History

Why Learn History?  History Readiness & Writing Readiness Grades 7-8

This course has been developed with the purpose of finding the inspiring, enlightening and exciting aspects of history. The goal of the class is to research, debate, discuss and argue over key American historical figures, events and documents. The class will include debates over the Constitution and between Founding Fathers. The American Revolution, Jeffersonian and Jacksonian America, and the Civil War will also be topics of discussion. Throughout the course, students will get the chance to improve their speaking and writing skills related to historical events, while developing analytical skills necessary to excel in future history classes. There will be focus on historical theses writing, analyzing primary sources, and understanding cause and effect. The course will show students how history can come alive and provide them with the historical background so they can begin to analyze how the individuals, groups, leaders and founding fathers of this country helped influence the country that they live in today. Students will discover a new appreciation for how history has shaped our world.

AP U.S. History Readiness Grades 10-12

This course will be a great preparation for World or United States history, as we will be focused on analytical and writing skills, as well as test preparation. The major themes of history including expansionism, slavery, sectionalism and nationalism, politics, societies and economies will all be covered. This course will be very engaging and will include writing, debates and class discussions. Furthermore, students will work on improving their historical writing by focusing on thesis statements, topic sentences and outlining. In addition, with the new format for the AP test, students will need training on how to approach the new style of multiple choice and short answer questions. There will be an emphasis on primary source identification and critical reading skills. Students should be prepared to find a new passion for history that will cause them to go out and buy history books for their own knowledge and pleasure.