23-24 Thornton Academy Program of Studies ThorntonAcademy_POS 2023-24 FINAL | Page 33

America ’ s Response to a Changing World ( or ) America ’ s Response to a Changing World Foundations ( or ) America ’ s Response to a Changing World Honors
Blind Eye of History ( or ) Blind Eye of History Foundations ( or ) Blind Eye of History Honors
Modern US History
Foundations of Modern US History
Honors Modern US History
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SOPHOMORES

Sophomores must choose one of the following history options .

America ’ s Response to a Changing World ( or ) America ’ s Response to a Changing World Foundations ( or ) America ’ s Response to a Changing World Honors

1 Credit School counselor and teacher recommendation are required for Foundations or Honors .
By addressing critical questions related to domestic and international policy , students will investigate the dilemmas facing our increasingly interdependent global society . This course will examine America ’ s role in events that are important not only to millions of Americans , but also to billions of people around the world . The development of media literacy skills and an overview of American Civics will also help students to make connections between the topics of study and the evolution of American government .

Blind Eye of History ( or ) Blind Eye of History Foundations ( or ) Blind Eye of History Honors

1 Credit
School counselor and teacher referral are required for Foundations or Honors .
The idiom “ turning a blind eye ” describes the custom of ignoring undesirable information . Blind Eye of History will examine the story of those treated as “ undesirable ” throughout American history - the people and groups who have been ignored , mistreated , and abused . Students will explore the roots of race hatred , religious persecution , and prejudice based on ethnicity , disability , gender , sexuality , and social class . Highlighting remarkable people and events that contributed to the story of these groups , this course will allow students to delve into specific and impactful events that reverberate through time and lead us to the present . The development of media literacy skills and an overview of American Civics will also help students to make connections between the history of marginalized groups and the evolution of American government .

JUNIORS

United States History is an important component for any American student ’ s education . During junior year , students will be able to choose between four levels of modern United States History .

Modern US History

1 Credit
This course will explore the history of the United States chronologically , from the 20th Century to the present . Students will refine the process of historical inquiry through the development of both written and verbal expression , and examine primary and secondary sources for validity , point of view , and historical context . In addition , students will be expected to build competent and appropriate connections to issues in the contemporary world .

Foundations of Modern US History

1 Credit Prerequisites : School counselor and teacher recommendation .
Through a study of twentieth century United States history , students will gain a better understanding of this country ’ s role in the world today . An area of focus will be using a variety of primary and secondary sources to create a clear image of the events of this era . Students will be asked to think critically and analytically to develop conclusions about the importance of historical events using evidence from the assigned course work to support their thinking .

Honors Modern US History

1 Credit Prerequisite : Teacher recommendation
This class will spotlight significant eras , moments , events , and people in the 20th century and contemporary America . Students will be asked to understand major ideas , eras , themes , developments , turning points , chronology , and cause-and-effect relationships throughout United States history . Emphasis will be placed on honing the ability to analyze both primary and secondary sources for accuracy , nuance , and perspective . Extensive reading and research outside of class will be required .

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