Social Sciences - Mr. Hollander

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        Welcome to our study of United States history!  We will be learning about our country from the encounter of this land by Christopher Columbus through early colonization.  We will fight the American Revolution, create a new nation, explore and expand throughout the continent, pull ourselves apart at the seams, then heal slowly.  Then we'll look at the twentieth century, with our efforts to support and defend democratic ideals on every shore.

        While we're at it, we'll run across some familiar characters, like the Pilgrims, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, and others. It might not be long before one is left with the feeling that these people were really special, perhaps demigods.  They seemed to have legendary stories, without flaws, and we were so fortunate to have them in our government at the right time.  We often use them as evidence to complain about our current leadership.  Well, a fair portion of this class is devoted to the demythologizing of our forefathers.  Seldom do the "real" stories of these statemen's lives jibe with the legend.  We do not engage in this exercise so we learn to disrespect these individuals, but so we might have a greater appreciation for their accomplishments and a better perspective on leadership in general.

        During this work we will learn that there are three important things to remember about any study of history:  Every story of past events is biased, leaning toward the teller of the tale.  Be aware and careful of that situation.  Second, while the facts of history may not be debatable, the interpretation of those facts, the why behind the who, what, when, and where, is perhaps the most crucial element of them all.  Third, there are many ways to study history.  Events can be seen as economic, political, historical, geographic, and behavioral.  Closer interpretations of the reality are possible if one considers events from each of these points of view.

        The bottom line about studying history. . . it is a rich, exciting, adventure!  It comes alive when examined and challenges long held myths about what our history really involved.  The journey begins in Room 108 of Kennedy Junior High School.  Don't miss it!