This is a required, yearlong sophomore level class. Over the course of the year we will study the late nineteenth century's periods of great expansion across the continent, the growth of industry, rapid urbanization, imperialism and progressive reforms through the end of the Cold War toward the end of the twentieth century and everything between. Students will be learning "their" history as relates internally and our changing relationship with the rest of the world. Using language from the state, our overarching expectations are: learning the historical method of inquiry to ask questions, evaluate primary and secondary sources, critically analyze and interpret date, and develop interpretations defended by evidence from a variety of primary and secondary sources; analyze the key concepts of continuity and change, cause and effect, complexity, unity and diversity over time; the significance of ideas as powerful forces throughout history.