About the Course: 

10th Grade US History is a yearlong course designed to build upon students' geographic and historiographic skills from 8th and 9th grades by introducing the American experience from the end of the Civil War to present day (1865-21st Century).  In this survey class, units of study take students from the early industrial era when the US is emerging from the bloodshed of sectional divisiveness into the industrial era and through to the current post-industrial and globalized society.  Units of study follow a chronological approach through which each decade and/or era is examined through various lenses of the American experience.  With an emphasis on primary source analysis and research, students will utilize the historiographic method to investigate contextual perspectives of people from many different demographics, backgrounds, locations and experiences. Each unit will use primary and secondary source analysis to drive a narrative of how various groups of people lived and changed throughout modern American history.  Consistent use of these approaches will promote significant development in student's academic and interpersonal skills that will benefit them in college and/or careers.

 

The approach in this course is deliberately different from traditional approaches to US History, which too often exhibits longstanding biases around which information, individuals and events are most important.  While the course is designed to fit all of the expectations of the traditional DPS scope, sequence and assessments, methods imbedded into each unit intend to broaden the narrative of American history to include information and perspectives not traditionally represented in curriculum.  By including experiences from the diverse populations in American history, students will gain a stronger understanding of views that differ from their own and will hopefully develop a stronger sense of empathy and compassion toward others. This will also hopefully build a stronger national vision of embracing our diverse histories and forging a more cohesive and unified future.

 

Course Goals:

• Understand the complexities and continuities of historical events.

• Develop methods of understanding and retaining the significance of major events, people, places and processes.

• Investigate various perspectives of diverse groups and experiences throughout American history.

• Construct research processes to gain a stronger understanding of various experiences throughout American history.

• Construct applicable methods of addressing national problems, using historical knowledge

• Reflect on one's own personal/familial history and identity within the American story.

• Develop common ideals on American history and unified ideals for national progress.

 

Historical Perspective Pillars (incorporated into each unit/time period of study):

-Class/Socioeconomic Status

-Race/Ethnicity

-Religion/Spirituality

-Gender/Sexuality

-Immigration/Nationality

-Leadership/Service

 

For any questions or concerns about this course, please feel free to e-mail me at Kevin_Fox@dpsk12.org.

 

 

Helpful Links for students and parents:

• For more information on AP® US Government and the exam, click here.

 

• For more information on Mr. Fox' approach to the course, see the 2016-17 US Government & Politics Course Syllabus (pdf).

 

• For unit powerpoints, assignments, articles and more, click here.