Welcome back to our AP Spotlight series! Today we hear from Mr. Hinds, who teaches AP U.S History. AP U.S History or “APUSH,” is taken from students ranging from sophomores to seniors. The exam itself is 3 hours and 25 minutes consisting of 55 multiple choice, 9 short answer questions, 1 Document based question, and 1 Long essay question.

What is AP U.S History?

AP U.S History is a class that covers the history of the U.S from before Columbus to present day. It focuses on the development of American national identity and how political groups, developing technology, culture environments, and foreign nations shaped US social and political developments.

Why should people take AP U.S History?

First, it gives an in depth look on this country’s history more than a typical U.S survey class. You need to know history about your country to understand the decisions . Second, you have to take U.S history class as a credit to graduate, you might as well take AP to get a college credit as well.

What is your grading policy?

Only tests, projects, and quizzes are graded harshly. Every classwork from the unit can be turned in before the unit exam.

 What is the homework schedule?

There are guided reading unit packets due by the end of the unit exam and the occasional out of school project that are required. Everything that you don’t complete in class is homework.

How do you prepare your class for the AP exam?

We save two weeks built into our schedule before the exam for review after we finish all the units. We typically play review games and work on review packets.

What are the challenges of the class?

It is a lot of reading. You will read the entire textbook as you complete your packet. Also it is challenging for students to take the skills you learn throughout the year and honing them to complete document-based-questions or long essay questions.

Why do you teach AP U.S History? 

I like working with motivated students who want to learn U.S history and want to challenge themselves.

What kind of jobs or careers would benefit from taking this class?

If you want to pursue a career in law, in the government, or a historian, you need a precursor to the basis of major Supreme Court decisions and the context behind them.

Anything else you’d like to say?

If you’re looking for a challenge, or want to learn more about U.S History, sign up.

If you have any questions concerning the course, feel free to contact Mr. Hinds, his email is [email protected].