AP U.S. History 360: A Full-Circle Exam Prep Course

Class Experience
This AP U.S. History prep course is a fast-paced, engaging, and structured review designed to strengthen historical knowledge, build critical thinking skills, and prepare students for the AP exam—without feeling like just another textbook reading. Covering all nine APUSH periods, this course includes interactive discussions, activities, and regular assessments to make history both fun and memorable.

What Will Be Taught?
Students will review major historical events, themes, and skills from 1491 to the present, focusing on cause and effect, continuity and change, and comparative analysis—all essential for success on the AP exam. We’ll explore the fascinating stories behind major events, the surprising connections between different eras, and how the past still shapes today’s world.

How Is the Class Structured?
Lecture-based format with clear explanations, engaging storytelling, and humor to keep things lively. Each session focuses on a specific time period, highlighting key events and trends. Quizzes after every unit, a midterm, and a final exam assess comprehension and help tailor instruction. Open discussions for students to debate historical ideas and share their thoughts in a relaxed setting. Interactive activities at the end of many lessons bring history to life in creative and unexpected ways. Optional readings for students doing this as a review; required readings for students taking this as a full class.

How Will I Teach?
My teaching style is energetic, engaging, and designed to make history fun. Instead of dry memorization, students will get:
✅ Lively lectures with clear explanations, historical storytelling, and humor.
✅ Visually engaging slides that highlight key points without information overload.
✅ Quizzes, a midterm, and a final exam to track progress and adjust lessons as needed.
✅ Interactive discussions and activities that encourage critical thinking and participation.
✅ Optional or required readings, depending on the student’s learning goals.

Students have the flexibility to shape their learning experience in terms of participation, but quizzes and tests are mandatory to assess understanding and allow me to adjust lessons accordingly. However, exceptions can be made for students who need accommodations. Readings are required for all students as they provide essential context for discussions, activities, and assessments.

Discussions and activities add an extra layer of engagement, but participation remains low-pressure and flexible—students can contribute by speaking, typing, or reflecting independently. This structure ensures that students get the necessary content while allowing them to engage in a way that best supports their learning.

This class is not just about memorizing names and dates—it’s about exploring history in a way that makes it exciting, understandable, and even a little bit entertaining. With a balance of structured lectures, assessments, and interactive elements, this class will prepare students for the AP exam while making history something they’ll actually enjoy!