Sophomore Year

American History I

The tenth grade history course explores the roots and foundation of American History. The course begins where the ninth grade World history course left off- European exploration of our continent and the subsequent colonization of North America. From there we move along quickly to the birth of a new nation, the formation and structure of American government, and eventually the sectionalism leading to the Civil War. Geography, exploration, imperialism and economics will be the leading themes within most units.The focus of this course will be on the emergence of the U.S. as a nation and eventually, a world power, and the individuals who made it all possible. Through the context of social and economic trends, students will be introduced to American Jewish History from the earliest Jewish arrivals to these shores in 1654 through Jewish contributions during the American Revolution and establishment of the Republic and beyond. We will explore the issues of Jewish identity and their integration into American culture as thevarious waves of Jewish immigrants from the Old World of European society resolve their modus vivendi as both Jews and Americans. Emphasis will be placed on the development of national government, the electoral system, the powers of the Supreme Court, and distribution of powers among the branches of government. This will enable students to better understand the mistakes made in the growing pains of a nation in relationship to events and politics of our own time, as well as fostering good citizenship. In addition to mini-papers, research projects and essay assignments, students will continue developing their analytical skills and independent thinking with “DBQ” questions (document based questions working from primary sources). Students will learn to communicate accurately and effectively as they engage in “mock trials” of accused Salem witches or Confederate Army war crimes will be reenacted and tried with students having researched their roles. In addition, classes will produce a reenactment of the Constitutional Convention, where each student will portray a delegate and represent his “cause” at the convention debates.

Honors Class

       This is a survey course that covers the first half of the Advanced Placement American History curriculum. The course enhances student understanding of the economic, social and political trends in American History. The course explores American history through both a chronological study and through the study of themes. The course will begin with the exploration of the American continent, and colonization of North America by the British. Additional topics included are the emergence of the new nation, the changing nature of democracy, the growth of national pride, the conflicts between the branches of government, the rise of sectionalism, the conflict over slavery and its aftermath. Throughout the course themes in American Jewish History complement the study of American History. Throughout the year the course deals with various advanced skills including document interpretation, essay writing, and historical analysis. Various supplementary, primary and secondary sources are used to deepen understanding of events, develop writing skills, and promote analytical thinking. Students will also learn how to write standard historical essays and document based essays based on specific historical sources in order to prepare for the AP examination at the end of the eleventh grade.