READING NOTES: HELPFUL HINTS TO COMPLETE THE WIPPCEW CHART FOR EACH CHAPTER
The WIPPCEW CHART is designed to help you organize your reading notes so that they are aligned with the Learning Objectives by Theme for AP United States History. These charts are designed to make it easier for you to study material you learn as you read, and remember material for future class exams and the AP Exam in May. Your success on the AP Exam will be based on how well you prepare these charts AND your commitment to reviewing the material on your own and with your study groups. Use the following information and questions to help you effectively sort your learning:
AMERICA IN THE WORLD
Students focus on “the global context in which the United States originated and developed as well as the influence of the United States on world affairs”
1)How have events in the North America/USA related to contemporary developments in the rest of the world?
2)How have different factors influenced US military, diplomatic, and economic involvement in international affairs and foreign conflicts, both in North America and overseas?
IDENTITY
Students focus on “the formation of both American national identity and group identities in US history.”
1)How and why have debates over American national identity changed over time?
2)How have gender, class, ethnic, religious, regional, and other group identities changed in different eras?
PEOPLING
Students focus on “why and how the various people who moved to, from, and within the US adapted to their new social and physical environments.”
1) Why have people migrated to, from, and within North America?
2) How have changes in migration and population patterns affected American life?
POLITICS AND POWER
Students examine “debates over the role of the government in society and its potential as an active agent for change.”
1)How and why have different political and social groups competed for influence over society and government in the colonies/United States?
2)How have Americans agreed or disagreed over the values that guide the political system as well as who is part of the political process?
IDEAS, BELIEFS AND CULTURE
Students explore “the roles that ideas, beliefs, social mores, and creative expression have played in shaping the United States.”
1) How and why have moral, philosophical, and cultural values changed in the colonies/US?
2) How and why have changes in moral, philosophical, and cultural values affected US history?
ENVIRONMENT AND GEOGRAPHY- PHYSICAL AND HUMAN
Students examine “the role of environment, geography, and climate in both constraining and shaping human actions.”
1)How did interactions with the natural environment shape the institutions and values of various groups living on the North American continent?
2)How did economic and demographic changes affect the environment and lead to debates over use and control of the environment and natural resources?
WORK, EXCHANGE AND TECHNOLOGY
Students focus on “the development of American economies based on agriculture, commerce, and manufacturing.”
1) How have changes in markets, transportation, and technology affected American society from colonial times to the present day?
2)Why have different labor systems developed in the colonies and the US, and how have they affected US society?
3)How have debates over economic values and the role of government in the US economy affected politics, society, the economy, and the environment?
READING NOTES EXPECTATIONS AND GRADING
Please complete one chart for each chapter that is assigned. You should have a MINIMUM of THREE notes for each column. Your notes will be graded based upon the QUALITY of the information included. Your charts should contain information that helps YOU understand major historical issues and developments and how these issues/developments contribute to broader trends and processes that have emerged in US History. Please refer to the reading schedule for the assigned chapters. Each chart is worth 50 points. PLEASE make sure that the notes are TYPED or written neatly—sloppy notes that are hard to read will NOT be an effective study reference!!