American History
http://piedmont.k12.ca.us/phs/faculty/mcowherd/advanced-placement-united-stateshistory/themes-in-ap-u-s-history-from-the-college-board/
http://teachinghistory.org/issues-and-research/roundtable-response/24662

Given a basic definition and examples,
students will describe and illustrate four
themes of U.S. history.

Purpose -The purpose of this notebook is to
enable you to be a creative, independent
thinker and writer. This notebook will be used
for class notes and as well as for other
activities where you will be asked to express
your own ideas and process the information
presented in class.


Grading – Notebooks will be collected and
graded every quarter. Notebooks will be
graded on thoroughness, quality,
organization, and visual appeal. All class
notes and notebook assignments should be
included, even for days you are absent. Each
entry must be titled, dated, and recorded in a
table of contents.
Make sure to keep your notebook complete
at all times.
Front of Notebook
Name and Period Number
Labeled Clearly
Table of Contents
IInside cover of Notebook
Date
Name and Period #
Printed on the inside
Topic/Subject
Page #
Lined Paper of your Notebook
1st 4 pages of your Notebook is the
Table of Contents
Page #
Lined Paper of your Notebook
Before we begin: every class
needs a notebook boss. This
is the job description:
• someone who is almost
never absent
• someone who is detailoriented
• someone who likes being
helpful
• someone who is really
reliable and dependable

Today’s Date
American History Themes
Page # (Your next available page)

We will attach the sheet into your notebook!



Specific historical events are unique, but they
are driven by similar, repeated themes

When looking at the history of the United
States, one can see four (4) significant and
recurring themes


Throughout history humans have confronted
similar obstacles, have struggled to achieve
similar goals, and continually have strived to
better themselves and the world around
them.
Today we will explore and define these 4
themes!


Diversity – E Pluribus Unum: Out of many,
one OR…more like a salad.
Student Definition: (words, phrases, and/or
sentence which reminds you of what the theme is)

Question: Write one question you have about this
theme?

Drawing: Use the rest of the space in this
section to draw a picture and/or symbols that
will help you to remember what this theme is
about.
Americans sometimes go their own way and
sometimes come back together, perhaps under
duress. How about that election cycle?
 Student Definition: (words, phrases, and/or sentence

which reminds you of what the theme is)


Question: Write one question you have about this theme?
Drawing: Use the rest of the space in this section
to draw a picture and/or symbols that will help
you to remember what this theme is about.
Immigration and Migration – Restlessness is a
part of the American national character
 Student Definition: (words, phrases, and/or
sentence which reminds you of what the theme
is)
 Question: Write one question you have about
this theme
 Drawing: Use the rest of the space in this section
to draw a picture and/or symbols that will help
you to remember what this theme is about.



Our Geography-Our country has very specific
natural features and these have had
significant impacts on our development.
Student Definition: (words, phrases, and/or sentence
which reminds you of what the theme is)
 Question: Write one question you have about this theme

Drawing: Use the rest of the space in this
section to draw a picture and/or symbols that
will help you to remember what this theme is
about.
Reform-A wide variety of reform movements
have been attempted in the U.S. Reform means
to “improve.”
 Student Definition: (words, phrases, and/or
sentence which reminds you of what the theme
is)
 Question: Write one question you have about
this theme
 Drawing: Use the rest of the space in this section
to draw a picture and/or symbols that will help
you to remember what this theme is about.

Local-What we often care about most is our own
backyard: who are we and where are we?
 Student Definition: (words, phrases, and/or
sentence which reminds you of what the theme
is)
 Question: Write one question you have about
this theme
 Drawing: Use the rest of the space in this section
to draw a picture and/or symbols that will help
you to remember what this theme is about.




Civil Rights – American system is based on a
simple idea: Every citizen has certain rights and
liberties
Student Definition: (words, phrases, and/or sentence which reminds you of what the
theme is)
Questions (?): Have civil rights always been
available to all?
 Who should have these rights?
 How should these rights be exercised?

Drawing: Use the rest of the space in this section
to draw a picture and/or symbols that will help
you to remember what this theme is about.
America Abroad-The U.S. has engaged other
countries for a variety of ends and
consequences.
 Student Definition: (words, phrases, and/or
sentence which reminds you of what the theme
is)
 Question: Write one question you have about
this theme
 Drawing: Use the rest of the space in this section
to draw a picture and/or symbols that will help
you to remember what this theme is about.
