The aim of the Year 9 elective US History course is to explore the major circumstances surrounding the formation and operation of the first modern democratic nation: the United States of America. It seeks to provide a deeper understanding of historical and, by extension, contemporary North American culture, society, and politics. US History is an engaging and insightful elective that helps students understand how the modern world came to be. All history provides students with a structured approach to understanding the past, analysing key events, and making connections to the present. This subject engages students in historical inquiry, encouraging them to evaluate sources, interpret evidence, and develop critical arguments. Through the exploration of pivotal events in early American history (1607-1865), students will gain insights into the formation of the modern world and the forces that continue to shape societies today. This subject is ideal for students who enjoy big ideas, important stories, and understanding how the past connects to the present.
The initial study centres upon the diverse First Nations across the entirety of the continental North America, with students undertaking general study and then specific research upon communities within the United States of America.
This unit examines the settlement of the Americas and the development of an independent identity. It will focus on the foundations for the new society at Jamestown and its development and then a comparison with the settlers in New England at Plymouth.
This unit examines the causes of the American War of Independence and the notion of liberty. It will examine, in detail, the circumstances that led to the independence movement and its leaders.
Students are initially asked to form judgements about the character of Thomas Jefferson, revolutionary hero, author of the Declaration of Independence, President, and symbol of American democracy who also has a darker side; the slave owning adulterer. This then leads into an investigation of the plight of African slaves, their experiences from the Middle Passage through to their use and abuse in the USA and attempts to resist Slavery.
This unit explores the causes and course of the Civil War and identifies how political necessity over time influenced the cause of the Civil War. The motivations of Abraham Lincoln with regard to slavery are analysed in detail, with some potentially surprising results. The reconstruction of the US is also briefly examined, with the major question being whether or not the freed slaves actually achieved real freedom.
A combination of class and common assessments, which are taken periodically through the year, together with other tasks involving problem solving and investigation are used to determine grades. An examination is held at the end of each semester and tests the content and proficiencies learned throughout the semester.
Learning Activities
Students will engage in a diverse set of learning activities, both individually and collaboratively, to cater for all learning styles, including:
analysis of source based material
Extended Responses
Essay
timed quizzes and tests
Annotated Visual Display
Student will use class sets of existing texts and online resources.