This course examines the political, economic, geographic, and social development of both state and the nation from the Age of Exploration to the present. Emphasis is placed on economic and technological change, increasing interdependence of the United States and its world relationships, the role of conflicting viewpoints and reform, the relationship between cultural arts and attitudes and values, and the development of American democracy and culture. Emphasis is also placed on developing a sense of historical time and place, expository writing skills, and research techniques.
Essential Questions: How has America protected and expanded democratic principles? How has the nation grappled with its internal struggles over freedom and equality? How has the principle of freedom fostered American ingenuity and change?
|
Quarter 1 |
Quarter 2 |
Quarter 3 |
Quarter 4 |
|
|
Era Title and Time |
A New Nation is Born Colonization & the Struggle for “Democracy” 1607 - 1820 (4 weeks) |
Growing Pains Democracy in Crisis & The Struggle for Equality 1820-1870 (5 weeks) |
Coming of Age Industrialization & the Protection of Democracy 1870-1945 (5 weeks) |
Identity & Change Modern-day Challenges and the Expansion of Democracy 1945-present (4 weeks) |
|
Image Cue |
|
|
|
|
|
Focus of the Story |
As our journey through U.S. history begins, we investigate the impacts of European exploration and colonization in North America. The British dominate the area that will become the U.S., with policies that caused colonists to question their rule. As tensions rose, the Revolution brought the freedom to self-rule. As the founding fathers created a government for “we, the people,” we examine the national struggle of pursuing that for all. |
Although the young nation survives several outside threats, we explore the historical debate over the institution of slavery, policies toward indigenous people, and expanded rights for women. As our nation moves westward, the debate over slavery will take center stage, ultimately erupting into the Civil War. While amendments give rights to the formerly enslaved, we examine how the nation continues to struggle toward a true democracy. |
In this time of explosive industrial and economic growth, America continues to struggle in creating its identity as a democracy that values all people. We investigate how the Progressive Era, the Great Depression and the World Wars forced national conversations focused on increasing democratic principles. |
As the U.S. enters the post-war era, the nation’s continued fight to make the world “safe for democracy” will force Americans to look inward. We assess how the nation reevaluates the principles for which it fought–democracy, equality and freedom–as we navigate the role of world power. |
|
Transfer Goals |
THINK: Comprehend how (evidence-based) sources and perspectives can clarify and contradict key information to better understand core issues (across contexts) in the past and present. (Knowledgeable, Thinkers and Inquirers, Cross-Culturally Competent) ACT: Communicate effectively based on purpose, task, and audience using valid and reliable information with accurate and relevant details* (Problem Solvers and Value Creators, Knowledgeable) |
CONNECT: Demonstrate civic and social practices through interactions with others and self-reflection in service of an interdependent global community. (Personally and Socially Responsible, Resilient Learners) ACT: Communicate effectively based on purpose, task, and audience using valid and reliable information with accurate and relevant details* (Problem Solvers and Value Creators, Knowledgeable) |
QUESTION: Ask and pursue a line of questioning based on curiosity, prior knowledge, personal experience, and ongoing research to establish patterns, draw well-reasoned conclusions, or take actions. (Knowledgeable, Thinkers and Inquirers, Problem Solvers and Value Creators) ACT: Communicate effectively based on purpose, task, and audience using valid and reliable information with accurate and relevant details* (Problem Solvers and Value Creators, Knowledgeable) |
ENGAGE: Engage in respectful discourse to exchange and process diverse information, ideas, and points of view in order to inform one’s own perspective and explanation (Communicators and Collaborators; Personally and Socially Responsible) ACT: Communicate effectively based on purpose, task, and audience using valid and reliable information with accurate and relevant details* (Problem Solvers and Value Creators, Knowledgeable) |
|
Learning Targets |
|
|
|
|
