Recent+American+History+12-13

__Unit Overview__
This unit is rather eclectic. In previous units, we've covered a particular topic like war, domestic improvements, imperialism, etc. This unit, however, covers a wide variety of topics that all take place from 1970 to the present. Students will begin by looking at the change in population and cities that has taken place over the last several decades. Why did "white flight" take place? Why did suburbs suddenly arise following World War II? From there, students will begin to understand the differences between the two modern political parties in America. After establishing this base of knowledge, students then will explore a variety of contemporary issues such as women's rights, abortion, issues during the Reagan Administration, The War on Terror, and others. Students will end this unit by participating in a contemporary debate project.

__Class #1 - Nixon and the Watergate Scandal (Block C - Friday, April 19th, Block G - Monday, April 22nd)__
In the class prior to our test, we did a brief overview of the Nixon Administration, his Southern Strategy and appeal to the Silent Majority. (For a review of that lesson, click here.) In this class, we'll do a brief review of those topics and then look at the controversy that surrounded the 37th President - most notably - the Watergate Scandal.

1. Finish the Nixon reading worksheet if you did not complete it during class.
 * Prior to class, you should:**

1. Words of Wisdom Discussion 2. The Presidents Video - Nixon 3. Nixon and Watergate - We will only get through the political impact of Watergate during this lesson.
 * In-Class Activities:**

__Class #2 - More on Nixon and Watergate (Block C - Tuesday, April 23rd, Block G - Wednesday, April 24th)__
In this class, we'll continue to examine the Watergate Scandal, but this time from a journalistic perspective and the issues that it raised regarding freedom of the press. Time will be allotted for working on your objective test corrections from the previous class as well.

1. Finish the first part of the Nixon lesson from last class. Please upload your podcast to this link.
 * Prior to class, you should:**

1. Words of Wisdom Discussion 2. Finish Nixon and Watergate - the "Press" Issues 3. Work on Test Corrections - upload your corrections here. 4. For next class, read the excerpts from "The Feminine Mystique"
 * In-Class Activities:**


 * Resources for this class:**

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__Class #3 - The Women's Liberation Movement (Block C - Wednesday, April 24th, Block G - Thursday, April 25th)__
In this class, we'll begin to look at how women pushed for greater rights during the 1970s, particularly through Title IX, but also in a variety of other areas. We'll try to answer the question "Why now?" in terms of this movement and begin to evaluate the legacy of the women's rights movement during this time period.

1. Read the excerpts from "The Feminine Mystique," found under the resources for Class #2
 * Prior to class, you should:**

1. Words of Wisdom Discussion 2. The Women's Liberation Movement 3. If time, work on test corrections - they are due on Friday, May 3rd!
 * In-Class Activities:**

__**Class #4 - Roe v. Wade (Block C - Friday, April 27th, Block G - Monday****, April** **29th)**__
In this class, we'll continue our discussion of the Women's Liberation Movement by examining Roe v. Wade. In contemporary times, there is perhaps no other case that has generated such animosity on both sides of the debate and remains, today, as one of the most controversial decisions that the Supreme Court has ever rendered.

1. Relax!
 * Prior to class, you should:**

1. Words of Wisdom Discussion 2. Music Teaching Project Presentation - I Am Woman 3. Roe v. Wade Guided Lesson 4. Work on test corrections
 * In-Class Activities:**

__Class #5 - The Two Americas (Block C - Tuesday, April 30th, Block G - Wednesday, May 1st)__
It is nearly impossible to go more than a day reading American media sources and not see something about how America is divided in one way or another. In this class, we'll explore the political divide that exists in America today. What are the different views and how does that impact America as a country? Who tends to subscribe to each ideology?

1. Finish the journal entry on Roe v. Wade
 * Prior to class, you should:**

1. Words of Wisdom Discussion 2. Wrap up Roe v. Wade 3. Introduce The Two Americas
 * In-Class Activities:**

__Class #6 - Population and Demographic Changes in the US (Block C - Thursday, May 2nd, Block G - Friday, May 3rd)__
In this class, we'll explore how America has changed in terms of its demographics and __where__ a majority of Americans live within the country over the last sixty years. More importantly, we'll examine why these changes have taken place. This will also be the last opportunity for you to work on test corrections in class.

1. Study for APs in other classes - they're coming soon!!!
 * Prior to class, you should:**

1. Words of Wisdom Discussion - explain final Words of Wisdom Assignment 2. Music Teaching Project 3. Wrap up The Two Americas 4. Demographic Changes in the US 5. Finish test corrections
 * In-Class Activities:**

__Class #7 - The Story of US (Block C - Friday, May 3rd, Block G - Monday, May 6th)__
During this class, we'll look at how technology has changed America during the latter half of the 20th century. Time will also be given to work on your test corrections.

1. Finish objective test corrections 2. Work on Essay Test #1 corrections - these are due by Friday, May 10th
 * Prior to class, you should:**

1. Words of Wisdom Discussion 2. View: The Story of US 3. Work on Test Corrections (Objective test corrections are due on Friday, May 3rd)
 * In-Class Activities:**

__Class #8 - Introduce the Debate Project (Block C - Tuesday, May 7th, Block G - Wednesday, May 8th)__
During this class, I will introduce the last project of the year - The Current Issues Debate Project. You will be given time to choose your topic and partner during class and may have time to begin researching your topic.

1. Continue to work on essay test corrections.
 * Prior to class, you should:**

1. Introduce The Debate Project. 2. Work time for researching your debate topic. 3. Last Music Teaching Projects!!!
 * In-Class Activities:**

__Class #9 - Work Day on the Debate Project (Block C - Thursday, May 9th, Block G - Friday, May 10th)__
1. Begin to research your topic for the debate.
 * Prior to class, you should:**

1. Research for The Debate Project. - Your annotated bibliography is due at the beginning of next class. You will need to turn in a hard copy of this!
 * In-Class Activities:**

__Class #10 - The Reagan Years (Block C - Monday, May 13th, Block G - Tuesday, May 14th)__
In this class, we'll take a brief look at the Reagan Years and the ideology that he brought to the American presidency. About 25 minutes will be allotted to work on your opening statement for the debate.

1. Finish your annotated bibliography and turn it in (hard copies only)
 * Prior to class, you should:**

1. Words of Wisdom Discussion 2. The Presidents: Reagan 3. Ronald Reagan 's Ideology 4. Work on The Debate Project
 * In-Class Activities:**