B+ in Humanities 2 or Humanities 2 in Action, AP Language and Composition or Junior English.
Note: This course meets the American Studies recommendation.
Advanced Placement U.S. History is a college-level course that studies the history of the American republic from the colonial period to modern times. A heavy emphasis is placed on an analysis of the conflicting interpretations of the great events that comprise the American saga. Key primary and secondary sources are used in research.
Students will:
- Use key primary and secondary sources in their research.
- Become familiar with the major events that have shaped the American nation.
- Write interpretive and analytical essays.
- Debate, discuss and comment on the themes that comprise the story of the American nation.
- Read and understand college texts in American history.
- Master the chronology from the colonial settlements in North America to the turn of the new millennium.
- Develop critical thinking skills by participating in seminars and colloquiums on selected themes from American history.
- Listen to a lecture and take appropriate class notes.
Assessments will include:
- Quizzes and unit examinations
- Participation in class and group discussions
- Grafting of document-based essays
- Participation in debates and panel discussions forums
- Role-playing
- Multimedia presentations
- Mid-term examinations
"AP US History is a fast-paced yet incredibly gripping course that excites you with its sudden plot twists, heroic defeats, and its rich chronology that covers the growth of the United States from a young, fledging nation to a global superpower. This course is one of my all-time favourites because it requires you to not just memorise dates and people, but to understand the significance behind each event and how it weaves into a larger narrative across time periods. It is crucial to keep up with textbook readings and take notes in a way that allows you to see key ideas clearly. I would recommend spending around 30 minutes - 1 hour each day simply reviewing content and challenging yourself to make connections to deeper ideas. You'll ease into writing document-based essays, long-essay questions, and short-answer questions, further enhancing your analytical and argumentative skills that will surely help you in the future. If you love reading, writing, or binge-watching Hamilton, this is the course for you!"
"When Columbus sailed the Ocean Blue in 1492, the world would be forever changed. Native American communities would see their alluring landscapes and ways of life disrupted, mirroring the rise of European powers in the New World. AP U.S. history takes you through the tale of how meek English colonies hugging the Atlantic seaboard, through revolution, civil war, and the fight for civil rights, forged a nation that reshaped the political and social order of the world. While the homework can be intense at times, with dense chapters and primary sources to analyze, it (along with your teacher's instruction and guidance) enhances your ability to recognize the political, economic, cultural, and social developments that have shaped the United States. Your growth and ability to assess historical themes will then be tested through MCQs (Multiple-Choice Questions), SAQs (Short-Answer Questions), LEQs (Long Essay Questions), and DBQs (Document-Based Questions). Staying on top of your work, reading the textbook, and analyzing the handouts, coupled with paying attention in class, make AP U.S. History an excellent course that offers a great understanding of how the United States defined its place in the world."
"AP US History stands out as one of the most insightful courses of my high school career. It provides essential context for America's unique culture and political landscape, explaining how it developed and came to exert such global influence. I was particularly fascinated by how America's origins as a colony forged an enduring culture of independence and individuality—a spirit that continues to shape its politics today. Be advised, the workload is substantial; I highly recommend taking AP European or World History first as preparation. The class itself is engaging, with learning built around document analysis, mock debates, and discussion forums, ensuring there are multiple ways to grasp the material. Personally, in addition to reading the textbook, I found resources like Heimler's history and Jocz Productions to be the most effective. Have fun and good luck!"