20th Century U.S. History

Mr. Bayly Buck

 “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” 

                                                                                ~ George Santayana              

Welcome to an exciting year in Social Studies. We will be studying the past century in our country’s history and learning about many of the fascinating people and remarkable events of that century. You will discover common threads that run throughout people’s lives, making the human experience similar in many ways for all of us. At the same time, everyone’s life is unique and everyone makes his/her own contribution to the human story. This class will help you develop the knowledge and skills to become contributing citizens of this country in the future. I hope you will develop an appreciation for the sacrifices of past individuals and respect for those who have built the country in which we live. You will also be challenged to think critically about the actions and policies of former Americans, to evaluate these decisions, and to begin to develop your own perspective of our history.

Grading Policy

Class work and Homework = 50%

Class work consists of all written or oral class assignments. These may be individual or group tasks and projects. It includes all participation, presentations, and assessments.

Tests and quizzes = 50%

Tests will be given at the conclusion of each unit. Quizzes will be both announced and unannounced and will cover smaller amounts of information, vocabulary, or specific skills.

Course Outline

Units:            Industrialization, Immigration, and Progressivism (1900-1920)

          U.S. Becomes a World Power (1900-1920)

          Prosperity and Depression (1920-1940)

         Democracy and Totalitarianism (1930s-1991)

         Toward a Better America (1954-2000)

Class Requirements

1. Materials: You will need a notebook or section of a notebook. Divide your notebook into 3 sections:

                         I.  Class Work

                        II.  Homework

                        III.  Tests & Quizes

2. Cover your assigned texts, A History of US 

3. The text, The American Journey, is to be kept at home. Lighten your backpack, don't bring it to school.

4. Each student is responsible for making up work missed.

You may find homework on my web site, which may be accessed through the SJA web site (www.saintjamesacademy.org), then click on Student Resources. Scroll down and click on Mr. Buck. Follow directions to log in. The homework is on my “Homework Page.”

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions/concerns: BBuck@saintjamesacademy.org