AP History, or APUSH, is a college level course and examination that is part of the Advanced Placement Program. Since 1983, the book has been edited by David M. Kennedy and Lizabeth Cohen, but it began life in 1958 as a textbook edited by Thomas A. Bailey. Both Kennedy and Cohen are history professors at Ivy League universities, Kennedy at Stanford University and Cohen at Harvard.
The Sixteenth Edition of the book was released in 2015. It contains forty-one chapters and six main parts. Like the fifteen editions that preceded it, the book begins with pre-history, a chapter on native peoples, and another on European explorers; it continues until the final chapters that deal with the making of modern America. This edition adds a new feature called "Contending Voices", which is intended to challenge students to consider conflicting perspectives of controversial subjects whilst still referencing the original historical work on each subject. There are also additional quotes and references to substantiate perspectives that come from all sides.
The book is regarded as a patriotic one because it chronicles the making of America's journey from a newly discovered country to a modern super-power. It is supportive of the notion of the American Dream and is, for the most part, politically impartial. The sixteenth edition also stands out for being the first to add controversial subjects that have a distinctly political aspect to them, but there is no specific political leaning to the book, as students are encouraged to discover their own.
The book is designed to give students a comprehensive overview of American history, allowing them to study and appreciate its complexities. It is intended to provide students with the necessary skills to understand the past, present and future of the United States. Additionally, the book is designed to help students develop critical thinking skills by considering the different perspectives of history and examining the evidence that supports each perspective. Furthermore, the book provides students with an opportunity to develop their own views of American history and its implications for the future. It is an invaluable resource for students of American history, offering a comprehensive overview of the nation's past and providing readers with a thorough understanding of the development of the nation.
Furthermore, the book aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in their chosen field of the humanities. It provides the necessary background and framework for students to understand the historical contexts of the modern world and to think critically about the current state of affairs. Through the use of primary sources, the book gives students an opportunity to explore the major events, people, and ideas that shaped the nation's history. Additionally, the book provides an in-depth look at the different cultures and beliefs that have shaped the nation and its people, allowing students to gain a deeper understanding of the American experience. Finally, the book also offers students an opportunity to look at the nation's history through a variety of lenses, helping them to form their own conclusions and interpretations of the nation's past and present.
