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Introduction to the 2013/2014 school year.
Welcome to American History! This CFS Middle School class for fourth-years (eighth-graders) will study United States history from the French and Indian War to the social movements of the Sixties. We plan to cover this enormous span of over 200 years by completing six or seven specific units of study over the course of the year. Particular attention will be given to providing opportunities for differentiated learning. Our work on individual units will permit students to research aspects of the unit that especially appeal to them. This class is designed to be both student-centered and, in large part, student-directed. Students will delve into topics that interest them and present the results of those investigations to their classmates in a variety of formats (illustrated lectures, papers, games, journals, poster displays, seminars, etc.)

We expect to study the following topics this year: The French and Indian War, the Second Continental Congress, the Civil War, the Progressive Era (the Gilded Age), World War 2, Dropping the Atomic Bomb or the Internment of Japanese Americans, and the social movements of the Sixties.

Hard work is expected, and creativity is encouraged. Completing the required assignments is meant to be demanding work. Expect regular homework and a lot of reading.

Student Attitudes:
A certain set of attitudes and habits of mind will be strengthened this year, but success in this class depends upon possessing them in a rudimentary form. These attitudes (all stated or implied in the CFS Philosophy) include: RESPONSIBILITY (keeping up with assignments and materials, bringing seriousness of purpose to discussions and projects), RESPECT (not talking while others have the floor, refraining from slights or put-downs), TIMELINESS (getting to class on time, meeting stipulated deadlines), ON TASK (there should be no off task behavior in class), and HARD WORK (investing the hours necessary to do your best).

Teacher Goals:

 * 1) To engage students in various topics of American History
 * 2) To create specific units of study that provide project-based learning experiences.
 * 3) To enable students to identify main themes and events of American History.
 * 4) To help students develop a deeper responsibility for social awareness.

Student Goals:

 * 1) Students will improve their research skills.
 * 2) Students will be able to express in their own words the main themes and events of American History.
 * 3) Students will gain a lasting, basic knowledge of the main themes and events of American History.

Units of Study:

 * 1) The French and Indian War
 * 2) The Second Continental Congress
 * 3) The Civil War
 * 4) The Homestead
 * 5) The Progressive Era (the Gilded Age)
 * 6) World War 2
 * 7) The social movements of the 1960s