Welcome to AP US History

What is AP Advanced placement- Offers college credit to those who score a three or better on the AP US History test. Score of 3= credit for one class or 3 credit hours. Score of 4 or 5- 2 classes or 6 credit hours.

Pros and Cons of AP Pros- Cons- Receive one high school credit for social studies upon getting a passing grade If one passes the AP US History test they will receive college credit – credits counted varies upon what college one attends. This is extremely cheaper than taking the courses at the actual universities. With the credits earned, it allows students more time to explore various classes in college or graduate sooner. Cons- Analyzing college level materials. Large amounts of college level reading. Large amounts of intensive writing activities.

Educational Expectations You will have to READ and WRITE often, and at the college level. Active participation- being a passive student will basically drop you a whole letter grade.

The Test 1491-1607- 5% of exam 1607-1877- 45% of exam 1980-present- 5%

The Test Section 1 Part A: Multiple Choice (55 questions; 55 Minutes; 40% of total exam score) Part B: Short-answer questions (3 questions; 40 minutes; 20% of total exam score)

The Test Section 2 Part A: Document-based question (1 question; 60 minutes (15 minutes to plan); 25% of total exam score) Part B: Long essay question (1 question (chosen from 3); 40 minutes; 15% of total exam score)

Historical Thinking Skills What skills will be developed over the year? 1. Historical Causation 2. Patterns of Continuity and Change over Time 3. Periodization 4. Comparison 5. Contextualization 6. Historical Arguments 7. Appropriate Use of Relevant Historical Evidence 8. Interpretation 9. Synthesis

Themes in A.P. Identity Overarching questions How and why have debates over American Identity changed over time? How have gender, class, ethnic, religious, regional, and other group identities changed in different eras?

Themes in AP Work, Exchange, and Technology Overarching questions How have changes in markets, transportation, and technology affected American society from colonial times to present day? Why have different labor systems developed in British North America and the United States, and how have they affected US Society? How have debates over economic values and the role of government in the US economy affected politics, society, the economy and the environment?

Themes In AP Peopling (yes that is the term used by AP…) Overarching questions Why have people migrated to, from, and within North America? How have changes in migration and population patterns affected American life?

Themes in AP Politics and Power Overarching questions How and why have different political and social groups competed for influence over society and government in what would become the United States? How have Americans agreed on or argued over the values that guide the political system as well as who is apart of the political process?

Themes in AP America in the World Overarching questions How have events in North America and the United States related to contemporary developments in the rest of the World? How have different factors influenced US military, diplomatic, and economic involvement in international affairs and foreign conduct, both in North America and overseas?

Themes in AP Environment and Geography Physical and Human Overarching questions How did interactions with the natural environment shape the institutions and values of various groups living on the North American continent? How did economic and demographic changes affect the environment and lead to debates over use and control of the environment and natural resources?

Themes in AP Ideas, Beliefs, and Culture Overarching questions How and why have moral, philosophical, and cultural values changes in what would become the United States? How and why have changes in moral, philosophical, and cultural values affected US History?