U.S. History

Course Units and Assignments

In this course, students examine major developments and turning points in American history from the late nineteenth century to the present. During the year, the following themes are emphasized: the expanding role of the federal government; the emergence of a modern corporate economy and the role of organized labor; the role of the federal government and Federal Reserve System in regulating the economy; the impact of technology on American society and culture; changes in racial, ethnic, and gender dynamics in American society; the movements toward equal rights for racial, ethnic, religious, and sexual minorities and for women; and the rise of the United States as a major world power. As students survey nearly 150 years of American history, they learn how geography shaped many of these developments, especially in terms of the country’s position on the globe, its climate, and abundant natural resources. In each unit, students examine American culture, including religion, literature, art, music, drama, architecture, education, and the mass media.

Fall Semester

Introduction: How do you know?

Video: Ken Robinson: Changing Educational Paradigms

Video: A Class Divided

Video Lecture: How do you know?

Video: This is Water

Assignment: USH I.1: How Do you Know?

Unit 1: American History Review

Text Reading (ch 1): "A Nation is Born"

Assignment: USH 1.1: (ch 1): "A Nation is Born" Guide

Text Reading (ch 2): Growth & Conflict

Assignment: USH 1.2: (ch 2): "Growth & Conflict" Guide