This 5 week class is a multi-part exploration into the birth and development of America with focus on geography, economy, government, foreign affairs and the people who helped to shape the new nation. Throughout the course, an emphasis is placed on the development of social studies skills, critical thinking skills, geography skills and the multicultural nature of American society. 

We will study the following topics over the course of 5 weeks:

Week 1: Expansion and Nationalism
Week 2:  Westward Expansion 
Week 3:  The Civil War          	
Week 4:  Reconstruction
Week 5:  The Industrial Revolution    
		

By the end of the 5 weeks, students will:
 
Demonstrate and strengthen abilities to present historical information.
Strengthen note-taking skills.
Compare/contrast/synthesize and analyze information.
Exercise critical thinking and communication skills in formal and informal discussions.
		
                                                    
Students are encouraged to follow-up with the next class, which will examine:

Review of the Industrial Revolution
The Progressive Era
World War 1
The Effects of World War 1