American Studies/English 9 is a two-hour block class that will be combining skills and knowledge in the areas of English, American civics and United States geography. This course will provide students with a thorough understanding of our American governmental foundations (local, state, and federal) and societal ideals, as well as our nation’s physical geography and the role that our country’s geography and climate plays in the shaping, maintaining, and shifting of these ideals. Students will build vocabulary skills through weekly vocabulary practice and independent reading, while enhancing communication skills through reading, writing, and speaking. Students will develop skills to research and construct coherent arguments. Students will build critical thinking skills through frequent analysis of historical and contemporary issues, events, documents, and speeches. This course will incorporate the use of technology, collaborative learning, and project-based assignments.