United States History Honors

The purpose of United States History Honors is to explore the people and events which are relevant to American history from pre-colonial times to the present day. This course, in conjunction with English 11, will combine topics from United States history, geography, and American literature. This course is relevant to understanding current events in the United States and abroad. Some of the skills students will develop include critical thinking skills, reading comprehension, note-taking, research and writing skills, analysis of current events, group and cooperative learning, and public speaking. 

In addition, students studying at the honors level will be encouraged to prepare for the AP test in United States History.  All students will work on development of their analytical writing skills.  Specific attention will be placed on thesis development.  Students will practice essay writing in response to free response essay prompts as well document based questions prompts.  Students will be required to participate in the discussion of all topics and prepare lecture material to share with the class.  In addition, students will develop an understanding of primary source documents, emphasizing the author’s point of view, audience, and tone.

This course is designed to develop students’ understanding of sophisticated topics and concepts related to the study of the history and development of the United States. The course will focus on extending students’ knowledge of historical facts and geography topics and developing their understanding of new topics including but not limited to the following: European Exploration and Colonial America, American Revolution, the Constitution and federalism, slavery and the Civil War, immigration and industrialization, the American Dream, the roaring Twenties, World War I and II, the Cold War (1950’s, Music, Popular Culture, Vietnam), civil rights and the role of the President.

The reading list:  All Quiet on the Western Front by Eric Marie Remarque. 

Textbook(s): The American Pageant: A History of the American People, Edition: 14, Author(s): Kennedy, David M. and United States History: Preparing for the Advanced Placement Examination, Edition: Revised, Author(s): Newman, John J.  The textbooks will be supplemented with handouts and other primary source reading materials.

Prerequisites: 9th Grade Social Sciences Course, 10th Grade Social Sciences Course (World History) or the equivalent, a written recommendation from previous history teacher, and acceptance is based upon department approval

Instructor:  Laurel Colborn

click here to view Mrs. Colborn's bio