U S History

American History Eleanor Barbino

Semester Two

Course Outline:

This course begins with American Imperialism and ends with covers the events up to the Vietnam War. By the end of the course you will have a better understanding of the social, economic and political forces that have shaped our national character.

Text: The Americans by Gerald A. Danzer et al.

Grading Policy:

Students will be evaluated on a point system; A = 100 – 90, B = 89 – 80, C = 79 – 70, D = 69 – 60, and F = 59 and below. Class participation is an important part of your grade, accounting for 10% of total points.

It is important that students keep a running point total and ALL returned assignments in case there is a discrepancy between your records and mine. I will be happy to meet with any student to discuss grades and assignments before or after school, NOT BEFORE OR AFTER CLASS. Please make an appoint to ensure that I am available.

Make-up Policy:

Students are required to make up any missed exams within a week of the exam date, before or after school unless otherwise directed. Late assignments will be accepted one day late for half credit. Assignments later than a day will receive a zero.

General Expectations:

· Treat your teachers, classmates and substitute teachers with the respect you would expect yourselves.

· Come to class prepared. Students arriving in class without text books, note books or pencils will loose points and will be marked late should they have to get their things from their lockers.

· Raise your hand when you wish to speak so that we can listen to what you have to say. No student should speak while I or another student is speaking.

· Regular attendance is a key part of your chance to succeed in this class. Activities, lectures and discussions are prepared to help pass the exams and the class overall. Excessive absences will be discussed in the dean’s office.

· Tardiness will not be tolerated. Be in class and seated when the bell rings.

· Once the bell has rung to start the class, you will have 30 seconds to finish your conversations and settle down after which I expect silence

· Once class has begun, there should be no need to leave the room unless it is an emergency. Students who must use the restroom during class will be required to make up the time (15 minutes) before or after school.

· If you sleep in this class, your participation grade will suffer and you may receive a detention.

· You will remain in your seat, working until the dismissal bell has rung. DO NOT BEGIN to pack up your things early or line up at the door.

· Do not complain about the assignments or activities. Each is planned to help you better understand history and hone your academic skills. Reading, writing and public speaking are essential elements for a successful future.

· We will frequently have group assignments. Your participation and cooperation in group assignments is crucial to the success of these activities. Any student who does not behave well with the group or fails to remain focused on the activity will receive detention.

Conclusion:

I sincerely hope that all of you learn a great deal this semester about your nation’s past. The story of The United States is both unique and exciting. If you work hard, share your thoughts and ideas, and complete assignments on time, success is guaranteed.

U.S. History: Semester One

Course Content

This class examines the country’s history from the beginning of exploration to the Imperial Age.

Unit 1 The Clash of Cultures - How does colonization create the American identity?

Enduring understandings

Interaction between W. Africa, Europe & Native Am cultures profoundly changed each one.

Essential Questions

What were the reasons for colonization and what can they teach us about modern globalization?
How did the economic, political & social relationship b/t England & the colonies change over the course of our early development

Unit 2 Liberty and Justice for All - How have we attempted to secure liberty and justice for all?

Enduring understandings

Democracy entails the responsibility of the people to participate in the current government.

Essential Questions

What is the philosophy and political background of the Dec. of Independence and how does it contribute to our definition of an American?
What is the principle of natural rights as how do they apply to a given society?

Unit 3 Expansion at what price? -What is the cost of Manifest Destiny?

Enduring understandings

Westward expansion and Manifest Destiny, considered essential by whites, marginalized Native Americans and still exacts a price today.

Essential Questions

What responsibilities do stronger nations have when dealing less powerful nations?

Unit 4 Civil War and Reconstruction - How did the issue of slavery play into the argument over the strength of the Federal Government?

Enduring understandings

The battle over States Rights culminated over the divisive issue of slavery leading to the Civil War
The unresolved issues of slavery, expansion and states rights lead to the Civil War
The political and technological factors led to the prolonged, deadly conflict than anyone predicted
The Civil War foreshadows total industrialized war
The failure of the federal government to reconstruct southern society in the post bellum period

Essential Questions

How much power should the Federal Government have over state and local governments?

Unit 5 American Economy Comes of Age: Progress, Power & Responsibility

Enduring understandings

Capitalism allows America becomes a great industrial power
Immigrations effects on labor in a capitalistic society
The conflict caused by the evolving relationship between big business, government and labor during the late 19^th century

Essential Questions

What role should the U.S. government play in the economy?

Unit 6 Imperialism, the Spanish Am War and World War I

Enduring understandings

Imperialistic policies contribute to America’s rise to power at the turn of the century
The growing debate over America’s involvement in world affairs
The causes and effects of total industrialized war on mankind
World War 1 is a bridge in U.S. foreign policy from isolationism to expansionism

Essential Questions

What role should the U.S. government play in the world economy?

U.S. History: Semester Two

Course Content:

This class examines the country’s history from the beginning of the Imperial Age up to the Vietnam War.

Unit 6 American Emerges as a World Power -What role did imperialism play in Americas rise to power?

- Why did the United States get involved in WWI?

- How did the United States contribute to the Allied Victory?

- What were the consequences and of the Treaty of Versailles?

Unit 7 The ‘20’s and the Great Depression - What conflicts arose between rural and urban value systems in the 1920’s?

- In what ways was the United States economy superficial?

- How did the economic problems affecting industries, farmers and consumers lead to the Great Depression?

Unit 8 World War II -Why was the League of Nations unable to control the rise and spread of totalitarianism throughout Europe and Asia during the post WWI world?

- Why did the United States choose to remain neutral during this period of rising aggression?

- Why did the Unite States enter the War?

- How did the end of WWII bring about a shift in United States world responsibility and leadership?

Unit 9 Post WWII American Domestic Policy - What social, economic and political readjustments were made after WWII?

- What domestic changes took place during the 1950’s and 1960’s?

- How did the Civil Rights movement, Women’s right’s movement and the Hippie Movement change our perception of ourselves

Unit 10 – The Cold War to the Present - What were the political and economic differences between the United States and the Soviet Union?

- How did tensions grow between the United States and Soviet Union?

- How did Cold War politics lead to confrontations throughout the world?

- How and why did the fear of communism sweep our nation?