Program of Studies

HISTORY

Colonial History
This course will cover the History of the Native Americans, Discovery of the Americas by European explorers and the colonization of America up to the Louisiana Purchase (1400-1820). Students will utilize text, extensive map work, quarterly papers and other projects relative to this time period. All course expectations will be aligned with Massachusetts curriculum frameworks and delivered via multimodal lesson plans.

U.S. History I
U.S. History I at the Merrimack High School covers part of the U.S. History Learning Strands and part of the U.S. History 2 Learning Strands described in the Massachusetts Frameworks. Course instruction begins with the political development that took place during the first five presidencies, then move on to consider the westward expansion, the transportation and industrial revolutions, and the differing economic, political and cultural development in the North and the South between 1800 and 1860. We study the ideas and events leading up to the Civil War, the War itself, and the Reconstruction period that followed.

Following the framework guidelines for U.S. History 2, we move on to a consideration of the effects of the continuing westward expansion of the Native American population. We look at the roles of various immigrant groups in the continuing industrial growth after the War. We study the growth of Big Business, and the rise of progressive reform movements as well as radical political parties. We study America’s growing role in the world affairs and its engagement in World Ward I. We end by considering Woodrow Wilson’s Fourteen Points, the failure of the Versailles Treaty, and formations of the League of Nations.

U.S. History II
This course will provide an overview of American History from (1920-1975). The second World War, Korean and Vietnamese conflicts. The effects of Cold War politics and policies on our society as it relates to our larger world relationships in the new world order. Students will utilize text, internet, map work and other multimodal means of delivery in accordance with Massachusetts Frameworks.

America in the 20th Century/Contemporary US (Elective)
This course is designed for high school Seniors whom have already fulfilled in U.S. History I and II courses. This course further investigates the most current events of the 20th Century. The course utilizes a text along with supplementary assignments and readings. The course examines primary and secondary sources, including Congressional speeches, Presidential resignations, and draft reports from foreign policy conferences. Each student will be required to complete several key components: lengthy independent reading assignments per unit, quizzes and tests on each unit, projects, and one 10 page paper as their final exam.

Topics to be covered include :

American Society/Change in the 1960’s Nixon’s Presidency Domestic/Foreign Relations Watergate Carter’s Administration Domestic/Foreign Policy Iran Contra Affair Regan’s Presidency U.S. + Middle East Relations Bush’s Presidency Persian Gulf/Desert Storm Clinton’s Administration Terrorism/Counter Terrorism Bush’s Presidency Election Conflict September 11th Economic Concerns War with Iraq Obama’s Presidency

American Government / Economics
This course begins with exercises and games designed to engage students in coming to an understanding of the purpose and nature of government. Students then read and discuss the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. They study the structure and functions of the branches of the Federal Government and the Massachusetts/New Hampshire state governments. They learn about political parties, the electoral process, interest groups and lobbyists. They read and discuss material on Capitalism, Communism and Socialism, and engage in games that require them to “buy” shares and follow the stock market. They also read and discuss articles in newspapers and weekly news magazines.

World History I
Students will examine the civilizations from the Roman Empire to the European Renaissance. These world civilizations to be investigated are the Ottoman Empire, Moghul Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Chinese Dynasties, and the pre-Columbus Empires and political entities of Central and South America. Students will also develop an understanding of the religious developments influencing the Western Hemisphere. The course will briefly touch upon the Early Renaissance and the Scientific Revolution. World History II will begin with these topics.

World History II
Students will build on their prior knowledge from World History I and further investigate the importance of the renaissance and Enlightenment on the modern world. The students will investigate the causes and consequences of the military events of the 19th, 20th, and 21st, centuries. A few of these topics are the World Wars I and II, the Cold War, and the French, Russian, and Chinese Revolutions. Students will then focus on the modern era and study the growing conflicts involving religious enthusiasm and terrorist means.