Welcome to Advanced Placement United States History

2007-2008

Instructor

Mr. Thorburn

Seminar Room: A211

e-mail: pat.thorburn@d214.org; thordogg@gmail.com

Free Periods: 4 & 7

This course is dedicated to the propositions that those who forget the past tend to repeat it; that those who have never learned about it do not even know enough to forget it before they repeat it; and that those who, through either obliviousness or ignorance do not come to grips with it, will be at history’s mercy on the day when it takes them by surprise and knocks them on their rear. Class activities, presentations, and readings have been designed in a desperate effort to remedy their plight.

Course Description

One goal of this course is to increase the student’s understanding of United States history from exploration to the present in order that each student may pass the AP Examination offered by the College Board in May. Additionally, and for the instructor much more importantly, it is hoped that the course will develop your appreciation for history, challenge your idea of what history is, introduce you to the work of the historian, and have you grapple with complex themes in a subject where there is almost never a right or easy answer.

The course is divided into two semesters. The first semester will cover the history of the United States from its founding until roughly the end of the 19^th century. The second semester will largely cover the twentieth century, and include intense review for the Advanced Placement examination. Achievement on this test may result in college credit, so extensive preparation is essential; demands will be made upon students equivalent to those made by introductory college courses. The absolute key in AP US History is to do assignments as they are given and not allow them to accumulate. Do your work in small chunks instead of spending 9 hours on Sunday trying to catch up. Past AP US students have given the course high marks and have found that it has prepared them well for the AP exam and for future coursework.

Texts and Readings

AP US History is a reading-intensive course. If you took AP World History, you are familiar with these demands. If you did not, I suspect your system will be shocked at the amount of reading you will be expected to do for both this class and AP Language & Composition. We move at a rapid pace. This is not stated to scare you or intimidate you, but make you an informed student. If at anytime you feel overwhelmed and in need of guidance, please see me ASAP!! I want you to enjoy your experience in AP US History!!!

As exams will cover both what occurs in class, as well as material in assigned readings that may not be discussed in class, completing assigned readings is essential. The texts for the course include:

CORE TEXT: James Henretta, et al. America: A Concise History, 3^rd ed.

SUPPLEMENTAL TEXTS:

Krista Dornbush. AP US History: Powerful, Practical Tools to Help You Score Higher. Diane Ravitch, ed. The American Reader. Words that Moved a Nation.

Melvin Yazawa. Documents to Accompany America’s History, to 1877, 5^th ed.

Kevin Fernland. Documents to Accompany America’s History, Since 1865, 5^th ed.

Frederick Douglass. The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass.

Tom Brokaw. The Greatest Generation.

Upton Sinclair. The Jungle

John Hersey. Hiroshima

In the syllabus, readings will be listed according to the book’s author’s or editor’s last name. Thus Henretta, 15-24 would signify that you need to read pages 15-24 in the America: A Concise History text.

Pace and Sequence

The pace of AP US History is significantly faster than a regular US History course. While reading assignments vary from week to week, some readings are quite considerable, especially during the first nine weeks. On average, expect to read 60-80 pages per week.

Some students may have difficulty at first with the pace of the course. Please, stick with it and don’t give up. My door is always open for help and encouragement when needed. In addition, you have my e-mail and home phone number which you are encouraged to use. The bottom line here is to see me and ask for help whenever you feel it is needed.

Course Web Site

The course offers a website for home or library access. The page contains helpful links to your textbook’s web site, various history and research sites, a few “just-for-fun” links, and links to all syllabi, vocab sheets, assignment sheets, and essay directions for the current & previous units. Additionally this year, grades will be available on a password protected website available on the course website. In order to access your grade and the website, it is essential that you have a personal email account. If you do not have one, please create one at yahoo, gmail, hotmail, or another free email account website. The address for the course site is http://rmhs.d214.org/classes/thorburn/apusindex.htm, or you can access it from the “Academics” link on the RMHS Homepage.

ASSIGNMENTS & GRADING

Units

AP US History has been divided into six units, each with a corresponding color. The units are as follows:

ORANGE, Colonial thru Boston Tea Party, Chapters 1-5

PURPLE, Revolution thru Era of Good Feelings, Chapters 6-10

BLUE, Jacksonian America thru Reconstruction, Chapters 11-15

GREEN, Gilded Age thru Progressive Era, Chapters 16-20

YELLOW, Imperial Era thru World War II, Chapters 21-26

RED, Modern America since WWII, Chapters 27-31

Text Chapter Quizzes

You will be expected to read all 31 chapters of your textbook over the course of the school year. A study guide will be distributed with each unit and each study guide will include one page dedicated to each chapter of the text. After Chapter 1 and then after every two chapters, you will take a quiz on the text and study guide. Chapter quizzes will be a mixture of multiple choice, identification, map questions, and short answer questions. Each quiz will be worth 80 points and your lowest chapter quiz score each semester will be dropped.

Examinations

During the first semester, there will be THREE cumulative mid-term examinations, after the completion of the first three units, in addition to the semester final examination. Second semester examinations will also be cumulative.

All exams, for which a full 90 minutes will be allotted, will have approximately 40 multiple-choice questions. In addition to the multiple-choice component of unit exams, students will write on a Documents Based essay question (DBQ). Extensive preparation on how to write a DBQ essay will be a significant part of the course curriculum.

MIDTERM # 1 will follow the ORANGE unit and will be given on September 27/28

MIDTERM # 2 will follow the PURPLE unit and will be given on November 2/5

MIDTERM # 3 will follow the BLUE unit and will be given on December 6/7

Each midterm exam will be worth 200 points – 100 points for the multiple-choice section and 100 points for the DBQ. As the AP Exam given in May is administered under strict time limits, exams given in class will be timed, and rarely will extra time be allotted, especially as we get further into the school year.

The first semester final examination will begin the Friday before exam week. During the final regular 90-minute class period of the semester you will write two essays. During the final exam period, a 100 question cumulative multiple-choice exam will be given. The 1^st semester final exam will be worth 20% of your semester grade. The 2^nd semester final exam will count for 25% of your semester grade.

Because of their demanding nature, all multiple-choice exams will be curved. The curve will be determined and announced after all students have taken the assessment (so it is in your best interest to NOT share exam questions with others.)

SOAPS Papers

A major focus of AP US History will be the use of primary documents. A good deal of the historian’s work revolves around such documents. While reading a historical document, it is important to consider the document’s Speaker, Occasion, Audience, Purpose, and Significance. During the semester, you will be required to analyze SIX historical documents. Directions for these papers are attached to this course description. Everyone must write a SOAPS paper on Nickel and Dimed and The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. The remaining four papers can be written on primary documents of your choice listed in the course syllabus. SOAPS papers are limited to 350 words, except for Nickel and Frederick Douglass which should be no more than 500 words. SOAPS papers must be turned in on the date indicated on the syllabus and no late papers will be accepted. The Nickel and Frederick Douglass papers will each be worth 80 points; the others will be worth 50 points each.

Free Response Question (FRQ) Essays

In addition to the DBQ essays on unit exams, each unit will also include FRQ essays in a format similar to what will be experienced on the AP exam in May. Each essay test will contain two questions, of which you will be expected to write on one. Essays will be worth 100 points each.

Other Graded Course Requirements

In addition to the above requirements, the following will also impact your grade:

USA Map Test, 100 points – August 30/31

Summer Reading Test (Devil & Nickel) – 100 points - August 30/31

Presidents Test, 100 points – second semester

Minor Assignments and Participation

Several minor assignments may be given during the semester. Such assignments may include Internet research and presentation of research, synthesizing historical documents, and/or production of a short paragraph.

You are not limited to participating only when called on. Regular participation is encouraged. The structuring of the participation is intended to allow regular participation from all students to flourish. Students who participate in a positive manner in a way that is above and beyond class expectations will be eligible for up to a 2% bonus added to their semester grade.

Exciting Historical Museum Visit Option

You have ONE opportunity to earn extra credit each semester. During the first semester, you can earn 20 points by visiting a historical museum or a state/national historic site, and sending me a postcard from the site. In order to receive credit for this assignment, it must meet the following criteria:

• it must be dated (postmarks suffice as dated)
• it absolutely must list two significant things that you learned about the history of the nation, state, or region that you found interesting
• it must contain a sentence of no more than 50 words linking what you learned at the museum or site to larger themes you learned in AP US History

During the second semester, you can earn 20 points by writing a review of a Hollywood motion picture that depicts an event of significance in U.S. History. See Mr. Thorburn for suggested movies, for approval of a movie you would like to review, and for a copy of the assignment required to earn credit.

Research Paper Requirement (Second Semester)

In the second semester, a research paper based on primary documents on a 20th century topic of the student’s choice will be assigned. A grade of “I” will be issued to students who fail to complete the research paper, regardless of their grades on other assignments.

Grading Scale

Grades will be assigned based on the number of points earned, then divided by the number of points possible and multiplied by 100. Percentages will be converted to letter grades according to the following:

89.1% and higher = A

79.1%-89% = B

69.1%-79% = C

59.1%-69% = D

59% and below = F

Attendance & Make Up Work

Your regular attendance is vital to success in this course. Because of the rapid pace of the course, one absence can cause you to fall behind considerably. While attendance does not make up part of your course grade - i.e., there is no penalty for unexcused absences - irregular attendance will certainly lead to a lower grade.

Students who are absent on the day of a chapter quiz, essay test, or midterm examination will be expected to make-up the missed assessment:

• after school or during seminar BEFORE the missed class in the case of anticipated

absences (i.e., vacation, field trips, etc.)

• within TWO days of your return to school after unanticipated absences

Students who do not make up work within the above guidelines, or make alternative arrangements to do so risk penalties to their grade. Repeat offenders will incur the most severe penalties. Make up quizzes and exams may be different than the ones taken in class and make-up essay tests may not have a choice of essay questions (i.e., you will have to answer the one I give you.)

The Classroom Environment

Since this is an advanced placement class, I do not anticipate problems. This is a college class and I intend to treat you like college students.

• I am not known for my strict tardiness policy. However, regular tardiness that causes disruption to the classroom environment will be dealt with according to the RMHS Attendance Policy. I would really appreciate if I never had to invoke these consequences.

• Food & drink is allowed in the classroom as long as no remnants of your nourishment are left on the desks/floor/radiator/classroom furniture/chalkboard ledge/Mr. Thorburn’s backpack after class.
• Cell phones are now prohibited in the classroom per a new Board of Education policy. However, I do not plan on conducting search and seizure exercises to enforce this new Board policy 4.30.1. But please be warned, if a cell phone rings during class, I reserve the right to answer the phone and publicly embarrass you. If this is not a possibility you relish, please don’t bring your cell phone to class, or at the very least, make sure it is turned off. Cell phones that ring during an examination are grounds for a 10% penalty to your score on the first offense and a 50% penalty on any and all subsequent offenses. However, please note that cell phones are barred from the examination room the day of the AP Exam and violating this rule on that day can and will result in the cancellation of your score without refund to you.
• Finally, during class presentations and discussions, your full attention (or at least the appearance of your full attention) is expected. Please do not read, do homework, sleep, or hold side conversations with others. These actions will be taken as a serious sign of disrespect and result in the complete ostracism and humiliation of the parties involved and may even prevent them from graduating, marrying, or obtaining a night host position at Denny’s.

Studying

For many students in AP US History, studying for examinations poses a special challenge. For each unit, students receive a list of pertinent dates (the significance of which must be memorized), a vocabulary list, and a set of questions pertaining to the assigned readings. Use the vocabulary sheets to test yourself. Know the significance of each term and see if you can create a story explaining the relationship(s) among the various terms. Simple memorization of terms with simple descriptions is not sufficient.

Academic Integrity Policy

All students in AP US History are expected to be familiar with and agree in writing to abide by the attached Township High School District 214 Board of Education’s Academic Integrity policy, which states that students are expected to abide by standards of academic honesty in all work which demonstrates their knowledge and for which credit is awarded. Failure to abide by these standards will result in loss of credit for the assignment in question, and no opportunities for alternative credit will be provided. Students found to be in violation of the Academic Integrity policy in AP US History will be ineligible to receive a letter of recommendation from Mr. Thorburn in the future.

The AP US History Exam

The AP US History examination is offered by the College Board, an independent agency that also offers the SAT college entrance exam. Over a quarter-million high school students take this exam each May. Exams are scored in a range of 1 - 5. Students earning a 3, 4, or 5 on the exam are considered to have passed. Students who earn passing scores may then receive college credit in U.S. History, depending on the particular score received and the college/university they attend. Some major universities such as Illinois State University and the University of Wisconsin (all campuses) award credit for a score of 3 or higher. Other schools, especially those that are more selective, will offer credit only to those examinees that earn 4s or 5s. All universities recognize the merits of the AP program, and are well aware of the rigors of high school AP courses. Thus having a transcript that shows you have successfully completed an AP course demonstrates to many college admissions’ officers your academic success, even if your score does not translate into credit at that particular college. If you have a college you are thinking about, and you are interested in learning about their AP credit policy, the College Board has a web site where you can research it: http://www.collegeboard.com/ap/credit policy

This year, the US History exam will be administered on Friday, May 9, 2008. The exam has 4 parts:

A: 80-multiple choice questions, 55 minutes, 50% of total score

B: 1 DBQ - Documents Based Question, 60 minutes (includes 15 minute reading period), 22.5% of total score

C: Free Response Essay (choice of 2), 35 minutes, 13.75% of total score

D: Free Response Essay (choice of 2), 35 minutes, 13.75% of total score

Both the multiple-choice and the free response sections cover the period from the era before the first European explorations of the Americas to the present, although the majority of questions are on the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. In the multiple choice section, approximately one-sixth of the questions deal with the period through 1789, one-half with the period 1790-1914, and one-third with the period of 1915-present. Whereas the multiple choice section may include a few questions on the period since 1985, neither the DBQ nor any of the four essay questions in Parts B & C should deal exclusively with this period.

Students register to take the exam in the Assessment Center (room B222), usually in February or early March. In 2006, the registration fee was $82.00. It is the expectation that all students enrolled in AP US History will take the Advanced Placement Examination. Students who do not register to take the exam should talk with me about the decision. It should also be considered when applying to colleges that admissions officers will often be expecting an AP exam score when an AP course is denoted on your transcript. The overwhelming response from last year’s class was that the AP exam was easier than Mr. Thorburn’s exams!! Hopefully, there is some comfort in that finding.

Exam score reports are mailed to your home, usually by the middle of July.