The course content focuses on major historical events and their effect on United States history, major themes throughout United States history, and the analysis and interpretation of history. In addition, skill development will focus on critical thinking, writing, and advanced research. Finally, the course will attempt to link events of the past with contemporary American issues. Advanced Placement U.S. History is an advanced course offered to juniors which fulfills the U.S. History requirement for graduation and prepares students for the Advanced Placement examination in U.S. History as prepared by the College Board. The course is designed to give students a grounding in the chronology of American history and in major interpretative questions that derive from the study of selected themes.
Special emphasis is placed on analysis of primary sources and essay writing.
The demands placed on students in this course are equivalent to those of an introductory college-level history course. Building upon the basic introduction to American political philosophy offered in History 11, this course focuses on making connections between the theoretical and the practical. Special emphasis is placed on gaining an understanding of the workings of each of the three branches of government and on understanding each citizen's role and obligation within the democratic framework. Particular attention will be given the study of contemporary political issues and the regular analysis of 'current events'. This course deals with the study of various fundamental economic activities.