http://k-12.pisd.edu/schools/pshs/soc_stu/apush/syllabus.htm

Text: The American Pageant (12th edition) by Thomas Bailey, David Kennedy, and Lizabeth Cohen

Course description: The course is designed to highlight the major political, social, cultural and economic developments of America from European exploration through the 20th century. Students will understand the diverse cultures and ethnic groups that contributed to the making of America's social fabric, and understand the political development of American democracy.

Assignments

1. Survey text: You are responsible for reading and studying the survey text by Bailey, Kennedy, and Cohen. There will be a study guide and calendar located on the web page at the beginning of each unit to assist in understanding the text material and following the schedule for reading and daily activities as well as quiz and test dates. While some of the text will be discussed in detail, much of it will be covered through independent learning. Approximately 65% of the multiple-choice questions on the unit tests will come directly from the text assignment.

Unit reading quizzes consisting of 10-15 questions based on the text and the study guide will be given to encourage students to stay abreast of reading assignments. These quizzes will be daily grades and could be either multiple choice or fill-in-the-blank.

2. Supplemental readings: You will be given primary and secondary reading materials (essays, articles, documents, etc.) within each unit that will deal with an organizing concept that will be emphasized on the unit writing assignments. The materials are to be read and eventually used to help construct and defend a thesis within a timed written essay. These supplemental reading assignments will take the form of individual reading and response to questions, group assignments and seminar-type or group discussions.

3. Notes: Good note-taking skills are essential in an A.P. class. You are required to take notes on lectures and discussions and I recommend a spiral notebook for that purpose.

4. Research: Research is a significant part of this college level course. Use of a college library and primary sources in original research will be expected. You will be assigned a long-term research project.

Evaluation

1. Tests: At the end of each unit two tests will be given. The first is comprised of multiple choice. As stated above, 65% of these questions will be directly from the text. The other 35% will be from lecture, supplemental readings, and group presentations. The second test will be essay. Tests are 75% of the six weeks average. Students should be prepared to take exams via computer, as well as in traditional paper and pencil format.

2. Daily grades: There will be relatively few daily grades. Quizzes, group or individual presentations, and participation are considered daily grades. Daily grades are 25% of the six weeks average. You will have one opporunity each six weeks to earn a replacement grade for a reading quiz. This replacement grade usually come in the form of a "Brown Bag Lunch." These presenations (videos and/or guest speakers) will be offered once per six weeks and will be scheduled accordingly and available both lunches. You must attend the entire hour and provide typed answers to the guided questions the next class day. The Brown Bag Lunch will replace only the lowest reading quiz grade. On occasion, there may be other opportunities for extra credit, but only if they are offered to all students.

3. Other: Research assignments and other projects will usually be major grades. We will average one "project grade" per six weeks.

4. Makeups and Tutorials: Makeup tests and quizzes are the student's responsibility. Makeups are available on Wednesdays before and after school only. Makeups for missed assessments must be completed within two weeks after your return to school. If this is not accomplished the result will be a zero for that grade. Tutorials will also be offered at various times to be posted by the APUSH team. Students may meet with any of the five APUSH teachers for makeups or tutorials.

General Information

1. Attendance: The nature and format of this course make it imperative that you be in class every day. Some of the learning in your absence is virtually impossible to make up, but you can minimize the problem by acquiring notes and such from members of your study group.

2. Materials: A binder with loose-leaf paper and dividers for each unit (with pockets) is suggested, though a spiral could be used for note taking. Every student will be required to provide a tablet of YELLOW paper for your unit essay tests. Please purchase the 8 1/2" X 11 3/4" size and turn it in as requested by your teacher. Students will also be required to provide either a box of tissues or a box of markers. While colored pencils and a red pen are helpful, number 2 pencils and black pens are required. A hole puncher would also be helpful. Not required but useful is an A.P. American History review book. This resource can be used as review for unit tests and in preparation for the national exam.

3. National Exam: The advanced placement national exam is administered at PSHS in May by the counseling staff. It takes approximately three hours and consists of two parts, multiple choice and essay. Students receive a score from one to five. Most colleges require at least a three to grant credit for the two semester survey of U.S. History (6 credit hours) course. You will be given detailed instructions and materials to prepare for the national exam during the second semester. We urge you to contact your prospective institutions or see your counselor for specific requirements.