Description
AP US History Application – Please apply before registering for the course.
This course will cover the development of American history from its pre-colonial roots through recent developments. It will prepare students to take the AP US History exam in May. As an experienced APUSH grader trainer, I can effectively equip students to approach the test with confidence. As a certified teacher with a Master’s in history, I can effectively equip students to understand the historical narrative and interpret historical texts. My goals for this course are broader than preparing students to take the formal exam. I also hope to inspire and increase students’ love and appreciation for history, expand students’ capacity to think creatively and flexibly about critical issues, and communicate powerfully and compellingly.
This course is approved by the College Board, so a student who successfully completes it can report it as official AP-level credit.
Course Structure
Live sessions will focus on practicing higher-level historical skills and test-taking techniques.
Students will read primary and secondary source material, watch videos, listen to audio, and participate in discussions. They will have access to dozens of my audiovisual presentations, which cover both improving thinking, reading, and writing skills and American history from its pre-colonial roots to recent times. They will learn to write historical essays like those required for the AP exam, not only by writing their own, but also by critiquing actual former AP exam submissions for their strengths and weaknesses. They will learn how to notice ongoing themes in American history. They will engage in threaded discussions with one another, considering questions like “What is the purpose of government?” and “What is the best way to try to improve society?” and collaborate on the best approaches to AP-like questions. In addition, I have created several instructional presentations on how to approach different elements of the AP exam, as well as assignments to help students practice their test-taking skills.
Second Semester
Second-semester AP US History can only be taken by students who have completed the first semester of an official College Board-audited APUSH course elsewhere.
Who should enroll?
This course requires a strong ability to synthesize a great deal of material and to interpret and analyze challenging historical texts. 11th and 12th graders have had the most success, although I have had several 10th graders enjoy and complete the course successfully. Former instruction and practice in interpreting texts and making text-based arguments (such as in an English literature class) will significantly help an APUSH student.
An application is required before registration, including completing a brief historical analysis assignment and submitting a writing sample that demonstrates the ability to make an extended, evidence-based argument. (An English paper on a piece of literature often serves this purpose well.)
Technology Requirements
- High-speed, broadband Internet
- Sound card and microphone (for live sessions)
- Streaming video capabilities to watch recorded lectures
Evaluation and Feedback
Students receive detailed written feedback on assignments where such feedback would be helpful to them, and on assignments we are not covering in a live class. Sometimes I provide written feedback; at other times, I provide video feedback.
Communication
Parents and students are encouraged to contact me through the Canvas messaging system. Generally speaking, I respond within one business day.
Course Application – Please apply before registering
Eunice W. –
Mrs. Hawkins is a teacher you will not forget! It is clear from the very first class that she really knows what she is talking about. She is so passionate about history and it made me, as a student, more passionate about history. Her teaching is clear and easy to follow, and she really makes history come alive. The assignments Mrs. Hawkins gives from the first week until the last do more than just prepare you for the AP test. The assignments go deeper than just answering a “cause and effect” question. Mrs. Hawkins encourages her students to get into the minds of these people from many years ago. This class is one where if you put in the work, you will get every ounce of history and historical thinking skills Mrs. Hawkins has to give. And I guarantee, that goes way beyond just the skills you will need for the AP test. Mrs. Hawkins’s class made me feel more prepared for the AP exam than any other AP history class I have taken. She builds the skills you need without you even knowing it, so by the end of the year, you have already built up a deeper level of the skill set needed for the AP exam rather than trying to learn new skills and thinking patterns a month before the AP test. Although I did not enjoy history before, Mrs. Hawkins has changed my perspective of not only US history but also of history in general. She also really tries to get to know her students and their situations. If you ever need to communicate with her, she will respond to your email quickly, and she is very understanding. To anyone thinking about taking this class: Take this class! You will get an amazing teacher and a year you will never forget!
Spencer J. (former AP student) –
I had Mrs. Hawkins for an online AP US History class. I hoped to learn a lot about the history of America, and Mrs. Hawkins did not disappoint. I felt completely confident when I went to take the AP exam, thanks to her instruction. The class was a lot of work, more than I ever thought that I could do. I gained new confidence with each assignment I completed and, by the end, the assignments that were so daunting in the beginning became effortless. While I could tell that others taking the AP test around me were frightened by the essay section, I actually looked forward to it. Mrs. Hawkins assignments, and excellent feedback, allowed me to be unperturbed by a task that most students equated with torture. Mrs. Hawkins didn’t just prepare her students for the AP test; she also refined student’s skills in areas other than history. I could feel that my writing improved over the duration of the course, and I could complete assignments from other classes much more easily and successfully. Mrs. Hawkins is very knowledgeable about history, and can effectively teach the material to students in a way that builds their skills, knowledge, and confidence. In my opinion, that is what makes a great teacher. I highly recommend both Mrs. Hawkins and her AP US History course.