Introduction

The supreme purpose of history is a better world.

- Herbert Hoover

A democracy is dependent upon a well-educated electorate who is willing to engage in thoughtful debate for the progress of our nation.  Thus, it is imperative that our students understand past events, decisions, and perspectives, so they may actively participate in the complex political, economic, and social decisions of a global community.  

At Kutztown, U.S. History is taught within a global context over 3 years, beginning in 8th grade.  Students are exposed to the equivalent of 2 courses in US History and 1 course in Western Civilization over the 3 year sequence.  In eighth grade, students study Early Explorations through Jacksonian Democracy, followed by Westward Expansion through World War I in 9th grade.  Finally, in 10th grade students investigate the Roaring Twenties through the Clinton administration.  In addition, students may opt to take AP U.S. History--either as (1) a sophomore in leiu of U.S. History 10 or (2) an upperclassman for an elective.
The 10th grade U.S. History course is a reading and writing intensive course.  The course is intended to give students opportunities to act as historians and develop their own conclusions, based on the critical interpretation of primary and secondary sources.
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