Advanced Placement

United States History

We should not look
back unless it is to
derive useful lessons
from past errors, and
for the purpose of
profiting by dearly
bought experience.
2015-16 Overview:
A.P. American History is a one-year course for the superior student.
The course investigates the economic, political, social and cultural developments of
Americas past. The purpose of this course is to prepare students to take the national
advanced placement exam given in the spring. The student will be required to read and
analyze a variety of readings that deal with major events in American History. A variety of
instructional techniques are utilized in this course including lectures, class discussions,
media presentations, activities and textbook assignments. In order to achieve the goals
required in this course, the student must be highly motivated and have superior reading and
writing skills. The course is divided into periods of time and focuses on the themes in the
AP Course Description, including national identity, economic transformation and U.S. actions
on the world stage.
Course Materials
Our basic text is Americas History. A variety of primary source documents will also
be used throughout the course.
Class rules:
I have high expectations academically and behaviorally. The following are things I
feel need to be shared with you and your parents.
1. No sleeping at any time. Not only will your citizenship grade will be lowered but
you will also receive a 0 on any assignment that the class is working on. There will be no
warning to you about this behavior before your citizenship grade is lowered.
2. No electronic equipment.
3. No sunglasses.
4. No foul language oral or written.
5. I will follow the Reed High School tardy policy.
6. All homework will be collected before class begins. There is a hanging folder in a
crate where your papers must be deposited. If your homework is not there when the bell
rings, it will be counted as late.
7. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed. Please
see me before class begins or schedule an appointment on the day you return. Check the
class website so you wont get behind. You will have the number of days that you were
absent in order to turn in your make up work.

8. Late work will be marked down 50% on the first day it is late. No points will be
given for more than one day late. I will give you a late/make up work/pass sheet each
semester which you can use to turn in late work.
9. Respecting the rights of others to voice his/her opinion is essential in all class
discussions. Rudeness to anyone in class will not be tolerated.
10. I expect each person to do his/her own work. Copying answers is unacceptable.
You cannot learn the material if you are not completing your own assignments. You will
receive a 0 on any assignment that you copied or that was copied from you.
My goal is to prepare you for the national exam in May. This test is cumulative and is
composed of a multiple choice and essay section. We will be practicing essay writing and
analyzing primary source documents throughout the year.
Grading scale:
100 90 A
89 - 80 B
79 - 70 C
69 - 60 D
59 and below F

********* No grade will be rounded up.

Reading your textbook is critical. You are responsible for completing reading
assignments on time. Retaining the material covered in class will be difficult. Set up a
study schedule at least five times a week to complete assignments and to review. Having a
study partner or group can help. Once information has been covered or assigned, it will be
fair game for pop quizzes and/or essays. Make an effort to keep current with the
information being taught in class as well as thinking about how it connects to other events.
A lot of our work is done online. You will need to create an account on Edmodo which will
be the main platform of information and activities. I will give you codes and information
about this site as well as others during class.
You will need to keep a notebook. It should be divided into 9 sections one section for each of the
periods listed in the curriculum calendar. Please use dividers not pockets!! The notebook will be
graded each quarter.

Curriculum Calendar:
1st semester
Period 1: Transformations of North America, 1450-1700
Text reading: Chapters 1 & 2
Period 2: British North America and the Atlantic World, 1660-1763
Text reading: Chapters 3 & 4
Period 3: Revolution and Republican Culture, 1763-1820
Text reading: Chapters 5 8
Period 4: Overlapping Revolutions, 1800-1860
Text reading: Chapters 9 - 12
Period 5: Creating and Preserving a Continental Nation, 1844-1877
Text reading: Chapters 13 - 16
Second Semester
Period 6: Industrializing America: Upheavals and Experiments, 1877-1917
Text reading: Chapters 17 - 20
Period 7: Domestic and Global Challenges, 1890-1945
Text reading: Chapters 21-24
Period 8: The Modern State and the Age of Liberalism, 1945-1980
Text reading: Chapters 25 29
Period 9: Global Capitalism and the End of the American Century, 1980present
Text reading: Chapters 30 & 31

Student Technology Contract

The use of a laptop computer is a privilege and responsibility. Failure to abide by the
following guidelines may result in revoking the computer privilege, or further consequences.
1. Do not attempt to modify the appearance or operation of any laptop, this includes
but is not limited to commands, copying or installing software, setting pass code locks or
copying files of any type. Your laptop should remain in its original or teacher set
configuration.
2. Tampering with or vandalizing hardware, software, or data will not be tolerated.
It is each students responsibility to check his/her laptop before and after use and to
report problems to the teacher immediately.
3. Any tagging, graffiti and/or etching on your laptop will result in a loss of use of
laptop and a referral to SRO.
4. Students will return all laptops to its designated slot and connected to chargers.
5. Students may use personal headphones when instructor approves use.
6. Students will only use applications, software and programs required to complete
assignments/projects and only those that have been approved by the teacher of the current
class.
7. Failure to stay on task may result in loss of technology privileges and/or
further disciplinary actions with SRO.
8. Games that are not related to course curriculum are not allowed.
9. No food, drink or gum is allowed near your laptops.
10. Students are to take their assigned numbered equipment and they are
responsible for that numbered item at all times.
11. Students may use the internet only when authorized and may visit only teacherapproved sites.
12. No web sites, software, apps or media should be printed, shared, E-mailed or
downloaded without teacher approval.

13. I understand that if I violate any of the rules stated above or perform any
disruptive technology-related actions, I will be subject to loss of laptop and/or internet
use, will receive a written referral and may be subject to further disciplinary actions.
14. I also understand that I will be held financially responsible for the repair or
replacement of stolen or abused laptops and/or accessories.

Print Full Name ______________________________________ Date__________

Student signature_____________________________ Student ID#____________

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