U.S. History
This course has two broad objectives: (1) to advance the academic, intellectual, and personal development of
the students as individuals, and (2) to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement U. S. History Test in
May. The first requires that we examine the historical narrative. Our purpose in doing so is to understand the
decisions made in our nation’s past that led us to where we are today, and to examine the values which
informed those decisions. For students, the outcomes of this effort will be: (1) an increased sense that they can
understand “how things work” in the United States, and (2) a well-founded system of values which they are able
to articulate with greater clarity and confidence. The second objective requires that specific skills and habits be
learned and exhibited by the students. Our purpose in making this happen is to produce better writers who can
make an organized and logical argument on paper, supported by judiciously selected historical evidence, given
a limited amount of time. For students, the result of this effort will be the enhancement of their performance on
the AP United States History Exam. Some of the specific goals that we will pursue in connection with the
achievement of these objectives are . . .
• Develop a measurable understanding of the events, concepts, themes and ideas that characterize our nation’s
history and heritage.
• Examine the qualities of leadership.
• Develop a competency for historical analysis, including understandings of theory and viewpoint.
• Refine skills in reading for comprehension.
• Learn, refine, and practice the craft of technical writing.
COURSE FEATURES
The intent of the course is to immerse the student in U. S. History. The course includes but is not limited to the
following activities:
Mastery of the text Students will be expected to gain a comprehensive understanding of the text.
Lecture Advanced Placement U. S. History is a content course. Its intent is to offer more...
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