Syllabus & Class Expectations 

Course Description:  This year we will be studying subjects and themes from the beginning of the American colonies until present day using various activities and methods.  While this class ultimately concludes with a New York State Regents exam, the class will not be centered solely on this exam specifically as the course’s goal is for students to gain a better understanding and appreciation of United States History.  Students will be able to connect the material covered to current events and their own lives to increase understanding and relevance.

Course Outline/Units of Study:  

1. Colonial America & The American Revolution (1619-1776)

   • Reasons for & political developments of colonies 

   • Causes of the The American Revolution

2. Creating an American Government (1776-1789)

   • The Articles of Confederation 

   • Structure, Powers & Limitations of Federal Government

3. Building of a Nation (1789-1824)

   • Implementing a Federal system, 

4. Expansion & Sectionalism - Path to Civil War  (1803-1860)

   • Economic & Westward Expansion

   • The Expansion of Slavery & the Foundation of American Reform Movements  

   • War with Mexico  & the Immediate causes of the Civil War    

5. Civil War & Reconstruction (1860-1896)

   • Major events & the Civil War 

   • Reconstruction & terror/oppression in the Post-War South

   • Discrimination in the West

6. Gilded Age Industrialization  (1865-1900)

   • Rise of American Industry & Labor

   • Urbanization & Immigration

7. The Progressive Reform Movements (1890-1920)

   • The Expansion of Democracy 

   • Progressive Era Reforms for workers & consumers 

8. Imperialism & World War 1 - Rise of American Power (1898-1918)

   • American International Expansion & Imperialism 

   • Causes of WW1 & Domestic Impacts 

9. 1920’s Prosperity & 1930’s Depression (1920-1939)

   • The "Roaring 20's" 

   • Increasing Cultural Conflict 

   • The Great Depression & The New Deal 

10.  World War 2 & The Cold War (1939-1991)

    • Causes of WW2 & the domestic impacts to the war 

    • Origins of the Cold War & the Red Scare 

    • Korean War,  the Space Race & Vietnam War 

11.  Era of Domestic Change (1945-1970)

    • Birth of the Suburbs The Warren Court

    • Reform Movements

      •   Birth of the Feminist Mvt, MLK & African American Civil Rights, The Warren Court, Native American & Latino American Mvts, 

12. Towards a New Century (1970-2008)

    • “War on Poverty”  v "Reaganomics" 

    • The Trend Toward Conservatism

Texts:  The primary textbook for this course will be “The Americans”.  This textbook is provided by the school district & will be made available digitally where applicable. 

Grading Policy

Students grades will be calculated using the following breakdown - 

Tests & Quizzes - 40%

Writing - 30%

Homework & Selected classwork - 30% 

Please note: 

There will be numerous extra credit opportunities for students.  These assignments will be specifically designated by the teacher or the student may present possible assignments (i.e. reading a book about a topic in American History and writing a report or having a discussion about it with the teacher). Extra credit assignments will be available to all students but will only impact positively the grades of those who show a consistent effort in this class.

Classroom Behavior & Expectations

You are a member of a community of learners.  For any community to thrive, certain concepts must be embraced.  In our community, I expect the following general behavior of all students: 

1. RESPECT: 

   1. • All students will respect themselves, their community members and their learning environment.

2. READINESS:

   1. • All students must attend class everyday and ready to actively participate in daily activities.

3. RESPONSIBILITY:  

   1. • All students must accept responsibility for themselves and their actions.