AP World History Prep Lab

Teacher:  M. Rion Hampton     

Email:  mhampton@greenvilleschools.us

Website: https://sites.google.com/greenvilleschools.us/mhampton/click-your-heels-3-times

Phone: 864 355-3585

Office Hours:  4PM until – Wednesday and Friday

Course Description:

AP World History Prep Lab is an honors foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Using an inquiry framework, students practice reading and analyzing articles, research studies, and foundational, literary, and philosophical texts; listening to and viewing speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts; and experiencing artistic works and performances. Students learn to synthesize information from multiple sources, develop their own perspectives in written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a team. Ultimately, the course aims to equip students with the power to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments.

Student Learning Outcomes:

By the successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

1. Show mastery of the 6 essential social studies skills (Critical Analysis of Primary and Secondary Sources, Interpreting Visual and Audio Sources, Understanding Timelines, Comparing and Contrasting Skills, Cause and Effect, and Map Skills).

2. Students work in teams of three to five to identify, investigate, and analyze an academic or real-world problem or issue.  They will develop a multimedia presentation to present the argument for their proposed solution or resolution and provide an oral defense to questions posed by the teacher.

3. For the Individual Research Report, students individually investigate their assigned approach, perspective, or lens on the issue or topic of the team research question. Students present their findings and analyses to the group in a well-written individual report that identifies the area of investigation and its relationship to the overall problem or issue; summarizes, explains, analyzes, and evaluates the main ideas and reasoning in the chosen sources; identifies, compares, and interprets a range of perspectives about the problem or issue; and cites all sources used and includes a list of works cited or bibliography.

4. Students compose a research question of their own; conduct research; analyze, evaluate, and select evidence to develop an argument; and present and defend their conclusions.

Course Outline

Unit 1 Identity, Community and Justice 8/11 -8/29

Unit 2 Individual Research Report 9/2 -9/19

Unit 3 Team Project and Presentation 9/22 -10/3

Unit 4 Individual Research-Based Essay 10/14 -11/21

Unit 5 Individual Presentation 12/1 -12/5

Unit 6 Exam Preparations 12/8 -12/18

Required Materials:

1. Charged chromebook

2. Pens

3. Binder/folder

Class Expectations:

1. Be on time and ready to work.

2. Be respectful of others

3. Use SmartPass each time you leave the classroom.

4. No cell phones or headphones in class

Consequences for Disruptions

1. Warning

2. parent contact

3. 40-minute detention

4. 90-minute detention

5. Referral

Course Policies:

Grading Practices

● 40% Homework/Classwork

●        60% Test

Late Work Policy

● 10 points will be deducted from the student’s grade each day for up to five school days from the assignment’s due date.  All work must be completed correctly before the unit test is completed (see syllabus pacing guide) at the discretion of the teacher.

Retake Policy

●       Students will turn in major assignments in stages (progress checks) in order to rewrite their papers until the final due date of the reports.

Magic School

●     This year, students will use MagicSchool AI, a generative AI platform designed specifically for education. As tools like ChatGPT and Gemini become standard in the professional world, utilizing MagicSchool prepares students for the future workforce by teaching safe and responsible technology use.

●     Students will use these tools for real-time feedback and dynamic problem-solving. To ensure appropriate use, teachers retain access to all student chats. MagicSchool strictly protects privacy and does not collect or utilize student data. All AI software, including MagicSchool, complies with GCS Board Policy and Administrative Rule IA.

Generative AI

This course may utilize generative AI tools, such as MagicSchool and Google Gemini, to supplement traditional instruction. Greenville County Schools prioritizes the ethical use of these technologies for brainstorming and self-guided learning.

●     Critical Thinking First: AI must not replace original thought or coursework.

●     Academic Integrity: Using AI to complete and submit assignments as original work constitutes plagiarism.
  

●     Required Citation: If teacher-approved, all AI use must be properly cited.

●     Content Awareness: Students must remain vigilant regarding potential biases and inaccuracies in AI-generated content.

●     Policy Compliance: All AI programs align with GCS Board Policy and Administrative Rule

New Update Course Requirements.  Please see the district’s curriculum map, GCS counseling website, and/or GCS Academic website for more information and specific grades

      ●        New course requirements will be used to guide IGP conversations beginning Fall 2026.

      ●        New course requirements will be used to enroll students in courses that begin in Fall 2027.

      ●        Other content area course requirements will be reviewed during the 2026-27 school year.

Daily Lesson Plans will be posted on the teacher's website.