Download BVSD US HistorySyll09-10

Boulder Valley School District
Course Syllabus
Course
American History:1890 to Present
Teacher:
Course Description:
American History II focuses on American History from Industrialization into the 21st century. Students will
deepen their understanding of current events and participate in an enriched study of the 20th century,
tracing the development of social, political, and international relations of the United States. Students will be
required to critically examine how our recent history impacts the present day.
Office Hours:
Contact Information:
Enduring Understandings
Essential Questions
• The industrialization of the United States created
• How did industrialization,
heightened immigration and
migration affect the development
of the United States?
• What were the characteristics and
effects of American Imperialism?
• What were the causes of the Great
Depression and how has the role of
government changed as a result?
• What was the impact of WWI and
WWII on the United States?
• In what ways did the Cold War
change American foreign and
domestic policy?
• How did the ideals of liberalism and
conservativism come into conflict in
the second half of the 20th
century?
• What are the characteristics of the
New Millennium?
• How do historians analyze
information?
• How are current events tied to
events of the past?
dramatic demographic changes.
• American imperialism had its roots in industrialization
and competition for global markets; this led to further
expansion of US territories and increased the cultural
diversity of the United States.
• Many ideas of the Progressive Era have been
expanded on during the 20th century including rights for
workers, children, women and immigrants.
• The Great Depression was caused by the complex
failures of individuals, businesses and governments to
manage risk; since the Great Depression, the United
States government has taken on the role of social and
economic protector.
• World War I and World War II had long term impacts on
individuals, society and international relations
throughout the 20th century.
• The Cold War had profound implications to United States
society, the growth of United States government, and
the influence of the United States around the world.
• The debate surrounding individual rights and the role of
government created political tension in the late 20th
century.
• The United States in the new millennium faces unique
challenges in international relations, increased
globalization and dependence on technology.
• Historians look at events from multiple perspectives and
interpret evidence to draw conclusions and examine
patterns about the past.
• The ideas and problems faced by the United States have
roots in the past.
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Boulder Valley School District
Course Syllabus
Essential Learnings
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Assesses the role of industrialization on the establishment of the UnitedStates as a world commercial power
Analyzes the causes and consequences of imperialism including expansion and intervention in Asia, the Pacific and Western
Hemisphere
Analyzes how the beliefs of the Progressive Era are reflected in debates about current events
Evaluates the causes and consequences of the Great Depression on citizens, businesses, and the government
Compares and contrasts the causes and consequences of WWI and WWI I on the United States-Analyzes the establishment of the
United States as a global superpower
Debates the effectiveness of conservatives and liberals in affecting change in the late 20th century
Traces the challenges of the 21st Century to previous actions, ideas and beliefs
Critically examines history through different perspectives and then draws conclusions based on interpretation of the facts
Applies reading and writing skills to inquire, think critically, and apply historical concepts to new situations
Traces the patterns of thought and roots of conflict to previous events in US history
Key Assignments and Assessments
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BVSD Common Assessments:
Teacher and student designed assessments:
-Final Exam (summative category)
-Tests, Projects and Research Papers (summative category)
-Reading Quizzes (formative category
Grading Policy
Assignment and Assessment Types:
Summative Assessments-75% of total grade:
 Tests, Projects, Research Papers and Final Exam: Tests will be culminating evaluations over chapters and major
units. The form for tests will vary. Some will be essay, some will be objective, and some will be both. Tests will
generally be worth 50 points apiece.
Formative Assessments-15% of Total Grade:
 Reading Quizzes, internet projects, in-class projects, etc.: Most formative assessments in this class will be "reading
quizzes". Their purpose is to hold you accountable for reading the previous night's assignment. Reading
quizzes will be worth no more than 10 points.
Preparation and Practice-10% of Total Grade:
 Participation: A participation grade will be given 2-3 times per semester. Participation is based on the amount of
relevant comments and or questions you make in class. Every time you make a comment, you get a point.
Participation grades vary, but are usually anywhere between 25-34 points per grade.
 Assignments: Various map activities, video listening guides, primary source analyses will take place throughout
the year. Point totals for these assignments will vary.
 Scored Discussions: Scored discussion will be held at various times that will focus on critical thinking skills and
the gathering of historical evidence. Point totals will vary.
Textbooks and Supplementary Materials
 The Americans
Gerald A. Danzer, J. Jorge Klor de Alva, Larry S. Krieger, Louis E. Wilson and Nancy Woloch
Evanston: McDougal-Littel 2003
 Various films, readings, and primary sources as needed
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