They are expected to take notes in class and on reading assignments. Reading assignments will average six pages per night. Should students miss class for reasons other than illness, they will be responsible for any work assigned. In a fast paced class such as this, the student who stays on top of assignments and rarely misses class has the greatest chance for success. The US History course is a survey of our nation's past from the colonial period to the 1970s.
Most students take the course, a graduation requirement, in their eleventh grade year.
Students are expected to build an understanding of the events, individuals, and trends that were critical to the country's development, using a variety of sources to complement the text. We will be paying special attention to students' writing, which should mature during the year into clear and well organized papers supported by historical evidence. Along the way, daily responsibilities are crucial. Doing the assigned reading, taking notes, and offering a voice in discussion are essential to success at test time and to making the best use of each class session. This course is taught as a college level survey of US history.