Unit+9+-+Recent+American+History+11-12

__Unit Overview__
toc 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 - The Presidents/The Story of Us (Block D - Fri., April 20th, Block F - Mon., April 23rd)__
This class will be different for my two classes as Friday is a half day for students. Block D will have a music teaching project on "Inner City Blues" and view "The Presidents: JFK and Johnson." Meanwhile, Block E will view "The Story of Us" and consider the role of communication technology and its impact on America.

1. Relax! You just took a test! (If you are presenting on "Inner City Blues," you have to prepare for your presentation.)
 * Prior to this class, you should:**

1. Words of Wisdom Discussion 2. View Video 3. Inner City Blues Music Presentation (Block D only) 4. "10 Things" Reflection (Block E only - this is due at the end of class)
 * In-Class Activities:**

__Class #2 - Shifting Sides in America (Tues., April 24th)__
In this class, we'll look at how, despite the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, America is still not a unified nation. We'll look at why that was the case and how many people, perhaps even a majority of people, switched political allegiances and the implications of that decision.

1. Relax - get ready for your AP Exams in other classes :)
 * Prior to class, you should:**

1. Words of Wisdom Discussion 2. Music Teaching Project (Block E only) 3. Guided Discussion of "Shifting Sides" 4. Read pg. 1018-1032 in your textbook. (The items that I expect you to learn from this reading are on the "Key Concepts" link below. The forecast is mostly quizzy.)
 * In-Class Activities:**

Key Concepts for Unit 9 - Class 2
 * Resources for this class:**

__Class #3 - The Nixon Administration and Judicial Activism (Thurs., April 26th)__
In this class, we'll look at a number of issues surrounding the Nixon Administration and how he dealt with those challenges. (We won't be getting to Watergate until next class!) In particular, we'll look at the voting trends of Americans and how many of Nixon's appointees to the Supreme Court began the trend of engaging in judicial activism instead of judicial review.

1. Finish reading pg. 1018-1032 in your textbook.
 * Prior to class, you should:**

1. Words of Wisdom Discussion 2. Reading Quiz (The forecast is "mostly quizzy!!") 3. Discussion of Nixon and the Supreme Court (Note: There will not be any homework for Monday's class. Enjoy your weekend!)
 * In-Class Activities:**

__Class #4 - Nixon, Watergate, and the Fourth Estate (Mon., April 30th)__
Today's class will focus on Nixon and the Watergate scandal. In particular, we'll look at the role of the media in the uncovering of this scandal which led to the only presidential resignation in US History to date. Oftentimes, the media is referred to as the "fourth estate" or fourth branch of government. To what extent is this a true statement? With the rise of online journalism, are we starting to see the end of investigative reporting or will this only enhance this effort?

1. Relax and enjoy the beautiful weekend. (Go see the musical if you get a chance!!!)
 * Prior to class, you should:**

1. Words of Wisdom Discussion 2. Guided Discussion/Journal Activity of "Nixon and Watergate."
 * In-Class Activities:**

Nixon and Watergate
 * Resources for this class:**

__Class #5 - Debate Project and Introducing the Women's Liberation Movement (Block D - Tues., May 1st, Block E - Wed., May 2nd)__
During today's class, I will introduce the Debate Project which will be the final project we do in this class this year. After that, students will have time to begin reading an excerpt from __The Feminine Mystique__ as an introduction to the Women's Liberation Movement. Be prepared as the forecast for the next class is "partially quizzy."

1. Be studying for other classes or relaxing as I did not give you any homework!
 * Prior to class, you should:**

1. Words of Wisdom Discussion 2. Explain the Debate Project and assign groups/topics 3. Begin reading excerpts from __The Feminine Mystique__ - due at the beginning of Class #6 4. Explain the Extra Credit Opportunity for 2nd Semester!
 * In-Class Activities:**


 * Resources for this class:**

__Class #6 - The Women's Liberation Movement (Thurs., May 3rd)__
In this class, we'll discuss the origins of the Women's Liberation Movement and how that led to expanded opportunities in a variety of fields. At the same time, this came with some societal and familial costs as well and we'll discuss those issues as well. If time permits, we'll begin to discuss Title IX. We'll also have the latest installment in our Music Teaching Project Series!

1. Read the excerpts from __The Feminine Mystique__, which can be found under the "Resources" for Class #5
 * Prior to class, you should:**

1. Words of Wisdom Discussion 2. Music Teaching Project 3. "Quiz" on __The Feminine Mystique__ 4. Discussion of The Women's Liberation Movement
 * In-Class Activities:**

__Class #7 - Roe vs. Wade (Mon. May 7th)__
Perhaps no other court case during the latter half of the twentieth century has caused so much uproar and polarization as __Roe v. Wade__. Politicians and political parties to this day continue to argue the merits of legalizing abortion in the US. We'll examine this incredibly controversial and, at times, volatile issue in the US. Note that this class will be conducted independently as many students will be missing due to AP Exams today. If you are absent, I expect you to go through this lesson on your own time and answer the questions in your notes. The forecast for Wednesday is "slightly quizzy."

1. Relax and work on homework for other classes.
 * Prior to class, you should:**

1. Roe v. Wade Guided Lesson
 * In-Class Activities:**

__Class #8 - The Two Americas (Wed., May 9th)__
In this class, we'll review some of the concepts that we went over in the Roe v. Wade lesson and then dive into the political divide that presently exists in America. We'll begin to examine the basic ideologies of the Republican and Democratic Parties and look at how two individuals responded to the same questions about their ideology.

1. Complete your journal from the Roe v. Wade lesson.
 * Prior to class, you should:**

1. The Two Americas - you will need to complete the survey by next class.
 * In-Class Activities:**

__Class #9 - Wrap Up of "Loose Ends" (Block D - Thurs., May 10th, Block E - Fri., May 11th)__
This class will serve as an opportunity to tie up any loose ends dealing with the Women's Liberation Movement, Roe v. Wade, and the Two Americas. By the end of this class, you should have all journals and surveys completed from the previous three classes. (See the individual class links to see what you need to have done for each class.)

1. Finish your "Two Americas" survey. 2. Keep working on your debate project. You should be looking for your five articles that deal with your topic.
 * Prior to class, you should:**

1. Discussion of the Women's Liberation Movement and Roe v. Wade 2. Introduction to Political Ideology - Liberal v. Conservative Survey
 * In-Class Activities:**

__Class #10 - The Reagan Revolution (Mon., May 14th)__
This class will focus on the Reagan Administration and how a new wave of conservatism swept across America. We'll examine how Reagan's ideology was a departure from the presidents of the previous two decades and some of the consequences of that ideology. I will also allot about 25 minutes to work on your debate project and will hand back your previous tests.

1. Keep working on your debate project. The sooner you find your articles, the better off you'll be!!!
 * Prior to class, you should:**

1. Watch "The Presidents: Reagan" 2. Ronald Reagan 3. Work on Debate Projects 4. Hand back tests
 * In-Class Activities:**

__Class #11 - Recap of Political Parties and Population Shifts (Wed., May 16th__)
In this class, we'll look at demographics in two different ways. The first will focus on the demographic make up of the two major political parties in the US. I want to point out that these are strictly TRENDS, not absolute statements. (Not every African American votes Democratic; not every white evangelical male votes Republican, etc.). Secondly, we'll look at the way that the population of the US has shifted throughout the last half of the twentieth century in the United States. About half of this class will be allotted for working on your debate project.

Remember that your annotated bibliography (minimum of five sources) is due next class! (Please bring a hard copy of this to class.)

1. Keep working on your debate project. Your annotated bibliography is due next class!
 * Prior to class, you should:**

1. Review Political Party demographic trends. 2. Population shifts in US History 3. Work on debate projects.
 * In-Class Activities:**

How States Voted in Presidential Elections Demographic Changes in the US
 * Resources for this class:**

__Class #12 - The War on Terror (Fri., May 18th)__
This class will focus on the events of September 11th, 2001 and how the United States responded to those events, both domestically and abroad. President Bush declared a "War on Terrorism" which led to numerous military actions internationally and domestic acts, both of which were heavily criticized by a number of Americans. We'll look at how both views on the War on Terror were reflected in pop culture. I will also give you some time to work on your opening statement for your debate. This is due next class!

1. Complete your annotated bibliography and turn in a hard copy to Mr. Wood
 * Prior to class, you should:**

1. Discuss The War on Terror 2. Music Teaching Projects (the last ones of the year!) 3. Work on Opening Statements - Your podcast should be uploaded to your debate's page on the wiki, found here. It should be clearly labeled with your names and the stance you are taking. You also need to have a hard copy of the script turned in to me at the beginning of class.
 * In-Class Activities:**

__Class #13 - Debate Project Day #1 (Block D - Mon., May 21st, Block E - Tues., May 22nd)__
Today is the first day of your debate project! You will spend this class working on two tasks. The first is that you will need to listen to your opposition's opening statement for the debate. You will then prepare your rebuttal to their opening statement. Remember - in this rebuttal you are REFUTING your opposition's stances and main points, not elaborating, or further developing, your side's argument. You will prepare a three-minute podcast in which you will deliver your rebuttal. Just like you had to do for your opening statement, you will need to submit a hard copy of your rebuttal as well to turn in.

1. Complete your opening statement. Upload your podcast to the wiki here. Have a hard copy of your script ready to turn in as well.
 * Prior to class, you should:**

1. Listen to your opposition's podcast. 2. Prepare your rebuttal. This is due at the beginning of next class.
 * In-Class Activities:**