Advanced Placement United States History

2005-06 Syllabus Mrs. Stephenson Text: Kennedy, David, Cohen, Lizabeth, Bailey, Thomas, The American Pageant. New York, Boston. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2002. Course Description This is a one year advanced placement course based on the study and analysis of United States history through the use of the text, primary sources, maps, and films. The objective will be to cover from the colonial period to modern day history of the U.S. This class is designed to include all forms of discussions, including lecture. Students are expected to participate and it is imperative that assigned reading be completed on time. In addition, areas of American history are examined extensively with emphasis on analytical writing in preparation for the AP exam. Benchmarks & Performance Standards: Students completing the American History course will: Analyze the significant events in the founding of the nation and its attempts to realize the philosophy of government described in the Declaration of Independence. (1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12) Analyze the relationship among the rise of industrialization, large-scale rural-tourban migration, and massive immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe. (1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12) Analyze the role religion played in the founding of America, its lasting moral, social, and political impacts, and issues regarding religious liberty. (1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12) Trace the rise of the United States to its role as a world power in the twentieth century. (1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12) Analyze the major political, social, economic, technological, and cultural developments on the 1920s. (1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 1 Analyze the different explanations for the Great depression and how the New Deal fundamentally changed the role of the federal government. (1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12) Analyze Americas participation in World War II. (1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12) Analyze the economic boom and social transformation of post-World War II America, including U.S. foreign policy since World War II. (1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12) Analyze the development of federal civil rights and voting rights. (1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12) Analyze the major social problems and domestic policy issues in contemporary American society. (1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12) Synthesize various pieces of historical evidence in order to produce a research topic. (1, 3, 7, 8) Organize research utilizing primary and secondary sources to produce a formal research paper. (1, 3, 7, 8) Write a research paper according to MLA standards, building upon their previous research skills. (1, 3, 7, 8)

Improve their objective test-taking skills in order to prepare for standardized testing. (no current standard) Produce and analyze various visual stimuli, including political cartoons, maps, tables, and graphs. (1, 8, 7) Present formal, oral presentations which are organized, articulate and follow guidelines. (2, 5) Social Studies Department Standards: In alliance with the national and state curriculum standards, the social studies department strives to create an academic opportunity for students to acquire the knowledge, skills, and values needed to become responsible citizens, who understand the common good and who seek to follow a moral and ethical life style. Towards this goal, students completing the course work in the social studies will: 1. Demonstrate the reading comprehension and analytical writing skills necessary to function well in the college or university setting. 2. Demonstrate the skills necessary to articulate their ideas and perspectives in clear and meaningful oral presentations and discussions. 3. Demonstrate that they can analyze and explain the ways groups, societies, and cultures address human needs and concerns. 4. Apply an analysis of history as an integrated whole that explains how modern society stems from the economic, political and social experience of the past. 5. Identify and apply information, models of thinking and decision- making skills necessary to form thoughtful perspectives, resolve issues, and assume roles of leadership. 6. Recognize and analyze the attitudes, valuing processes, and behavior patterns that are essential to a moral life and responsible citizenship. 7. Employ processes of critical historical inquiry to reconstruct and reinterpret the past, such as using a variety of sources, validating and weighing evidence, and searching for causality. 8. Create, interpret, use, and synthesize information from various visual guides of the earth, such as maps, charts, globes, and photographs. 9. Identify, describe, and express appreciation for the influence of various historical and contemporary cultures on modern society. 10. Analyze the extent to which groups and institutions meet individual needs and promote the common good in contemporary and historical settings. 11. Explain the origins and interpret the continuing influence of key ideals of the liberal democratic republican form of government, such as individual human dignity, liberty, justice, equality, and the rule of law. 12. Identify, describe, and express the importance for the need to support the general welfare of all individuals and groups within the community. 13. Work independently and cooperatively within groups and institutions to accomplish goals 14. Recognize the organization, concentration and study skills necessary to improve their study skills and promote life long learning 15. Demonstrate the ability to present their ideas, concerns, and values in articulate writing and verbal format.

Course Policies

1. Come to class prepared to work! You will need to bring your textbook to class daily. You will need a loose-leaf notebook with dividers for homework, maps, presidents list, and quizzes. You will also need blue or black pens. 2. Absences and tardies will definitely affect your grade. Because this is an AP course the class moves rapidly and it will be difficult to makeup work and keep up with the regular assignments. Find a responsible friend and make sure to get all assignments from them if you are absent. All make-up work is due the day you return to class. Late work will not be accepted in this class. 3. All essays must be typed double-spaced with the proper heading. The heading goes in the right hand corner of all papers. This should include: name, class and period, and the date. 4. If you participate in sports, I need your early dismissal form 3 days in advance for you to be excused from my class. If I do not have this, I will not excuse you. 5. Because this is an AP class you will be expected to devo te some time outside of the regular class day to prepare adequately for the AP exam in May. I have set aside every Friday at lunch and I will be scheduling after school dates as we need them. Please arrange your schedule to accommodate these date. 6. Participation in class is essential. Be prepared to contribute daily. Always ask questions This class moves at a fast pace and I do not want you to fall behind. 7. Finally, theses guidelines if taken seriously, will contribute to your success and achievement in this class. Remember we are all in this class together. I am here for you and I promise I will give 100 percent of my effort to help you achieve success in this class. I expect 100 per cent effort on your part.