APUSH Basics
Remember: any document you want to make your own, you will need to make a copy of that document and put in your own Google Drive
Remember: any document you want to make your own, you will need to make a copy of that document and put in your own Google Drive
Read this info graphic to determine how you will be graded in this class. All units will consist of multiple lessons and each lesson will be broken down into this format.
Students are encouraged to collaborate and work with others on the content notes and practice assignments. However the Mastery Checks are individual assessments and should be done without the support of peers or the teacher. If a student does not satisfactorily meet the goals of the mastery check, they will be asked to go back to their previous steps and submit another mastery check which will most likely take a different form or ask different questions addressing the same skills or content.
All lessons for a period (unit) are due before the last day of that period. Anything not submitted by that time will not be given a score. If a student falls ill or has other extenuating circumstance, as long as the student and or parent contacts Doc Rogers, more time to complete the lessons may be granted.
Deadlines for each period are: (these are subject to change)
September 1st
September 22nd
October 27th
November 17th
December 12th
January 27th
March 7th
April 11th
April 20th
The AP US History test is at its core a reading comprehension test. Much of the test is designed to see how students interpret and apply primary and secondary sources to their knowledge of the time period. This is NOT a test that just assesses primary memory and recall skills.
Because of this we must work on our reading comprehension skills and practice it almost daily. The more we practice the better we will get. Not only that, but the faster we will get. Therefore every lesson has at least one section of reading from our textbook that must be read and summarized. Below are the instructions on what we are looking for when we summarize a text.
Reading outside of class is ESSENTIAL to gain an understanding of key concepts and material.
Please note that these suggestions DO NOT just apply to the reading notes. They can also be applied to videos and podcasts.
Each lesson reading assignment is worth 10 points. Please note that the notes will be graded for completion. If a student struggles in the mastery check, then they may be asked to go back and look at notes again and also review their rubric to see if they are taking notes effectively.
Next, it is helpful for us to identify what theme(s) are being addressed in each of the readings, videos, or podcasts.
The development of and debates about democracy, freedom, citizenship, diversity, and individualism shape American national identity, cultural values, and beliefs about American exceptionalism, and in turn, these ideas shape political institutions and society. Throughout American history, notions of national identity and culture have coexisted with varying degrees of regional and group identities.
The interplay between markets, private enterprise, labor, technology, and government policy shape the American economy. In turn, economic activity shapes society and government policy and drives technological innovation
Geographic and environmental factors, including competition over and debates about natural resources, shape the development of America and foster regional diversity. The development of America impacts the environment and reshapes geography, which leads to debates about environmental and geographic issues.
Push and pull factors shape immigration to and migration within America, and the demographic change as a result of these moves shapes the migrants, society, and the environment.
Debates fostered by social and political groups about the role of government in American social, political, and economic life shape government policy, institutions, political parties, and the rights of citizens.
Diplomatic, economic, cultural, and military interactions between empires, nations, and peoples shape the development of America and America’s increasingly important role in the world.
Creative expression, demographic change, philosophy, religious beliefs, scientific ideas, social mores, and technology shape national, regional, and group cultures in America, and these varying cultures often play a role in shaping government policy and developing economic systems.
Social categories, roles, and practices are created, maintained, challenged, and transformed throughout American history, shaping government policy, economic systems, culture, and the lives of citizens.
Look for all of these processes in each person, place. or idea we study this year!
When analyzing a primary or secondary source ALWAYS be on the look out for these four things.
The goal is to make connections with what you are reading/analyzing to the historical processes we are studying.
The entire AP exam is all about testing these historical thinking skills!