In this class we will take a look at the history of each state: Who settled it? (We will start with the Native American tribes who were living there and then discuss the different groups who moved into that territory.) When and how did it join the Union? What important events happened there and who came from there? What was the impact of both the Revolutionary War (for those states that were involved) and the Civil War (for those states that were involved). Was it affected by the Reformation or the Gilded Age? What happened during the Industrial Revolution? What famous people came from there? What is it most known for today? What makes it unique? We will also discuss different national events that affect national events (such as which states use a primary or a caucus during the election cycle). 

My goal for this class is for students to have a better understanding of the diverse growth and leadership that our country has had - their backgrounds, achievements, and even scandals. As this class might touch on political issues, each student is expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful and polite. 

The first two classes of each week will be lectures and films over the different States. Each class will conclude with a group discussion about the topics covered. I follow a Socratic Method in my classes and encourage students to ask questions and to share their opinions.  Each student will have the option of choosing which homework topic interests him/her (using a Choice Based Learning approach), and will then write a short (1-2 paragraphs) which will be read to the class at the beginning of the following class (2 minutes each). Some homework options will be a research topic, watch a movie or short youtube video, or to conduct an interview. This class will meet for 20 weeks. 

Week 1 - Introduction, Delaware, Pennsylvania
Week 2 -New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut
Week 3 -Massachusetts, Maryland
Week 4 -South Carolina, New Hampshire
Week 5 - Virginia, New York
Week 6 - North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont
Week 7 - Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio
Week 8 - Louisiana, Indiana, Mississippi
Week 9 -  Illinois, Alabama, Maine
Week 10 - Missouri, Arkansas
Week 11 - Michigan, Florida
Week 12 - Texas, Iowa, Wisconsin
Week 13 - California, Minnesota, Oregon
Week 14 - Kansas, West Virginia, 
Week 15 - Nevada, Nebraska, Colorado
Week 16 - North Dakota, South Dakota
Week 17 - Montana, Washington, Idaho
Week 18 - Wyoming, Utah, Oklahoma
Week 19 - New Mexico, Arizona, Alaska
Week 20 - Hawaii, Territories