AP U.S. History

Description

APUSH Syllabus coming soon

Hello and welcome! My name is Mrs. Dobeck, and I am excited to guide you through an incredible journey across the rich and complex history of the United States. In AP United States History (APUSH), we will explore key events, individuals, movements, and ideas that have shaped the nation from pre-Columbian times to the present day. Together, we will work to understand not just what happened, but why it happened — and how it connects to the world we live in today.

My goals for this course are to help students develop strong historical thinking skills, deepen their understanding of America’s story, and build their confidence as critical readers and writers. Throughout the year, we will focus on preparing thoroughly for the AP U.S. History Exam in May, with regular practice in analyzing documents, crafting historical arguments, and making meaningful connections across time periods.

I am deeply committed to creating an inclusive, supportive classroom environment where every student feels valued and heard. In our online learning space, diverse perspectives will be celebrated, questions are always welcome, and we will work together to make history come alive.

I am truly excited for the year ahead and can’t wait to see the growth, insight, and success that each of you will achieve!

Course Structure

This course is designed to prepare students for the AP United States History exam through a rigorous, college-level curriculum. There is no required textbook. Instead, we use a combination of outside readings, videos, AP Classroom resources, and interactive activities.

Course Outline: We will follow the College Board’s official AP U.S. History course framework, covering the following units:

• Unit 1: Early America (1491-1607)
• Unit 2: Colonial Era (1607-1754)
• Unit 3: Revolutionary Era (1754-1800)
• Unit 4: Early 19th Century (1800-1848)
• Unit 5: Civil War Era (1844-1877)
• Unit 6: The Gilded Age (1865-1898)
• Unit 7: Early 20th Century (1890-1945)
• Unit 8: Post-World War II America (1945-1980)
• Unit 9: Contemporary America (1980-Present)

Each unit is designed to build your skills in analyzing sources, evaluating evidence, situating historical events, and making connections across history.

Weekly Expectations:

• Students should plan to spend 4-5 hours per week on coursework. This includes readings, assignments, practice activities, and studying.
• There will be weekly quizzes to assess understanding and help prepare you for the AP Exam in May.
• Students will also complete practice LEQ (long essay question) and DBQ (document-based question) throughout the year to build writing and analysis skills.
• Unit assessments will be given at the end of each unit to track overall mastery.
• Regular participation in discussion boards and class activities will be an important part of your learning experience.

All live sessions will be recorded and posted for review.

AP Exam Preparation: Throughout the course, we will focus not only on mastering the content but also on developing the critical thinking, writing, and time management skills needed to succeed on the AP U.S. History Exam in May.

Who should enroll?

AP United States History (APUSH) is an excellent choice for motivated students in grades 9–12 who are ready to dive deeper into the story of America and challenge themselves academically. While often taken during junior year due to its rigorous nature, APUSH is open to any student eager to build strong reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. Whether this is your first AP course or you have prior experience, you will find the course structured to support your growth every step of the way. In our online environment, students will receive clear guidance, regular feedback, and a welcoming, inclusive space where all perspectives are valued. If you are curious about history, ready to strengthen your academic skills, and willing to put in consistent effort, this course will prepare you for success not only on the AP Exam in May but also in future college-level courses.

While prior AP experience is helpful, it is not required — what matters most is a willingness to work hard and a commitment to academic growth. In our online environment, students will find structured support, regular feedback, and an inclusive community that values hard work and diverse perspectives. If you are serious about developing college-level skills and preparing thoroughly for the AP Exam in May, this course will challenge and inspire you.

Prerequisites:

There are no official prerequisites for the course. Reading comprehension is important, as students use college-level texts. Students will be taught other necessary skills to be successful in this class. Students who are willing to challenge themselves are welcome to take the course.

Technology Requirements

• High-speed, broadband Internet
• Sound card and microphone (for live sessions)
• Streaming video capabilities to watch recorded lectures

Evaluation and Feedback

Students will receive feedback on assignments to best support their progress in the course, including written comments and individualized feedback. This will all be tracked in the Canvas grading system. Students will also participate in the College Board website, where their progress will be tracked throughout the course.

Communication

I try to respond to all student and parent messages within 24 hours and will have assignments graded within a week, depending on the size of the assignment. Remember to use the Canvas messaging system to receive the quickest response.