US History

Thematic Curriculum:

History classes have traditionally been taught chronologically. They begin with the earliest event, then to the next event, and so on. While this style of teaching history is helpful to build context, and some believe it is better when students are asked to memorize history facts, it can be difficult to connect the events to the present and understand the purpose of studying the past. 

This class will be taught thematically. Each unit in the class will be based upon a recurring theme in U.S. history, and various events and characters will be explored based upon the themes. This approach will allow us to engage more deeply with the topics, connect events from the past to the present, utilize transferable historical thinking skills (perspective analysis, cause and effect, continuity and change), and show how these skills will be used in the real world. 

U.S. History Grading Categories

1. Understanding Like A Historian

Students showcase their understanding of facts, events, characters, and details covered in class. In order to effectively engage with a history classroom, students need to have an understanding of the events in question and the people involved. 

Assessments include: end-of-unit quizzes, short answer questions, projects & presentations

2. Communicating Like A Historian

Students showcase their written and oral communication skills, primarily through the use of argumentation. They will create opinion-based claims, provide evidence from the past, and use logical reasoning to support their claim. 

Assessments include: Short and long answer questions, presentations, mini-essays

3. Thinking Like A Historian

Students showcase their mastery of historical thinking skills. These include analyzing perspectives of groups and individuals, understanding the cause and effect relationship of events, categorizing themes of continuity and change, and evaluating the credibility of evidence.

Assessments include: Projects and presentations, short and long answer questions

4. Organizing Like A Historian

Students showcase their organization skills to both collect and prepare their work. These skills will be imperative in making sure that work is completed and submitted on time, and the work is easy for your instructor to understand. 

Assessments include: Digital Notebook (classwork & homework), projects and presentations, additional class assignments

Textbook