This course is comparable to an introductory college survey course in United States History and is designed to prepare students to succeed on the Advanced Placement test. This course provides a chronological and thematic coverage with supplementary reading in the form of documents, essays, and books on special themes. In addition to developing a background of factual knowledge, students are expected to exercise skills of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Students are expected to take notes from printed material, lectures, discussions, and write essay exams and research papers. Students also are expected to use critical thinking skills to present material orally, in simulations, and in writing. This course may also be taken as an elective.