SHORELINE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
COURSE SYLLABUS
Building:
Shorewood
Name of Course: US History
Year: 2015-2016
Instructor: Un Chong Kim
In the coming year, we will analyze the history of the United States and the ideals,
realities, and paradoxes of the founding principles of the nation. This course will be
taught in thematic chronological units, emphasizing primarily the history of the US
post-1865 (post-civil war). As a part of this course, you will also have the opportunity
to participate in historical research and source analysis.
Classroom Expectations: Refer to supplementary pages provided.
Concepts/Themes
Power Standards
Approximate
Time Frame
Founding principles
of the United States
of America
1. I can explain the values and structure of the U.S. Government
and rights granted by the Declaration of Independence & U.S.
Constitution.
Quarter 1
2 weeks
Industrialization of
the United States of
America
2. I can explain the reasons for the rise of big business during the
Gilded Age and the impact on the United States, as well as, the
debate over the appropriate role of government in the economy.
Quarter 1
1 week
Reaction to
Industrialization and
Reform Movements
3. I can explain how the American people attempted to reform
society, because of the issues faced during era of
Industrialization.
Quarter 1
2 weeks
The rise of the
United States of
America as a World
Power
Social Reform &
Reaction in the
1920s
The causes and
impact of the Great
Depression
Reactions & Conflict
during the Great
Depression
WWII: Causes &
Effects
4. I can explain the changing role of the U.S. in international
affairs in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Quarter 1
3 weeks
5. I can explain the political, economic, and cultural conflicts
during the 1920s.
Quarter 2
1-2 weeks
6. I can explain the causes of the Great Depression and its
impact on the American People.
Quarter 2
1 week
7. I can describe and analyze FDR’s New Deal and its short and
long term impacts on the country.
Quarter 2
2-3 weeks
8. I can understand the causes and course of U.S. involvement in
WWII and the impact of the war at home.
Quarter 2
3 weeks
The Cold War: At
Home & Abroad
9. I can explain how the Cold War influenced domestic life and
international policies.
Quarter 3
2 weeks
Causes & Effects of
10. I can explain the goals, challenges, and accomplishments of
Quarter 3
the Civil Rights
Movement
U.S. involvement in
Vietnam and the
effects of war on
American Society
Historiography &
Historical Research
the Civil Rights Movement.
Social and economic
changes in the U.S.
in the 1970s, 1980s
& 1990s
US Foreign Policy in
a Post Vietnam/
Cold War Era
3 weeks
11. I can describe how the Vietnam War was a continuation of
the Cold War and its significant social and political implications
for the country.
Quarter 4
3 weeks
12. I can conduct historical research and analysis of a variety of
sources to develop and support a historical claim.
Quarter 3
4 weeks
13. I can describe the major domestic developments from the
1970s to present.
Quarter 4
2 weeks
14. I can understand the role of the US in a shifting and complex
global environment post-Vietnam war.
Quarter 4
2 weeks
Major Assessments:
Carnegie DBQ
Gilded Age Town Hall
Great Depression DBQ
New Deal Poster/Outline
Founding Principles Test
Industrialization Role Play
Truman Trial
Imperialism Role Play
WWII Unit Exam
Cold War DBQ
Civil Rights Conference
Civil Rights Unit Exam
Vietnam Unit Exam
Modern America Oral History
GRADING PERCENTAGES
A = 100-93%
A- =
92-90%
B- = 82-80%
C+ = 79-77%
C
D+ = 69-67%
D
Failing is below 60%
= 66-60%
B+ =
89-87%
= 76-73%
B
C-
=
86-83%
= 72-70%