Students in the 2000-2001 year will use the American Pageant by Thomas Bailey and David Kennedy. This a college-level text containing 44 chapters covering all of American history from colonial times to the present. Reading schedules will be presented in the class quarterly, but on average a student will be responsible for reading approximately 1 1/2 chapters per week.

 

 

Supplemental readings:

Two additional texts that will be used in the course are Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Issues in American History (Vol. 1 & 2) and/or the American Spirit (Vol. 1 & 2).  Readings in these textbooks will be assigned on a class by class basis.

Course objectives:

        Students will:

*master a broad body of historical knowledge

*demonstrate understanding of historical chronology

*use historical data to support an argument or position

*differentiate between historiographical schools of thought

*interpret and apply data from original documents, including cartoons, graphs, letters, etc.

*effectively use analytical skills of evaluation, cause and effect, compare and contrast

*work effectively with others to produce products and solve problems

*prepare for and successfully pass the Advanced Placement Exam

*use the internet as a tool for research and hands-on learning with the use of material not otherwise available in the classroom.

Grading policy:

Assessments in the course will be based on a combination of tests, quizzes,             homework and essays.  Participation in the Chicago Metro History Fair and the AP Exam is required.

Grading scale:

90% - 100% = A

80% -  89%  = B

70% -  79%  = C

60% -  69%  = D

59 or below   = F