Welcome! AP U.S. History is a challenging course that is meant to be the equivalent of a freshman college course and can earn students college credit. It is a two-semester survey of American history from the age of exploration and discovery to the present. This year’s exam will take place nationwide on May 8, 2015. In order to be fully prepared by this date, you will need to devote considerable time to reading, homework, and studying. Emphasis is placed on critical and evaluative thinking skills, essay writing, interpretation of original documents, and historiography.
In order to prepare for the course work ahead, as well as for the AP test, please complete the Summer Reading Assignments as described below. All readings can be found on my teaching blog at http://msjolly.blogspot.com and on the shared class Google Drive.
Read the following:
- Chapters 1-5 - A People’s History of the United States, by Howard Zinn. From its original publication in 1980, and over several revisions, Zinn’s book has introduced new perspectives into the study of American History. Though widely accepted throughout academia, A People’s History of the United States continues to be controversial. This can be bought at most book stores, Chapters 1-5 can be read online at http://www.historyisaweapon.com/zinnapeopleshistory.html.
- “Why Students Should Study History,” an interview between Howard Zinn and Barbara Miner. This can be found in the shared Google Drive or on my teaching blog.
- “Howard Zinn's Biased History,” by Daniel J. Flynn. Some conservative historians and authors criticize Zinn and his admittedly leftist leanings. This is an article by conservative author Daniel Flynn, and can be found in the shared Google Drive or on my teaching blog.
In an analytical essay, evaluate chapters 1-5 of A People’s History of the United States, by Howard Zinn. In your response, address the following issues (do not simply list), citing specific examples from the required readings using parenthetical documentation and MLA format. MLA document and format guidelines can be found in the shared Google Drive or on my teaching blog. Cite EVERYTHING and don’t forget a works cited page! The grading rubric (p. 123-4) can also be found in the Google Drive and on the blog.
- Purpose - According to Zinn, what is his main purpose for writing A People’s History of the United States? What would you consider to be his thesis?
- Perspective – How might a person’s race and social class affect a person’s view of history. How does Zinn address this issue in A People’s History of the United States? On page 14 of “Why Students Should Study History,” Zinn says, “Objectivity is neither possible nor desirable. It’s not possible because all history is subjective; all history represents a point of view.” Zinn says teachers should give their opinions in class. Do you think this is appropriate in a high school course? Why or why not?
Case Study - Find a summary of the Pequot War. (Make sure to cite your source – Wikipedia, other encyclopedias, and History.com-type sites are not valid sources!) Was that source’s summary closer to Flynn’s or Zinn’s summary of the conflict? Explain the similarities and differences.- Interpretation - Compare and contrast Zinn’s and Flynn’s interpretations of the American Revolution. Which one do you agree with more? Why?
- Critique - What do you think about Howard Zinn’s approach to history? What did you like or dislike? What criticism does Flynn put forth of Zinn as a writer? Which one of these historians (Zinn or Flynn) would you rather have as your history teacher? Why? (BUT, still keep your paper in the THIRD PERSON!)
Have a productive summer and see you at the end of August!
Sincerely,
Tierra Jolly
