History

Fall, Summer
This course focuses on the history of the United States from pre-European discovery, through settlement and growth, the American Revolution, the Young Republic, antebellum America, the Civil War and Reconstruction. Major events will be introduced and analyzed along with political, economic, social and cultural challenges that faced America. In addition, the roles of Native Americans, African slaves and their descendants and women will be explored in sections of the course.
 

Spring, Summer
This course focuses on the history of the United States from the Gilded Age, Western Expansion, the World Wars and the Great Depression, and the Cold War through America's leadership role to our status as the sole superpower today. Major events will be introduced and analyzed along with political, economic, social and cultural challenges that faced America. In addition, the roles of the Native Americans, African-Americans, immigrant cultures and women will be explored in sections of the course.
 

Fall - Even Year
The course examines the dynamics of immigration to the United States from the 19th to mid-20th centuries. An overview of American immigration will be presented, with a specific focus on immigrants from Northern and Western Europe; those coming from Southern and Eastern Europe; and peoples from Asia and Latin America.

Spring
This course is an exploration of the 20th into the 21st centuries through the use of American popular culture. Each decade will be examined for the items that helped shape its respective cultural identity. These include film and theater, food and drink, music, print media, sports and games, fashion and fads, television, and radio. By doing so, this class will teach us who we are; what we were; and where we are going.

Fall - Odd Year
This course will examine the time frame in American history from 1850 to 1877-shortly before, during and after the Civil War. Specific focus will be placed on the major battles, causes, politics, and cultural, intellectual, and social aspects of this period.

Spring
Students will discover how to properly apply historical analysis to a variety of topics through relevant, historically-themed films, in order to develop a better understanding of major world events, figures, cultures, and society. This process will provide students with the "factual truth," not always depicted within popular "Hollywood" movies.

Fall
This course focuses on the period of World War II, from its origins in European nationalism, World War I and the Great Depression, through its conclusion and aftermath, including the rebuilding of Europe and the Cold War. Particular emphasis is paid to the treatment of the war in the popular cinema.