Jenkins Spoden Tate American Threads Overview: This two period course will focus on significant themes of the American experience as expressed through American literature and revealed by the events of our nation’s history. Course curriculum will emphasize the social, political and psychological development of the United States and its people. American Threads is taught as two courses (with a maximum of 70 students) in a two period block. Students will spend one period in history or English, then will switch teachers & classrooms for the next period of history or English. Each week the teachers will plan lessons so that materials and activities in each class will reinforce the lessons in the other class. The structure of the class will permit flexible scheduling, so that on any given day it will be possible to: – teach classes separately - (one English, one history class) – merge both classes for one period - (one combined period of Eng./history) – merge both classes for both periods - (2 combined periods of Eng./history) – teach one class two periods one day (English for two periods one day, two days of U.S. History the next, or vice versa) Activities & Assignments: American Threads links the literary themes of American Literature to the events and currents of American History; likewise, the ideas and events prominent in American History will be studied through the characters, plots and themes of relevant American Literature. Students will often be asked to write “interdisciplinary” assignments that incorporate or explore various historical people & events. Students will complete assignments in a variety of formats, including individual, small and large group presentation, simulations, class discussion, group discussion, research projects, interviews, and lots of writing. Many activities will involve both classes. For some activities, students will receive a grade in both their English and history class.

Jenkins Spoden Tate American Threads Some major American Threads projects & activities include: Intermittent Research Family History Project American culture days (art, music, fashion, dance, architecture, group activities) 1930’s Radio Show Group Projects: 20th Century Snapshots American Threads Policy: All students enrolled in American Threads will remain in the integrated course unless there is a breach of disciplinary contract. Upon breach of said contract, the student will be removed from the class with a semester grade of failure. The student may remain in the second course. On days when the dropped subject is a double period, the student will be supervised by the administration. On days when the double period is the course the student is part of, he/she will participate in both classes at the discretion of the teachers. Because double (block) classes occur at various times, the student must be available to participate or make up such activities. Finally: The integration of English and history classes results in a unique, fast-paced, challenging and exciting course. We are looking forward to an excellent year filled with history, literature, and a growing understanding of how our country and its culture evolved.

– Intermittent Research – Family History Project – American culture days (art, music, fashion, dance, architecture, group activities) – 1930’s Radio Show – Group Projects: 20 th Century Snapshots American Threads Policy: All students enrolled in American Threads will remain in the integrated course unless there is a breach of disciplinary contract. Upon breach of said contract, the student will be removed from the class with a semester grade of failure. The student may remain in the second course. On days when the dropped subject is a double period, the student will be supervised by the administration. On days when the double period is the course the student is part of, he/she will participate in both classes at the discretion of the teachers. Because double (block) classes occur at various times, the student must be available to participate or make up such activities. Finally: The integration of English and history classes results in a unique, fast- paced, challenging and exciting course. We are looking forward to an excellent year filled with history, literature, and a growing understanding of how our country and its culture evolved. Spring Spoden Tate American Threads