Introduction+and+Goals

= Advanced Placement United States History =

Course Goals

 * We will work hard to advance our skills and knowledge of American history; we will understand that our own success and that of the entire class depend on our work ethic.
 * We will argue passionately for what we believe in…and we will be able to support our views with facts and reasoned arguments.
 * We will listen unafraid and with open minds to those with whom we disagree…to gain insight into our opponent’s position, way of thinking, and to test the strength and validity of our own positions.
 * We will gain insight into the patterns of human behavior, ideas, and interactions that history reveals.
 * We will be better citizens because we deeply understand what America stands for.
 * We will be better able to guide America’s future because we understand her past.
 * We will understand and undertake both the honor and the onus of being some of the best and brightest in the next generation of the leadership of the most powerful and wealthy country in the planet’s history.

Course Materials

 * Main Text: Kennedy, David M., Lizabeth Cohen, and Thomas A. Bailey, The American Pageant. 13th/14th ed. Houghton Mifflin, 2006/2010.
 * Numerous Supplementary Readings and Resources
 * **You must have the following materials for success in this class.** If you have a problem acquiring any of these, please see me privately.
 * Textbook--keep at home for reading and study every night--extra copies of the text are available in the classroom for reference
 * Three ring binder with paper and dividers--bring to class every day--make the following sections:
 * Course work (for reading and class notes, handouts, all current unit materials
 * Assessment portfolio (for all unit test results, Collins 3-5 assignments)
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Research portfolio (for all NHD and research project materials and notes)
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Black and blue pens, #2 pencils, good eraser, highlighters--bring to class every day
 * I strongly encourage you to acquire the following supplies which will be helpful to you in this course.
 * Flashdrive
 * APUSH Review book (available for loan from Miss B.) or from Borders, B&N, Amazon, etc.
 * small sticky notes and 4x6 index cards

<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Communication and Contact information

 * <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">One purpose of this website is to provide students and parents with access to as much information as possible about this course. I continually update it and you are encouraged to visit often to see what we are up to!
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Since an AP course is considered a college course, I feel it's important to help students practice skills and behaviors expected in college. Therefore, students are strongly encouraged to communicate with me directly (face to face, or by email) about difficulties or problems that arise for them in this course. An AP course can seem daunting at times. It is normal for students to experience some doubts or distress. I can often help a student get quickly on track or calm fears. I will also be able to gauge what my students need from me and the course much better if they communicate with me.
 * Parents may also contact me any time with questions or concerns. The best way to reach me is by email:<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">donna.brady@pennmanor.net