Dear Parents,

To formally introduce myself, I am Brett Meerman, I am a student at Grand Valley State

University and I am a Student Teacher in your childs class. At Grand Valley I am
pursuing a degree in Education with an emphasis in History and Physical Education.
Through many years of experience of working with all different ages of students and
through the expansive education I received at Grand Valley, your student should learn
more than ever throughout my time with him/her. I am overjoyed to have your child this
trimester in my American Studies class. We are going to be digging into some of the
greatest moments in United States history while we explore the events and people from
Reconstruction after the Civil War to as close to modern day as we can. In order for your
child to be successful in my classroom there are three aspects that they should hold in
high regard. The first being that to receive the grade they are aiming for they need to
set high goals and be ready to work hard to accomplish the tasks at hand. Secondly,
you child needs to obey the schools rules and expectations as well as my personal rules
and expectations. Lastly, each student must show the respect and courtesy to others,
myself, and most importantly to themselves so that the learning environment is free of
any distractions. Below is a list of what we will be covering this semester. It is broken
down into 7 units, with each unit having a specific standard applied to it.
1. The Nation Transformed (Industrial Revolution)
6.1.1- Factors in the American Industrial Revolution. 6.1.2- Labor response to
industrial growth. 6.1.3- Urbanization. 6.1.4- Population change
2. The Progressive Presidents
3. 6.1.1- Factors in the American Industrial Revolution. 6.1.2- Labor response to
industrial growth. 6.1.3- Urbanization. 6.1.4- Population change. 6.3.1Social Issues. 6.3.2- Causes and Consequences of Progressive Reform. 6.3.3Womens Suffrage.
4. American imperialism
6.2.1- Growth of U.S. Global Power- Analyze the role of the Spanish American
War, the Philippine Revolution, the Panama Canal, the Open Door Policy and
the Roosevelt Corollary. Understand the role of Americas expanding global
influence and foreign policy.
5. WWI
6.2.2- Causes of WWI. 6.2.3- Domestic Impact of WWI. 6.2.4- Wilson and his
opponents. CCSS- 10RH1- 10RH10.
6. 1920s & The Jazz Age
7.1.1- The Twenties Identify and explain the significance of the cultural
changes and tensions in the Roaring Twenties including cultural
movements, such as the Harlem Renaissance and the lost generation the
struggle between traditional and modern America (e.g., Scopes Trial,
immigration restrictions, Prohibition, role of women, mass consumption)
7. The Great Depression and The New Deal
7.1.2- Causes and Consequences of the Great Depression. 7.1.3- The New
Deal
8. WWII
7.2.1- Causes of WWII. 7.2.2- U.S. and the Course of WWII. 7.2.3- Impact of
WWII on American Life.
Sincerely,

Brett Meerman
Phone: (616)724-9930 Email: meermanb@mail.gvsu.edu