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:
Colonial America & The American Revolution (1619-1776)
Reasons for & political developments of colonies
Causes of the The American Revolution
Creating an American Government (1776-1789)
The Articles of Confederation
Structure, Powers & Limitations of Federal Government
Building of a Nation (1789-1824)
Implementing a Federal system,
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
Civil War & Reconstruction (1860-1896)
Major events & the Civil War
Reconstruction & terror/oppression in the Post-War South
Discrimination in the West
Gilded Age Industrialization (1865-1900)
Rise of American Industry & Labor
Urbanization & Immigration
The Progressive Reform Movements (1890-1920)
The Expansion of Democracy
Progressive Era Reforms for workers & consumers
Imperialism & World War 1 - Rise of American Power (1898-1918)
American International Expansion & Imperialism
Causes of WW1 & Domestic Impacts
1920’s Prosperity & 1930’s Depression (1920-1939)
The "Roaring 20's"
Increasing Cultural Conflict
The Great Depression & The New Deal
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
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,
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:
RESPECT:
All students will respect themselves, their community members and their learning environment.
READINESS:
All students must attend class everyday and ready to actively participate in daily activities.
RESPONSIBILITY:
All students must accept responsibility for themselves and their actions.