United States History is required of all junior students. It is chronological in organization, emphasizing events from 1763 to the present. Principal units of study include the American Revolution, the Federal Period, sectionalism and reform, the Civil War, post-war development and expansion, progressivism, the inter-war period, World War II, and the challenges of the post-World War II era. Attention is given to current events in relationship to historical study as applicable. The general focus is one of political history, though not to the exclusion of economic, cultural, and social developments. A variety of texts and supplementary materials are utilized that are suitable for different levels of instruction. Research and writing skills are stressed as students undertake individualized and group study activities.
Upon completion of this United States history course, the Ridgefield High School student will have a comprehensive understanding of what it is to be an American. Based upon the skills developed throughout the course the student will be able to make more informed decisions as a citizen of the United States and be able to communicate those decisions effectively. Throughout the year, each student will be exposed to the social, political, economic, cultural, and military issues and developments of our past and connect those issues to present events. As the students better understand the nature of our history, they will more fully appreciate the contributions and sacrifices that have shaped the fabric of America.
As the students progress from the earliest colonial settlements to beyond the cold war era, they will master a variety of critical thinking skills, in each unit of study. For example, students will analyze the issues that led the colonies to revolution in 1776 and formulate a lasting constitution that will serve the needs of the United States for generations. Students will be able to apply the contributing factors that created the Civil War and evaluate its legacy. Students will likewise compare and contrast the motivations, goals, and successes of the various attempts to improve American society. This will be covered in such topics as the Progressive Era, the Civil Rights Movement, the Abolitionist and 1840s Reform efforts. The defense of our nation and of the principles of democracy as well the emergence of the United States as a world power, through such conflicts as World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, will analyze and debated.
In addition to a core text, students are exposed to a multitude of primary source material and a variety of resources. A significant objective for this course is the development of research skills that will allow students to utilize technology to obtain information from a plethora of venues. Students will interpret literature, music, and art representing the diversity of American culture that has created a unique and vibrant society. In this way, students will gain an appreciation of the pluralistic nature of our nation.
Lastly, our students will critically analyze both the triumphs and struggles of the past 400 years and create plans to contribute, in a positive way, to the future of the United States.
Students synthesize the research on their domestic policy problem that they researched throughout the year and the course content on linkage institutions and present a strategic plan that their interest group should take to push government to solve the policy problem.