Discipline: AP US History
Teacher: Dan Champagne
E-mail: [email protected]
Telephone: 603-458-5533
Web Site: www.geocities.com/dchamp1960/socialstudies.html
Course Description
The AP course follows a chronological and conceptual approach to the study of American history. In other words, instruction moves from the colonial period to the present, concentrating on the major themes and ideas of America's past. The course culminates with the Advanced Placement Examination in U.S. History. Offered by the College Board organization, this very difficult, comprehensive three-hour exam is graded on a 0 to 5 scale. Students who receive a 3 or better are awarded six semester hours of college credit at most universities. Because the course is designed to prepare students for success on the AP exam, the course is taught and graded at the college level. The pace of instruction is exceptionally brisk and students are expected to read and comprehend a college-level text, synthesize their readings with daily classroom experiences, and use their thorough understanding of the past to grapple with high-level documents and multiple-choice and in-class essay questions.
Course Objectives
After successful completion of the course of study the student will be able to demonstrate the following skills and knowledge.
-Demonstrate comprehension of a broad body of historical knowledge.
-Express ideas clearly in writing.
-Interpret and apply data from original documents.
-Identify underrepresented historical viewpoints.
-Compare and contrast alternate interpretations of an historical figure, event, or trend.
-Explain how an historical event connects to or causes a larger trend or theme.
-Develop essay responses that include a clear, defensible social studies thesis statement and supporting evidence.
-Effectively argue a position on an historical issue.
-Critique and respond to arguments made by others.
-Raise and explore questions about policies, institutions, beliefs, and actions in an historical context.
-Evaluate primary materials, such as historical documents, political cartoons, and first-person narratives.
-Evaluate secondary materials, such as scholarly works or statistical analyses
Overall Expectations
1. Attend class
a. NRHS Attendance policy � Students are limited to 10 unexcused absences per semester. If a student exceeds 10 unexcused absences in any semester, that student will not be allowed credit. If a student exceeds 20 unexcused absences for the school year, that student shall be denied credit. The student shall be required to attend summer school or repeat the course. Any absence requires a note from a parent/guardian upon return to school. If a student is absent without parental contact, the student is considered truant for the day.
b. Students who are absent for any reason will be required to make up work missed in each class. Work may be submitted for credit with the exception of make-up work due to Out of School Suspension, which may be submitted for correction but not for credit. It is the student�s responsibility to obtain all make-up work from his/her teachers immediately upon return to school.
2. Be on time
a. 3 tardies equals one detention.
b. Each arrival at class more than 15 minutes late without parental or administrative permission shall count as one unexcused absence.
c. A student leaving class without parental or administrative permission for more than 15 minutes of the class period counts as one unexcused absence.
3. Preparation - You will be expected to come to class everyday with:
- three ring binder divided into 5 sections (notes, vocabulary, handouts, projects and exams)*
- journal notebook
- text book
- pen/pencil
4. Effort - If you work hard, you will succeed in this class.
5. Respect - Treat others like you would want to be treated.
6. Honesty - Be truthful to yourself and others.
Grading Policy
1. Tests/Projects = 50% - Exams will include multiple choice, data based questions, and essays. You will also be expected to complete four writing projects (details will be forthcoming).
2. Class Participation/Attitude = 10% - You will be expected to participate in class activities. Have an open mind and bring a positive attitude with you every day.
3. Quizzes = 20% - Oral and written quizzes covering vocabulary, class material and/or readings will be given every day (be prepared).
4. Homework = 20% - Make sure your homework is in on time (five points off for every day late).
*Five points of extra credit will be given at the end of each semester for complete and updated notebooks.