U.S. History

United States History is a two-semester survey course that provides an analytical study of America’s past from the Age of Discovery to the present. Students taking this course will be asked to think critically about history and to recognize various themes and patterns that have shaped our nation’s development. Specific writing processes requiring higher level analytical thinking and evaluation will also be emphasized.

All of the students taking this class will be required to take the New York States Regents Exam in U.S. History and Government. This is a three-hour assessment consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions, document-based essays including 9-11 document-based short response questions and a thematic essay. Passing this test is required to receive a Regents Diploma upon graduating. As such, substantial amounts of reading and independent study is expected from everyone.  

• Student will acquire factual knowledge needed to critically examine historical issues
• Student will improve upon their writing skills and understand how to logically develop a position of thought while supporting generalizations with relevant specific evidence
• Student will analyze and interpret the historical significance of a variety of primary documents including but not limited to editorial drawings, speeches and personal letters.
• Students will examine history from multiple perspectives and different viewpoints

A.P. U.S. History

The new AP U.S. History course and exam are organized under 7 themes, which are topics of historical inquiry to explore throughout the AP U.S. History course. The required historical themes and concepts, as well as illustrative historical information, although detailed and extensive, leave enough flexibility in the curriculum for teachers to explore big picture topics in depth and present optional historical information that can be used on the exam.
Many teachers will be focusing their class discussions on these overarching themes, which will serve as unifying threads throughout the course. The College Board has clearly stated that ALL questions on the AP U.S. History Exam will measure student understanding of the themes listed below. 

1. Identity This theme focuses on the formation of both American national identity and group identities in U.S. history. You must be able to explain how various identities, cultures, and values have been preserved or changed in different time periods of US History, with particular attention on gender, class, racial, and ethnicity. 

2. Work, Exchange, and Technology This theme focuses on the development of American economies based on agriculture, trade, and manufacturing. You must be able to examine ways that different economic and labor systems, advances in technology, and government policy have shaped American society. 

3. Peopling This theme focuses on why and how the various people who moved to, from, and within the United States adapted to their new social and physical environments. Within this theme, you will examine migration across borders and long distances, including the slave trade and internal migration, and how both newcomers and native inhabitants transformed North America. You will also explore the ideas, beliefs, traditions, technologies, religions, and gender roles that migrants/immigrants and conquered peoples brought with them and the impact these factors had on both these peoples and on U.S. society.

4. Politics and Power 

This theme focuses on the debates over the role of the government in society and its potential as an active agent for change. Topics of focus include the role of individual Americans in the political process, attaining individual rights, the evolution of American citizenship, the changing relationships between the branches of the federal government, and the interactions between local, state, and the federal government 

5. America in the World 
In this theme, students should focus on the global context in which the United States originated and
developed as well as the influence of the United States on world affairs. Within this theme we will also
investigate how American foreign policies and military actions have affected the rest of the world as well as
social issues within the United States itself.

6. Environment and Geography (Physical and Human)
This theme examines the role of environment, geography, and climate in both constraining and shaping
human actions. Students should analyze the interaction between the environment and Americans in their
efforts to survive and thrive. Students should also explore efforts to interpret, preserve, manage, or exploit
natural and man-made environments, as well as the historical contexts within which interactions with the
environment have taken place.

7. Ideas, Beliefs, and Culture
This theme explores the roles that ideas, beliefs, social mores, and creative expression have played in
shaping the United States. Within this theme you will examine the development of aesthetic, moral,
religious, scientific, and philosophical idea/principles and consider how these ideas/principles have affected
individual and group actions.

U.S. History Intervention

This page is for those enrolled in US History Intervention.  US History Intervention is primarily a test prep class where students will receive a crash course in essential content and vocabulary necessary to master the US History and Government Regents exam offered in June, August, and January.  Each class will also include reviewing multiple choice questions relating to the content taught that day.  Time is also provided at the end of each class for independent review/study in the skill most necessary.

Please check here regularly to view materials/content reviewed in class each day.  Here you will find essential vocabulary for each unit/lesson and sample multiple choice questions.  Please note that essential vocabulary as well as answers to the multiple choice questions are reviewed in class. If you were absent, it is your responsibility to look up and review the content delivered in class that day.