American History II

American History II

Course Description:

This course will serve as a college-level survey of the history of the United States from its First Nations beginnings, European Colonialism, Slavery, Revolutionary War, the expansion within the continental United States, the Imperialistic views of the world, the World Wars, Cold War, and onward to modern history. This course comprehensively explores the United States' rich and complex past, focusing on its transformation from colonial roots to a modern, diverse nation. Students will analyze pivotal events, social movements, and the evolving political landscape, fostering a deep understanding of the American story.

Students will Students will develop and use the necessary skills and methods used by historians by analyzing primary and secondary sources, implimenting historical arguments, discover the connections within history, and utilizing reasoning about comparison, causation, and continuity and change. This course will examine American History through the lens of one or more themes in each unit: American and National Identity; Work, Exchange, and Technology; Geography and the Environment; Migration and Settlement; Politics and Power; America in the World; American and Regional Culture; and Social Structures. We will trace these themes throughout the year, emphasizing their interconnectedness and effect on shaping changes throughout the United States and World history. This course will empower students to become more informed and critically engage with their nation's past and present. The course will also encourage social-emotional growth and the development of essential executive functioning skills necessary for success in a diverse and evolving society.

Essential Questions:

1. How has American identity changed, and what forces shaped it?

2. How has internal and external conflict shaped and developed the United States?

3. How have the ideals of liberty, equality, and justice been interpreted and redefined throughout American history?

Key Topics:

1. Colonial America: African culture, Native origins, Early settlements, Native and European interactions, and independence.

2. The American Revolution: Causes, leaders, and the impact on global politics.

3. Westward Expansion: Manifest Destiny, conflicts with indigenous peoples, and the Oregon Trail.

4. Civil War and Reconstruction: Slavery, the Civil War, and the challenges of rebuilding.

5. Progressive Era: Social reform, women's suffrage, and the rise of industrial America.

6. World Wars and Their Aftermath: America's role in global conflicts and post-war changes.

7. Civil Rights Movement: Struggles for equality and the legacy of activists like Martin Luther King Jr.

8. Contemporary America: The Cold War, globalization, and challenges facing today's nation.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives:

Students will investigate and develop an understanding of the key concepts, people, groups, and events in this course's scope and sequence. Develop and apply historical thinking and reasoning skills to study U.S. history. Develop knowledge of historical content through the application of thematic learning objectives. Explore and interpret a variety of primary sources and secondary texts related to US History.

1. Analyze and interpret historical events, primary sources, and cultural artifacts.

2. Explain the significance of key historical figures, movements, and periods.

3. Recognize the impact of globalization on contemporary society.

4. Develop strong research, critical thinking, and communication skills.

5. Formulate connections between past and present, fostering a global perspective.

Areas for Social-Emotional Learning & Executive Functioning Growth:

1. Empathy: Students will develop empathy and perspective-taking by learning about various cultures, points of view, and diverse societies.

2. Effective Communication and teamwork: Learned through collaboration and class discussions.

3. Time and Self-Management: The development of EF skills through independent research, assignments, and projects.

4. Decision-Making: The examination of historical strategies will foster effective decision-making skills.