AP U.S. History Course and Exam Description

Effective

• Since Fall 2023
• Includes:
  • Course framework
  • Instructional section
  • Sample exam questions
• Updated periodically; check AP Central for the latest version.

Principles of AP

• Clarity and Transparency
  • Clear expectations for teachers and students
  • Public course frameworks and sample assessments
• Unflinching Encounter with Evidence
  • Independence in thinking
  • Evidence and scientific method are central
• Opposition to Censorship
  • Intellectual freedom is paramount
  • AP designation is removed if required topics are banned
• Opposition to Indoctrination
  • Analyze different perspectives
  • No points for agreement with viewpoints on exams
• Fostering Open-mindedness
  • Study of various cultures and histories
  • Ground studies in primary sources
• Respect in Classrooms
  • Diversity in experiences and viewpoints
  • Respectful debate and no personal attacks
• AP as a Choice
  • Informed enrollment choice for parents and students
  • AP materials crafted by experts and validated by research

Course Contents Overview

• Acknowledgments
• AP Resources and Supports
• Instructional Model
• AP U.S. History Course Details
  • College course equivalent
  • No prerequisites

Course Framework

Introduction

• Defines college expectations for knowledge and skills
• Teachers create curriculum to meet these needs

Founding Documents

• Close reading and analysis are essential
• Expectation to analyze primary and secondary sources

Course Framework Components

• Historical Thinking Skills
  • Developments and processes
  • Sourcing and situation
  • Claims and evidence
  • Contextualization
  • Making connections
  • Argumentation
• Reasoning Processes
  • Comparison
  • Causation
  • Continuity and Change

Course Content Units

1. Period 1: 1491-1607
2. Period 2: 1607-1754
3. Period 3: 1754-1800
4. Period 4: 1800-1848
5. Period 5: 1844-1877
6. Period 6: 1865-1898
7. Period 7: 1890-1945
8. Period 8: 1945-1980
9. Period 9: 1980-Present

Themes

1. American and National Identity
2. Work, Exchange, and Technology
3. Geography and the Environment
4. Migration and Settlement
5. Politics and Power
6. America in the World
7. American and Regional Culture
8. Social Structures

Instructional Approaches

• Selecting and using course materials
• Strategies for developing historical thinking skills
• Strategies for developing reasoning processes

Exam Information

• Overview and sample questions
• Scoring guidelines
• Document-based questions and summaries

Appendix

• Acknowledgments of contributors
• Various educators and institutions involved

This summary provides an overview of the AP U.S. History course structure and philosophy. The course focuses on developing a deep understanding of historical thinking skills and reasoning processes through the study of U.S. history across nine periods, emphasizing the analysis of primary and secondary sources. It encourages a broad understanding of American history within the context of diverse themes and promotes a respectful and informed academic environment.