U.S. History

• In this course you will examine major turning points in American history in the 20th century.

• In addition to the content, you will:– Engage in critical thinking skills– Improve reading, writing & comprehension

ability– Be exposed to civic values, rights, &

responsibilities

Activity• You are going to see several visuals on

the screen. Take notes on the following:• FIRST - Set up your paper (name, date,

per in the top right corner; title of assignment – “Purpose of History” in the center)

1. List any common themes or trends from the types of films seen.

2. What do you think is the point of this activity?

Videos!!

Thoughts & Response

• WHY… (continuing on your notes)

3. Are these movies historical? If not, which ones are not?

4. Do you see a bias/point of view in these movies?

5. Which actors do you repeatedly see? Why?

• Continued… (for discussion, you do not have to write this down)

– How many of you recognized 10+ videos?

– How many of you like 10+ videos?

– Why? What’s the difference - History vs. Hollywood

Important Figures

• To do: (continued on your notes)

– Skip a line on your notes – Label this section “Important Figures”

– List the 10 most important figures in history by numbering 1 – 10

– Then rank their importance off to the side by writing 1st, 2nd or 3rd for the top 3 figures (i.e. # 1 = the MOST IMPORTANT figure in history)

Historical Figures

• Does your list have:

– U.S. &/or Global figures? Why?

– Any women or minorities? Why?

– Why are these figures important?

Back to Basics

• What is it?

• How do you spell it?

• Why do we study it?

• What do you want to study? What are you interested in?

Quotes

• What do you think the following quotes mean? Do you agree? Why/why not?– Skip a line in your notes, label this “Quotes.”

You don’t have to write the quote, simply put quote 1 – “write your response here”

– Quote 1: “We study the past to understand the present & to prepare for the future.”

– Quote 2: “History is a means of access to ourselves.”

Jobs in History – Are you interested?

• Are any of you planning on the following?

– Teacher/ professor, historic site/museum, historic preservation, think tank, writer, journalist, documentarian, archivist, librarian, lawyer/ paralegal, non-profit work, analyst, broadcaster, campaign worker, political consultant, foreign service officer, military, intelligence agent, lobbyist,

So why take this class?• Besides the obvious, it’s required to

graduate…– You study the history of your country– When you are able to vote, you know the

basics of political parties, various laws, what you want from the government

– More importantly, you will learn skills including:• Critical thinking, reading, writing & speaking• Creativity, problem-solving, time-management• Collaboration, presentation, use of technology, etc.