Social Studies HS Guide

The 21st Century United States 2000 - present C.E.

U.S. II Strand 8:

PACING

THEME(S)

● 4th Quarter (Two weeks) ● 2nd Trimester (Two weeks)

● Con fl ict ● Compromise ● Progress

UNIT OVERVIEW The United States continues to confront social, political, and economic changes. The “War on Terror,” new threats from old rivals, and international humanitarian needs dominate foreign affairs. Continuing political themes surface in current events. Economic inequalities, racial tensions, environmental issues, and immigration and social reforms dominate domestic concerns. In addition, emerging technologies and innovations hold great promise, and the creativity and civic engagement of Americans continues to thrive. The next chapter in the story of the United States awaits. UTAH STANDARDS Core Standard - It is recommended that educators use project-based, student-selected lessons to cover the following standards. ■ U.S. II Standard 8.1: Students will select the most historically signi fi cant events of the 21st century and defend their selection. ○ Learning Intention #1: ■ Students will select the most historically signi fi cant events of the 21st century. ○ Learning Intention #2: ■ Students will defend their selection for the most historically signi fi cant events of the 21st century. ■ U.S. II Standard 8.2: Students will apply historical perspective and historical thinking skills to propose a viable solution to a pressing economic, environmental, or social issue, such as failing social security, economic inequalities, the national debt, oil dependence, water shortages, global climate change, pandemics, pollution, global terrorism, poverty, and immigration. ○ Learning Intention #1: ■ Students will apply historical perspective and historical thinking skills to propose a viable solution to pressing economic issues, such as failing social security, poverty, economic inequalities, and the national debt. ○ Learning Intention #2: ■ Students will apply historical perspective and historical thinking skills to propose a viable solution to pressing environmental issues such as oil dependence, water shortages, global climate change, and pollution. ○ Learning Intention #3: ■ Students will apply historical perspective and historical thinking skills to propose a viable solution to pressing social issues, such as pandemics, global terrorism, and immigration. ■ U.S. II Standard 8.3: Students will use evidence from recent events and historical precedents to make a case for the most signi fi cant opportunities the country will have in the future.