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U.S. History AP

HIST 415/416

U.S. History AP

  • Course ID:HIST 415/416
  • Semesters:2
  • Department:History
  • Course Rank:College Level
  • Teachers:Jimmy Callahan

Description and Objectives

AP U.S. History has two main goals: to deepen students understanding of American History and to prepare them for you AP Exam in May. Through reading and classroom discussions we will delve into all aspects of American History from before the arrival of Columbus to the present.  Therefore we will also focus on the specific skills and the application of those skills that is necessary for success on the AP U.S. History Exam. A few of these skills include:

 

  • The ability to assess historical materials – their relevance to a given interpretive problem, reliability, and importance – and to weigh the evidence and interpretations presented in historical scholarship.
  • Help students to learn additional facts and themes that are important for the AP exam.
  • Assign and grade work from AP exam review books and other sample AP exam materials.
  • Drill students on completing AP multiple-choice questions in a timely fashion.
  • Drill students on writing AP DBQ essays and other essays.

Textbooks

Newman, John J. & John M. Schmalbach. United States History: Preparing for the Advanced Placement Examination (New York: Amsco Publication) 2021.

Course Requirements

Students must keep up with the homework and reading. This is a college-level course and all students are expected to not just come to class but to come well-prepared.

Successful Students

  • Will read chapters and complete all homework assignments on time
  • Take detailed notes in class
  • Work to grasp not only details but larger themes

Additional Resources

College Board AP US History Resource Page

Summer Assignment

Obtain and read The Myth of the Robber Barons: A New Look at the Rise of Big Business in America by Burton W. Folsom, Jr. (ISBN: 0963020315). A quick read (135 pages of text) and a great insight into historical research and analysis.

Answer one of the following questions in 3 to 5 handwritten pages citing specific examples and evidence from this book:

1) Evaluate the extent to which technology changed life in the United States from 1800-1920.

2) Evaluate the extent to which the large companies impacted American Society from 1840-1920.

Note: Do not use block quotes, explain in your own words. Referencing the book is good but don’t just quote it- analyze and explain it. See AP Rubric for additional style and content guidelines- Long Essay Question Rubric.