This two part course is meant to cover state curriculum for High School American History Credit.  Please contact your school district to make sure you are in compliance with requirements.

Course Objectives:

    Knowledge of a basic narrative of American history; political, economic, social, and cultural, including knowledge of unity and   
    diversity in American society.
    Knowledge of common institutions in American society and how they have affected different groups.
    Understanding of America’s evolving relationship with the rest of the world.
    Knowledge of the major events, ideas, trends, and problems in American history to 1877.
    An ability to explain how the past has shaped the present.
    An ability to think critically by analyzing and evaluating historical events and ideas in American history.
    Ability to question and rethink his/her preconceived notions regarding American history.
    An ability to conduct/evaluate historical research.

For more information, here is a link to our syllabus:  https://www.dropbox.com/s/ptnutpkofuai3ar/American%20Studies%20Syllabus.docx?dl=0

I am a retired Criminal Justice Professor and High School History and Speech and Debate teacher.  I am also a semi-retired attorney in New York State.  I taught Advanced Placement US Government, Advanced Placement Comparative Government, American History One and Two, Native American History, Non-Western History and traditional High School Government for over ten years. I have also trained and received certification with College Board to teach AP American History.   During my time as a High School teacher at a nontraditional Charter School, I  had several students win State Championships in individual Speech and Debate events including Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Domestic and International Extemporaneous Speaking, Dramatic Interpretation and more.  I recognize that politics are deeply personal and encourage non biased discussions that encourage students to speak with their own family members.   

Homework Offered
Each week students will be given a handout (or two) for homework and a video (or two) to watch.  They can fill out the notes handout while they watch.  We will also have multiple projects throughout the course as stated above in the class description.  Students will be reading each week and will need to purchase The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien.  I will provide the Primary Source and Secondary Source readings.  I try to keep homework at 2-3 hours a week.
2 - 4 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Reports, grades and assessments are available upon request at midterm and closure of the course.
Grades Offered

I use the Flip History Curriculum to compliment my own curriculum.
US History Reconstruction to Present   Publisher : Savvas Learning Co (December 15, 2014)
ISBN-10 : 0133332578
ISBN-13 : 978-0133332575 
PBS Documentary We Shall Remain
Articles from History.com and PBS.com
I also use Document Based Questions and Historical Essays and Writing Compilations, as well as documentaries and first hand video footage (ex Berlin Wall).