United States History Advanced Placement

2012-2013

Reconstruction- Present

Grade 11

Mrs. Hornstein

Course Description

Knowledge of the way people have lived and of the way events and ideas have shaped our lives helps us understand the world of the present. E Pluribus Unum is the nation’s motto: Out of Many, One. From the multiple backgrounds, interests, and experiences of its people, to what extent has the United States forged a national identity? How close has it come to realizing the ideals of its founders? Have noble intentions been forever corroded by the realities of slavery, discrimination, poverty, conflict, war, and special interests? As the United States faces its future, especially after September 11, can it expect from its people a unity that respects diversity, patriotism that respects dissent, and laws that respect individual rights? As we grapple with such questions in this course, I hope that you will emerge with: (1) an enjoyment of- or at least satisfaction from- the learning process itself; (2) a broad knowledge of the history of the United States sufficient enough to feel prepared to take the Advanced Placement exam in May 2012; (3) an appreciation of some of the cross-currents in the nation’s history implied by the unity/diversity theme; (4) the acquisition of skills useful to an ongoing study of history and the social sciences, and (5) an enhanced understanding, through a study of contemporary events, of the role of the United States in today’s world.

AP U.S. History II is a challenging course that is designed to be the equivalent of a freshman college course in a high school setting. It is a two-semester survey of American history from Reconstruction to the present. Solid reading and writing skills, along with a willingness to devote considerable time to homework and study, are necessary to succeed. Emphasis is placed on critical and evaluative thinking skills, essay writing, interpretation of original documents and historiography.

You will be required to apply the effort necessary to act as an historian and develop the ability to analyze historical evidence to determine its validity and relevance identify point of view and the nature of bias, and recognize the necessity of objectivity and substantiation. The methodology of an historian involves skills that are highly transferable; the ability to formulate generalizations, interpret and use data and to analyze and weigh evidence from conflicting sources of information are applicable to many other academic and practical disciplines.

Besides listening to occasional lectures andquite a few PowerPoint presentations on important themes of U.S. history, you are expected to participate in class verbally through discussions of primary documents and events, debates of key issues, possible role-playing of historic figures and partner and group activities. Furthermore, you are expected to continually develop your writing skills through regular short essays, essay exams and maintain a notebook of all class materials. The volume of material involved in a survey course of U.S. history is extensive and you can expect to do a lot of reading not only in the text and document book, but also from outside sources and research both in the library and through the Internet.

AP United States History is challenging and stimulating and, compared with other high school courses, takes more time and requires more homework (but you already know that). Consequently, there will be a focus on strengthening skills in taking objective exams, in addition to writing clear and compelling essays and doing research and analysis of historical data. Therefore, regular study, frequent practice in writing, historical analysis, class discussions/debates/seminars, and study/review/and test-taking strategies are major elements of the course. A substantial research and writing assignment, as required by the Board of Education, will be completed during the first semester.

To “keep you all on your toes,” there will be brief, unannounced 5-10-point quizzes often based on the homework readings at the beginning of class. Expect to have one every day that a reading is due so that you will prepared. This is a necessary way to make sure that you keep up with the work.

Course Objectives

Master a broad body of historical knowledge
Demonstrate an understanding of historical chronology
Use historical data to support an argument or position
Interpret and apply data from original documents, including cartoons, graphs, letters, etc.
Effectively use analytical skills of evaluation, cause and effect, compare and contrast
Work effectively with others to solve problems
Prepare for the Advanced Placement Exam

Materials Required

Wide loose leaf binder (at least 2” or larger to be kept at home) - this is where you will store all of your materials from past units. You should keep it neat and well-organized so that you have materials at your fingertips. Be sure to have dividers to separate the major topics of study.

One small (1”) binder (your “working notebook”) that will be brought to school each day with the materials/homework notes, etc., needed for the current unit being studied. Include some clean loose leaf paper and some blank, white computer paper in the back. This binder must be for Social Studies ONLY.

Highlighters, pens and pencils with erasers should be brought to class daily.

Assignments

At the beginning of each unit, you will receive a syllabus that will specify the readings and assignments for each topic within the unit. This syllabus will also give you a general idea of the length of the unit and the possible evaluation type and date for the unit. All syllabi are vital to the course and must not be misplaced. All assignments must be completed by the assigned due dates. Assignments may not be handed in late because the material that is due is the basis for that day’s discussion. If you should be legally absent, it is your responsibility to make up the work you have missed. Get the notes from a reliable classmate, check your syllabus and assignment sheets for any work due, check the pile for any handouts you missed, and check with a reliable classmate for important announcements that may have been on the blackboard. If you have any questions, see me immediately. Missed work is your responsibility. Makeup testsand quizzes will be done at my convenience. I am very flexible with these times, so be sure to check with me the day you return to set up an appointment. Additional announcements such as quizzes, tests, or changes to the syllabus will be written on the whiteboard in the AP US II section. Be responsible- check the whiteboard daily. The main homework assignment throughout the year will be reading in the textbook. Other assignments should be expected as well, especially document analysis and essay writing. You are invited and encouraged to see me for extra help, advice, or guidance. Please make an appointment to see me; my extra help times are flexible.

Classroom Procedure and Expected Decorum

Be in your seat when the bell rings, not on your way to it. Tardiness may result in detention. Tardiness, cutting, and excessive absences will inevitably affect your grade. Classroom rules- simple yet vital:

Always give your best effort on all class activities and assignments. They are opportunities to learn, achieve and grow. Take advantage of them.
Academic Freedom: Be respectful of others at all times. Respect your teacher and your peers by listening carefully to their ideas and contributions. Engaging in private conversations, doing work for other subjects, and packing up early are considered disrespectful and could result in disciplinary action. You may disagree with someone’s ideas without being disagreeable. All contributions are worthwhile and important to the individual making them.
Academic Integrity: Remember that your personal honor and integrity are very precious and are important parts of who you are. Therefore, I expect that you will do all of your OWN work at all times. There is to be no collaborating with current students OR past students unless you speak to me first. Do not work together, do not discuss assignments unless you have checked that it is ok with me. Sometimes it will be ok but err on the side of caution and ask. You are not permitted to use the notes or any work from past students (siblings or not).
Come to class prepared and be in your seat when the bell rings.
If you anticipate being absent, inform me immediately and request the work you will miss.
I encourage you to approach me after class so that I can give you my undivided attention (if I am free) or see me in the halls, drop a note in my mailbox, or stop by before or after school, so that I know we need to talk. Never hesitate to share your respectful feelings with me. Students quickly learn that I will eagerly listen and respond to their concerns when they approach me courteously.

Evaluation

Your evaluation is based on everything you do in the class. This includes tests, quizzes, reports, homework assignments, the research project, and the quality of your group work, cooperation and participation. I grade all assignments on a point system.

Tests – usually 100 points each. 1-3 per marking period.

Students are expected to know detailed, factual information on all topics covered in class and in the assignments. This includes information given through classroom discussions, oral reports, debates, and the textbook assignments. All major tests will be announced in advance. These tests are multiple choice exams, usually 50 questions in one period. There will be time outside of class allotted to test debriefing so you can review your answers and ask me any questions.

Essays- 30-100 points. At the minimum, one per marking period.

There will be many types of written assignments this year. These assignments will allow you to perfect your writing skills. Most of your essays will be in class but some of your homework assignments will be essays. All essays must be typed if completed as homework. We will spend time debriefing each essay assignment as a class and you may be asked (or you may ask) to meet with me for a writing conference.

Quizzes- 5-10 points. At least one per week.

As mentioned previously, unannounced quizzes based on the textbook reading assignments will be given often.

Class participation/ discussion/ presentations/preparedness- 40 points.

A college course of this type requires vast responsibility on your part. Class discussions will be a key part of this course and reflected in your grade. Informal debates, based on the previous homework assignments will also be considered in your grade. This grade is based on a rubric and you will see your grade at the end of each marking period.

Unit Questions- varies based on the assignment.

Each unit you will be assigned additional homework to be completed throughout the unit and due the day of the unit test. Your answers are to be typed and submitted.

Please sign below indicating you have read and understand this syllabus:

Student signature ______

Parent/Guardian signature ______