Summer+Reading



**AP US History** **Summer Reading** Welcome to AP US History. Although you will find this course challenging, I hope that you also discover the thrill and excitement of examining the rich, sometimes turbulent, and very unique historical past of the United States of America.

The A.P. US History course has a dual purpose; it fulfills the Florida Department of Education requirement of a U.S. History course, and it provides the serious student with the opportunity to earn college credit by taking a national test in May. The A.P. Test is very demanding and is scored on a scale of 1-5, with “5” being the highest score. Nationally, in US History, only about 10% earn a score of “5” while approximately 54% earn scores of “3” or higher. Such a score can be a strong asset on a college application to a program that is very selective in its admission policies. However, the A.P. test is very challenging and only thoroughly prepared students can expect success. This thorough preparation includes reading a college text book, out of class readings and preparation, and by meeting the requirements of the teacher on tests, essays and reports.

**I.** You are reading //**The Grapes of Wrath**// for your English class. You will also be required to read //**Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet**// by Jamie Ford (ISBN-9781743310878) Read both books and for Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet write a brief analysis (3-4 typed & double spaced pages) of the book **along with** your evaluation. Make sure that you cite any facts or quotes where appropriate. __This analysis will be due on the first day of class.__ **If you do not do the assignment you will be dropped from the AP class.**

__I recommend that you complete this part of the assignment sometime **BEFORE** mid-July __

**II.** Each student must download, print and complete the PDF file titled: //“God in America – Part I Questions 2012”//. Follow the directions and video link on this handout. **__This will be due on the first day of class.__**


 * God in America - Part I Questions **

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**III.** Each student must also read the first 2 chapters of their AP US History textbook: //The American Pageant//. You will receive the full text in August. Chapters 1 & 2 can be found here:


 * American Pageant Ch 1 **


 * American Pageant Ch 2 **


 * ** Read It. **
 * ** Take Notes. **
 * ** Study It. **
 * ** Review It. **
 * ** Know It!! **

__**OPTIONAL BUT HIGHLY RECOMMENDED**__
 * The following graphic organizer assignments & activities will help you focus & process key material from these chapters:**


 * [[file:Ch 1 Colonial Powers.pdf]]


 * [[file:AP COLONIAL CHARACTERISTICS Chart.pdf]]


 * [[file:AP Ch 2 Crossword.html]]


 * Also, find resources for Ch. 1 & 2 on this Wiki under the "**1st Qtr Notes & Materials**" tab

__**REQUIRED**__

**IV.** After you read each chapter:
 * Visit: **[]**
 * If the page above is not working **[|Try Here]**
 * Click on the “Navigate by Chapter” drop down menu and select the chapter you just completed.
 * Take the ACE practice test and submit your results to yourself and your instructor at this **EMAIL**
 * Always use your MCC student email account to ensure that you receive credit!
 * When prompted
 * Print out or screen save your ACE quiz results for your own records.
 * __ **Any results below a 90% are NOT acceptable!** __

I recommended that all students complete the text reading (Ch 1 & 2) and video work as thoroughly as possible and that you complete this work in late July / early August so that the content is still fresh in your mind for the summer reading test.