Social Studies Department Academic Expectations for AP Classes

Social Studies Department

AP courses provide students with the factual knowledge and critical thinking skills expected in a college level course. Teachers of AP courses follow a required course outline and prepare students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful on the Advanced Placement examination which takes place in May.

The below chart provides an approximation of the time and assignments for each AP course offered in the Social Studies Department. In order to make appropriate and informed choices at WHS, it is to your advantage to understand the rigor of each course.

Area of Study # of hours to study/prepare for each class Grading Student Expectations and Comments

AP World

 4-6 hours of reading/studying outside of class each week—this includes the readings that need completed prior to coming to class (college-level reading)
  • There are a limited number of grades each quarter and grades are predominately assessment based
  • Unit exams are a combination of stimulus-based questions and essay questions

Student are expected to:

  • Be advanced in historical thinking skills
  • Be an active participant in discussions
  • Seek help from their teacher if they are struggling
AP US History 4-6 hours of reading/studying outside of class each week—this includes the readings that need completed prior to coming to class (college-level reading)

 
  • There are a limited number of grades each quarter and grades are predominately assessment based
  • Unit exams are a combination of stimulus-based questions and essay questions

Student are expected to:

  • Be advanced in historical thinking skills
  • Be an active participant in discussions
  • Seek help from their teacher if they are struggling
AP US Government and Politics 3-5 hours of reading/studying outside of class each week—this includes the readings that need completed prior to coming to class (college-level reading)

Discussion/awareness of current events is necessary for success

College level reading, writing, and comprehension are emphasized.  Free response writing required as homework and on exams.

There is a campaign volunteering project that requires 10 hours of volunteer work with a political campaign.

Students are expected to seek help from their teacher if they are struggling
AP US Government & Comparative 4-6 hours of reading/studying outside of class each week—this includes the readings that need completed prior to coming to class (college-level reading)

Discussion/awareness of current events is necessary for success.  This course utilizes a discussion board.

College level reading, writing, and comprehension are emphasized.  Free response writing required as homework and on exams

This course combines two college level semester courses and 2 AP exams.  Strong attendance is imperative.

There is a campaign volunteering project that requires 10 hours of volunteer work with a political campaign.

Students are expected to seek help from their teacher if they are struggling
AP Psychology 3-5 hours of reading/studying outside of class each week—this includes the readings that need completed prior to coming to class (college-level reading)

85-90% of grade is test/quizzes

Understand that completion of all assignments does not equal an A in the course.

A quiz or test can be expected every week.

Successful students will have strong time management and organizational skills

Strong attendance is imperative to success
AP Economics 30 to 60 minutes of study per class meeting.  

Assessments are individual, partner, and group.

The class requires good note taking, an ability to complete work on-line, and some math skills.  

Students take two AP exams at the conclusion of this course (Microeconomics and Macroeconomics)
AP European 3-5 hours of reading/studying outside of class each week—this includes the readings that need completed prior to coming to class (college-level reading) Essay writing and class discussions are an integral part of the course.

This course provides students with a more in-depth academic experience in a course whose content is similar to 10th grade world history.

This course spans Renaissance to the modern day.
AP Human Geography

Students will be expected to read an article or part of the text most nights.  Some nights students could  be asked to read an article or listen to a podcast—it all depends on what we are studying.  

Much of the work depends on the pace you work, but plan for about 30 minutes of outside work per class, on average.  This is an AP-level course so you are expected to be prepared for every class and your grade will be reflective of the work, as well as your participation in this endeavor.

Students can expect frequent assessments and essay writing. 

Class discussions and projects are a big component of this course.

We will cover many of the topics you are already interested in: population, migration, culture, language, religion, politics, and urbanization.   What we will not be doing is memorizing long lists of country names,, coloring cute flags, or learning about the human anatomy (sorry).

 Materials can come from the book, various news outlets, podcasts, or a variety of other sources.  The course uses examples from the world around us and we discuss the material in a meaningful way in order to bring everything together into a broader context.

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