History 

History Courses

U.S. History

Core textbook:  America Pathways to the Present (Cayton, Perry, Reed, Winkler)

Curriculum Goals and Materials:
The U.S History course will provide an overview of United States History from the time of European colonization of the Americas to the modern era. In addition to the textbook students will read, research and discuss additional topics and areas of interest of history. By the end of the course students should have a deeper understanding of the United States’ complex and compelling history and how it affects lives today.

US History Goals:

• Compare and contrast the present with past events, evaluating the effects of those events.
• Utilize maps, timelines, and source documents.
• Discern the difference between facts and opinions.
• Identify key geographic features and how they influence events.
• Gain an understanding of how cultures and nations influence and affect each other.

World Cultures

Core textbook: World History Modern Times,  Glencoe

Curriculum Overview:
The World Cultures course will provide an overview of world history starting with the ancient cultures of India, China, Greece, Rome and Meso-America. By the end of the course, students will study World War II and the Cold War. In addition to the textbook, students will read, research and discuss additional topics and areas of interest of history. By the end of the course students should gain a better understanding of how history affects our lives today.

World Cultures Goals:

• Compare and contrast the present with past events, evaluating the effects of those events.
• Utilize maps, timelines and source documents.
• Discern the difference between facts and opinions.
• Identify key geographic features and how they influence events.
• Gain an understanding of how cultures and nations influence and affect each other.
  

United States History

Core textbooks: The American Vision, Glencoe

Supplemental and Resource Materials: In-class handouts

Curriculum Overview:
The U.S History course will provide an overview of United States history from the founding ideals of the American Revolution to the Cold War. In addition to the textbook students will read, research and discuss additional topics and areas of interest. This course will help students understand historical trends and patterns throughout our nation’s history and look at the effect of those events and patterns on contemporary society.

U.S. History Goals:

• Compare and contrast the present with past events, evaluating the effects of those events.
• Utilize maps, timelines and source documents.
• Discern the difference between facts and opinions.
• Identify key geographic features and how they influence events.
• Gain an understanding of how cultures and nations influence and affect each other.

Government and Economics

Core Textbook: Civics: Government and Economics in Action, Prentice Hall

Curriculum Overview:
Civics will cover two semesters and encompass government and economics. The first semester will be devoted to government and the second semester will cover economics.
The government course will focus on the United States’ government, its founding principles, and how it works from the Federal to the city level. In economics students will study the basic economic principles of the United States economy including supply and demand, inflation, and U.S. money policy. Students will also learn the basics of wise money management, different forms of banking, saving and investing as well as career options and expectations.


Government and Economics Goals:

• Identify and explain the fundamental principles of American government.
• Be able to identify the 3 branches of government and understand the importance of checks and balances
• Understand the principles of supply and demand in a free market economy
• Demonstrate knowledge of wise money management; saving, investing, planning for the future.
• Gain a deeper understanding of how government and economics affects every American’s life.