ADVANCED PLACEMENT UNITED STATES HISTORY

							                        ADVANCED PLACEMENT UNITED STATES HISTORY
                             SUMMER ASSIGNMENTS – 2012-2013
                                       Mr. Forbes

Congratulations on choosing to take Advanced Placement United States History during the 2012-
2013 school years. This challenging course will allow you an opportunity to take a class that is
equivalent to college introductory courses in American History. In this two-semester class, we will
examine the major events, themes, and concepts of the history of the United States.

There are many advantages in taking this challenging course:
 The class is measured on a 5.0 GPA scale.
 It will prepare you for a College Board test which, upon passing, you may receive college credit.
 Your ability to bypass lower level college courses will signal Admissions officers at competitive
   colleges your are willing to be challenged.
 It will improve your writing and research skills and your ability to develop forceful oral
   arguments.
 Most importantly, it will provide you with a greater understanding of United States History which
   can only help expand your understanding of the world around you.

To help prepare for the class you will be expected to complete the following summer reading and
writing assignments. All assignments must be completed and turned in on the first day of school.
If you are NOT in the class Term 1 you need to make sure you turn in your summer work to Mr.
Forbes in room HK11 on the first day of school.

Textbook Check Out:
You must check out the course text, The American Pageant, at the Franklin Community Library.
Books will be issued from the textbook windows beginning Monday, May 21. The BEST
time to check-out the book is the week beginning on May 21. After that week the Library
will check books out throughout the summer, but only if an EGUSD Library staff is working
that day. Students need to present their 2011-2012 FrHS I.D.’s, and they must have returned all of
their books from this year.

Reading and note-taking assignment:
Read and take notes on Chapters 1-6 of, The American Pageant, (pp. 4-121). Your notes must
be HAND WRITTEN and your own work. No typed notes will be accepted. Be prepared for a
multiple-choice test on the material the first day of class. The reading and note-taking will
take approximately THREE hours per chapter, so make sure you manage your time wisely. The
objective and purpose for the reading and note-taking is to learn the material in the
chapters. When the notes are completed make sure you study/review them before the school
year begins. On the reverse side of this handout is a list of important vocabulary terms for
Chapters 2-6. These terms, their definitions and explanation of historical importance must be part
of your notes. (Not separate from notes)

Essay Assignment:
You must also complete the following research essay. Your essay needs to be at least FIVE pages in length (double
spaced, 12 font) in MLA format. In preparing the essay you must use at least FOUR historical sources/evidence
besides the textbook. Your research essay must include a bibliography page citing your sources.

1. Although New England and the Chesapeake region were both settled largely by people of English origin, by 1700
   the regions had evolved into two distinct societies. Why did this difference in development occur?