Ed.

ISBN: 9-7807386-1226-3

Homework Estimate

45 minutes to one hour per night, depending on the length of the readings (three times per week), in addition to 15-20 minutes of study and review each night.

Major Concepts Covered

• Nine periods of US History from 1492 to the present, focusing on various historical thinking skills identified by the college board.

• Thematic development--US identity, work, exchange, technology, culture/society, politics, America and the world, environment, and migration

• Historical essay writing; and analysis of primary documents, maps, political cartoons, graphs, charts.

Insider Information

AP U.S. History is one of the most difficult social studies courses offered. It requires a significant amount of complex analysis using primary sources taken from various time periods. The content is extensive and cumulative, building on itself as the year progresses. Analytical writing is consistently woven through the class as well. Students must learn and retain a significant amount of historical information and formulate various essays connecting time periods. Some of these essays are complex, using a sixor seven-point rubric, and require the analysis of documents including essays, letters, pictures, and political cartoons. This class is a great opportunity for students to challenge themselves and prepare for the rigor of a university class.

This course is available for dual enrollment through the College at Southeastern.