Honors U.S. History I is a challenging college-level course designed to attract highly motivated students of history. The course explores the history of the United States from early colonial times through industrialization, with special emphasis placed on the evolution of political, economic, social, and intellectual patterns of the 19th century as they influenced the nation's development to the dawn of the 20th century. Students utilize a variety of primary and secondary sources to develop writing, reading, research, and historical thinking skills necessary in both advanced education and effective citizenship. The program is designed as the first part of a two year sequence to prepare students for the Advanced Placement test in history after completing AP US History II during the following year.
Grading categories and weights: Tests - 50%; Classwork - 10%; Homework - 20%; Essays and Projects: 20% (These weights and categories will change slightly in the marking period when the research paper is due.)