Course Description

This course in early US history will cover a broad range of history, through the early stages of European colonization to the Civil War. Students will have the opportunity to participate in multiple debate sessions throughout the course and will also compose an essay through the analysis of historical documents.

Intro to US History is a fast-paced course (it covers all topics of California 8th grade US History, the last US History class before AP US History, in 4 weeks). This means that students should expect homework which includes leftover material from class as well as other projects and notetakers that are assigned via Google Classroom. While the amount of time it takes to complete homework varies from student to student, most students from last year reported around 45 minutes of homework per week.

Students are expected to keep up with course material. US History is information-dense, and students often choose to study on their own time to fully understand the material.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is best suited for 5th-10th grade students. See course prerequisites for more information.

Course Prerequisites

• Notebook, pen/paper
• Basic knowledge of US history

Course Dates

This course runs for 4 weeks weekly, starting on Monday, July 8, and ending on Monday, July 29. Classes are held online at 6pm via Zoom. Classes are 1-2 hours long (office hours are available before and after class if needed).

Class Times (PST)

• Tuesday, July 8, 6pm
• Tuesday, July 15, 6pm
• Tuesday, July 22, 6pm
• Tuesday, July 29, 6pm

Syllabus

Lesson 1:

This lesson will cover the origins of European exploration in the Americas, explaining the primary motivations for discovery and expansion as well as means of transportation and exploration.

Lesson 2:

This lesson follows early American settlements and the development of technology and culture in the United States. We will cover the relationship between America, Europe, and Africa during the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, as well as compare and contrast the North American Settlements to the Spanish Settlements.

Lesson 3:

Students will learn about the factors that led to the American Revolution, as well as how Americans won the war against Great Britain to claim independence.

Lesson 4:

Students will learn about the events following the American Revolution, from the early struggles of governing a new nation to the crafting of the Constitution.

Lesson 5:

This final lesson about the American Civil War covers its causes and effects, as well as the impact of African American activists towards the Emancipation Proclamation and the freeing of slaves.