Summer US History

All-Gender Course; Prerequisite - Completion of one year of high school social science or permission from the administration; ​Full-year course credit
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is a full-year credit social science course surveying the history of the United States of America. The course begins with an examination of America before Columbus. Having established an understanding of how Native Americans managed and used the land, the course turns to European conquest and colonial America, including how the stage was set for a plural and diverse modern America. The heart of the course centers around the themes of the American Revolution; the rise of democracy, the Republic, and the Constitution; the Civil War and Reconstruction; and how territorial expansion and industrialization laid the foundation for the movements and conflicts of the 20th and 21st centuries. In order to develop a broad understanding of continuity and change in American history, students build a contextual understanding of the major events within each era while exploring political, social, cultural, economic, and religious trends in the United States. Through critical analysis, research, and writing; collaborative activities; creative synthesis applications; and traditional and alternative assessments, students demonstrate understanding of cultural implications and historical context and develop a chronological and thematic appreciation of American history.​​

​Summer courses are for-credit opportunities for ambitious students to get a jump on the next academic year. Students participating in these courses should plan to devote 20 hours per week for eight weeks to their course. Students will receive grades and comments in these classes, which are the equivalent of year-long, high-school level courses. Because of the pacing and intensity of for-credit summer courses, there is little flexibility; students must be available and have internet access for all eight weeks of the course. 
WHAT STUDENTS SAY

"I LOVE my classmates! They are all really cool to talk to and I always have fun making the videos and talking about certain topics that relate to what we are learning each week; it makes my learning experience better and make it more engaging as well!"

"I honestly really enjoyed this course and felt like I learned a lot from it. This course has helped me with my time management skills, writing skills, analytical skills, and much more."

WHAT STUDENTS DO
Learning is an active process at One Schoolhouse. Students design, create and apply. And, they engage with classmates and connect with their teachers through discussions, video conferences, and projects. Specifically, in this class students will:
  • Set goals that drive their learning. Students reflect regularly on their growth, and meet on video chat with their online teacher to review progress towards their goals.
  • Have choice in how they learn new content and practice new skills. Students are given agency to determine the best ways for them to learn.
  • Apply what they are learning to the real world. Learning is meaningful and connects to concepts outside the classroom.
  • Practice constructive engagement in a diverse and changing world. Students interact with classmates from across the country and around the world.
  • Gain academic maturity. Online learning takes greater discipline and independence than a traditional face-to-face classroom. Teachers support students to build this skill.
MEET A TEACHER FOR THIS COURSE
SIGNATURE ACTIVITIES
Examples of signature activities and projects for this course are:
  • Collaborative student driven discussions.
  • Virtual field trips and historical game simulations.
  • Optional deeper dives into unit themes.​
COURSE APPROVAL
This course is approved by: the NCAA.

​One Schoolhouse is fully accredited with the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges through December 1, 2025; we are an approved online publisher for the University of California. 
Lisa Lauck
Social Sciences Teacher
BA William Jewell College
MEd Rockhurst University
EdD Baker University​