AP US History
AP US History is a fast-paced, rigorous romp through America that helps students to build their critical-thinking and argument creation skills.
What are the major projects you will complete in this course?
Students will prepare for the AP exam in May. The instructors of this course understand that students can struggle with the increased demand in terms of reading, depth of understanding, and writing expectations which is why there are cumulative re-assessment opportunities at the mid-term and/or end of the semester (final exam) which allows students one last opportunity to demonstrate what they know and can do.
Advanced Placement exam is available for this course.
Advanced Placement (AP) exams are available for this course. For more information on Advanced Placement, click here.
Course Details
Devin Kay
"You should take this course if you enjoy studying history, and are a motivated and independent learner who welcomes being challenged."
AP US History
ID: 42036 Grade: 10-12 Length: Year
Credit: US History
Prerequisite: Semester I grade of A or higher in World History/World Studies is required to select this course in grade 10; a B or higher in a tenth or eleventh social studies course is required to select this course in eleventh or twelfth grade, or current teacher recommendation.
Note: This course has a grade point weighting of 0.5.
This course provides students with an understanding of major themes in US history, including American identity, economic and social life, political change and continuity, and the US role in the world. The course is ideal for the student who has a real interest in history and who is prepared to work consistently and to go well beyond mere memorization of the material. Students are required to be internally motivated, to have good reading and comprehension skills, to be well organized, and to be prepared to examine and think about different, often conflicting, interpretations of history. The course moves briskly, so students must be prepared to devote time daily to reading and note taking. There will be considerable in-class discussions based on assigned readings, as well as numerous interpretive essays. Students will be prepared for and strongly encouraged to sit for the AP exam in May.
What Our Students Say
Midela Munasinghe,
I've been enrolled in AP US History for a little over six months now and I can't express how absorbing and fascinating it's been. Prior to taking this course, I despised American History, or what I thought it was at the time, and I only took it up to test my interest and get an AP credit. Looking back, I have no regrets in taking this course and I believe everyone should too in order to gain engrossing knowledge on countless topics regarding US history and fully understand both current events and the reality of America today. However, do note that this course will both challenge you intellectually and make you nod in interest as you learn about everything from the tragedy of slavery to Donald Trump's election.”
Class of 2021
Hanna Oham,
The biggest piece of advice I could offer to students taking this course is to be willing to ask questions and talk with your teacher. AP US history is one of the best classes you will take in high school. If you’re interested in politics, particularly US politics, this class will give you a more holistic, historical view of the United States, especially apparent when you read the news. You will better understand modern American culture in regards to past events and themes and come to realize that it’s difficult to label and box historical periods and events because everything is connected to each other, whether it be a cause or effect.”
CLASS OF 2019
Results that Matter
20+
97%
21
34%
What Our Alumni Say
Testimonial
AP US History is all about learning how to think. Expect to push yourself well beyond rote memorization, be prepared to think critically, and be ready to analyze the content you internalize. You will gain new insight into how the continuity of conflict and change in American society has shaped the United States into the country it is today. You will explore current events in the news and trace their roots to core questions of American identity. You will engage with accounts of oppression and opportunity. And most importantly, you will begin to question the world around you just as the people you study did. This class may be the first time you ever truly challenge your most fundamental beliefs, but you will become comfortable doing so. And that skill will serve you well beyond high school, through college, and in your personal and professional life for years to come.
Faisal Halabeya, Class of 2018