US History

A year-long survey, with attention divided among political, social, and economic developments. The course emphasizes critical thinking, interpretation, and the accumulation of knowledge regarding continuing issues in the development of American democracy. The major themes explored throughout the year include ethnicity, gender, and class. The course is designed to help understand and reflect upon consensus associated with the principals of liberty, justice, and equality in United States History. At least on research paper is required; also a common paper assigned to all sections of the course, and focusing on current issues and the Constitution, is a regular feature of this class. Though a year-long course, sections will be reconfigured after the first semester. This course furnishes a foundation for taking the SAT II and AP exams, provided students take an extra program of preparation offered by the history department