AP U.S. History
Advanced Placement U.S. History gives students an overview of the political, diplomatic, economic, social, and cultural history of America from ancient America through the present while preparing students for successful performance on the Advanced Placement United States History Exam offered in May. Students will read major textbook, selected primary documents, and various secondary historiographic articles. Through readings, presentations, lectures, discussions, and class activities, students will explore major themes in American history such as colonization, the founding of a new nation, the forging of an American culture, the entrenchment of slavery, the coming of the Civil War, the meaning of Reconstruction, the development of the American West, the maturing of industrial society, the expansion of the nation-state, the rise of the United States as a global power, the limitations of American power, the growth of the liberal consensus, the resurgence of conservatism and the development of the new domestic and world order. Students will also examine the ways in which the marginalized and disaffected have struggled to ensure that America fulfills its promise. Students are strongly encouraged to take the AP exam offered in May. Strong performance on this exam may earn them college credits. AP Exams require a fee to be paid by the family. Families who meet financial eligibility guidelines will receive financial support. Any family concerned about paying for AP exam fees should consult with their student's counselor.
Unit 1: Period 1: 1491–1607
Unit 2: Period 2: 1607–1754
Unit 3: Period 3: 1754–1800
Unit 4: Period 4: 1800–1848
Unit 5: Period 5: 1844–1877
Unit 6: Period 6: 1865–1898
Unit 7: Period 7: 1890–1945
Unit 8: Period 8: 1945–1980
Unit 9: Period 9: 1980–Present
THEME 1: AMERICAN AND NATIONAL IDENTITY (NAT) This theme focuses on how and why definitions of American and national identity and values have developed among the diverse and changing population of North America as well as on related topics, such as citizenship, constitutionalism, foreign policy, assimilation, and American exceptionalism.
THEME 2: WORK, EXCHANGE, AND TECHNOLOGY (WXT) This theme focuses on the factors behind the development of systems of economic exchange, particularly the role of technology, economic markets, and government.
THEME 3: GEOGRAPHY AND THE ENVIRONMENT (GEO) This theme focuses on the role of geography and both the natural and human-made environments in the social and political developments in what would become the United States.
THEME 4: MIGRATION AND SETTLEMENT (MIG) This theme focuses on why and how the various people who moved to and within the United States both adapted to and transformed their new social and physical environments.
THEME 5: POLITICS AND POWER (PCE) This theme focuses on how different social and political groups have influenced society and government in the United States as well as how political beliefs and institutions have changed over time.
THEME 6: AMERICA IN THE WORLD (WOR) This theme focuses on the interactions between nations that affected North American history in the colonial period and on the influence of the United States on world affairs.
THEME 7: AMERICAN AND REGIONAL CULTURE (ARC) This theme focuses on the how and why national, regional, and group cultures developed and changed as well as how culture has shaped government policy and the economy.
THEME 8: SOCIAL STRUCTURES (SOC) This theme focuses on how and why systems of social organization develop and change as well as the impact that these systems have on the broader society.