AP African American Studies 

Ms. Bianca Woodard

Course Syllabus 2025-2026

Course Description

AP African American Studies is an exciting and rigorous interdisciplinary course that invites students to explore the history, culture, politics, and intellectual traditions of African people and their descendants across the globe. The course begins with early African civilizations like Nubia, Mali, and Great Zimbabwe and traces the movement, resistance, and resilience of people of African descent through the Transatlantic Slave Trade, Emancipation, the Civil Rights Movement, and contemporary Black life in the United States and beyond. Students will engage deeply with primary and secondary sources across fields such as history, literature, political science, sociology, art, and music. They will develop historical thinking skills, research abilities, and a deeper understanding of the ongoing contributions and struggles that have shaped the Black experience in the Americas. This course fosters inquiry, discussion, and analysis while honoring the voices and legacies of Black scholars, activists, and communities.

Textbook

White, Deborah Gray, Mia Bay, and Waldo E. Martin Jr. Freedom on My Mind: A History of African Americans, with Documents. 3rd ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2020

Major Course Projects and Instructional Activities

At least one minor project will be assigned each grading period. To deepen student understanding of content and skills within the discipline of African American Studies, students will embark on a three-week individual project.. Students must define a research topic and line of inquiry, conduct independent research to analyze authentic sources, and develop and deliver a presentation about their selected topic. The Individual Student Project will contribute to the student’s AP score and represent 10% of that score.  Students will receive a manual to assist and 15 days in class to develop and research. As the instructor, I’ll be present to assist. 

Coursework/Classwork 

Students will receive a variety of assignments designed to enhance their learning. If a student is absent, they are responsible for completing the missed assignment. All assignments will be housed in Canvas. Students have access and parents may enroll in the course as an observer. 

Students are expected to submit work on time. Doing so demonstrates pride in producing quality work and fulfilling one's student responsibilities. This work habit is a behavior that supports academic achievement and demonstrates characteristics outlined in our Richmond County School System's Profile of a Graduate. Late work can negatively impact learning and your ability to demonstrate mastery of the standards.

When the assignment calls for students to produce original work, they will not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to generate the assignment. Assignments are given to help students learn and demonstrate what they know. While there may be appropriate times for students to use AI during the learning process, using AI to generate original work in place of the student's work is considered Academic Dishonesty and can be punished according to the rules outlined in the Code of Conduct.

See RCBOE IHA-R Grading Practices

Late Work (Grading Policy- See RCBOE IHA-R Grading Practices) 

Students may have their scores reduced by 5% per school day, up to a maximum of 25% reduction (five school days). Late work submitted after the fifth school day will only be accepted at the teacher’s discretion.

Make-Up Work (Grading Policy)

Students are expected to make up any missed assignments and assessments resulting from school absences. Upon returning to class, students are responsible for asking teachers for the make-up work.

Make-up work should be completed by the student within the time specified by the teacher. Students have 7 days after returning to school to complete missing work. The given and due dates will be noted in the comments section on Infinite Campus for the assessment.

Evaluation (Grading Policy)

·       Minor Grades (Quizzes, Skills based classwork, Cornell Notes Check, Document Based Question/ Free Response Question practice, Group Work, etc.)

·       Major Grades (Unit & Chapter Test, Projects, DBQs)

Relearn and Reassess the Plan

Students can submit a relearning plan for parent and teacher approval for any major assessments. Upon satisfactory completion of the plan, as determined by the teacher, students will be given a minimum of ONE opportunity to be reassessed. Only students scoring below 70 on a primary assessment can complete a relearning plan, unless they are exempted with parental approval.

Reassessments may be different from the original. The reassessment score will replace the original score (the scores will not be averaged). Reassessments should be completed within 7 school days of receiving the original grade. Teachers should have the discretion to extend the timeline to address extenuating circumstances.

See the teacher's class page for Relearn/Reassess 

Classroom Procedures & Expectations

The overarching expectation in this class is to represent WAR (Wholehearted, Accountable, Respectful)

Below are the expectations for how to W.A.R. in class!

Course Materials

*  3-ring Binder and College Rule Loose Leaf Paper                                                      

* Pencils/Pens/Highlighters                                                                                                                                                                 

My contact information:

Email: woodabi@boe.richmond.k12.ga.us              Resources: CANVAS   

Remind:  https://www.remind.com/join/c98fe7

Thank you,

Ms. Woodard