HISTORY DEPARTMENT

United States History
U.S. History provides a survey of American history from the Colonial Period and American Revolution to the present day, with an emphasis on the twentieth century. Students will explore the political, social, religious, and economic developments that have shaped the United States. Using the textbook, historical documents, and current events, students will develop an understanding of how the past continues to influence American society today. The course emphasizes critical thinking and encourages students to examine historical events from different perspectives, make connections between the past and present, and support their ideas with evidence. Two guiding questions throughout the course are: What makes American history unique? How does the world we live in today reflect our past?
AP U.S. Government and Politics
AP U.S. Government and Politics is a college-level year-long political science course that seeks to provide students with the political knowledge to understand and discuss American politics and society meaningfully. The course presents enduring understandings and ideas about American government and politics and teaches students a set of disciplined reasoning processes. By the end of the year, students will be able to analyze current and historical political events and develop factually accurate, well-reasoned, thoughtful arguments and opinions that acknowledge and grapple with alternative political perspectives. Success in this class and on the AP Exam requires being able to analyze political information, regardless of the format the information is presented, and develop a factually accurate, thoughtful, and well-reasoned opinion regarding this information. The civic engagement project in this course will culminate in students “creating an interest group” and a strategic plan that could be used to pursue a solution to a domestic policy problem of interest. In addition to standard homework, throughout the course of the year, students will keep a current events journal to encourage them to stay up to date on political current events and as a mechanism for practicing making connections between course content and real-world situations. This course utilizes a college-level U.S. government and politics textbook and follows the course curriculum outlined in the main text.
Advanced Placement African American Studies
This course is an interdisciplinary college-level study of the history, culture, experiences, and contributions of African Americans in the United States and the broader African diaspora. Students examine major themes, events, movements, and individuals from African origins through the present day, with emphasis on historical analysis, cultural expression, social movements, geography, economics, and political thought. Students develop skills in analyzing primary and secondary sources, evaluating historical perspectives, constructing evidence-based arguments, and making connections across historical periods. The course prepares students for the AP African American Studies examination.
Global Studies
Global studies is a sweeping overview that studies the geography, history, culture, government, economics, and citizenship of various countries and regions. The course begins by examining geography of the globe and delves into the geography and recent history of the United States. The course then goes on to explore the geography and cultures of South America, Europe, Russia, Africa, and Asia. Modern historical components are incorporated into the overall content as different regions of the world are explored. Students refine their English language skills through diverse tasks while gaining an enriching education on the globe. The course will be split into “units”. A unit will cover a specific topic and will include various assessments to evaluate your knowledge and skills. Homework will be assigned on a regular basis. Extra help will be available after school and by email. The goal is for this class to be challenging and interesting, allowing students to expand their knowledge and skill set while enjoying this part of their education experience.
Presidential Politics
Presidential Politics will cover topics from the beginning of political thought in the U.S. through a discussion of the most recent election. We will spend most of our time on the historical context of presidential election years, although our modern political landscape will be covered as well. This course uses several educational strategies to assist students to realize their greatest potential as lifelong learners. Metacognition is one main strategy: being aware that you are learning and thinking about what you are thinking about and why it is important to be self-aware are daily objectives for the students. To practice collaborative learning, at least once per year, with directed guidance from the teacher, each student will be given the opportunity to help create a unit test for the class. Students will learn to use necessary study skills including studying for tests, taking notes from a textbook, vocabulary retention, taking notes from a class discussion and preparing a formal term paper style essay. Each student will be asked to do individual internet research resulting in a formal project.
Advanced Placement US History
AP U.S. History is an introductory college-level U.S. history course. Students cultivate their understanding of U.S. history from c. 1491 CE to the present through analyzing historical sources and learning to make connections and craft historical arguments as they explore concepts like 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 follow the AP U.S. History Course Curriculum provided by the text.

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