US History

Course Description: The American Dream is and will continue to be a difficult to define concept. Yet as history moves forward, many Americans citizens and immigrants alike strive to accomplish and maintain this elusive goal. The concept’s origins are as old as the nation itself and the American Dream’s permeable nature allows for the continued relevance in national culture and understanding. The American Dream can be defined as having the opportunity for prosperity and achievement as an individual. Although the definition and means of acquiring the American Dream changed over time, the core values of individualism and opportunity remain significant today and firmly embedded in the American national identity.

Using the “American Dream” as an overarching theme for the year, students will examine large questions such as how has the American Dream changed over time? Does it still exist today? How has the American Dream shaped our history? The class will examine U.S. History since Reconstruction (1865) and will require critical thinking rooted in problem solving and historical perspective taking. Students will be asked to examine historical problems and themes from multiple perspectives and challenge previous conceived notions.