American Studies/1818:
Using Technology to Foster an Interdisciplinary Curriculum
Saint Louis University
1818 Advanced College Credit Program
Christian Brothers College High School
American Studies Course Description
1. Instructor : Dr. James P. Dohle, Jr. and Mr.
Gary Ryan
2. Textbook: Traditions in American Literature and The Americans,
authors Danzer, Klor de Alva, Krieger, Wilson, Woloch, Online
edition, 2003 (All page references here refer to the print edition
2003).
Outside readings on topics pertinent to the subject matter will
be assigned from articles, books and periodicals available on
the student's laptops and in the library.
3. General Course Description: This two-semester course is the
perfect meld of U.S. history and U.S. literature. For school
year 2005-2006 four modules have been selected to be "team-taught".
These modules reflect four specific epochs: Puritanism, Transcendentalism
and the Reform Movements of the 1840s, the Civil War, and the
Vietnam Experience. In these time periods students will explore
themes such as The Individual, the American Dream, Violence,
and Pluralism. This interdisciplinary exploration of themes will
be set in a chronological framework.
4. Prerequisites: Junior Standing
5. General Course Objectives:
A. To provide an interdisciplinary framework for the study of
history and culture of the United States
B. To promote individual inquiry and small and large group interaction
in meeting the course objectives
C. To nurture critical thinking skills
D. To approach the American experience thematically
E. To focus on the analysis of events, movements, groups, and
individuals who have shaped and continue to shape American culture
and history
6. Student Objectives:
Students in the American Studies course will be able:
A. To interpret historical data
B. To use maps, charts and data tables as an aid to historical
study.
C. To evaluate the "cause and effect" relationship
between historical events.
D. To defend a personal interpretation of historical data in
classroom discussion.
E. To identify the major periods and associated persons in the
development of United States culture and history
F. To demonstrate a mastery of effective oral, written and visual
communication of ideas related to American culture
G. To explore through inquiry and research, the interdisciplinary
nature of a topic, as well as make a critical response to that
inquiry
7. Significant Course Content and Approximate Dates
TBA
MAJOR ASSESSMENT/ EVALUATION STRATEGIES:
Unit Tests
Research Papers
Webquests
Internet Research
Four major novels read along with appropriate primary sources.
METHODS FOR DETERMING FINAL GRADE
Total Points
GRADING SCALE:
A -90-100%
B 80-89%
C 70-80% |
|
