American Studies - English/Social Studies

Offered as a full year course, American Studies is designed to bridge students’ understanding of American history in relation to its literature and culture.  The course will chronologically survey America’s history from the Revolutionary period to the present.  Students will examine works in the context of social and cultural development, economics, and politics.  Students will be expected to understand that the American writer initiates, expresses, and reacts to the evolving philosophies that seek to determine America’s best path forward.  Students will explore various themes throughout the course with an emphasis on American identity, the importance of the American Dream, characteristics of leadership, struggle of state versus federal power, and ultimately what makes the American voice?   Students must be committed to studying challenging academic material with an emphasis on formulating theses and drawing conclusions. They should expect to engage in thoughtful debate and active research while developing skills in analysis and synthesis, ultimately arriving at a lasting and memorable appreciation of America’s past. 

Note: Students must take both this course and # 1325 American Studies - Social Studies which will fulfill both U.S. History and English 11 credit requirements, usually completed by students in their junior year.