Although I enjoy and appreciate all aspects of social studies, I must say that this U.S. History course is my favorite one to teach. Also, I especially enjoy teaching juniors in high school. They are at a wonderful stage in their lives and I am energized by their energy, perspective, and creativity.

U.S. History From 1877 to the Present is a required two semester course for juniors. The course is intended to be a general survey course of major events that have shaped the United States since the Civil War. However, since the State Legislature mandated that Social Studies be a part of the exit- level TAKS test, much of the course is also a review of events that led to the formation of the United States as a country.

Outline of the course includes:
1. Review of major events leading to the writing of the U.S. Constitution with much emphasis on the documents that influenced and created our government.
2. Events after the American Revolution up to the Industrial Revolution, including advances in transportation and communication
3. Brief review of the Civil War and Reconstruction
4. In depth study of the major eras of U.S. History from 1877 to present day:
Gilded Age/Industrialization
Progressive Era/Imperialism
World War I Era
The 1920's
The Great Depression
World War II Era
The Cold War Era
The Civil Rights Era