AP American Studies - History

Prerequisites: none
Who the course is designed for: strong and motivated 11th grade students who are also taking AP English.

AP American Studies is a two-period course that links A.P. U.S. History and A.P. English Language and will prepare students for both AP exams in May. By using multiple disciplines and considering a wide variety of perspectives, students in American Studies will develop their own opinions and construct their own answers to a handful of the most pressing questions in the American experience: What should the American Dream be? What role should we play in the world? How can we find unity in the midst of so much diversity? And how can we change our nation and ourselves? Throughout the course, students will read many of the great works of American literature, and they will gain a solid foundation in the history of  American politics, economics, foreign policy, social movements, and cultural changes. Both classes will share enduring understandings, essential questions, texts, and major assessments, so the content in one class will add complexity and depth to the other. Furthermore, students in American Studies will develop skills and strategies to become great readers, writers, and critical thinkers. The quick pace, call for independent thinking, commitment to a thorough reading and writing process, and demand for multi-disciplinary transfer distinguish this as an Advanced Placement course.