<p>Hello all. I am going to be a junior next year, and I have to take a social studies class. I am interested in international relations, and that is probably what I would like to major in. Here are some pros and cons:</p>
<p>Pros:
way more interesting than APUSH (in my opinion)
ties into other classes I'm taking junior year (ap human geo, econ, env sci)
much easier test with a more lenient curve than APUSH
APUSH is being redesigned next year, so there will be less material to study from</p>
<p>Cons:
will be offered for the first time at my school next year
a new teacher will be teaching it
only open to seniors, but my counselor can make an exception
my counselor might think I'm a dick</p>
<p>please tell me your opinion, and thanks in advance!</p>
<p>US History is a graduation requirement in 99% of HS’s. If that’s that case at your school, you might as well take the AP version.</p>
<p>First off, I’m a junior right now who actually loves politics, staying informed, and anything poli-sci, and I freaking LOVE APUSH! Seriously, our textbook, American Pageant, is actually pretty good in my opinion! </p>
<p>Secondly, APUSH is considered a “difficult” test but with some practice, a 4 is in the bag and a 5 is extremely attainable. Because it’s difficult to those who do not practice and it’s actually popular, the curve is always in YOUR favor my friend ;)</p>
<p>Thirdly, yes your con of it being a new class is actually an important one. I mean, sure you will probably end up with a great grade, but if social studies is important to you, then I would seriously consider actually taking APUSH. Plus, ya know…most of your friends will PROBABLY be in APUSH, right? There’s always that too. </p>
<p>Thanks APDestroyer and skieurope, you guys brought up some good points. I still want to hear a few more opinions, so this post will double as a bump</p>
<p>I’m not really sure how any of the cons are a con, except maybe #4. Even if the class is new to the school, the College Board has a prescribed curriculum for each course, and, especially since it’s the first time offering it, the CB had to approve your school’s syllabus. A new teacher also is not necessarily bad; they might bring fresh perspective. By new teacher, do you mean new to teaching the class, or new to the school? The latter would surprise me since in a seniority-based profession such as teaching, I can’t think of an instance where a senior teacher would opt out of teaching AP for a lower level class.</p>
<p>@skieurope well actually sort of both. It will be her second year at this school next year, and first year teaching this course. This course also has never been offered at my school before. Again, thanks for the opinion.</p>
<p>Bump</p>
<p>Probably my last bump. I know there are some people who have taken either or both classes </p>