This course examines major turning points in American history in the twentieth century. During the year, certain themes will be emphasized: the expanding role of the federal government and federal courts; the continuing tension between the individual and the state and between minority rights and majority power; the emergence of a modern corporate economy; the impact of technology on American society and culture; change in the ethnic composition of American society; the movements toward equal rights for racial minorities and women; and the role of the United States as a major world power. In each unit students will examine American culture, including religion, literature, art, drama, architecture, education and mass media.
The specific units of instruction include (1) Review the Nation’s Beginnings, (2) Review of the United States to 1900, (3) The Progressive Era, (4) The Jazz Age, (5) The Great Depression, (6) World War Two, (7) The Cold War, (8) Hemispheric Relations in the Postwar Era, (9) The Civil Rights Movement in the Postwar Era, (10) American Society in the Postwar Era, and (11) The United States in Recent Times.
Homework is assigned regularly and students are required to keep their assignments in a NOTEBOOK to refer to for exam preparation. Students are also required to take notes from the instructor to assist in the students’ comprehension of the textbook and other text material. THIS IS TO BE KEPT IN A SPIRAL NOTEBOOK WHICH WILL BE COLLECTED PERIODICALLY. Attendance is crucial to allow for active student discussion of the material; classroom interaction is an essential element of the course that provides for student achievement.
Students are expected to arrive to class daily with their textbook or other text material, their notebook, paper supplies and writing tools. Class begins promptly at the bell and students who are tardy will be directed to spend the period in the "tardy room" writing standards.
Parent’s comments and questions are welcomed. I will gladly discuss your son’s/daughter’s progress at your request. You should be receiving a progress report of your son’s/daughter’s performance EVERY FOURTH WEEK. It is the student’s responsibility to bring this to the attention of their parents and it is the parent’s responsibility to request this report from their son/daughter at the appropriate times. To achieve maximum success in your son’s/daughter’s progress, parents and teachers must work together to emphasize the importance of their education in this technically complex society. If you feel the need to discuss your son’s/daughter’s progress, contact the school counseling office at 583-3333. They will notify me of your inquiry and I will return your phone call within twenty-four hours.