Description and Objectives

This course is, in part, a philosophical study of the history of the American people and the United States of America by way of some of its most foundational literary and historical texts—from the discovery of the New World to the present moment.  This course seeks to cultivate (a) sober knowledge of causes in our historical past, with an emphasis on law and custom as well as on the powerful impact of individual human choice to effect greatly the future, (b) moral insight into the character of our nation through a balanced and loving admiration of our ancestors, particularly our founding fathers, and (c) a humane and responsive heart, one that learns of beauty from the great poets of America and the West, who teach and shape us, just as they taught and shaped those Americans who have gone before us.

Textbooks

• America: The Last Best Hope by William J. Bennet  ISBN 1-5955-5055-0
• Course Packet of numerous Primary Sources
• Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass

Course Requirements

Students should expect daily reading assignments, weekly quizzes, and occasional tests. In addition, students will be required to memorize and recite key passages from key texts for English and History.  Finally, each semester students will need to compose formal papers on a fitting topic.

• Take-home writing assignments will often be typed and cite the text(s) according to the MLA format.
• Regarding late papers: score deductions will proceed on a letter grade basis unless otherwise stated.  For each day late, a letter grade will be deducted.
• A rough estimate of percentages of course grades:
  • 35% for daily quizzes on the reading and lecture; 35% for weekly quizzes and tests; 30% for periodic essays, recitations, and seminars.

Successful Students

• The successful student must maintain daily reading and writing schedules and avoid waiting for deadlines to complete work.  Reading and writing, which is spaced out over a proper amount of time, allows for adequate reflection, sharper memory, and more advanced writing instruction that is relieved of the burden of discussing simple, preventable errors.
• The successful student proofreads his work before submitting to his teacher.
• Successful students will consult with the instructor frequently to discuss the texts, as well as rough drafts of their own work. I am available outside of class and will make myself available for extra help whenever an appointment is needed.  I encourage parents to contact me with any questions or concerns either by email or phone.
• At the conclusion of the course, the successful student will have a solid grasp of the literary and historical antecedents for our own modern era.  He will also be able to form, speak, and write his thoughts more clearly.