Elaine Chu

8th Grade US History

This course will cover the beginnings of American history from the first Native American civilizations to the present day. Major areas of study include the colonial period, the Revolutionary War and the development of our Constitution, Sectionalism and the Civil War, American involvement in the two world wars, and the Civil Rights movement. Throughout the year we will examine the social, economic, and political ideals affecting American life. Students will be exposed to differing perspectives of events through primary and secondary source readings. We will also work on fine-tuning reading comprehension, note taking, presentation, critical thinking, and writing skills.

Geography

This course is dedicated to the study of the world around us. The class begins with an introduction to geography, in which students will explore the features that define the earth, climate patterns, and how to use various geographic tools. Students will look at the physical features (land, climate, and types of vegetation) of countries from every continent. Each country or region will also be addressed in terms of its culture, which includes studies of population patterns, history, government, and cultures/lifestyles. We will also study current living conditions, news events, and how people around the world are currently interacting with their environment.

World Cultures

This is a thorough survey course covering modern times in both western and non-western worlds. Topics include: the French Revolution, the growth of nationalism, imperialism, the industrial revolution, and the two world wars. Postwar problems and recent developments are also studied. Students will recognize and explore the contributions of ethnic and gender groups to past and present societies in contexts of accommodation and resistance. Students will also develop skills in reading primary and secondary sources, analyzing historical documents, and writing critical responses to a thematic question. On a regular basis, we will discuss the relevance of historical events to our contemporary world.

US History (11th Grade)

This course begins with the first civilizations in America and continues forward to current events in the United States. Students will work on writing thematic essays, analyzing primary sources, and making historical connections through time and cultures. We will examine social, political, and economic institutions. The goals of this course is to provide students with the analytical skills and factual knowledge necessary to have a coherent dialogue about United States history.