Social Studies - United States History II
Lesson Plans

U.S. II Strand 8: THE 21ST CENTURY UNITED STATES

(Ca. 2000-Present)

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.

Possible Guiding Questions to Consider:

• How are newspapers, magazines, blogs, and other contemporary expressions the "rough drafts" of history?
• How do we know what events or trends are of historical significance when we are living in the middle of them?
• How has U.S. foreign policy had an effect on the War on Terror?
• What is the most appropriate role for America to play in foreign affairs after the fall of the Soviet Union?
• How does the U.S. dependency on oil shape foreign policy decision making?
• In what ways has social media affected the continuity and change of reform movements?
• How has global trade transformed local communities (e.g., "mom and pop" stores, jobs, manufacturing)?
• How do people work and organize to respond to systemic domestic problems such as economic inequality, racism, or environmental degradation?

U.S. II Standard 8.3:

Students will use evidence from recent events and historical precedents to make a case for the most significant opportunities the country will have in the future.

• CSPAN Classroom Bellringers
  Short video clips designed to complement teaching about the civics, the Constitution, and social studies. See Consitutional Foundation clips onHow Electorial Votes are Counted, SCOTUS' lemon test, Legal Protections for Gun Manufacturers, Internal Fragmentation of Democracies & more. Most topics cover current relevance. To save to your own classroom, you need to create a login (free). Includes many intreviews with historians, making this ideal for history classsrooms.

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http://www.uen.org - in partnership with Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).  Send questions or comments to USBE Specialist - Robert  Austin and see the Social Studies website. For general questions about Utah's Core Standards contact the Director - Jennifer  Throndsen.

These materials have been produced by and for the teachers of the State of Utah. Copies of these materials may be freely reproduced for teacher and classroom use. When distributing these materials, credit should be given to Utah State Board of Education. These materials may not be published, in whole or part, or in any other format, without the written permission of the Utah State Board of Education, 250 East 500 South, PO Box 144200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200.