US History 

Course Description:

This course covers the development of the United States from the end of the Civil War (1865) to the end of World War Two (1945). Emphasis will be placed on challenging you to think critically about the development of the United States. We will study the development of the United States politically, socially, and economically by looking at history through multiple perspectives and a variety of sources. A focus will be placed on how historical events affect contemporary issues.  Diverse teaching methods will be implemented including class discussions, role playing activities, group work, document analysis, and map activities.

Essential Learning Goals:

Semester 1

1. 25% Historical Connections- Critically apply historical content for contextualization, continuity, and change over time from the Reconstruction Period to the Progressive Era to demonstrate the complexities of historical events. 

2. 25% Historical Impacts- Determine and evaluate cause and effect, implications, and significance of historical events from the Reconstruction Period to the Progressive Era to demonstrate the impact of historical phenomenon.  

3. 25% Source Analysis- Critically evaluate a variety of primary and secondary sources to interpret the historical context, intended audience, purpose, and/or author’s point of view from the Reconstruction Period to the Progressive Era in order to recognize the significance of perspective and context. 

4. 25% Inquiry and Research- Construct meaningful questions, evaluate and critique sources, develop claims, and communicate their conclusions to show depth of understanding. 

Semester 2

1. 25% Historical Connections- Critically apply historical content for contextualization, continuity, and change over time from the Reconstruction Period to 1945 to demonstrate the complexities of historical events.  

2. 25% Historical Impacts- Determine and evaluate cause and effect, implications, and significance of historical events from the Reconstruction Period to 1945 to demonstrate the impact of historical phenomenon. 

3. 25% Source Analysis- Critically evaluate a variety of primary and secondary sources to interpret the historical context, intended audience, purpose, and/or author’s point of view from the Reconstruction Period to 1945 in order to recognize the significance of perspective and context. 

4. 25% Inquiry and Research- Construct meaningful questions, evaluate and critique sources, develop claims, and communicate their conclusions to show depth of understanding.

Major Assessments and Success Criteria:

• Paragraph Responses

• Presentations

• Scrapbook/Journaling

• Wedge in Society Paper

• Simulations

• 1920’s Radio Broadcast

• WWII Lit Circle

• Research Project

Key Course Learning Experiences:

• Analyzing Primary Sources

• Vocabulary Practice

• Poster Creation

• Political Cartoon Analysis/Design

• Current Events 

• Debates  

• Class Discussions