United States History – 9th Grade
Ms. Spector
Department of Social Studies
Parkdale High School
(301) 513-5700
http://www.spectorific.blogspot.com
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Course Syllabus[1]
The course focuses on the history of the United States from 1877 to the present day.
The 9th grade United States history course is a multi-text/resource program. The core text used with comprehensive and honors level students is The American Anthem published by Holt, Rinehart, and Winston. The unit objectives are drawn primarily from the State of Maryland’s Social Studies Content Standards for United States History.
This is a survey course of American History from Reconstruction to the present. Students receive an overall picture of United States History based on chronology and learn basic knowledge of major historical concepts in the areas of economics, geography, politics, culture, and social history. At the end of this school year, students will obtain an appreciation and understanding of complex issues in American History and the society in which they live.
Setting the Stage (Review) - Civil War and Reconstruction
This unit focuses on the Civil War as a significant turning point in American history and reviews the role of Abraham Lincoln and the decisions he made in order to preserve the Union. Reconstruction is presented as Civil Rights Part I because of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the Constitution. These amendments provided a framework for the definition of civil rights that would expand into the 20th century.
· Student Expectation: Students demonstrate understanding of the successes and failures of Reconstruction and its enduring impact.
America Reunited: 1877-1918
This unit focuses on the expansion and industrialization of America during the later part of the 19th century. Topics of exploration include the effects of expansion on the Native American population, and the rise of big business and labor unions.
· Student Expectation: Students demonstrate understanding of the transformation of the American economy and the changing social and political conditions in the United States in response to the Industrial Revolution from 1877 to 1918.
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The Dawn of the 20th Century: Imperialism, Progressivism, and World War I, 1900-1914
Overseas expansion and domestic reform are focal points of this unit which will include among other things, an examination of President Teddy Roosevelt’s involvement in establishing the United States as a significant player in world affairs. The causes and legacy of “The Great War,” American neutrality and eventual entry into World War I are examined in this section of the course. The legacy of the war is presented by examining Wilson’s 14 Points, the weaknesses of
the Treaty of Versailles, and America’s failure to ratify the treaty that established the League of Nations.
· Student Expectation: Students demonstrate understanding of the changing American society and the role of the United States in world affairs through World War I.
The 1920s and The 1930s (1919-1945)
This decade is examined through the lenses of politics and government, diplomacy and foreign affairs, the spread of mass culture and cultural clashes. Students will explore the reasons for the “Great Crash” of 1929 and other economic conditions. Like the decade of the twenties, this ten-year time period is also examined through the same lenses as was mentioned in Unit V. In addition, students will examine the Great Depression and its profound affects on society and government.
· Student Expectation: Students analyze the major political, social, economic, technological, and cultural developments of the period from 1919 –1945.
World War II: 1933-1945
The study of World War II from the American perspective, both domestic and global, is the focus of this unit. Topics of study include: Pearl Harbor, Benjamin O. Davis, “Rosie the Riveter,” the Supreme Court Case, Korematsu v. United States, and Harry Truman among others.
· Student Expectation: Students demonstrate understanding of the causes, course, and consequences of World War II, including the character of the war at home.
The Cold War: 1945-1991
The unit takes an innovative approach to the study of the Cold War by examining this period from its beginnings during post World War II through to its conclusion in 1991. The unit includes some of the following topics: the “Red Scare,” the Berlin Wall, Vietnam, and Detente. The unit is structured similarly to Units 5 (The 1920s) and 6 (The 1930s), with the exception of the examination of foreign policy and domestic issues that are covered in the preceding unit, Unit VIII (The Cold War: 1945-1991).
· Student Expectation: Students trace the origins and expansion of the Cold War.
Civil Rights Part II and The American Presidency in Action: John F. Kennedy to Ronald Regan
The unit examines the continuation of the civil rights movement (Civil Rights Part II) after 1877. The chronology is from World War II to 1954, from 1954-1968, and also includes an exploration into the legacy of this movement and its impact on American life today. The challenges, failures, and accomplishments of American presidents from John
9TH GRADE US HISTORY SYLLABUS – American Anthem 3
F. Kennedy through Ronald Reagan are presented. An emphasis is placed on domestic policies and changes in society outside the scope of the Cold War and the Civil Rights struggle. This structure will allow the students to broaden their understanding of the complex roles occupied by later twentieth century presidents.
· Student Expectation: Students demonstrate understanding of domestic policies and politics from 1946 to 1963.
[1] The Social Studies Office of PGCPS produces The American Republic, 9th Grade Honors United States History Framework, with the assistance of Charles Daly, Potomac High School, and Christie Wallace, Oxen Hill High School.