COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

United States History I

United States History I covers events and issues from the Age of Exploration through Reconstruction and the
western movement, emphasizing the 18th and 19th centuries. Topics covered will include, but are not limited to
exploration, colonization, the Revolutionary War, constitutional issues, nation building, the Civil War,
Reconstruction, and the western movement. Some content is integrated throughout the course rather than taught
independently. The remaining standards can be taught either chronologically or thematically. Although the
emphasis of this course is on the 18th and 19th centuries, additional content may be covered as time permits.

Content topics/skills commonly treated in the course include:

1. Pre-Columbian Americas
2. Political and Physical Geography
3. Understanding Connections 
between Past/Present events
4. European Expansion

• Explorers
  
• Religious/Economic
  
• Immigration
  
• Triangular Trade
  

5. Colonial Period

• Slavery
  
• Revolutionary War

• Colonial Leadership 

6. Early American Government

• Articles of Confederation
• Constitutional Convention

7. Westward Expansion

• Manifest Destiny
  
• Louisiana Purchase
  

8. Conflicts in Expansion

• War of 1812
  
• Mexican American War

• Spanish American War

9. Industrial and Agricultural
Developments
10. Development of American
Politics

• Political Party Development
  
• Reform parties
  
• Stave vs Federal
  
• Amendments
  

11. Civil War/Reconstruction
12. Native American History 

United States History II

Understanding United States history is essential for the continuation of our democratic society. This course will
help students make connections between their world and the rich heritage of United States history. The course is
designed as a survey of American history with an emphasis on post-Reconstruction America (1876-Present), but
should include a review of the earlier period. The course is commonly taught using a thematic approach or in
chronological order.

Content topics commonly treated in the course include: 

1. Impact of Industry
2. Social Reform Movements
3. African American History

• Slavery
  
• Civil War/Reconstruction Review
• Civil Rights Movement
  

4.Early 19th Century Social &
Economic Changes 

• Gilded Age/1920’s
  
• Great Depression

5. US & Global Conflicts

• World War I & II
  
• Korean War
  
• Vietnam
  
• Middle East Conflicts
  

6. Cold War Tensions

• Communism v Capitalism 
• Red Scare
  
• International Diplomacy
  

7. US Space Exploration
8. Minority Groups in America
9. Economical Changes and Globalization
10. Contemporary News/Events

• Terrorism 
  

United States Government and Citizenship

The goal of this semester long course is to foster informed, responsible participation in public life. Knowing
how to be a good citizen is essential to the preservation and improvement of United States democracy. Upon
completion of this course the student will understand the major ideas, protections, privileges, structures, and
economic systems that affect the life of a citizen in the United States political system. This course is
recommended for seniors due to their proximity to voting age.

I know of no safe depository of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves; and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Thomas Jefferson, 1820
Content topics commonly treated in the course include: 

1. Political Systems/Types of
Government
2. American Constitution

• Federal/State Relationship
  
• Structure of Law
  
• Judicial Review
  

3. Political Party Development
4. Three Branches of Government

• President and Executive
  
• Congress and Legislative
  
• Judicial Court System
  

5. Function of Government Bureaucracy
6. State and Municipal Government
7. Corruption in Government 
8. Individual Rights and Freedoms
9. Responsibilities of Citizenship

10. Elections/Democratic Process

• Campaign Structure
  
• Advertisement
  

11. Democracy and Economy
12. Political Spectrum

• Political Analysis
  
• Platform Development
  

World Civilizations

The study of World Civilizations emphasizes the increasing interrelationships over time of the world’s peoples.
These interrelationships have developed in two major arenas. First, the relationships have developed among
major regions of the world: East Asia, South Asia, Southwest Asia (Middle East), Africa, Europe, North
America and Latin America. Second, they have developed within all aspects of human activity: political,
economic, social, philosophical and religious, scientific and technological, and artistic. This course is
recommended for a year’s study.

Content topics commonly treated in the course include: 

1. Pre-history
2. Early Civilizations: Fertile
Crescent Civilizations, Egypt
3. Religion/Philosophies
4. Classical Civilizations (Greece,
Rome, China)

• Political Systems, Art, Architecture, Culture
  

5. Silk Road
6. Mongol/Genghis Khan
7.Technology and Trade across
East & West Hemisphere
8.Historical Dimensions: Political,
Social, Economic
9. Age of Discovery

• Exploration 
  
• Scientific Revolution

10. European History

• Dark Ages
  
• Renaissance
  
• Reformation
  

11. Modern Political/Economic Systems

• Mercantilism
  
• Communism
  
• Capitalism
  
• Globalization
  

12. Modern Political Revolutions/Social
Change

• American
  
• French
  
• Russian
  
• English 
  

13. Agricultural/Industrial
Revolutions
14. Imperialism
15. Rise of Fascism
16. World War I
17. World War II
18. Cold War
19. Global Integration

• NATO
  
• United Nations
  

20. Economic Development

• Current Technological Advances
  

20. Modern Global Issues

• Terrorism