Social Studies

This US History course is taught largely through a lens focused on young people and stories of overcoming - overcoming personal and structural battles and inequalities. Students will see themselves reflected in stories of diverse ethnicities, sexualities, genders etc., and will encounter the perspectives of young people in every unit. Students will also be encouraged to examine the relevance in their own lives, both of the historical thinking skills they learn (ex: determining the validity of a source, considering multiple perspectives) and the stories they hear (ex: those of overcoming adversity). The goal of this course is not to eliminate political or military history that drives so many courses, but to ensure our students understand that they too, whether or not they become leaders in politics, have a role in writing our country’s history. 

What is this course all about?

This course is about studying the course that human history has traveled from the earliest civilizations in Mesopotamia to the modern period with our smart phones. 

How will this course help me be College and Career Ready? 

At the end of this course you will understand how we as a society have reached were we are and some of the mistakes we have made to prepare you to influence the society to avoid repeating them.

What concepts and skills will I master in this course?

Through this course, you will learn how to critically examine texts and materials to determine your own opinion and argue that point using information that you have gathered.