AUSTIN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUBJECT/COURSE: U.S. History
IPG: Sixth Six Weeks
GRADE LEVEL: 11
Major Concept # 1 - Reform
Overarching The political, economic, or social crises that nations face have often led to increased political activism by
Idea
the public and, at times, the governments to adopt reforms.

Guiding
Questions


How did the political and economic reform measures implemented by Mikhail Gorbachev affect the
Soviet Union and, in turn, affect U.S.-U.S.S.R. relations?
How has communist China reacted to public demonstrations for reform in its country and how has this
complicated Sino-U.S. relations?
What specific events brought about the gradual expansion of voting rights in the United States?
Major Concept # 2 - Leadership
Overarching Various factors have contributed to the changing views and expectations the public has of its political
Idea
leaders.


Guiding
Questions


How has the acceptance of and opportunities for women to lead in the workplace, including roles of
political leadership, changed over time?
How significant is the role the media plays in shaping the view and expectations the public has of its
political leaders?
How does scandal impact the public’s view of its political leadership?
How have elected leaders or particular groups within a society been able to integrate their own values,
beliefs, and expectations into a society’s political system?
©Austin Independent School District, 2009-2010
AUSTIN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUBJECT/COURSE: US History
IPG: Sixth Six Weeks
GRADE LEVEL: 11
Major Concept # 3 - Interdependence
Overarching Political, economic, and social developments such as those in technology have led to greater global
Idea
interdependence between different societies.


Guiding
Questions



How did rapidly evolving technology contribute to significant changes in the late 20th century including
greater global interdependence?
How might dependence on foreign resources affect a nation’s economy as well as shape the foreign
policy and domestic agendas of that nation’s government?
How do economic agreements and policies shape relations with other countries?
How have international conflicts and acts of terrorism impacted the domestic and foreign policies
adopted by nations as well as the economic relationships they have with one another?
How have the nations of the world responded, independently and collectively, to the environmental
and social concerns of the modern global age?
©Austin Independent School District, 2009-2010