Grade 11 Courses

United States History

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Modern World History, recommended.

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: 1) familiarity with the routine of daily homework assignments; 2) ability to work independently on an assignment; 3) organizational skills 4) note- taking skills

Course Description: United States History College Preparatory fulfills both state and district requirements for high school graduation.  The course examines the nation’s history focusing on the Twentieth Century.  Instruction is centered on analyzing events in the nation’s past to understand their impact on current events.  Students are asked to analyze cultural, political, economic, and technological influences that have shaped American history.  Building from the foundations established in Contemporary World Studies, and Modern World History, students will reexamine key events studied in those courses from an American perspective. Students will continue to develop their skills in writing persuasive essays and analyzing primary source documents leading to their ability to write a document based essay.  Cause and effect analysis and the ability to make data supported generalizations are focal points of the critical thinking skills to be mastered.  Test taking and note taking skills are focal points of this course.  Geographic literacy is also a major component as students will be expected to identify locations and assess their significance in United States History.  Nightly reading is an essential requirement for all students. Students will be prepared to take the California Standards Test in United States History in the spring and also may elect to take the Scholastic Assessment Test 2 for this subject area in June.

Major Projects/Assignments: as determined by the instructor

Approximate homework assigned daily: 30 to 60 minutes   It is important to note that this serves as an estimate of the nightly average homework load.  It is not intended to be a concrete value and homework completion time will depend upon the nature of the assignment and the abilities and work habits of the student.

Advanced Placement (AP) United States History

Prerequisite: Completion of Modern World History Honors with a grade of B or above, recommended.

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: Reading and writing skills above the 12^th grade level, as this is a college level course that involves extensive reading, analysis and writing.

Course Description: Advanced Placement United States History  covers the entire spectrum of our nation’s history, from the Age of Exploration to the present. Given the broad range and profound depth of study, success in this course necessitates strong reading and writing skills commingled with a willingness to devote considerable time to homework and study.   This course is designed to prepare students for the AP exam in US history.   Our course at BHS has been audited and approved by the College Board.  Please refer to its site for more details about the course: www.collegeboard.com.

Course Objectives:  Students in this course will...

• Develop a meaningful understanding of the history of the United States in all its multifaceted forms, particularly social, political, diplomatic, economic and cultural aspects and transformations.
• Develop an appreciation for the fundamental issues and themes that flow through our history.
• Master a broad body of historical knowledge.
• Use historical data to support a well-articulated argument or opinion.
• Interpret and apply data from original documents, including cartoons, graphs, letters, .
• Improve writing, research, and critical reading skills.
• Work effectively with others to produce products and solve problems.
• Prepare for, and successfully pass, the Advanced Placement Exam in May.

Major Projects/Assignments: Regular essay writing, debates, and extensive outside reading. The type of assignments varies with each instructor.

Approximate homework assigned daily: 90 to 120 minutes.  It is important to note that this serves as an estimate of the nightly average homework load.  It is not intended to be a concrete value and homework completion time will depend upon the nature of the assignment and the abilities and work habits of the student.

Advanced Placement (AP) United States History

Prerequisite: Completion of Modern World History Honors with a grade of B or above, recommended.

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: Reading and writing skills above the 12^th grade level, as this is a college level course that involves extensive reading, analysis and writing.

Course Description: Advanced Placement United States History  covers the entire spectrum of our nation’s history, from the Age of Exploration to the present. Given the broad range and profound depth of study, success in this course necessitates strong reading and writing skills commingled with a willingness to devote considerable time to homework and study.   This course is designed to prepare students for the AP exam in US history.   Our course at BHS has been audited and approved by the College Board.  Please refer to its site for more details about the course: www.collegeboard.com.

Course Objectives:  Students in this course will...

• Develop a meaningful understanding of the history of the United States in all its multifaceted forms, particularly social, political, diplomatic, economic and cultural aspects and transformations.
• Develop an appreciation for the fundamental issues and themes that flow through our history.
• Master a broad body of historical knowledge.
• Use historical data to support a well-articulated argument or opinion.
• Interpret and apply data from original documents, including cartoons, graphs, letters, .
• Improve writing, research, and critical reading skills.
• Work effectively with others to produce products and solve problems.
• Prepare for, and successfully pass, the Advanced Placement Exam in May.

Major Projects/Assignments: Regular essay writing, debates, and extensive outside reading. The type of assignments varies with each instructor.

Approximate homework assigned daily: 90 to 120 minutes.  It is important to note that this serves as an estimate of the nightly average homework load.  It is not intended to be a concrete value and homework completion time will depend upon the nature of the assignment and the abilities and work habits of the student.