The 20th century marked the United States’ ascendancy to a world-power status. It was also a century filled with, problematic governmental policies, labor movements, wide-scale protests, political scandals, cultural diversification and technological advancements. Within a span of one hundred years, America had been involved in five wars but was also part of many peace-making efforts, a Great Depression and times of great wealth, and periods of conservatism and liberalism. This course prepares students for further work in the social sciences and the humanities through the study of major themes in United States history. Students learn how to think historically and how to read primary sources (e.g., letters, speeches, images, and artifacts). Assignments draw on a high-school level U.S. history textbook, selected primary sources, a variety of maps, and internet resources.