apush course and exam description

Lemon

2 min read

·

03-02-2025

1

0

Share

The Advanced Placement United States History (APUSH) course and exam are designed to provide students with a college-level understanding of American history from the period of European colonization to the present. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the course content, exam format, and strategies for success.

What is the APUSH Course About?

The APUSH course delves into the complexities of American history, examining major events, significant figures, and the diverse perspectives that shaped the nation. It moves beyond simple memorization of dates and names, encouraging critical thinking and analysis of historical sources. The course emphasizes:

• Historical Thinking Skills: Students develop skills in analyzing historical sources, crafting historical arguments, making historical connections, and understanding historical contexts. This involves evaluating evidence, identifying bias, and constructing well-supported claims.

• Thematic Analysis: The course uses themes to organize the study of American history. These themes provide a framework for understanding the interconnectedness of historical events and processes. Key themes include:

  • Identity: How have concepts of American identity changed over time? How have different groups defined themselves and their relationship to the nation?
  • Work, Exchange, and Technology: How have economic systems and technological innovations shaped American society and its relationship with the world?
  • Peopling: How has migration and immigration shaped American society and culture?
  • Politics and Power: How have political institutions and power dynamics evolved in the United States?
  • American and the World: How has the United States interacted with the global community throughout its history?
  • Environment and Geography: How have environmental factors and geography influenced American history?
  • Culture and Society: How have cultural and social trends influenced American history?

• Periodization: The course is structured around distinct historical periods, each with its own defining characteristics and key events. Understanding the periodization is crucial for contextualizing historical developments.

APUSH Exam Format:

The APUSH exam is administered in two parts:

Section I: Multiple Choice Questions

• Number of Questions: 55
• Time Allotted: 55 minutes
• Percentage of Total Score: 40%
• Content: Covers a broad range of historical periods and topics, emphasizing historical thinking skills and the ability to interpret primary and secondary sources.

Section II: Free-Response Questions (FRQs)

• Number of Questions: 3
• Time Allotted: 130 minutes (40 minutes for question 1, 40 minutes for question 2, and 50 minutes for question 3)
• Percentage of Total Score: 60%
• Question Types:
  • Question 1 (Document-Based Question or DBQ): Requires analysis of a set of historical documents to construct a historical argument.
  • Question 2 (Long Essay Question or LEQ): Requires developing a well-supported essay response based on a specific historical prompt.
  • Question 3 (Long Essay Question or LEQ): Requires developing a well-supported essay response based on a specific historical prompt. Students choose between two options.

Preparing for the APUSH Exam:

Success on the APUSH exam requires consistent effort and a strategic approach. Key strategies include:

• Thorough Coursework: Active participation in class, completion of assigned readings, and engagement with primary source materials are crucial.

• Practice, Practice, Practice: Regular practice with multiple-choice questions and free-response questions is essential for building skills and improving performance. Utilize practice exams and review books.

• Mastering Historical Thinking Skills: Focus on developing skills in analyzing historical sources, crafting historical arguments, and making historical connections.

• Understanding Periodization: Develop a strong understanding of the chronological framework of the course and the key events within each period.

• Time Management: Develop effective time management strategies for both the multiple-choice and free-response sections of the exam.

The APUSH course and exam represent a significant academic challenge, but with diligent preparation and a strategic approach, students can achieve success and gain a deeper understanding of American history. Remember to leverage all available resources, including your teacher, textbooks, review materials, and online resources.