Advanced Placement United States History

2024 – 2025

Mr. Boland

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

• To explore and master a broad body of United States historical knowledge.
• To develop historical analytical skills needed to critically assess important events and periods in United States history.
• Effectively use primary source materials in historical writing.
• Prepare for and successfully pass the AP United States History Exam.

REQUIREMENTS

• ESA = OAPSP (Since this is a college level course is it vitally important to maintain a positive attitude and do the work!)
• Note taking (At this level you should not have to be told to take notes either from class discussion or assigned reading.)
• (This requires self discipline. When a chapter or other reading is assigned it needs to completely read by the assigned date. NO EXCUSES.
• Typed (All essays and project work must be typed. NO handwritten essays/projects will be accepted.)
• Be Responsible When you are absent it is your duty to get the notes, assignments or materials you missed and make up the missed tests and quizzes and hand any materials/work that was not handed in due to your class absence. Also, if you miss class but are in school that day the work will be considered late. Assignments/quizzes/tests not made up will become zeros.
• Lateness is not Acceptable (All work needs to be completed by the assigned date.)
• Participate in class (Do not sit in the stands and watch.)
• DO NOT USE YOUR CELLPHONES IN CLASS!! (Use of your cell phone in and during class will negatively affect your grade.)
• Macbook rules apply!!

GRADED WORK

• You will be quizzed (including pop quizzes) regularly on the handouts, chapter and other assigned readings/work.
• There will be objective tests during the marking period.
• There will be essay tests during the year (except the first marking period)
• There will be at least one DBQ test during year (except the first marking period)
• There will be a midterm exam (one-tenth /one-ninth of final grade dependent on taking AP exam.)
• There will be a final exam (one-tenth of final grade) for students who decide not to take the AP test in May.
• There will be regularly assigned essays (expect at least one major essay every two to three weeks.)
• There will also be varying projects/assignments/homework/classwork during the course of the marking period.
• There will be periodic notebook checks (class & reading notes)
• Some assignments will carry different weights( test/quiz) I will inform you of the value of the assignment.
• There is and will be NO EXTRA CREDIT!

SUPPLY REQUIREMENTS

• Notebook/ Binder (whatever your preference)
• Folder **
• Blue or Black pens (NO work will be accepted in pencil)
• Pencils (ONLY for objective tests/scantron)

COURSE GRADE

Your marking period grade is based on the following three main categories:

• Homework/ Classwork  40%
• Quizzes                          30%
• Tests.                              30%

**The grade for the year will be based on the following: 20% First marking Period

                                                                                           20% Second marking Period

                                                                                           10% Midterm exam

                                                                                           20% Third marking Period

                                                                                           20% Fourth marking Period

                                                                                         *10% Final exam Grade (only for students who do not take AP Exam)

AP HISTORY TEXT& SUPPLEMENTAL TEXTS

Primary texts

Newman, John J and John Schmalbach.  Amsco Preparing for the United States History Exam 2020

Supplemental texts

Brinkley, Alan. Unfinished Nation 8^th Edition. New York. McGraw Hill. 2016

Barnes, Tom. Multiple-Choice & Essay Questions with Review Material in Preparation for the AP United States History Examination – 6^th Edition.  New York. DS Marketing. 2015.

Manchester, William.  The Glory and the Dream. New York. Bantam. 1984.

Course Note

** While you may not have daily assigned homework, YOU do in fact have homework daily!

Course Note II

** The agenda may be modified as needed during the school year.