Open to grades:  11

UC/CSU - History/Social Science (“a”) & English (“b”)

Designed for university-bound students.  Year-long, blocked course integrated with AP Language and Composition to provide a more enriched learning environment and to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Exams.  This course emphasizes analytical thinking skills and the development of improved essay writing skills.  AP US History is a rigorous, in-depth examination of the course of American cultural development from colonial to contemporary times.  Students who complete the course are encouraged to take the College Level Examination Program or Advanced Placement American History Examination.  A successful performance on the Advanced Placement Exam will enable students to obtain college credit in American History at selected colleges and universities.  Preparation for college testing in American History is the major focus of this course.  Students are expected to have skills necessary for college-level performance.  Students will engage in the process of framing an inquiry, selecting relevant sources and organizing evidence in support of a hypothesis.  Primary and secondary sources of information will be examined and analyzed.  Students will develop skills in logic, critical thinking and high-level expository writing.