Honors U.S. History

In this Honors U.S. History course, the focus is on an in-depth analysis of major turning points in American History and how philosophies, events, policies and people have helped shape the America we live in today. The twentieth century is the period highlighted for analysis but in order to truly analyze that time period, the students must first review the foundations of the nation and trace the changes over time. Contemporary issues such as the changing composition of American society, the struggle for equal rights and treatment of minorities and women, and the role of the federal government will be examined through their historical lens. The unique American identity and the rights and freedoms enjoyed today will be analyzed and debated by using the founding philosophies and key documents that enabled the United States to not only become a world power but a model for other nations. Students will examine the struggles that the nation and individuals face and still face and relate them to their historical origin. The main aim of the course is for students to get a deeper understanding and appreciation of their inheritance and their role in continuing the ideals on which the country was founded. At the end of the course, students should be able to research, analyze, debate, and justify, using specific historical evidence, a given topic as well as demonstrate critical thinking skills and mastery of content material.