Click here for link to Barron's AP prep book

States Geography Quiz 

Visit my colleagues 

Syllabus for Advanced Placement United States History Course Syllabus 2005-2006 I.                  Course Design:  AP US History is a challenging course that is designed to be the equivalent of a freshman college course and canearn students college credit. It is a two-semester survey of American history from the age of exploration and discovery to the present. Solid reading and writing skills, along with a willingness to devote considerable time to homework and study, are necessary to succeed. Emphasis is placed on critical and evaluative thinking skills, essay writing, interpretation of original documents, and historiography.   II.             Course Objectives – Students will:   Demonstrate an understanding of United States geography Develop a basic understanding of the foundations of United States government Master a broad body of historical knowledge Demonstrate an understanding of historical chronology Use historical data to support an argument or position Develop college-level study skills Interpret and apply data from original documents, including cartoons, graphs, letters, etc. Demonstrate a knowledge of advanced historical vocabulary Effectively use analytical skills of evaluation, cause and effect, compare and contrast Develop effective essay writing skills Work effectively with other to produce products and solve problems Prepare for and successfully pass the Advanced Placement Exam. III.         Course Text and Readings   Boyer et al       The Enduring Vision (course textbook)   Bailey and Kennedy     The American Spirit   Davidson and Lytle     After the Fact: The Art of Historical Detection Hofstadter       The American Political Tradition   Zinn                  The People’s History of the United States IV. Organization:  The course is basically organized through units of study. Each unit considers a specific period in American history and will be two to three weeks in duration culminating in an exam. At the beginning of each unit, students will receive assignment sheets which will include reading assignments along with quiz and test dates. Students are responsible to keep up with reading assignments and shall be aware of, and ready for, quizzes and tests. Class will be a combination of lecture – discussion, group work, coverage of discussion questions, answering student questions, and educational videos. V.Tests/quizzes:  Each unit will be concluded with an objective (multiple choice) test. Document-based essay questions (DBq’s) and standard essay exams will be administered throughout the course. Chapter quizzes will be given with each chapter and pop quizzes will be used to support reading assignments. Make-up work is the responsibility of the student. If a student misses a test, they must immediately schedule a make-up test upon their arrival back to school.  Make-up tests will differ in format from the regular test. If at all possible students should take the test on the scheduled day. Quizzes are spontaneous activities and may not be made up as such. Upon return from an absence, students should check with the instructor for an alternate activity. VI.     Notebook:  Every student is required to have a separate, three-ring binder specifically used for AP United States History. The notebook will be brought to class on a daily basis. Random checks will be performed to assess assignments, retention of handouts and general organization. VII.        Participation:  Student participation is an important factor for success in the program. Positive participation revolves around having materials available, completing assignments in a timely fashion, being consistently involved in all activities, and supporting the academic atmosphere of the class. Positive participation is closely related to good attendance.   VIII.    Student Assessment:  Exams – 50%, quizzes – 25%, assignments, activities, notebooks and participation – 25%.  Grades are A=90%, B=80%, C=70%, D=60%, and F=59% and below. The instructor reserves the right to make slight adjustments to the grading scale only in favor of the student. IX. What you should always bring to class: 1.      History textbook (unless otherwise informed). 2.     Three-ring history-only binder. 3.      All assignments compiled and organized 4.      Tracking sheet for assignments. 5.      A dark colored pen (black, blue, green). 6.      A #2 pencil. 7.      Lined paper for in-class work.   X.  Expected Behavior:  Considering the nature of the course there is no time for disciplinary problems. Students are expected to behave as mature scholars. The basic rule is to do what is right. Rude, discourteous behavior will not be tolerated. The classroom will be managed under the philosophy that the six traits of learning, integrity, respect, responsibility, cooperation and safety be the guideline for student behavior.Consequences for misbehavior will be determined by the instructor who will follow district and school guidelines as outlined in the student handbook. XI.     Mr. Thorsen’s Commitment to You:  As your teacher, you can expect me to strive for the goals and expectations which I have established for you in this classroom. Additionally, I am happy to be of any assistance to you for questions or problems, whether academic or personal in nature. Accordingly, I have provided my personal email addresses.  Remember, if you need help, advice, or support, I can’t help if you don’t take advantage of communicating with me.