:: 2012 AP* Summer Institutes at UT Austin
AP US History Combined 2012
AP12003
This class has filled.
This course will cover both the content and pedagogy necessary for teaching the AP U.S. History course. In addition, participants will receive an overview of the AP Program and any changes on the horizon.
Presentations and discussions of teaching strategies will be divided equally between strategies for improving student success on the AP Exam and the content necessary to create an engaging and successful course. Teaching strategies will focus on the development of critical thinking skills, document analysis, and writing skills (e.g., Conducting Socratic Seminars, Analyzing Works of Art and Other Visual Documents, and Developing a Thesis Statement). Historical content will focus on American social, political, economic, and intellectual thought (e.g., Federalist versus Antifederalist, Did the South Have the Right to Secede?, Dr. Seuss Goes to War and Other WWII Satires, and Cornerstones of American Foreign Policy) and we will explore the ever-changing interpretations of U.S. History (for a meaningful and on-going discussion of current historical literature, participants are encouraged to bring favorite books or articles to share).
Participants will also explore classroom resources, including online and multimedia resources. Participants are encouraged to bring successful lessons they have created and share these with the entire group.
This AP U.S. History Summer Institute will create an active learning environment; please come prepared to participate.
Lead Consultant: John Irish
John P. Irish teaches AP U.S. History and is the head coach for the Academic Decathlon and Octathlon teams at John Paul II High School in Plano, Texas. He is a nationally certified consultant in AP U.S. History and AP European History for the Southwestern Region of the College Board and serves as a reader for the AP U.S. History Exam. He was just named to the College Board Curriculum Development and Assessment Committee for the redesign of the AP U.S. History Course and Exam. He is currently working on the Student Guidebook for the 15/e of American Pageant and has published the Instructor Resource Guide and the Testbank for previous editions of that textbook. He just published a four volume updated edition of the AP U.S. History Workbooks by the Center for Learning, along with a curriculum unit on Edward Bellamy’s novel “Looking Backward” also by the Center for Learning. Mr. Irish holds a B.A. in political science and philosophy from Southern Methodist University and an M.A. in philosophy from the University of Arkansas. He has also done post-graduate work in history from Rice University. He is a member of the American Historical Association, Society for History Education, and the Organization of American Historians.
* Trademark Notice: College Board, AP, Advanced Placement Program, AP Vertical Teams, Pre-AP, and the acorn logo are registered trademarks of the College Board. Used with permission.
John Irish
