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

Other selected readings

Summer Reading Links:

Summer Reading Instructions

American Studies WikiPage

Important Links:

Syllabus Fall Semester

Syllabus Spring Semester

Survival Guide

Class Presentations

Geography Assignments

Table for Completing 20ID Assignments

American Studies Discussion Weblog

Sample Decade Document Webquest (1950s)