American Studies

Grade 11 Course: 2431 - American Studies* Prerequisites: Successful Completion of English II (2020/2021) and U.S. I/Defining the Identity of the United States (4121)

Description: Full Year 10.00 Credits The American Studies curriculum fulfills the requirements of the eleventh grade social studies and English courses. The class is team taught in a two-period block by an English and a social studies teacher. In the American Studies course, students are provided the opportunity to examine the American conversation through the lens of history, literature and the arts. Students will examine who is a part of the conversation, what they are saying, and 12 how it has shaped the direction of this country over time. Emphasis is placed on refining the ability to apply, synthesize and analyze history and literature. This course requires students to use concrete pieces of information to argue larger points, ask profound questions, develop counter-claims, make significant connections, and work in groups to create a product or presentation. Throughout the year students participate in collegial discussions focused on stimulating a well-reasoned exchange of ideas. Alternate views are examined as students respond thoughtfully to diverse perspectives on history, literature and the arts. American Studies is recommended for students who are interested in studying the arts in addition to American History and literature. It is also recommended for students who enjoy actively collaborating with others and finding creative solutions to complex issues. American Studies replaces the required courses English III and U.S. II/Issues in 20th Century History. *Students may opt to take American Studies for honors credit (2432). This option offers students the opportunity to take advantage of the unique interdisciplinary learning experience, while challenging them to earn honors credit. College preparatory and honors American Studies will be offered concurrently with students learning and working together in the same classroom. Those students who elect to work at the honors level will be expected to extend their work with deeper analysis and take a more active leadership role in class discussions and debates. Relative to the course expectations for American Studies, students will be expected to achieve the following: read more extensively; study and discuss literature and history in greater depth; write more comprehensive, critical and varied compositions; complete more independent reading and analysis; experiment with more sophisticated elements of style and voice; and demonstrate a more profound understanding of the relationship between historical context and literature of a given period. All established requirements and guidelines for the honors program, outlined in Westfield High School’s program of studies (page vi), apply to American Studies honors. *Honors Option Prerequisites – A/B+ average in previous English (2021, 2023) and social studies courses (4121, 4120)