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Course Description
Advanced Placement U.S. History is meant to be a college-level course taught in high school. As such it has several distinct advantages as well as some unique challenges when compared to typical high school honors courses. One advantage of A.P. U.S. History is that students can earn college credit and high school credit for the same class as long as they “pass” the AP Exam (see next section for more information about the exam). This can save them time and money in college. Enrollment in A.P. classes can also give students an edge in admissions when applying to college. Most importantly, by exposing students to college-level rigor in a high school setting, A.P. can prepare students for much greater success in their university coursework.
However, that same level of rigor makes A.P. courses significantly harder than non-A.P. courses and arguably harder than even most freshman courses in college. The reason for this is that the A.P. Exam is harder than most final exams in college. It has to be. Otherwise, colleges would not accept the scores for credit. Another challenge is the pace. We must finish a college textbook in April, well before the end of the second semester. All this must be accomplished by high school juniors who are two years younger than the students taking the comparable course in college.
Even though good attendance and completing homework are essential to success, they are not enough. Students will have to demonstrate their mastery of essential skills and content on college-level exams and essays. This will require a level of hard work and study that is new to many “honors” students. Many students may struggle at first as they adjust to the work load, expectations, and pace. Students involved in extracurricular activities, taking multiple A.P. classes, and/or who are employed need to make sure they have enough time and discipline to manage all of their commitments successfully.
However, that same level of rigor makes A.P. courses significantly harder than non-A.P. courses and arguably harder than even most freshman courses in college. The reason for this is that the A.P. Exam is harder than most final exams in college. It has to be. Otherwise, colleges would not accept the scores for credit. Another challenge is the pace. We must finish a college textbook in April, well before the end of the second semester. All this must be accomplished by high school juniors who are two years younger than the students taking the comparable course in college.
Even though good attendance and completing homework are essential to success, they are not enough. Students will have to demonstrate their mastery of essential skills and content on college-level exams and essays. This will require a level of hard work and study that is new to many “honors” students. Many students may struggle at first as they adjust to the work load, expectations, and pace. Students involved in extracurricular activities, taking multiple A.P. classes, and/or who are employed need to make sure they have enough time and discipline to manage all of their commitments successfully.
2012-2013 CalendarAP CB Themes |
2012-2013 Course OrganizationAP CB Topic Outline |