U.S. History I Honors

Course Level:        Honors

Credits:                   5

Grade Level:          10

Prerequisite:           Students must meet the Honors Policy Criteria.

NJ Course Code:    04-102-H

This course provides students with the most in-depth understanding of the various social, economic, religious, and political forces interwoven in the formation and early development of the United States and its government.  Both primary and secondary texts and documents of greater rigor and challenge are used, including many documents found/retrieved by students independently in class via multiple forms of technology.  Honors students must meet the highest demands in academic responsibility, class discussion, computer/technology proficiency, research skills, evidence-based argumentation, creative note taking, and dedication to reading assigned texts.  The environment of the Honors course is largely student-led and student-centered.  Successful Honors students are inquisitive, self-motivated, and possess a strong, consistent work ethic.  Students study historical issues of major significance, including interpretations of the Articles of Confederation, the U.S. Constitution, women's rights, slavery, immigration, and the emergence of an industrial America poised to continue expansion after a destructive civil war.  It is strongly recommended that students enrolled in U.S. History Honors are also enrolled in English II Honors.

Amistad Commission Mandate

The mandate requires the teaching of the African slave trade, slavery in America,the vestiges of slavery in this country and the contributions of African‐Americans to our society. Evidence is found in all grade bands in the district’s K to 12 social studies curricula, [e.g., units about slavery, civil rights, Contemporary United States History (Era 14)].