Class Description

(required by juniors) A two semester course that covers the history of the United States from its founding to the present day. The course uses a chronological approach, emphasizing the 20th century.

Class Expectations

Textbook: The American Vision (2003 Edition) Published by Glencoe/McGraw-Hill

Testing Information:

1. Tests are given at the completion of each chapter in the first nine weeks, usually this will mean a test about every seven school days.
2. In the second nine weeks and from then on, tests will include more material usually consisting of one-two chapters.
3. The tests are a combination of questions with an emphasis on writing out their understanding of events. Also included are matching, multiple choice, and definition of terms.

Daily Work:

1. Almost every day the students will have a reading assignment. The length of the average assignment is three-four pages.
2. In covering most of the chapters there will a student study guide available for the student to take notes in class. When the test over the chapter(s) is taken, the student will hand in a completed study guide and will receive points based on the completeness of the study guide.
3. Students will also be given one assignment per chapter of study questions which will be checked for accuracy and points given for completed assignments.

Occasionally quizzes over reading assignments will be given, usually with little advance notice

Major Projects:

1. All students are encouraged to participate in National History Day. More information is available in December. This activity is usually completed in March with regional competition at Northwestern College in April with state competition in May at Des Moines and the national contest is in June at Washington, DC.
2. Additionally, all students will do mini-research projects over the course of the semester. These reports focus on a particular facet of US History, and are generally one-two pages in length.

Miscellaneous:

1. Class participation is a factor in determing a student's grade.
2. Attendance is important, when absent the responsibility is on the student to make up any missed work and be ready to take tests, etc..

Final Grade:

1. The final grade is based on total points from the tests, quizzes, projects.
2. Seldom will the student be given a letter grade on a test, but a cumulative grade is available every three weeks.

Contact:

Please contact me at school. Either before school (7:30-8:15) or after school (3:15-?). Arrangements with the secretary for me to expect your call would be appreciated.

My e-mail is gregnerus@unity.pvt.k12.ia.us (Usually checked weekly)

Class Outline

Introduction:

The United States course is required of all juniors as a prerequisite to graduation. Occasionally, it may be taken by students in other grades if there is a special need.

Materials:

The textbook is The American Vision, published by Glencoe/McGraw Hill. .

Objectives:

The objectives of the course are:

1. For the student to realize that all the events and individual actions are God directed for his purpose and glorification.
2. For the student to develop a sense of historical empathy. Meaning that they relate to events and issues in the context of historical time and place.
3. For the student to begin to understand the significance of historical events as those events influence the direction of the world today.
4. For the student to develop a sense of historical literacy. Knowing terms and facts which are necessary to understand the broader sweep of history.
5. For the student to develop a sense of citizenship and an understanding of national identity.
6. For the student to develop a sense of cultural literacy; an awareness of belief systems, religions, philosophies, mythology, and legend.
7. For the student to begin developing skills such as critical thinking, reasoning, writing, and group interaction.

Topic Outline:

This is a very traditional, chronological framework

A. Introduction

1. Reasons for historical study
2. Sovereignty of God
3. Nature of history
4. Appeciating the past

B. The Colonial Heritage

1. Founding and development of the colonies
2. The American Revolution

C. Formation of the New Nation

1. The Constitution
2. Expansion /Lewis and Clark/Mountain men
3. Second War for Independence (1812)

D. Sectionalism and Nationalism Collide

1. Sectional interests
2. National identity
3. Manifest Destiny
4. War with Mexico

E. The Civil War

1. Background tensions/slavery/expansion
2. The War
3. Reconstruction

F. An Industrial and Imperialist Nation Develops

1. Settling the West
2. Development of industry
3. Populist movement
4. Imperialism and a world power

G. Reform at Home and War Abroad

1. Rise of the Progressives/reforming America
2. World War One

H. Boom and Bust

1. The roaring twenties
2. Economic collapse/depression
3. New Deal remedies

I. World War Two

1. America avoids war
2. Into the conflict
3. America at war
4. War transforms America

J. The Cold War and Eisenhower Prosperity

1. World leadership
2. Containing communism
3. The flannel fifties

K. The Sixties

1. A society in turmoil
2. Changing America

L. The Interim of the Seventies

1. Energy issues
2. Political upheaval
3. Challenges to world leadership/Iran

M. Rise of the Conservatives

1. Reagan
2. End of the Cold War

N. The Last Decade of the Century

1. Wars without end
2. Prosperity around the corner

Methods:

See the Course Expectations for a more detailed explanation.

A variety of methods will be used, including lecture, class discussion and debates, videos, and student projects.

Students are encouraged to participate in National History Day.

Evaluation will be traditional methods of testing.