AP United States History
This course prepares students to take the Advanced Placement Examination. This course includes analysis of major events in United States and Arizona history from the colonial period to the present. Class requirements may include summer readings and projects. Enrolled students are expected to take the AP exam.
This course provides students with the analytic skills and historical literacy necessary to deal critically with the events, issues and trends of American History. It prepares students for future academic success by incorporating college level historical interpretation and writing practices that will support student success on the Advanced Placement Exam taken in May and ready them for college level courses post high school graduation. Consequently, accelerated credit is earned for this course for a “C” or above, and some colleges even offer college credit for a superior score on the A.P. Exam. This course will study U.S. History from the Colonial Period to at least the 1980’s using various teaching methods that include: research, discussion, oral participation, simulation, debate, readings, cooperative groups, etc. This course is aligned with Arizona Common Core Standards and/or national standards and supports the school wide efforts to increase students’ achievement.
Course Standards and Objectives:
The link for our Arizona State Social Studies Standards is .
By the time the student completes this course of study, the student will know or be able to perform the following:
1. Use research skills to interpret historical data.2. Explain the causes and effects of European exploration and colonization of America.3. Examine the economic, political and social effects of the American Revolution.4. Trace the geographic, political, social and economic transformations as a result of Westward Expansion.5. Analyze the causes and immediate and long term effects of the Civil War and Reconstruction.6. Describe the various ways that the United States emerged as a modern nation in the 19th century.7. Explain the causes and consequences of the Great Depression and American involvement in World War II.8. Examine American foreign and domestic policies after World War II.9. Compare and contrast historical happenings to contemporary events.10. Read complex texts for key ideas and details, while integrating their knowledge and own ideas into the analysis of the text.11. Write in a wide variety of styles using research and prior knowledge to create synthesized and complete arguments.
College Board & APUSH-
