Organized both chronologically and thematically, AP United States History is a survey of American history from the Gilded Age through the 1980s.  It prepares students for the demands of a college education by providing experience in college level reading, writing and responsibility for learning. Although presented in a high school setting this course conforms to the curriculum outlined by the College Board and is therefore the equivalent of a freshman college course.  AP United States History is challenging and stimulating, yet requires much more time than other high school classes.  Students can expect to devote between five and seven hours a week outside of class on coursework. Solid reading and writing skills, along with a willingness to devote considerable time to homework and study, are necessary to succeed. 

The volume of material involved in a survey course of United States history is broad and students can expect to do an extensive amount of reading from the text and various supplementary sources. In addition to traditional lectures on important themes of United States history, students will participate in panel discussions, debates of key issues, role playing of historic figures and mock trials.  This course also involves a good deal of research both in the library and on the Internet.  Two significant assignments in the course involve a research project in the fall and an oral history project in the spring.

General Course Objectives

At the conclusion of this course, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the significant events, people and trends of United States History from 1877 to the present as described by the Core Curriculum Standards of New Jersey and the National Center for History in the Schools

• analyze historical evidence to determine its validity and relevance

• identify point of view and appreciate the nature of bias when considering different views

• recognize the necessity of objectivity and substantiation of their own conclusions

• demonstrate effective writing skills through regular short essays, research papers and essay exams

• demonstrate effective communication skills in class discussions and presentations

• exercise the type of academic organization, discipline and self-confidence necessary to succeed in college

 This course is organized on the assumption that students will take the College Board AP examination in May which will allows qualified candidates to receive college credit for the course.  Consequently, there will be a focus on strengthening skills in taking objective exams, as well as writing clear and compelling expository essays.

Instructional Materials

--Textbook -  Paul S. Boyer, Clifford E. Clark, Jr., et al. The Enduring Vision, Fifth Edition

--Supplementary Texts: Zinn, Howard,  People’s History of the United States (selections only)

--Additional Materials: Reprints of current periodicals, teacher-reviewed internet resources

Course Organization

AP United States History consists of ten units, each of which will be introduced with a Unit Outline that sets forth a schedule of assignments, lesson plans and class activities.  All of the course organization material, including the schedule, is available at the class website.  Many of the class materials will be distributed through the website and FirstClass. Students are encouraged to visit the site often for course announcements, homework assignments, unit outlines, and links to useful resources on the Internet.

A wide variety of activities will be employed in this course.  Students can expect to participate in cooperative projects, oral presentations, simulations and role playing.  Students are also required to participate in small and large group class discussions (thoughtful and active participation in class discussions and presentations comprise part of the grade). 

Grading:

Grades are calculated on a point system.  Tests are worth 100 points, quizzes 25 points, and writing assignments from 10 to 50 points. Class participation is calculated as individual grades for particular discussions and as a grade of 10 points for each unit.

Please note that this course presents a higher standard of performance than most high school courses; students should be advised that the grading policy will reflect these higher expectations.  When judging an acceptable level of performance students and parents should consider that AP US History requires a level of achievement consistent with course objectives outlined by the College Board.

Course Policies

The policies of this class are consistent with the policies of Chatham High as set forth in the student handbook.  Parents and students are strongly advised to review these policies at the beginning of the school year, particularly with regard to academic honesty and plagiarism.

Attendance:

Students are responsible for all material and work missed due to an absence and should consult the class website and FirstClass.  Mr. Maher will make every effort to ensure that this information is available for students who legitimately miss class.  Students will have two school days for each day absent to make up all class work, homework, tests, quizzes, etc.  Any work not completed within this time may be subject to “no credit” for each assignment.  Policies regarding make-up work and withdrawal of credit due to excessive absences are the same as those set forth in the student handbook. 

Late Work:

Assignments will be penalized one letter grade each day they are late and will not be accepted more than four days after they are due.   Assignments will be penalized one letter grade each day they are late and will not be accepted more than four days after they are due.

Academic Integrity:

All students are expected to do their own work; plagiarism and cheating are absolutely unacceptable.  The definition of what amounts to cheating and the disciplinary code of action outlined in the student handbook will be followed verbatim.  Plagiarized assignments will receive a grade of zero, they may not be re-done or made-up in any way.

Behavior:

Social studies courses involve the presentation and exchange of views and opinions on controversial topics.  All students and Mr. Maher will make every effort to insure that students feel physically and intellectually comfortable and safe in class.  The mutual respect and responsible behavior necessary for the creation of an effective learning environment will be maintained by an equitable, consistent and vigorous policy of discipline consistent with the Code of Conduct of Chatham High.

 Communication

Positive student experience in any course requires the efforts and cooperation of teachers, students and parents.  Mr. Maher will make every effort to insure that students and parents are apprised of student performance.  Parents are strongly encouraged to direct any questions concerning the course or their child’s performance to Mr. Maher at (635-9075 ext. 306) or smaher@chatham-nj.org.

Students should not hesitate to ask Mr. Maher any questions they may have regarding the course or their performance.  If extra assistance is required, time will made outside of class to make every effort to insure that each student has the opportunity to succeed.

Specific Course Objectives  

Content

• Demonstrate knowledge of the significant events, people and trends of United States History from European settlement through 1877 as described by the Core Curriculum Standards of New Jersey and the National Center for History in the Schools

• Demonstrate knowledge of American geography, and successfully apply geographic concepts in map work activities that involve the reading, drawing and comparing of maps

• Demonstrate an understanding of economic concepts by successfully applying these concepts in essays and graded class activities

• Apply major dimensions of historical thinking:

Chronological Thinking

Historical Comprehension 

Historical Analysis and Interpretation

Historical Research Capabilities

Historical Issues-Analysis and Decision-making

Writing

• Write clear, concise and convincing essays about history

• Understand the writing process by using process writing strategies and techniques

• Use appropriate, specific and sophisticated vocabulary in written work

• Demonstrate a command of correct grammar, mechanics, and usage in written work

• Use correct bibliographic references and know when they are required

Skills

• Think critically and detect inaccuracies or biases in primary and secondary sources

• Demonstrate the ability to summarize, paraphrase, synthesize and generalize information from various sources

• Compare several sources of information; make inferences, hypothesize about possible causes and/or effects and come to well-reasoned conclusions

• Utilize primary source materials including artifacts, contemporary art and music, reports and political cartoons in class projects and written work

• Master graph and table skills, and successfully complete activities which involve reading tables, charts and graphs and construct at least one of each

History

• Recognize the interrelatedness of literature and history, and make explicit connections between the two disciplines in discussions, class activities, and written work

• Demonstrate an awareness of the career opportunities available in fields requiring literary, reading and/or writing skills and in the fields related to the study of history and the social studies

• Develop a respect for different ethnic groups and cultures

• Develop an awareness for community, national and world events

• Become cognizant of responsibilities to themselves, others, family, school, community and country