US History 2 Full Course - Teacher Moderated

Course Description

Following a review of the nation’s beginnings and the impact of the Enlightenment on U.S. democratic ideals, students build upon the study of global industrialization to understand the emergence and impact of new technology and a corporate economy, including the social and cultural effects. They trace the change in the ethnic composition of American society; the movement toward equal rights for racial minorities and women; and the role of the United States as a major world power. An emphasis is placed on the expanding role of the federal government and federal courts as well as the continuing tension between the individual and the state. Students consider the major social problems of our time and trace their causes in historical events. They learn that the United States has served as a model for other nations and that the rights and freedoms we enjoy are not accidents, but the results of a defined set of political principles that are not always basic to citizens of other countries. Students understand that our rights under the U.S. Constitution are a precious inheritance that depends on an educated citizenry for their preservation and protection.

Teacher Moderated

This course is self-paced and may be purchased and completed at any time.  A credentialed Social Science and Education Specialist teacher teaches this class.  The teacher grades and leaves feedback on each assignment and assessment and provides an overall grade and certificate of completion upon completion of the course.  The teacher communicates with both students and parents on student progress.   

Required Materials:

• Laptop or desktop computer with high speed internet connection
• Web camera with the ability to show a 360 degree view of the room
• A Google account (to complete assignments using Google Drive)
• A Zoom account (to take proctored exams)
• Book (select one):
  • A Historical Fiction Novel
    • Click here for details
  • A Nonfiction book
    • Click here for details 
• Access to watch the History Docuseries "America The Story of Us".  Currently* available on:
  • Amazon Prime
  • Sling TV
  • Roku TV
  • History Vault
  • DVD
    • Used (around $10 with shipping)
    • New (around $16)inks to an external site.

*Please double check that this series is available before purchasing a new subscription.  Sometimes series are added and removed from different platforms.

Course Outline

Unit 1: 1940's-1950's

Unit 2: 1960's-1970's

Midterm Exam (covering units 1 and 2)

Unit 3: 1980's-1990's

Unit 4: 2000- current events

Final Exam (covering units 3 and 4)

Each unit of study includes a combination of:

• Activities
• Lecture Notes
• Video Notes
• Writings
• Article Reading and Analysis

Class Pacing:

Student Choice: Students have 1 year from point of purchase to complete the course.  Students may complete the course at their own pace. 

Recommended Pacing: The course is designed as a 12-week course.  The recommended pacing to complete in 12 weeks is 5 hours a week, or 1 hour a day.  This is about 2 assignments, 1 presentation, or 1 assessment a day.

Completion:  Course will be considered complete upon the execution of the final exam and completion of all projects.  Within 2 weeks of completion, students will receive a digital certificate including their final grade in the class.

Grades are composed of the following:

Assessments (30%) of total grade: Students will take a midterm and a final exam.  Each exam will be proctored by the instructor using Zoom and has a 60 minute time limit.  There will be an optional study guide for students to complete before each exam.  Students will only have access to exams once all assignments in the preceding units are complete. Exams can only be taken once.

Projects (30%) of total grade: Students will complete 6 projects in this course; 2 long term projects and 4 short term projects.  The long term projects require reading books; 1 historical fiction novel of choice and 1 nonfiction book of choice.  Students are encouraged to work on their long term projects throughout the course. The long term projects may be submitted once for a final grade. The 4 short term projects are included in each unit may be redone for full credit up until the exam is taken.  

Writing (30%) of total grade: Throughout the course, students will be writing summaries, analyses, critiques and connections based on material learned through the assignments.  Each of these writings will be graded on a rubric and may be redone for full credit up until the exam for that unit.

Assignments (10%) of total grade: Students earn points for completing assignments.  The assignments will be graded according to a rubric and may be redone for full credit up until the exam for that unit.  Students must complete all the assignments in a unit before moving on to the next unit.  

Grade Breakdown:

1. 89.50-100%    A
2. 79.50-89.49% B
3. 69.50-79.49% C
4. 59.50-69.49% D
5. 0-59.49%        F