AMERICAN HISTORY

Course Syllabus for Fall 2004 and Spring 2005

 

INSTRUCTOR: Mr. Craig Whitney

ROOM: Donnelly 008

EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: http://www.geocities.com/cswhitney/

 

Course Texts:

McDougall Littell      The Americans

Howard Zinn           A Peoples History Of The United States 1492 to Present

 

Course Design:

This is a two-semester survey course that will examine the evolution of cultural, social, economic and political growth from the age of exploration to the present. Solid reading and writing skills, along with a readiness to devote substantial time to homework and study, are necessary to succeed. Emphasis is placed on analytical and evaluative thinking skills, essay writing, and interpretation of original documents. A research project linking American history and literature is required and will be presented in the spring semester.

 

Course Objectives:

Students will:

• Master a broad body of historical knowledge
• Demonstrate an understanding of historical chronology
• Use historical data to support an argument or position
• Interpret and apply data from original documents
• Effectively use analytical skills of evaluation, cause and effect, compare and contrast
• Work effectively with others to produce products and solve problems

 

Course Organization:

Each unit will take approximately 2 to 3 weeks at which time a unit exam or project will be due. Students are responsible for keeping up with daily reading assignments and being ready for a reading quiz. Class will be a combination of lecture, group work and discussion. Periodically students will be asked to provide class presentations and reports. Discussion questions will be provided at the start of class and students will be provided with a few minutes for preparation.

The key to success: Consistent effort and improvement!! Effort and improvement will weigh in your favor at quarter and semester grading times.

 

Course Outline --- Semester One

 

Unit One: American Beginnings to 1783

Americans Chapters 1-4

Zinn Chapters 1-4

 

Unit Two: 1781-1850 A New Nation

Americans Chapters 5-8

Zinn Chapters 5-7

 

Unit Three: 1825-1877 An Era of Growth and Disunion

Americans Chapters 9-12

Zinn Chapters 8 and 9

 

Unit Four: 1876-1917 Migration and Industrialization Change Society

Americans Chapters 13-16

Zinn Chapters 10, 11, and 13

 

Course Outline --- Semester Two

 

Unit Five: 1890-1920 Modern America Emerges

Americans Chapters 17-19

Zinn Chapters 12 and 14

 

Unit Six: 1920-1940 The Twenties and The Great Depression

Americans Chapters 20-23

Zinn Chapter 15

 

Unit Seven: 1931-1960 World War II and its Aftermath

Americans Chapters 24-27

Zinn Chapter 16

 

Unit Eight: 1954-1975 Living With Great Turmoil

Americans Chapters 28-31

Zinn Chapters 17-19

 

Unit Nine: 1968-1996 Nearing the Century Mark

Americans Chapters 32-34

Zinn Chapters 20-22