History of the Americas Syllabus
Course Description
This course explores the history of the Americas, focusing on the peoples and historical events that have shaped the continents. While the primary emphasis is on the United States, we will also explore the histories of Latin America and Canada, with particular attention given to evolving relationships across the Americas. Key themes include:
- Expansion, migration, immigration, and intercultural interactions
- Independence, liberty, freedom, and the role of governments and foreign policy
- Revolutions and the effects of technology
- Human rights and social justice
Students will also develop an understanding of historiography (the writing of history) and will critically analyze historical sources through the OPVL method (Origin, Purpose, Value, and Limitation).
Throughout the course, students will engage with a range of materials, including primary and secondary historical documents, videos, films, political cartoons, song lyrics, paintings, and digital sources. The goal is to help students build skills in comprehension, analysis, explanation, interpretation, and presentation while fostering empathy and understanding across time and space.
Texts and Resources
- Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong by James W. Loewen (2007)
- Guns, Germs & Steel by Jared Diamond (Excerpts & Film)
- A People’s History of the United States of America by Howard Zinn (Excerpts)
- Modern Latin America by Thomas Skidmore & Peter H. Smith (Excerpts)
- Sources of Twentieth-Century World History by Overfield (Excerpts)
- IB History of the Americas Course Book by Leppard, Berliner, Mamauz, and Rogers (Excerpts)
Grading Breakdown
- Essays: 40%
- Homework/Classwork: 15%
- Tests: 25%
- Contribution/Participation: 20%
Participation Expectations
Class dialogue is crucial for learning. To contribute effectively, students must:
- Complete assigned readings and homework on time
- Arrive on time and prepared
- Actively participate in class discussions and support others in the dialogue
Participation Evaluation
- Preparedness: Students should arrive on time and fully prepared, with all materials for the lesson.
- Contribution: Students should engage in meaningful class discussions by providing useful comments and asking relevant questions.
Assignments and Assessments
Students will complete a variety of assignments, both in and outside of class, including:
- Maps and discussion questions
- Reading assignments
- Short and long-term research projects
- Regular quizzes and tests
- A final project at the end of each quarter
Assignments are cumulative, and students should complete each on time to build on previous work.
Tardy Policy and Preparedness
Students are expected to arrive on time and be fully prepared. Tardiness disrupts the class, and students arriving late will receive two warnings. On the third tardy, they will be “pulled off the water/rock” for 1 day. Students arriving more than 5 minutes late will be immediately “pulled off the water/rock,” regardless of prior warnings.
Students are expected to come to class ready to participate with all necessary materials and personal needs met.
Classroom Behavior
An open and respectful classroom environment is essential for effective learning. While we aim for a relaxed approach to food, bathroom breaks, and technology, students must act responsibly. If behavior issues arise, specific policies will be implemented.
Plagiarism and Academic Honesty
Respect and Expectations
For the best learning experience, students must feel comfortable expressing themselves in a safe and respectful environment. We embrace diverse backgrounds, customs, and ideas. Students are expected to treat each other with respect, support one another, and create a positive learning community.
Note: All syllabus components are subject to change at the discretion of the instructor or administration.