AP US History

AP US HISTORY

SUMMER READING ASSIGNMENT 2018-19

Dear AP US History Student,

Congratulations on your decision to take AP US History next year. It shows that you are not only interested in history, but that you are also up for a challenge. Yes, the course is rigorous and requires you to put in some time outside of class, but, it is also a fun and rewarding class that will prepare you well for college academics.

Because the class is fast-paced, we need to get a head start over the summer. Therefore, you have three obligations to meet between now and the start of school in September.

The First:

• You must read the first chapter of the textbook, Give Me Liberty! by Eric Foner. Your class has the distinction of being the first HB APUSH class to use this highly acclaimed book by one of the country’s most esteemed historians (not kidding). I’ve decided to switch to Foner because his book does a much better job of aligning the content to the AP US History frameworks as determined by the College Board, and on which the APUSH test is based. Unfortunately, I do not have enough hard copies of the book to give to every student over the summer. I will come September, but in the meantime, you can find a pdf of the first chapter of Foner’s book here.
• Part I of your summer assignment is to read Chapters 1 in Foner. I strongly encourage you to take notes as you read. You will have an opportunity to earn extra credit points for each chapter of notes you take. Instructions for how to take notes for extra credit can be found here.
• You will have an in-class test on this reading sometime the second week of school.

The Second:

• You must visit my Google Classroom site:
  • Join AP US History 2018 -19 (make sure it’s 18-19!)

Here is the class code: vfaxd6

YOU MUST USE your school gmail account; not a personal gmail! Please sign up to receive

for phone alerts when you receive email to this account!

• There you will find links to this handout and to part II of your summer reading assignment:
  • Howard Zinn, Chapter 1 & Chapter 2 from A People’s History of the United States, 1980
  • Charles Mann, "1491," The Atlantic, 2002
• Closely read the three selections, making special note of the specific evidence the authors use to substantiate their claims. You are not required to take physical notes, however, you will have a Harkness Discussion and a timed essay likely within the first week of school, for which you will be allowed to consult any notes you take or annotations you make.
• You should also take some time to familiarize yourself with the site, especially the Grade Policy & Course Expectations, which will be posted by July 1. While they might be subject to some minor adjustments before the start of school, it will give you a clear sense of what the year might be like.

The Third:

• Create an account for this class on turnitin:
  • Class Name: AP US History 2018 -19
  • The class ID # is: 18262233
  • The password is: HBAPUSH
• Please use your school gmail address; I sometimes use turnitin as a backup listserve to contact my students. It’s possible I might contact you over the summer. Please feel free to email me with any questions or concerns.

Have a great summer!!!! -Ms. Staub

Google Classroom site:

• AP US History 2018 -19
• Here is the class code: vfaxd6