AP United States History

Students will engage in a rigorous and in-depth examination of the historical development of American ideas and institutions from the Age of Exploration to the modern era. Knowledge of American culture through a chronological survey of major issues, movements, people, and events in United States and Virginia history will be connected by focusing on political and economic history. Students will use historical and geographical analysis skills to explore the events, people, and ideas that fostered our national identity and led to our country’s prominence in world affairs. Emphasis will be placed on research and writing skills through the use of primary and secondary sources and document based questions and essays. Students may earn college credit through the Advanced Placement (AP) United States History exam given at the end of the year. Students may be tested at the end of this course on the Virginia and United States History standards of learning. See Guidelines for Placement of Students in Honors/AP/Dual Enrolled Classes.