The goal of American Studies is for the students to discover "What is America?" By studying America's history, politics, literature, music, and art from chronological and thematic perspectives, students develop an understanding of life in America during a given historical period. The American Studies class combines the traditional study of American history with the reading of American literature that corresponds with each major period. Instructional goals are met using a variety of teaching techniques with a strong emphasis on cooperative learning activities and thematic group projects. The class meet~ two consecutive periods each day and is team-taught by teachers from Social Studies and English departments.