United States History

(Proclamation of 1763)

Description: This course will take students on a journey through the European settlement of America through modern day events. Its focus will be on the political, cultural, economic, and social events that shaped the United States to where it is today. Students will engage in a variety of learning methods that will bring the history of the United States to life.

Course Objective: Students will demonstrate an understanding of their role as a United States citizen.

Class Requirements: Students are expected to be active participants in this course. Examples of required work are: Discussions, projects, reading, writing, quizzes and tests. A notebook will be a strong tool for keeping organized and will be assessed throughout the semester.

The Brentwood School Rules will be strictly enforced. Students must demonstrate respect for themselves, others, and all property. Students must take ownership of their learning and demonstrate investment in creating a classroom community that promotes safe learning.

Make Up Work: It is your responsibility to ask for make-up work. Work missed due to an excused absence can be completed for full credit within two days. Failure to do so will result in an earned grade of zero. When a student receives an ISA, class work will be completed for up to 80% credit. If a student receives an OSS, class work must be made up within two days of the suspension for 80% credit.

Grading: There are three methods for earning credit in the United States History course: Class Participation, Daily Assignments and Major Assignments. The weight for each type of credit is as follows:

20% Class Participation (marked daily)
40% Daily Assignments (in class assignments, discussions, quizzes)
40% Major Assignments (tests, projects, harkness discussions)

Students Learning:

Week 1 (2 days)
Class Overview/Expectations
Pangaea and the Early Peoples crossing to the Americas
Early Life in the Americas (ie. Hohokam, Anasazi, Mound Builders)

Week 2 (4 days)
Continued learning about Native Life in the Americas
Native American Languages
Activities locating the various Native American tribes in North America
Activities determining the living quarters of the various Native peoples
Cultural Techniques of the Natives (ie. Nomadic lifestyle, irrigation techniques)
Creation Stories
Is Native American history researched enough?

Week 3 (4 days)
Understanding and applying Native Creation stories
Abenakis in New Hampshire
What is the appropriate title for a Native American?
Understanding the foundation for the Age of Exploration
The Beginning of the Age of Exploration (Portugal vs. Spain)
New Hampshire History – Uncle Sam

Week 4 (5 days)
European Exploration Continued
Prior Knowledge Christopher Columbus Activities
Textbook Comparison The American Journey vs. Popular History of the World vs. Lies My Teacher Told Me
Constitution Day Activities
Significance of Jamestown
Deliberating the John Smith and Pocahontas story
New Hampshire History – John Stark and the Devil

Week 5 (5 days)
Defining a Puritan vs. Separatist
The significance of the Mayflower Compact
Anne Hutchinson’s Trial and its impact on the citizen
Pequot Wars
Mystic Massacre – History Channel Excerpt
New Hampshire History – Dover Massacre of 1689

Week 6 (5 days)
Butter Churn Activity
Life in the Colonial Era (regional analysis)
Mapping colonial America
The Great Awakening and Enlightenment
French and Indian War Introduction

Week 7 (4 days)
French and Indian War Investigation
Proclamation of 1763
Taxation without Representation
New Hampshire History – Fort at Number 4