American Studies 10

The American Studies course uses history and sociology to present information and encourage authentic inquiry. The course is structured thematically as opposed to chronologically. This structure allows students to learn about a variety of American experiences over time and analyze the differences, similarities and connections between identity group experiences. This course is also document-based, meaning that we will study history from a variety of documents rather than a textbook. As such, we will forego the dominant Eurocentric narratives in American Studies for a more holistic, equitable and diverse scope. In our studies, we will assess the values and limitations of different historical perspectives and documents, based on their origin, purpose and content, developing critical historical and thinking skills. The units we study in 10th grade are:

• Who is an American?

• Indigenous Experiences in the Americas

• Latinx Experiences in the Americas

• Historical Investigation

• Middle East and North African American Experiences

• Black American Experiences

• Asian & Pacific Islander American Experiences

• Gender Oppression & Liberation in the US

• European American Experiences