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APUSH SYLLABUS
ADVANCED PLACEMENT UNITED STATES HISTORY
2006-2007 Syllabus
Mr. Long
Room 230
E-mail:
COURSE OBJECTIVES AND EXPECTATIONS
1. AP U.S. History (APUSH) is a college-level U. S. History survey course designed to prepare you to succeed on the AP U. S. History exam given by the College Board. It is challenging and moves quickly. There is a heavy emphasis on reading, essay writing, and analyzing original documents. College credit is possible if a student obtains a qualifying score on the national APUSH Exam given in early May. I expect that all students in the class will take the APUSH Exam on Friday, May 11, 2006.
2. This is a difficult course with potentially great benefits. Success in this course requires seriously committed students who are willing to work far above the level required in a regular high school history class. I expect each student in this class to: attend all the time; arrive prepared and ready to work each day; participate in a constructive, respectful and cooperative manner; and handle the workload in a mature and diligent manner. I will give you the best possible instruction and help that I can and expect your best in return.
MATERIALS
1. Please bring to class each day a pen or a pencil, notebook paper, and whatever other materials we are currently studying. On days when multiple tests or quizzes are given, bring a pencil. Bring a black or dark blue pen for in-class essays.
2. The text will be supplemented with primary and secondary source documents, charts, time lines, maps, and other class materials. Please use a folder or binder to bring your notes and materials we are currently using to class each day. You should also acquire a large 3-hole binder to keep materials from completed units. Save everything we do and put it in chronological order to help you study.
3. Textbook: You do not need to bring your textbook to class. I will provide any books needed for class work. Please do not remove any classroom texts from the room.
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
All school rules are enforced in my classes, but here are a few that students seem to occasionally “forget”:
1. Be punctual and prepared: be in your assigned seat with the necessary materials when the bell rings.
2. Respect the teacher and your fellow students. Please raise your hand and wait to be called on if you have a question or comment. No cheating, including presenting someone else’s work as your own. Absolutely no disrespectful language (including profanity) or behavior will be accepted. Treat others the way you want to be treated.
3. No cell phones, pagers, electronic games, personal stereos or headphones in class.
4. Please respect my classroom: leave the room in as good or better condition as when we entered it.
5. No food, candy, gum or beverages other than bottled water in class.
6. Do not expect that passes will be issued during class, except for medical emergencies.
7. Work the entire class: remain in your assigned seat until the bell.
DISCIPLINE CONSEQUENCES
1. Warning
2. Detention with me after school. You will write
a minimum of 100 sentences of my choosing.
3. Office detention(s) and phone call to parents
4. Visit with an administrator and parent contact
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND ASSESSMENT
1. Homework: You should plan for at least 45-60 minutes of homework every night. You should also be prepared to work on weekends and over extended school holidays reading, outlining, and reviewing the text, reading supplemental material, and doing outside study.
2. Class Lectures, Discussions and Participation: I expect you to take notes on all class lectures and discussions. Participation in class, whether in large class or group discussions, is expected. I will note regular positive contributions to class. Although there is not a separate grade for participation, it is a factor I will consider if a student is on the borderline between one grade and another.
3. Grades: Grades will be based on the total points earned for the grading period. Assessments will include:
· Chapter Reading Quizzes - (25 points) 15 multiple choice questions given the date a chapter reading assignment is due.
· Primary Document or Secondary Reading Quizzes - (10 points) may be given on the date the assignment is due for discussion. May include short answer, multiple choice, fill in the blank or true/false questions.
· Essays - (50 points) at least one per unit, most often at the end of the unit. They will require you to use information from lectures, discussions and the readings.
· Unit Tests - (100 points) usually 50 multiple choice questions covering class discussions and several chapters of the reading. Questions come from the textbook publisher, prior AP Exams and me.
· Classwork / Homework - (10-20 points) given on an occasional basis.
Approximate Breakdown of Graded Assignments: Tests 45%, Essays 25%, Quizzes 25%, Classwork and Homework: 5-10%
4. Absences and Make-up Work: If absent, it is your responsibility to ask me about missed assignments and to schedule any make-up quizzes or tests. Assignments or quizzes announced before a 1 day absence will be due as scheduled. For longer absences, you will have the number of days missed plus one to make up the missed work. You will earn a 0 for work not made up in a timely fashion. No late work will be accepted
5. Extra Credit: Other than occasional small extra credit opportunities, no extra credit will be given. To do well, plan on giving a consistent effort on assignments and tests. The exception:
· Unit Review Opportunities – at the end of the first, second and third quarters, I plan to offer a review exercise covering significant developments, events and dates. More details to follow.
AVAILABILITY FOR ASSISTANCE
· I am always happy to meet with students to help you do better in the class. I am generally available after school after 2:35. During September and October, I will be in Room 205 from 2:45 to 3:45. During Mock Trial season (October-mid February), I am also unavailable after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The best policy is to check if I am available on a particular day.
· You are always welcome to contact me by e-mail. Please avoid leaving voicemail messages.