This course is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement American History exam, following the College Board's guidelines. The course will focus on significant events, themes, and ideas that have shaped American history, including the country's evolving ethnic, cultural, and social identity, political and economic participation for minorities, and the role of the U.S. as a world leader.

Students will delve into the following themes in detail: settlement and colonization, the War for Independence, American expansion to the west, the sectional crisis, and the Civil War, post-war Reconstruction, the growth of American industrialism, and the emergence of modern cities. Additionally, students will explore America's growth and responsibility as a world power, the impact of government policy on economics during the Twenties, and the collapse of capitalism during the Great Depression, the fight against fascism during World War II, Cold War tensions as a result of nuclear technology, the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam experience, Watergate, Reagan and "Neoconservatism," and the War on Terror.

The course is designed to encourage students to think critically, analyze primary and secondary sources, and develop their research and writing skills. The class will be a combination of lectures, class discussions, debates, group projects, and research assignments. Students will be expected to participate actively, engage in discussions, and develop their arguments using evidence from primary and secondary sources.

Throughout the course, students will develop a deeper understanding of how America's collective experience has shaped its current opportunities and challenges. Students who complete this course will be well prepared for the AP American History exam and equipped with a solid foundation in American history that will serve them well in college and beyond.

• At a glance:
  College Board-aligned exam preparation: This course prepares students for the AP American History exam, following the College Board's guidelines, focusing on significant events, themes, and ideas that have shaped American history.

• In-depth exploration of key themes: Students will delve into important historical themes, including colonization, independence, westward expansion, the Civil War, Reconstruction, industrialization, global leadership, government policies, social movements, and contemporary challenges.

• Critical thinking and research skills development: Students will engage in various learning activities such as lectures, discussions, debates, group projects, and research assignments, aiming to think critically, analyze primary and secondary sources, and enhance research and writing skills. Active participation and evidence-based arguments are expected.