American Studies
This course will provide a comprehensive study of modern American history from 1877 to the present. The federal republic has withstood challenges to its national security and expanded the rights and roles of its citizens. The episodes of its past have shaped the nature of the country today and prepared it to attend to the challenges of tomorrow. Understanding how these events came to pass and their meaning for today’s citizens is the purpose of this course. The concepts of historical thinking introduced in earlier grades continue to build with students locating and analyzing primary and secondary sources from multiple perspectives to draw conclusions. In addition to learning the history of this era, students learn basic geography, communication skills and critical thinking skills that will be used throughout their high school education. Students will be expected to complete outside reading and homework assignments, and do at least one research paper or project. Students must participate actively in class discussions and debates.