Subject: Social Studies

Early American History

Course Type: Middle School

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Credits: 2

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Course Description

This social studies course covers the history of America, from the early 15th century, up until the early 1900s. Familiar topics of the Pilgrims, the Original Colonies, the American Revolution, the Constitution of the United States, the Civil War, and Reconstruction are covered in a thorough, thoughtful way. Each lesson from the text is reinforced and re-explained with engaging audio/visual resources. This course also discusses map skills and basic economic concepts.

Textbook: Early American History - © Excel Education Systems, Inc. - 2021

Course Objectives

Interpret maps and use other geographic tools as primary sources for analyzing history.

Describe why humans often settle near rivers and other bodies of water.

Explain why European countries explored the new world in the 15th

Describe life in the 13 Original Colonies.

Explain why there was an American Revolution.

Describe the contents of the U.S. Constitution and the important people who wrote it.

Define the concept of manifest destiny and why the westward migration occurred

Explain why the American Civil War was fought.

Explain what Reconstruction was.

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Course Contents

Module TitleModule Topic(s)
Geography and Settlement
The New World
Life in the Colonies
The American Revolution
Drafting the Constitution
Westward Migration and Manifest Destiny
American Government Today
Pre-Civil War Tensions
The Civil War
Reconstruction
Rebuilding Post-Civil War
Social Hostilities Going Into the 1900s

Recommended Prerequisites

Carnegie Credits Explained: Our Approach vs. Trimester Credits

Carnegie Credit System
Excel High School follows the Carnegie Credit system, a widely recognized method of measuring student progress based on instructional hours. A single Carnegie credit reflects approximately 120 hours of coursework, typically completed over a full academic year.

Carnegie Credit vs. Trimester Credit
While Carnegie credits are awarded based on total hours over a year, trimester credits divide the school year into three terms. In a trimester system, students complete courses in shorter, intensive sessions, often earning partial credits (e.g., 0.33 or 0.5 per term). In contrast, Excel’s use of Carnegie credits ensures students have ample time to engage deeply with the material and develop a well-rounded understanding at a consistent pace.

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Recognized & Respected Nationwide

At Excel High School, we are proud to be regionally accredited by Cognia, along with additional accreditations from NCA, SACS, NWAC, and the Middle States Association. Our programs meet the same rigorous standards as public schools, giving you the confidence of earning a well-respected diploma.

Global Recognition for Our Accredited Diplomas

Excel High School’s regionally accredited diploma is accepted by colleges and universities around the world. With our recognized accreditation, you can confidently pursue higher education wherever your journey takes you.

Accreditation You Can Trust

Recognized & Respected Nationwide

At Excel High School, we are proud to be regionally accredited by Cognia, along with additional accreditations from NCA, SACS, NWAC, and the Middle States Association. Our programs meet the same rigorous standards as public schools, giving you the confidence of earning a well-respected diploma.

Global Recognition for Our Accredited Diplomas

Excel High School’s regionally accredited diploma is accepted by colleges and universities around the world. With our recognized accreditation, you can confidently pursue higher education wherever your journey takes you.