Summer reading assignments for APUSH include two primary documents (The Iroquios Confederation Constitution and The Mayflower Compact), a journal article (America Before Columbus), and this AP documents-based question. Students should print copies of each document and read each of them carefully, highlighting and taking notes as needed. Students should bring their copies of the documents to class and be prepared to discuss the readings on the second day of the term.
II. And for your viewing pleasure…
You are not required to see a movie, but these are good if you are in the mood for history (fact, fiction, and/or a sprinkle of both).
Last of the Mohicans, 1776, Friendly Persuasion, Glory, Red Badge of Courage, Dances with Wolves, Skylark, O Pioneer, The Jazz Singer, Citizen Kane, All Quiet on the Western Front, Casablanca, The Little Dictator, Schindler’s List, State of the Union, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Animal Farm, Twelve Angry Men, China Syndrome, All the President’s Men, JFK, Thirteen Days, Good Night and Good Luck, The Long Walk Home, Fly Boys, Flags of Our Fathers, Letters from Iwo Jima, Platoon, Fahrenheit 911
Recommended foreign films: Das Boot, The Lives of Others, Joyeux Noel
I. Hardball essay [Due first day of class]
In the book Hardball, Chris Matthews defines the title term:
Hardball is clean, aggressive Machiavellian politics. It is the discipline of gaining and holding power, useful to any profession or undertaking, but practiced most openly and unashamedly in the world of public affairs.
In essay format, support Matthews’ Machiavellian theory of politics. Find two politicians from the book who were successful due to their Machiavellian style and one politician who lacked the Machiavellian instinct. Discuss how each attempted to acquire power. Use quotes to support. Be sure to include the political maxims used by Matthews. (Listed below)
Political Maxims-
*What've ya done for me lately? *All politics is local
*Triangulation *It's better to receive than to give
*Dance with the one that brung ya. *Keep your enemies in front of you
*Don't Get Mad; Don't Get Even; Get Ahead *Leave no shot unanswered.
*Hang a Lantern on Your Problem *Politics = Power
*Only talk when it improves the silence *Retail politics
II. Government Movies Due September 10th
Watch one of the following movies and write a one-page typed movie criticism. A movie criticism is a reaction paper, and it should be to the point. Summarize the movie in the first paragraph. In the second paragraph critique the movie as it relates to American Government. It is up to you to choose your focal point, but do not waste my time on criticizing the actors or script.
| Wag the Dog | Charlie Wilson’s War |
| Fog of War | Choose Connor |
| Citizen Kane | Meet John Doe |
| Dave | Frost/Nixon |
Primary Colors |
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If you would like to add a movie to the list, or if you have any questions, please email me at misty_leclerc@charleston.k12.sc.us
Students should read two of the following by Marshall Jevons:
Murder at the Margins
Fatal Equilibrium
A Deadly Indifference