View the recordings from this 2024 History School course, led by Sara Ziemnik. This content is intended for high school students.
AP US History | History School (2024)
About the Course
This course focused on “complex understanding” in AP US History (APUSH). It is a large part of the assessment, yet it is hard to describe and achieve. By focusing on nuance, effective use of evidence, and sophisticated argumentation, this course discussed how to apply content knowledge to demonstrate complex understanding in the free-response section of the APUSH exam.
Topics Covered
- July 2, 2024: Introduction to the AP US History Course and Exam
- July 9, 2024: Complex Understanding in AP US History
- July 16, 2024: To What Extent?: Understanding Cause and Effect
- July 23, 2024: Echoes Everywhere: Continuity and Change Over Time
- July 30, 2024: “The Unicorn Point”: Option 1, Sophisticated Argumentation
- August 13, 2024: “The Unicorn Point”: Option 2, Effective Use of Evidence
Class 1
Introduction to the AP US History Course and Exam
Recorded July 2, 2024
Class 2
Complex Understanding in AP US History
Recorded July 9, 2024
Class 3
To What Extent?: Understanding Cause and Effect
Recorded July 16, 2024
Class 4
Echoes Everywhere: Continuity and Change Over Time
Recorded July 23, 2024
Class 5
“The Unicorn Point”: Option 1, Sophisticated Argumentation
Recorded July 30, 2024
Class 6
“The Unicorn Point”: Option 2, Effective Use of Evidence
Recorded August 13, 2024
About the Teacher
Sara Ziemnik has taught American history and world history for twenty years at Rocky River High School in Ohio, where she centers her students’ experience around discussion and inquisitive learning. Ms. Ziemnik encourages her students to learn from one another. Of her approach, she says, “My students have the responsibility as American citizens to form their own opinions.” In 2017, Ms. Ziemnik was named the National History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute