American Studies Courses

Classes customized for the SAS student's needs and interests

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American Government and Citizenship
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This course will focus on the function of American Government. It will stress the application of the U.S. Constitution at the local, state and national levels of government. There will be an emphasis on the role of citizenship in a democratic system of government. Students will analyze governmental actions in terms of the fundamental and historic principles of American democracy and evaluate the extent to which the actions reflect the principles. Critical thinking skills are stressed. Extensive reading, writing, and research will be required.
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U.S. Foreign Policy
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During the Cold War, from 1945 to 1990, the United States domestic politics, international relations and foreign policy revolved around an intense rivalry between itself and the former Soviet Union. Now that the Soviet Union no longer exists, it’s fifteen former republics as well as their past allies are caught up in the turmoil of economic and political change. Since the end of the Cold War, there have been fewer external constraints on the projection of U.S. power abroad than at any time since the years immediately following World War II. And yet, there are no longer common understandings among Americans about what the U.S. role should be in this changing international environment.  The new American role was complicated further by the 911 attacks and the “War on Terror”
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American Military Experience
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The American Military Experience will analyze the use of the American military as a defensive force, a tool of American foreign policy, and as a worldwide police force in modern times.  Military tactics, historical confrontations, and the use of advanced technology will be the basis for the comparison of the American military with that of the world.  This course will emphasize the role and responsibility of the United States and its citizens as world leaders.  A comprehensive, research based exit project will be the focal point of the trimesters assignments.
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The Bill of Rights in the New Millenium
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This course will teach in-depth historical analysis of the Bill of Rights and their relevance to modern society.  Students will examine current issues reflecting the views of Constitutional scholars and legal experts.  Daily activities and research will focus on historical background, relevant Supreme Court cases, and original words of the Founders.
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Law and Criminal Justice in America
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This course provides historical perspective, practical information, and problem solving opportunities that develop in students the knowledge and skills necessary for survival in our law-saturated society.   The curriculum incluses case studies, mock trials, role-plays, small group exercises, and visual analysis activities.  The class requires the use of community resource people such as lawyers and police officers.  Students will develop a willingness and capability to participate effectively in the legal and political systems of America.
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Shakespearean Themes in American History
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Murder.  Mystery.  Love.  Laughter.  The Bard, otherwise known as William Shakespeare, will carry you through his comedies, tragedies, and romances in this English class.  We will be studying a variety of plays including "Twelfth Night", "Taming of the Shrew", "Macbeth ", "Romeo and Juliet" and more!  This class will expose you to Shakespeare, his life, his times, and the influence of his works during American History.  We will explore such universal themes as sexism, classism, justice, power, greed, and diversity.  We will also read some of his sonnets.  The historical background, analytical skills, and interpretive skills, will prepare you for SAT/ACT questions and the expectations of introductory college English classes.
The American Cultural Experience
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The interpretation and analysis of historical facts is key to an understanding and appreciation of United States History.  The School of American Studies focuses on the teaching and understanding of American History through analysis and interpretation of many different forms of primary source documents.  This course extends that focus by introducing the Arts as yet another rich source of information.  An  appreciation of varied art forms will also be introduced and fostered as a component of this course. 

This is not a course on the history of fine arts in America, although that will also be addressed as one component of the course.  Rather, it is a study of and appreciation for American History as portrayed in several fine arts mediums, some imported form other parts of the world, some imported and modified by American artists, and some created and developed right here in America.  We will be learning about and interpreting and analyzing American History through such art forms as painting, sculpture, song and dance, literature, movies, television, theater, and pop art.