Course Overview
Unit Overview
Unit 1: Genesis of a New Nation (1491-1783)
Students will explore the birth of the American identity by studying the foundational mythology and how it develops through the course of European exploration and early colonization. Students consider multiple, often conflicting definitions of identity, and examine how community is developed through environmental factors. Students will also examine how the creation of cultural myth creates a shared identity which gives purpose to a community.
Unit 2: Foundation of a Nation (1781-1848)
Students will understand the challenge of establishing a new nation by analyzing the process from multiple perspectives. Students consider the balance between individual sovereignty and larger groups. Close reading of foundational documents and culture reflected through the Humanities will provide an understanding of how an American identity emerged.
Unit 3: American Exodus (1820-1877)
Students will evaluate the causes and effects of the Civil War in this unit, examining issues such as the struggle for the balance of power and the fallout of conflict. Students examine the struggle that comes with an expanding nation and the relationship between the individual and community. Students will also view the Humanities as a catalyst for reinforcing or challenging the status quo.
Fall SSR Requirements
Students will be required to read 2 fictional novels, 1 nonfiction work, and 1 drama. A list of suggested seminal works can be found on the readings page of this website.
Unit 4: A Busy America! (1865-1919)Students will analyze the impacts of the rising wealth dichotomy on the social, economic, and political systems of the United States during the Gilded Age. Students explore the effect of movement on the
development of the American identity. In addition, close reading and study of the Humanities will lead to an evolving understanding of how individuals define and communicate place and cultural myth.
Unit 5: America Goes Global (1890-1929)
Students will explore the evolving role of America, both at home and on a global stage during this time period. Students will understand how the closing of the Western frontier and evolving global involvement lead to a redefinition of American identity. In addition, students will understand the use of the Humanities to provide an outlet for the expression of American diversity.
Unit 6: A World in Crisis (1929-1945)
Students see the impact of change in this unit, both domestically and globally, as they study the impact of both the Great Depression and World War II. Students will also examine the effect of change on political, social, and economic systems as well as the impact of emerging technology. Students continue to examine the impact of societal changes on cultural myth.
Unit 7: Living Generationally (1945-Present)
Students will analyze America’s role on the global stage as well as generational definitions of right and wrong and the impact of these differences on American identity. The role of media is evaluated in addition to the responsibility of individuals to society.
Students will explore the birth of the American identity by studying the foundational mythology and how it develops through the course of European exploration and early colonization. Students consider multiple, often conflicting definitions of identity, and examine how community is developed through environmental factors. Students will also examine how the creation of cultural myth creates a shared identity which gives purpose to a community.
Unit 2: Foundation of a Nation (1781-1848)
Students will understand the challenge of establishing a new nation by analyzing the process from multiple perspectives. Students consider the balance between individual sovereignty and larger groups. Close reading of foundational documents and culture reflected through the Humanities will provide an understanding of how an American identity emerged.
Unit 3: American Exodus (1820-1877)
Students will evaluate the causes and effects of the Civil War in this unit, examining issues such as the struggle for the balance of power and the fallout of conflict. Students examine the struggle that comes with an expanding nation and the relationship between the individual and community. Students will also view the Humanities as a catalyst for reinforcing or challenging the status quo.
Fall SSR Requirements
Students will be required to read 2 fictional novels, 1 nonfiction work, and 1 drama. A list of suggested seminal works can be found on the readings page of this website.
Unit 4: A Busy America! (1865-1919)Students will analyze the impacts of the rising wealth dichotomy on the social, economic, and political systems of the United States during the Gilded Age. Students explore the effect of movement on the
development of the American identity. In addition, close reading and study of the Humanities will lead to an evolving understanding of how individuals define and communicate place and cultural myth.
Unit 5: America Goes Global (1890-1929)
Students will explore the evolving role of America, both at home and on a global stage during this time period. Students will understand how the closing of the Western frontier and evolving global involvement lead to a redefinition of American identity. In addition, students will understand the use of the Humanities to provide an outlet for the expression of American diversity.
Unit 6: A World in Crisis (1929-1945)
Students see the impact of change in this unit, both domestically and globally, as they study the impact of both the Great Depression and World War II. Students will also examine the effect of change on political, social, and economic systems as well as the impact of emerging technology. Students continue to examine the impact of societal changes on cultural myth.
Unit 7: Living Generationally (1945-Present)
Students will analyze America’s role on the global stage as well as generational definitions of right and wrong and the impact of these differences on American identity. The role of media is evaluated in addition to the responsibility of individuals to society.
Self-Selected Reading
Fall SSR Requirements
Students will be required to read 2 fictional novels, 1 nonfiction work, and 1 drama. A list of suggested seminal works can be found on the readings page of this website. Click here for Unit 1 Reading Suggestions.
Students will be required to read 2 fictional novels, 1 nonfiction work, and 1 drama. A list of suggested seminal works can be found on the readings page of this website. Click here for Unit 1 Reading Suggestions.
Textbook Expectations
Students will be required to read the textbook as a main source of information. Required and suggested sections will be listed in Google Classroom. Class discussions and assignments are designed to supplement and extend the content in the textbook, not to replace it.
Syllabus