BVSD Course Syllabus s1

Course

Teacher: Course Description: American History II focuses on American History from Industrialization into the 21st century. Students will deepen their understanding of current events and participate in an enriched study of the 20th century, tracing the development of social, political, and international relations of the United States. Students will be required to critically examine how our recent history impacts the present day. Office Hours: Contact Information:

Enduring Understandings Essential Questions • The industrialization of the United States created • How did industrialization, dramatic demographic changes. heightened immigration and • American imperialism had its roots in industrialization migration affect the development and competition for global markets; this led to further of the United States? expansion of US territories and increased the cultural • What were the characteristics and diversity of the United States. effects of American Imperialism? • Many ideas of the Progressive Era have been expanded on during the 20th century including rights for • What were the causes of the Great workers, children, women and immigrants. Depression and how has the role of • The Great Depression was caused by the complex government changed as a result? failures of individuals, businesses and governments to • What was the impact of WWI and manage risk; since the Great Depression, the United WWII on the United States? States government has taken on the role of social and • In what ways did the Cold War economic protector. change American foreign and • World War I and World War II had long term impacts on domestic policy? individuals, society and international relations • How did the ideals of liberalism and throughout the 20th century. • The Cold War had profound implications to United States conservativism come into conflict in society, the growth of United States government, and the second half of the 20th the influence of the United States around the world. century? • The debate surrounding individual rights and the role of • What are the characteristics of the government created political tension in the late 20th New Millennium? century. • How do historians analyze • The United States in the new millennium faces unique information? challenges in international relations, increased • How are current events tied to globalization and dependence on technology. events of the past? • Historians look at events from multiple perspectives and interpret evidence to draw conclusions and examine patterns about the past. • The ideas and problems faced by the United States have roots in the past.

Essential Learnings  Assesses the role of industrialization on the establishment of the UnitedStates as a world commercial power  Analyzes the causes and consequences of imperialism including expansion and intervention in Asia, the Pacific and Western Hemisphere  Analyzes how the beliefs of the Progressive Era are reflected in debates about current events  Evaluates the causes and consequences of the Great Depression on citizens, businesses, and the government  Compares and contrasts the causes and consequences of WWI and WWI I on the United States-Analyzes the establishment of the United States as a global superpower  Debates the effectiveness of conservatives and liberals in affecting change in the late 20th century  Traces the challenges of the 21st Century to previous actions, ideas and beliefs  Critically examines history through different perspectives and then draws conclusions based on interpretation of the facts  Applies reading and writing skills to inquire, think critically, and apply historical concepts to new situations  Traces the patterns of thought and roots of conflict to previous events in US history Key Assignments and Assessments  BVSD Common Assessments:  Teacher and student designed assessments: -Final Exam (summative category) -Tests, Projects and Research Papers (summative category) -Reading Quizzes (formative category Grading Policy Assignment and Assessment Types: Summative Assessments-75% of total grade:  Tests, Projects, Research Papers and Final Exam: Tests will be culminating evaluations over chapters and major units. The form for tests will vary. Some will be essay, some will be objective, and some will be both. Tests will generally be worth 50 points apiece. Formative Assessments-15% of Total Grade:  Reading Quizzes, internet projects, in-class projects, etc.: Most formative assessments in this class will be "reading quizzes". Their purpose is to hold you accountable for reading the previous night's assignment. Reading quizzes will be worth no more than 10 points. Preparation and Practice-10% of Total Grade:  Participation: A participation grade will be given 2-3 times per semester. Participation is based on the amount of relevant comments and or questions you make in class. Every time you make a comment, you get a point. Participation grades vary, but are usually anywhere between 25-34 points per grade.  Assignments: Various map activities, video listening guides, primary source analyses will take place throughout the year. Point totals for these assignments will vary.  Scored Discussions: Scored discussion will be held at various times that will focus on critical thinking skills and the gathering of historical evidence. Point totals will vary.

Textbooks and Supplementary Materials  The Americans Gerald A. Danzer, J. Jorge Klor de Alva, Larry S. Krieger, Louis E. Wilson and Nancy Woloch Evanston: McDougal-Littel 2003  Various films, readings, and primary sources as needed