AP US Government & Politics (New Course) (Cum Laude Recognition)
Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics will give students an analytical
perspective on government and politics in the United States. This course includes both the study
of general concepts used to interpret U .S. Government and politics and the analysis of specific
examples. It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that
constitute U .S. Government and politics. Students will become acquainted with the variety of
theoretical perspectives and explanations for various behaviors and outcomes. Topics that will
be covered include: political beliefs, the constitution, political parties, political institutions of
government, public policy, civil liberties, and civil rights. See Advanced Placement
Expectations/Criteria (pg 17)
AP European History (Cum Laude Recognition)
This energetic, handson course will enable students to earn college credit, if desired, and to use
upperlevel thinking to explore some of the most fascinating aspects of European History. This
AP European History class uses art, music, creative projects, and writing to explore essential
topics of European history. The class covers content from the Middle Ages to the present by
studying the politics, economics, religion, social history, intellectuals, and artists of Europe. In
addition, all students serious about taking the class must do required summer reading. Students
will be expected to participate fully in class, read independently, and use initiative and creativity to
complete course work. See Advanced Placement Expectations/Criteria (pg 17)
AP United States History (Cum Laude Recognition)
The AP program in United States History is designed to provide students with the analytical skills
and enduring understandings necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in
United States history. The program prepares students for intermediate and advanced college
courses by making demands upon them equivalent to those made by fullyear introductory
college courses. Students should learn to assess historical materials—their relevance to a given