Course+Syllabus

=**APUSH Course Syllabus**=



**__ Course Description __**
The AP U.S. History course is designed to provide students with the analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in U.S. history. The program prepares students for intermediate and advanced college courses by making demands upon them equivalent to those made by full-year introductory college courses. Students should learn to assess historical materials—their relevance to a given interpretive problem, reliability, and importance—and to weigh the evidence and interpretations presented in historical scholarship. An AP U.S. History course should thus develop the skills necessary to arrive at conclusions on the basis of an informed judgment and to present reasons and evidence clearly and persuasively in essay format. (Source: AP CollegeBoard United States History Course Description)

**__ Course Objectives __**


 * 1)  Students will learn to analyze the political, economic, social and cultural changes in US history
 * 2)  Students will analyze, interpret and evaluate sources as historical evidence
 * 3)  Students will develop and demonstrate their critical thinking and persuasive writing skills through mock AP US History exams, essays and research assignments

**__ Course Text and Readings __**
Bailey and Kennedy, //The American Pageant 13th Ed.// Bailey and Kennedy, //The American Spirit 13th Ed. Volume I & II// Various handouts provided by the instructor

**__ Materials __**
1. Binder, dividers and binder paper. The binder should be organized chronologically by unit. 2. Black or blue pen and a highlighter 3. Laptop/ notebook

**__ Grades and Grade Weighting __**
The grading scale is as follows: A = 90 - 100% B = 80 - 89% C = 70 - 79% D = 60 - 69% F= 59& below This scale applies to tests, quizzes and assignments. Essays will be graded based on the A.P. exam rubric. || **__ Term Grade Weighting ("Grade Categories") __** Unit Tests 40% Major assignments 30% (take-home essays, portfolio, analysis charts, etc.)
 * **__ Grading __**

Quizzes & HW Assignments 30% Semester Grade Breakdown [T1 + T2] (80%) + [Semester Final] (20%) = 100% [T3 + T4] (80%) + [Semester Final] (20%) = 100% ||

**__ Assignments: __**
Refer to the unit overview sheets for information regarding homework, research assignments and the dates of quizzes and exams. The class will be a combination of lectures, group work, discussions, student presentations and projects. In one unit, you will probably have
 * 1)  Multiple Choice exam and essays
 * 2)  Daily reading assignments and quizzes
 * 3)  Major assignments, such as research assignments and document analysis

**__ Comprehensive Semester Final Exam & the APUSH Exam __**
Near the end of the first semester, all students will take a semester final exam. For the second semester final, all students will take a “Mock” AP exam which will also serve as the year’s final exam. In addition, you must take the externally moderated APUSH exam in order to fulfill the requirements of this course.
 * __ Expectations __**

> __ Unexcused absence __ : You should complete the work even though you can not receive credit.
 * 1)  I expect you to **come to class prepared and on time**. All students must be in their seats and beginning work on the prior knowledge questions when the bell rings. Come to class with all the necessary materials.
 * 2) ** Attendance is essential. ** I expect you to show up to class on time and prepared to learn. If you have an __ Excused Absence __ : Each student is responsible for finding what work was missed prior to or following an excused absence. All make up work following an excused absence must be completed and turned in as many days as the student was absent.
 * 1) ** Be responsible for your own learning. ** You will have to develop effective study habits and manage your time well to master the content of this course. Expect to study every day for at least two hours to complete the required reading. Take the initiative to conduct research on topics that you do not understand or that we do not fully cover in class. You are always welcome to come see me with questions. It is your responsibility to find out more about what you do not understand. I also recommend that you form study groups to help each other learn and review the material that will be on the exam. During the second semester, expect to meet outside of class every week to begin your review.
 * 2) ** Assignments ** : Student work needs to be typed and presented in a neat and orderly fashion with a proper heading. For major assessments, a digital version is acceptable and must be emailed before class to receive credit. For daily assignments, print and submit them during the first five minutes of class. Do not expect me to print it for you (No email; no USB).
 * 3) ** I expect you to submit your work on time ** . All late homework assignments will receive a failing grade. On major assignments, a full grade will be deducted for one class period past the deadline. No major assignments will be accepted after one class period past the deadline. Please see me at least three school days prior to your deadline if you have any extenuating circumstances.
 * 4) ** Plagiarism ** : I expect you to be honest. Do not cheat, plagiarize or hand in someone else’s work as your own. Always cite all sources used, whether in formal papers or homework assignments. Students should follow the MLA format. If you are guilty of plagiarizing, you will not get any credit for the assignment and your parents will be contacted.
 * 5) ** Respect: ** I expect you to treat yourself, others and the school property with respect.
 * 6) ** No Food: ** I expect you to maintain the room in clean, working order. No food. Drinks are allowed as long as they are in spill-proof containers (ie. bottles with lids; no cans).
 * 7) **No electronic devices** (except your laptop): I expect you to keep all electronic devices (cell phones, music devices/headphones) turned off and out of sight.