Early American History:
American Colonies Take Shape through the Progressive Era
Instructor: Mr. Cory Kent
Email: ckent@nhvweb.net Website: http://www.nhvweb.net/vhs/socialstudies/ckent/
Book: Holt McDougal High School: The Americans Survey ©2012 Edition ISBN:
Overview: The course begins in Chapter 3: American Colonies Take Shape. As a pretext, the class will discuss
the age of colonization through industrialization, the effect on the United States and its place among the world
powers, and how our decisions in the past affect government policies and decisions, today. Furthermore, the class
will track the evolution of the United States economically, politically, and socially through the early 20th century.
Below is a list of chapters that will be covered.
Grading: A student’s marking period grade will be determined by a total point system. Each assignment will be
assigned a point value depending on the type of assignment. For example, tests will be worth more than a
homework assignment.
Cumulative Grade: Each marking period is worth 22.5% by itself. The final will be used as the remaining 10%
of the cumulative grade. Students need to pass three out of the five graded periods (4 marking periods & the final)
in order to pass the class.
Participation: Participation by the students is expected. It may be rewarded upon the teacher’s discretion, but
will not always represent visible points in the grade.
Textbook: Students will be given access to an online textbook for use at home and in the class. Physical textbooks
will be available in the class. Students may also REQUEST to check out a textbook, if they prefer a physical
copy.
Chapters:
2 - The American Colonies Emerge
11 – The Civil War
3 - The Colonies Come of Age
12 – Reconstruction & Its Effects
4 - The War for Independence
13 - Changes on the Western Frontier
5 - Shaping a New Nation
14 – A New Industrial Age
6 – Launching the New Nation
15 – Immigrants & Urbanization
7 – Balancing Nationalism & Sectionalism
16 - Life at the Turn of the 20th Century
8 – Reforming American Society
17 - The Progressive Era
9 – Expanding Markets & Moving West
18 – America Claims an Empire
10 - The Union in Peril