This course explores the foundations and development of the United States, from early exploration and colonization to Reconstruction after the Civil War. Students will examine key events, influential figures, and foundational documents that shaped the nation, such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Through engaging activities, the written word, primary source analysis, critical thinking, and Socratic discussion students will develop a deeper understanding of the principles of liberty, justice, and faith that underpin American history and link to a greater understanding of our world today.
A biblical worldview will guide discussions on how God's providence and truth have influenced the nation's growth, as well as the ways believers can respond to challenges with integrity and hope. This course equips students to appreciate their role as citizens of both the Kingdom of God and the United States, inspiring them to lead with Christlike character in their communities.
United States History Course Sequence and Syllabus
Part One: Introduction
Welcome to this comprehensive college-level survey of American History. This class is designed to provide committed, focused and motivated students with the experience of mastering college level material in US History. The committed Christ centered student will read and analyze historical writing, scriptural texts, reflect upon historical evidence, participate in discussions and write about central themes and ideas in America’s past in conjunction with the ideal Christ like Christian world view. At this time I’d like to review the expectations and requirements of the course.
USH is an intensive study of the history of the United States from 1600-present. It makes the same academic demands that a full-year college survey course would involve. In general, you will be asked to:
Ø Read 30-60 pages from a college-level history textbook per week; outline or take reading notes from the textbook; read additional, supplemental sources
Ø Take written exams that cover a substantial amount of information, some of which will NOT be covered in class
Ø Establish relationships among facts and be able to formulate concepts and generalizations about people, events, and ideas in American history
Ø Exhibit strong organizational and time management skills; take notes from class lectures; consistently and actively participate in class discussions and activities
Ø Understand and analyze primary sources including documents, cartoons, charts and graphs
Ø Think “spiritually” & “historically”—that is, determine validity, point of view, and bias; weigh evidence; evaluate conflicting positions; and make inferences
Ø Frequently write coherent, persuasive, analytical essays that utilize primary source materials along with relevant outside information
Optional: The benefits of taking the AP United States History Exam?
Ø By qualifying on the AP exam, you may receive college credit while still in high school—effectively testing out of History 101. This can be a significant reduction in college tuition!
Ø If you are exempt from introductory college courses, you can begin studying in your major field of interest earlier and/or you can explore other academic areas of interest.
Ø With AP credits, you increase your opportunity for double majors, and to participate in extra-curricular programs without jeopardizing your timely progress toward graduation.
Ø On the transcript, AP courses serve as an indicator to college admissions officers that you are dedicated, hard-working, and willing to accept challenges in your education.
Part Two: Course Sequence
Below is a basic outline of the major units we will be covering and the corresponding textbook chapters. I suggest you keep a separate folder for each major unit, keeping track of all notes, handouts and homework assignments. Just a heads up; this sequence may be modified.
Helpful Websites
http://www.historyteacher.net/ The world’s greatest APUSH website—for students AND teachers! Go to “AHAP Main Page”, then dig around. Particularly useful are: Mr. Montouri’s final review sheets and the practice quizzes form ALL historical eras.
http://www.landmarkcases.org Great site for important Supreme Court Decisions.
http://www.apstudent.com/ushistory/ Good documents. Particularly useful are the “Flashcard” pages.
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/ The official College Board site; this has information about the exam, test taking tips, course outlines, etc.
First Semester
Ø Colonial America (1607-1763)
American Pageant, Ch. 2-5
Ø The American Revolution and Confederation (1763-1787)
American Pageant, Ch. 6-8
Ø The Critical Period and Early Republic (1787-1814)
American Pageant, Ch. 9-10
Ø Nationalism, Sectionalism and The Era of Good Feelings (1814-1828)
American Pageant, Ch. 11-12
Ø The Age of Jackson (1828-1840)
American Pageant, Ch. 13-14
Ø Age of Expansion: Reform, Manifest Destiny, and 19th Century Indian Policy (1814-1860)
American Pageant, Ch. 15-16; 18
Ø Slavery and the Sectional Crisis (1840-1860)
American Pageant, Ch., 17, 19-20
Ø The Civil War, Reconstruction, and the New South (1850-1896)
American Pageant, Ch. 21-23; 26
Second Semester
Ø The Industrial Revolution and Unionism (1862-1900)
American Pageant, Ch. 24-25
Ø Gilded Age Politics and the Populist Revolt (1872-1896)
American Pageant, Ch. 24, 27, 28
Ø Immigration, Urbanization and Progressivism (1890-1917)
American pageant, Ch. 26, 31-32
Ø Foreign Policy and Imperialism (1898-1920)
American Pageant, Ch. 29-30; 33
Ø The Jazz Age and The Depression (1915-1929)
American Pageant, Ch. 34-36
Ø The New Deal and WW II (1929-1945)
American Pageant, Ch. 36-38
Ø The Cold War at Home and Abroad (1945-1960)
American Pageant, Ch. 39-40
Ø The 1960s: Vietnam and Reform Movements (1960-1968)
American Pageant, Ch. 40-41; 44
Ø The Limits of American Power (1968-1980)
American Pageant, Ch. 42
Ø Conservative Resurgence (1980-Present)
American Pageant, Ch. 43-44
Part Three: Course SyllabusRequired Texts:
Bailey, Thomas A. The American Pageant
Course Requirements
Ø You will need a notebook and folder devoted exclusively to this class.
Ø Your full-time and on-time attendance is essential to your success in this class. Tardies and truancies are frowned upon, and will negatively affect your grade.
Ø Many take-home assignments will be typed, so make sure your printers are in good working order.
Ø Participate in class activities and discussions! Get involved and speak your mind, because a portion of your quarter grade is based on participation. Credit can be lost due to lack of participation or effort in class, being unprepared, disruptive, tardy, or truant.
Grading and Make-Up Work
Ø This class works on a cumulative point system. Each quarter is worth approximately 40% of your semester grade, and the final paper is worth approximately 20%. Your semester grade is weighted; the grade scale is as follows:
100-90%= A, 89-80%= B, 79-70%= C, 69-60%= D, 59-0%= F
Ø In addition to general homework requirements, your assignments will consist of tests, quizzes, essays, projects, and class activities. Because we have so much material to cover, expect homework nightly.
Ø If you miss class it is your responsibility to find out what you missed. See me or another student to find out what you need to make up. In addition, daily activities will be posted on the board, and homework assignments will be placed in the bin.
Ø If you are absent (excused) on a due date, you must hand in your work the day you return to class.
Academic Honesty
IMPORTANT!! You are expected to do all of your own work and not “share” with others, not plagiarize, not cut and paste from the internet, etc. If you are in violation of this policy you will receive ZERO credit for the assignment. Ignorance is not an excuse! At universities, plagiarism results in failing the course and/or expulsion.
The Final Word
If you need extra help, or have any questions about the course, please see me!
Email: [email protected]
GREAT YEAR!