US HISTORY II
What we choose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our lives. If we see only the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something. If we remember those times and places--and there are so many--where people have behaved magnificently, this gives us energy to act, and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction. --Howard Zinn
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This is a basic survey and introduction to the field of United States History covering the political, social, cultural, and economic development of the United States since the end of the Second World War.This course fulfills both the state of Michigan and the Dearborn Public Schools requirements for United States History.
This is a basic survey and introduction to the field of United States History covering the political, social, cultural, and economic development of the United States since the end of the Second World War.This course fulfills both the state of Michigan and the Dearborn Public Schools requirements for United States History.
Textbook
The Americans
GOALS OF THE COURSE
Students will:
1. Develop an appreciation for the study of U.S. history.
2. Master a broad body of historical knowledge.
3. Gain an understanding of the significant people, issues, ideas, and events of U.S. history.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of historical chronology.
5. Improve reading, writing, and research skills.
6. Improve critical thinking skills.
7. Analyze, interpret, evaluate and apply data from original documents, including cartoons,
graphs, letters, pictures
CLASSROOM RULES
1. Be on time. When the bell rings you should be in your seat.
2. Be prepared. Always have your binder, pen, pencil, paper, and text.
3. Participate. Express your thoughts and opinions and ask questions.
4. Be respectful. Listen to others, speak when it is appropriate and treat yourself and those around you with respect. Your personal honor, pride, and integrity are valuable things.
5. Challenge yourself. Push yourself and stretch the boundaries of your mind.
Course Outline
I. The Aftermath of World War II
A. Cold War Conflicts (1945 – 1960)
1. Origins of the Cold War
2. The Cold War Heats Up UNIT ONE
3. The Cold War at Home
4. Two Nations Live on the Edge
B. The Postwar Boom (1946 – 1960)
1. Postwar America
2. The American Dream in the Fifties
3. Popular Culture
4. The Other America
II. Living With Great Turmoil
A. The New Frontier and the Great Society (1960 – 1968)
1. Kennedy and the Cold War
2. The New Frontier
3. The Great Society
B. Civil Rights (1954 – 1968)
1. Taking on Segregation
2. The Triumphs of a Crusade UNIT TWO
3. Challenges and Changes in the Movement
C. The Vietnam War Years (1954 – 1975)
1. Moving Toward Conflict
2. U.S. Involvement and Escalation
3. A Nation Divided
4. 1968: A Tumultuous Year
5. The End of the War and Its Legacy
D. An Era of Social Change (1960 – 1975)
1. Latinos and Native Americans Seek Equality
2. Women Fight for Equality
3. Culture and Counterculture
III. Passage to a New Century
A. An Age of Limits (1968 – 1980)
1. The Nixon Administration
2. Watergate: Nixon’s Downfall
3. The Ford and Carter Years
4. Environmental Activism
B. The Conservative Tide (1980 – 1992)
1. A Conservative Movement Emerges
2. Conservative Policies under Reagan and Bush UNIT THREE
3. Social Concerns of the 1980s
4. Foreign Policy After the Cold War
C. The United States in Today’s World (1992 – Present)
1. The 1990s and the New Millennium
2. The New Global Economy
3. Technology and Modern Life
4. The Changing Face of America