UNITED STATES HISTORY AP
Information Sheet for Students and Parents
Ms. Gale Lederer
glederer@earthlink.net (email)
510-527-3391 (home phone)
415-581-1420 voice mail)
Part I: Course Description and AP Exam Information:
This course will cover the political, cultural, social, and economic history of the United States from prehistoric times to the present. Students will read a variety of sophisticated, college-level materials, including a basic textbook, Mary Beth Norton's A People and a Nation; a supplementary two-volume collection of original source materials, Thomas A. The American Spirit; and excerpts from other original sources, scholarly articles, and literary works. While they can certainly do well in this course using the books provided by the school, students wishing to buy their own copies of these books can often find good deals looking on the internet under "used textbooks."
The course will be conducted as a college course: students are expected to keep up with their reading on their own and demonstrate their preparation for class by their active, informed participation in class discussion. They will also take part extensively in debates, panels, and historical re-enactments. The course will emphasize formal expository essay skills: every 2 to 3 weeks, students should expect to write a 3-5 page essay at home and a 2-3 page essay exam in class.
The course clearly presents a more challenging workload than that encountered in most high school history courses, but most students who have taken the course have welcomed the opportunity to study U.S. history in depth and to perfect their thinking, study, and writing skills. It is great preparation for college, and most colleges prefer students who have been willing to challenge themselves with AP courses. It is also worth an extra grade point: an honors or AP "A" is worth 5 points instead of 4, a "B" is worth 4 points instead of 3, and a "C" is worth 3 points instead of 2. In order to ensure that only dedicated, well-prepared students attempt this course, all Advanced Placement United States History candidates are expected to complete a summer reading assignment (described elsewhere) before the first day of class. Those who fail this requirement will be removed from the class.
The course will prepare dedicated students to pass the College Board's Advanced Placement Exam in United States History. Most colleges will give successful AP candidates college credit and often will waive elementary college requirements (see attached information). NOTE: SOTA REQUIRES that all students enrolled in AP courses take the AP exams in their subject areas and is prepared to help students with proven financial need locate additional funding for the exams. Please contact me if you have further questions or concerns.
Part II: Class Procedures:
1. Assignments are due on the date designated. Each marking period, I will accept one assignment one class meeting late–if accompanied with my "I Have a Life" Late Pass (your work will still be marked down one letter grade). Assignments are few but big: failure to turn in even one can result in an unpleasant surprise on your report card. However, all honest attempts are rewarded: always try! I will notify the counselor and your parents if you fail to turn in a major assignment on the date due.
2. History Notebook: Save all your papers and keep them in order in a three-ring binder. The notebook will be checked frequently. It should contain these five sections:
1. Clearly dated class notes on ALL class activities (lectures, discussions, debates, etc.)
2. Reading notes on ALL readings (textbook, original sources, articles, etc.) Reading notes will
be checked and graded throughout the first content unit.
3. Annotated lists of vocabulary, important individuals, time lines, etc. Add to this list as you
read, take part in class discussions, etc. These lists will be particularly helpful as you study
for exams. They will be checked and graded periodically.
4. All returned (graded) papers. You can learn a lot from your triumphs and tragedies!
5. All handouts (xeroxes). NEVER throw out a handout. If you decide not to keep it, please
return it to me--save a tree!
3. Class participation: Your active, daily participation in the class--both formally (debates, panels, historical re-enactments, etc.) and informally (class discussion) is crucial--both to your grade and to making this class a vital, interesting intellectual undertaking. Be prepared to take part every day!
4. Assignments and grading: Grading is done on a point system. In general, unit exams are worth 400 points each; major essays are worth 300 points each; debates, class participation, unit reading notes checks, and both announced and surprise reading quizzes are worth 100 points each. Occasional minor assignments are worth 25-75 points each. I give only three grades for major essays: A, B, and REWRITE. Therefore, if you receive less than an A or a B on a major essay, you must rewrite it before you will receive any points at all for it. The only ways to do really badly in this class are to get behind in the reading or to miss assignments. You've been warned! Don't d
Part III: "The Laws of Lederer"
f Lederer"1. The Prime Law: RESPECT for everyone within these four poster-covered walls. All other laws follow from this one.
2. Respect for our shared environment. The room stays clean, orderly, and with the basic arrangement preserved. Everyone shares the responsibility for picking up messes, re-ordering furniture, and doing whatever else is necessary to make our activities go smoothly.
3. Respect for others during discussion. When one person is sharing ideas, everyone else listens: only one discussion goes on at a time. No one puts down another's contribution to class discussion.
4. No food or drinks--no way. No headphones, cellphones, or pagers--no way. Your undivided attention on the class--yes, that's the way! Dare to say NO to Starbucks!
5. No wasted time. Be seated and ready to take part in class when the bell rings or be counted tardy. Your bookbag's presence on your desk doesn't count--you must be here in person: seated, alert, and ready to go! See me about personal concerns outside of class time.
6. No passes--no way. While I think school activities are great, I firmly believe that your main purpose in being in this class is academic learning. If you don't agree, you should fill your U.S. history requirement in some other way.
7. Absences and tardies. Since class participation is such an important part of this course and since SOTA's academic classes meet only three days a week (that's only eighteen days per marking period!), each unexcused absence (cut) will cause your marking period grade to drop one letter. All absences are considered unexcused unless at the next class meeting after the absence (1) I receive a note from your parent and (2) you make up all missed work. Two unexcused tardies count as an unexcused absence. I will, of course, notify the counselor and your parents about unexcused absences and tardies. For field trips, you must provide me with a signature slip at least three days in advance or you can't go.
8. Plagiarism will result in your immediate, non-negotiable expulsion from the class. Have some pride! Do your own work! Give others appropriate credit for their contributions to your effort!
PARENTS: Please sign the attached signature slips as an indication that you've read this sheet and understand our plagiarism policy. Your signatures also earn your student her/his first 25 points in this course! Please feel free to add your questions or concerns or to otherwise contact me with them.
Thanks--