Course Description:

The AP US History section of American Studies is an in-depth college level course open to qualified juniors and seniors designed to provide students with factual knowledge and analytical skills necessary to analyze critically the problems and ideas of American History. In combination with the English class of the same name, the course explores the Central Question of American Studies, “What does it mean to be American?” Components of that exploration include history and historiography, literature, theology, art and architecture, philosophy, music, science, folklore, ethnic studies, anthropology, political science, psychology, marketing, ecology, communications, education, gender studies, ethnic studies, and popular culture. A major activity of the combined American Studies Course involves a year-long project in which each student specializes in a distinct area of study to develop an original paper, film, or podcast to answer, in some small part, the Central Question of American Studies.

Pre-requisite: Approval by both the English and Social Studies Department

 

Book List:

The Enduring Vision: A History of the American People, Concise Fifth Edition
After the Fact: The Art of Historical Detection
A History of Women in America
The Virgin Land
Other selected readings

 

Important Links:

Summer Reading Instructions
Syllabus Fall Semester
Syllabus Spring Semester
Survival Guide
Class Presentations
Geography Assignments
Table for Completing 40ID Assignments
American Studies Discussion Weblog

All-Star IDs first quarter

All-Star IDs 2nd quarter

All-Star IDs third quarter

All-Star IDs fourth quarter

 

Year Long Research Project Examples

 

For parents