U.S. History - 18th and 19th Century

Schedule

Each 7/8 student has Social Studies for six lessons a week. During the double lesson, students will have Politics and Current Events. For the remaining lessons, students will be doing a U.S. History course, covering the time period 1700 - 1870.

Syllabus

U.S. History - 18th and 19th Century:
Instead of adopting a chronological approach to the study of the U.S. 1700 - 1860's, I will be focussing on major developments, through this time period, hopefully making it an intellectual and philosophical study of major issues, events and personalities. This approach will especially emphasize cause and consequence, both short and long term, and will necessitate a more critical and analytical approach to the study of this subject, on behalf of the student.

A. Geography Review of U.S.

-- The Establishment of the English Colonies

-- The evolving political and economic relationship with the Native Americans, the French, and of course Britain!

-- Declaration of Independence, both the authors and the document will undergo heavy scrutiny!!

-- The Revolutionary War, analysis of campaign strategy, and how we lost the war!!

-- The Constitution and the Bill of Rights. We will engage here in comparing different types of Democracy e.g. Parliamentary

-- Introduce the Federalist vs. State debate and its continuing place in today's discussions.

-- Look at Washington's presidency and the roles of the presidents, Congress and Supreme Court through 1840s.

-- Examine the political and economic development of the U.S. and political figures that shaped the course of events, e.g. Jackson, Calhoun, Clay, etc.

-- Trace the growing differences between North and South and latterly the western states.
We will be concentrating on their political, economic and cultural differences in particular.

-- In depth look at Lincoln the politician, and Lincoln the President.

-- Revisit the constitutionality of secession.

-- The major campaigns and personalities of the war.

Requirements: Throughout each topic of study, there will be a major assignment chosen from the following: essay, research paper, report, diary, oral presentation or exam. A time period of 2 - 3 weeks will be given to maximize effort. At any time during the week, general homework will be given, and may be any of the following: extended paragraph/answer, question/answer, map work, completion of class work, reading texts, worksheets, etc.

Aims and Objectives - History

We aim to develop further and build upon those skills already acquired to date, such as reference, chronology, and empathy skills. New skills will be taught such as note-taking and history essay writing and exam-taking skills, students will be working on the acquisition of the following skills at a more sophisticated level:

A. language and historical ideas
B. the use and analysis of historical evidence
C. synthesis and communicating skills

Essentially, we want students to become critical readers of historical writing and documents, to teach them to analyze carefully and evaluate everything they read, along with having the ability to write cogent and well-researched responses to a variety of essay questions.

Work Expectations

This is a transition time for the 7/8s and to help them prepare for high school, they will be introduced to a more formal style of teaching. At the end of each quarter, an exam will be given on the topic just completed, so it is essential that students collate and organize their material on those topics to facilitate comprehensive revision for these tests. Each student has standards to meet in the presentation of both written and non-written work (e.g. map work); it is also expected that each student should utilize constructive criticism from previous pieces of work. This is especially important when developing essay writing techniques. Homework must be done thoroughly and on time.

Behavior Expectations

The importance of manners and mutual respect are stressed, with clear behavior parameters set in the classroom.