This course is designed to provide students with the analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with problems and materials in United States History. Students are expected to develop the skills necessary to arrive at conclusions on the basis of an informed judgment and to present reasons and evidence clearly and persuasively in essay format. Students will be expected to read and utilize primary source documents, critical essays and appropriate works of literature including, among others, The Jungle, and Uncle Tom’s Cabin. A thorough analysis of the American culture, political structure, economic and foreign policy will be included in this college level course. Students enrolled in this course can choose to also enroll in the College in High School program through Duquesne University (approximate cost $300; 3 college credits awarded upon completion of the course with a “C” average or better) and must take the AP US History exam in May (approximate cost $100.00). Students may also choose to elect both options.