New Haven APUSH Definition: A Comprehensive Guide to the College Board’s Advanced Placement United States History Course
Introduction
The Advanced Placement (AP) United States History (APUSH) course is a rigorous, college-level course that provides students with a comprehensive overview of the history of the United States from its colonial origins to the present day. The course is designed to help students develop critical thinking skills, historical knowledge, and an understanding of the role that the United States has played in world history.
Course Content
The APUSH course is divided into nine units, each of which covers a different period of U.S. history. The units are as follows:
- Pre-Columbian to 1607: This unit covers the history of the Native Americans and the European exploration and settlement of North America.
- 1607-1754: English Colonization and Imperial Rivalry: This unit covers the founding of the thirteen colonies, the development of colonial society, and the conflict between the French and British for control of North America.
- 1754-1800: The American Revolution and the New Nation: This unit covers the causes and events of the American Revolution, the founding of the United States, and the early years of the new republic.
- 1800-1848: Expansion and Reform: This unit covers the westward expansion of the United States, the rise of nationalism, and the growing sectionalism between the North and the South.
- 1848-1877: Civil War and Reconstruction: This unit covers the causes and events of the American Civil War, the Reconstruction era, and the end of slavery.
- 1877-1900: The Rise of Industrial America: This unit covers the post-Civil War Industrial Revolution, the rise of big business, and the growth of the American economy.
- 1890-1920: The Progressive Era and World War I: This unit covers the Progressive Era, the United States’ involvement in World War I, and the post-war period.
- 1920-1945: The Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, and World War II: This unit covers the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, and the United States’ involvement in World War II.
- 1945-Present: Postwar America: This unit covers the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the development of the United States into a global superpower.
Assessment
The APUSH exam is a three-hour exam that is divided into two sections: a multiple-choice section and a free-response section. The multiple-choice section consists of 55 questions that cover all nine units of the course. The free-response section consists of three essay questions, each of which requires students to analyze a historical document and write a short essay.
Benefits of Taking APUSH
There are a number of benefits to taking APUSH. These benefits include:
- Developing critical thinking skills: APUSH helps students develop critical thinking skills by teaching them how to analyze historical documents, identify cause and effect relationships, and evaluate different perspectives.
- Gaining historical knowledge: APUSH provides students with a comprehensive overview of U.S. history, from its colonial origins to the present day. This knowledge is essential for understanding the present and for making informed decisions about the future.
- Preparing for college: APUSH is a college-level course that prepares students for the rigors of college coursework. Students who take APUSH are more likely to earn higher grades in college and to graduate on time.
- Earning college credit: Students who score well on the APUSH exam may be able to earn college credit for the course. This can save students time and money in college.
Strategies for Success in APUSH
There are a number of strategies that students can use to succeed in APUSH. These strategies include:
- Attend all class sessions regularly: APUSH is a challenging course, and it is important to attend all class sessions regularly. This will help you stay on top of the material and to avoid falling behind.
- Take notes in class: Taking notes in class will help you to focus on the material and to recall it later. Be sure to take down important dates, names, and events.
- Read the textbook: The textbook is an important resource for APUSH. Be sure to read the textbook regularly, and to take notes on the important points.
- Complete all assignments: Completing all assignments will help you to stay on track with the course material. It will also help you to identify areas where you need additional help.
- Review the material regularly: Reviewing the material regularly will help you to retain the information and to improve your understanding of the course.
- Take practice tests: Taking practice tests will help you to prepare for the APUSH exam. Practice tests will help you to identify areas where you need additional help, and they will also give you a sense of what the exam will be like.
Tips for Answering Essay Questions
Essay questions are an important part of the APUSH exam. Here are some tips for answering essay questions:
- Read the question carefully: Make sure you understand what the question is asking before you start writing your essay.
- Identify the main points: Once you understand the question, identify the main points that you want to make in your essay.
- Organize your essay: Organize your essay into an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The introduction should state your thesis statement, the body paragraphs should provide evidence to support your thesis, and the conclusion should restate your thesis and summarize your main points.
- Use specific evidence: Be sure to use specific evidence from the historical record to support your claims. This evidence can come from primary sources, such as letters, diaries, and speeches, or from secondary sources, such as textbooks and scholarly articles.
- Write clearly and concisely: Write your essay clearly and concisely. Avoid using jargon or technical language.
- Proofread your essay: Before you submit your essay, be sure to proofread it carefully for errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Conclusion
APUSH is a challenging but rewarding course that can help students develop critical thinking skills, gain historical knowledge, prepare for college, and earn college credit. By following the strategies outlined in this article, students can succeed in APUSH and achieve their academic goals.
