United States History

United States History is the culminating course in the social studies core course sequence.  It offers students a thought-provoking survey of the nation’s history, with opportunities in each unit to study in more depth the events, issues or other historical phenomena of special significance in the American narrative.  Students will make connections between events of the past and their ongoing impact on the near-present, thus developing a context for their emerging sense of civic responsibility. 

This course emphasizes the frequent use of higher order thinking skills in its approach to studying history and strives to foster in students a nuanced, analytical mindset. Reading, writing, speaking, listening and research skills, in the context of the social studies and in preparation for college, will be developed.

Rationale:  United States History is a required course for graduation that provides students with the means to better understand the multiple factors that have shaped the society in which they live.  In conjunction with the two other core courses, it provides a solid foundation for York students to be engaged, informed and judicious citizens.

 The EL version of the course is for nonnative speakers of English. It provides students with supporting in acquiring both content knowledge and English academic language.