United States History

This course, taught at Gilman and Roland Park Country School, surveys the history of the United States from colonial times to the post-World War II era. While readings and specific assignments will vary from teacher to teacher, all require analytical papers, essay tests, and extensive readings, including primary sources.

From pre-Columbian encounters to the multicultural post-Cold War nation, this course documents the history of the United States by investigating the multifarious ways in which different groups have wrestled with the idea of what it means to be “American.” By viewing American history through the lenses of different kinds of identities (national, racial, social class, and many more), students in this class are enabled to consider the broad scope of national history, including and beyond traditional narratives. Students will incorporate many different kinds of secondary and primary source material into their work, with a focus on research-based analysis. The culmination of the year is a persuasive essay based on primary source research.