Advanced Placement United States History - #260 - Elective Year Course

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by dhado

Advanced Placement United States History is a full-year elective course equivalent to an introductory college course. It guides students from 1491 to the present through chronological reasoning, comparison, contextualization, and the construction of historical arguments using primary sources. The program emphasizes thematic learning objectives across nine parts and fourteen units, developing note-taking, essay writing, test-taking, and oral reporting skills. Spring AP exam participation can earn college credit.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages23

Reading Time58 min

AccessFree to download

Course Overview

Course Details and Schedule

Description and Skills Emphasis

Course Framework and Units

Learning Objective Codes

Goals and Requirements

Period Framework

Period 1 (1491-1607)

Big Ideas, Standards, Concepts, and Assessments

East Penn School Secondary Curriculum District A Planned Course Statement for Advanced Placement United States History | Course \# | Grades | Department | | --- | --- | --- | | 260 | 10th and 12th | Social Studies | | Length of Period (mins): | 41 min periods | | --- | --- | | Total Clock Hours: | 123 hours | | Periods per Cycle: | 6 | | Length of Course (years): | 1.0 | | Type of Offering: | Elective | | Credit: | 1.0 | | Adopted: | 2014 | Developed by: Pam Hunter and Melissa Moxley Description of Course: Course Title: AP United States History- \#260 Description: Advanced Placement United States History is a full year course which is the equivalent of an introductory college course. The ninth and tenth grade survey courses, American Studies I and American Studies II, prepare students to examine United States History in a conceptual and analytical manner. Chronological reasoning, comparing and contextualizing, crafting historical arguments with historical evidence, and interpreting and synthesizing historical narratives will be emphasized. This course explores America’s History from 1491 to the present. Throughout the year, students examine relevant primary source documents relating to each unit’s big ideas. Additionally, students will develop their note taking, essay writing, and test taking skills. They will also present oral reports and submit papers relating to those topics at various times during the year. Emmaus High School offers the opportunity for students to take the AP United States History exam in the spring. Students have the option to take the exam, a high score on the exam will equivolate to college credit at most colleges and universities. This course is structured around the nine-part period framework, as well as thematic learning objectives, created by the College Board. Each part is divided into thematic understanding using the learning objectives while exploring the material in fourteen units during the year. Learning Objective Codes: ID- Identity WXT-Work, exchange and technology PEO-Peopling POL-Politics and power WOR-America in the world ENV-Environment and geography (physical and human) CUL- Ideas, beliefs and culture Goals: AP US History is designed to provide students conceptual and analytical skills to evaluate critically events and issues in American History. Students will develop their skills in order to gain a deeper understanding of vital events that impacted America as mandated by the College Board. Requirements: Text: Heneretta, James A. , et al. America’s History for the AP Course. 8th ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2014 [CR1] Additional Resources: Bailey, Thomas A. and David M. Kennedy. The American Spirit: Volume I. Lexington, Massachusetts: D.C. Heathand Company, 1994. [CR1b, CR3] Bailey, Thomas A. and David M. Kennedy. The American Spirit: Volume II. Lexington, Massachusetts: D.C. Heathand Company, 1994. [CR1b, CR3] ONE of the following: Woodward, Bob and Carl Bernstein. All the President’s Men. Riverside, New Jersey: Simon & Shuster, 1994. [CR1c] X. Malcolm, Alex Haley, Attallah Shabazz. Autobiography of Malcolm X: As told to Alex Haley. New York, NY: Ballantine Books, Inc, 1987. [CR1b, CR3] Awareness (A) Learning (L) Understanding (U) Reinforcement (R) Key to Levels of Achievement (Listed with each learning objective) Students are introduced to concepts, forms, and patterns. Students are involved in a sequence of steps and practice activities which involved further development and allow evaluation of process. Students demonstrate ability to apply acquired concepts and skills to individual assignments and projects on an independent level. Students maintain and broaden understanding of concepts and skills to accomplish tasks at a greater level of sophistication. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Big Idea

FAQs

What is the course length and meeting structure for AP United States History?

The course uses 41-minute period schedules with 123 total clock hours, offering 6 periods per cycle and a 1.0-year length.

Which major skills does the course emphasize?

Students focus on chronological reasoning, comparing and contextualizing, crafting historical arguments with evidence, and interpreting and synthesizing historical narratives. It also includes note-taking, essay writing, and test-taking skills.

What time span and themes does the course cover?

The course explores America’s history from 1491 to the present, organized through nine parts with thematic learning objectives and fourteen units throughout the year.

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by dhado