U.S. History
American History: I sincerely believe that this is one of the most important classes students will take. Nothing happens on accident. Decisions made hundreds of years ago affect the way we live today. History explains why were are the way we are. It explains the issues that voters in our country face. Most importantly, history informs future actions and is crucial to being an educated competent voter in the U.S. Republic (not a democracy). As the old adage goes, those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it. These beliefs guide my teaching of U.S. History and I call my style, a big picture style. I care less about dates, and more about WHY! I do tend to talk about subjects that some consider touchy, I want you to know that I do talk about the good, great, bad, and the ugly of American History. I also believe that The U.S. is one of the most unique and greatest nations on earth and the story of our country is the story of our nation living up to its founding promises despite the fact that we have failed at that at various times and places.
First Semester, Colonist to Independence: In the first semester we ask the big question. Why did the American Revolution happen? It did not start in 1776 with the Declaration of Independence. It goes all the way back to the late 1400's and early 1500's when the first Europeans showed up. The revolution was no accident it was two hundred years in the making and it changed the world forever.
America Constitution: Starting in the end of the first semester, and through most of 3rd quarter. Students will get an in depth look at the U.S. Constitution and the U.S. Government. Some of the questions students will work through are why is the U.S. Government set up the way it is? Why do we protect the rights that we do? (Bill of Rights) Why is it important that Americans care and pay attention to what our government does.
Second Semester, The Inevitable Civil War: In the second semester students explore the events leading up to Americans deadliest war, the Civil War. While most people accurately assume that the Civil War was about slavery, it was also about issues like states rights, and the limits of federal power issues that started almost immediately with the writing and signing of the constitution in 1787. The big question becomes, how much authority SHOULD the Federal Government over state governments? If you haven't noticed, this is something that American still argue about.
First Semester, Colonist to Independence: In the first semester we ask the big question. Why did the American Revolution happen? It did not start in 1776 with the Declaration of Independence. It goes all the way back to the late 1400's and early 1500's when the first Europeans showed up. The revolution was no accident it was two hundred years in the making and it changed the world forever.
America Constitution: Starting in the end of the first semester, and through most of 3rd quarter. Students will get an in depth look at the U.S. Constitution and the U.S. Government. Some of the questions students will work through are why is the U.S. Government set up the way it is? Why do we protect the rights that we do? (Bill of Rights) Why is it important that Americans care and pay attention to what our government does.
Second Semester, The Inevitable Civil War: In the second semester students explore the events leading up to Americans deadliest war, the Civil War. While most people accurately assume that the Civil War was about slavery, it was also about issues like states rights, and the limits of federal power issues that started almost immediately with the writing and signing of the constitution in 1787. The big question becomes, how much authority SHOULD the Federal Government over state governments? If you haven't noticed, this is something that American still argue about.