Honors Modern American
History
Mr. John Simpson
NHHS Social Studies Department
Teacher of American History
(908) 713-4199 x4204
jsimpson@nhvweb.net
About this course:
Honors Modern American History is a challenging, high-level course. In keeping with the
sophisticated nature of the course, the emphasis will be on the conceptual as well as on the factual, and
especially on the explanatory dimensions, the “why” of History (reasons, motivations, causes, results,
historians’ theories and interpretations, etc.). Although the course is a survey of our nation’s history, the
major focus will be on the post-Civil War era. Within this context, socio-economic, cultural, intellectual,
and military developments will be scrutinized, as well as political and diplomatic events.
The ideal Honors Modern American History student must have the intellectual ability to handle the
daily demands of the course. This includes extensive in-class note-taking and rigorous, consistent,
independent reading. Secondly, the student must enjoy the study of History and appreciate its many
relevant applications in modern society. Thirdly, the student must be mature, organized, and selfmotivated to complete assignments without repeated reminders from the instructor. Finally, the ideal
Honors student must have strong writing skills in order to perform effectively on essay exams and
research projects.
Method of Presentation:
The primary mode of presentation is interactive Socratic dialogue. Students are expected to participate
actively in the development of historical themes and to demonstrate an ability to explain these themes
through a wide range of activities.
Students are expected to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Attend class and be on time.
Maintain a mature atmosphere in the classroom.
Bring a notebook and take notes during all lectures, discussions, presentations, and films.
Actively participate in the class-this is a must.
Be prepared for classroom assignments, homework, and tests.
To be successful:
1. Keep up with all reading assignments-Text used: The American Pageant-13th edition This is
ESSENTIAL!
2. Avoid procrastinating on any work or project that is assigned.
3. Avoid absenteeism.
4. Participate, get involved.
Grading:
1. Is based primarily on academic achievement. Borderline grades are decided by class participation
and grade trending.
2. Is done by adding the student’s total earned % points and dividing that total by the total possible%
points. This yields an average that is “plugged into” the school’s grading range.
3. Student assessment includes (but are not limited to): tests, essay writing, group debates, reading
quizzes, and completion of chapter work.
Other Responsibilities:
1.
2.
3.
4.
The school’s attendance policy is strictly enforced.
The school’s ID badge policy is strictly enforced.
The school’s plagiarism policy is strictly enforced.
Students are responsible for any missed work due to an absence.
Topical Outline by Chapter
23) Political Paralysis in the Gilded Age
1869-1896
24) Industry Comes of Age
1865-1900
25) America Moves to the City
1865-1900
26) The Great West and the Agricultural Revolution1865-1890
27) Empire and Expansion
1890-1909
28) Progressivism and the Republican Roosevelt
1901-1912
29) Wilsonian Progressivism at Home and Abroad 1912-1916
30) The War to End War
1917-1918
31) American Life in the Roaring Twenties
1919-1929
32) The Politics of Boom and Bust
1920-1932
33) The Great Depression and the New Deal
1933-1939
34) Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Shadow War
1933-1941
35) America in World War II
1941-1945
36) The Cold War Begins
1945-1952
37) The Eisenhower Era
1952-1960
38) The Stormy Sixties
1960-1968
39) The Stalemated Seventies
1968-1980
40) The Resurgence of Conservatism
1980-1996
41) America Confronts the Post-Cold War Era
1992-2004
42) The American People Face a New Century
* Current Events discussions/debates/articles when relevant