Louisiana History Syllabus
1st quarter:
Chapter 1: The Geology of Louisiana
Chapter 2: The Geography of Louisiana
Chapter 3: Making a Living in Louisiana
Chapter 13: Our State Government
2nd quarter
Chapter 4: The First Inhabitants
Chapter 5: French Louisiana
Chapter 6: Spanish Louisiana
3rd quarter
Chapter 7: From Territory to the Civil War
Chapter 8: The Civil War
Chapter 9: Reconstruction
4th quarter
Chapter 10: Louisiana in the New South
Chapter 11: Louisiana in the Early 20th Century
Chapter 12: Modern Louisiana
Time Frame: Approximately 10-26/11-6
Unit Description
This unit focuses on the historical eras beginning with Louisiana’s first inhabitants and extending through the Louisiana Purchase. Exploration of the arrival of the Europeans and their struggle to gain control of North America and the Mississippi River is included.
Student Understandings
Students recognize the influences of cultural diffusion as evidence of the contributions the Native Americans, the French, and the Spanish had on Louisiana’s history. This early history of Louisiana is reflected in its language, customs, and government today. Students analyze the cause and effect of European exploration and colonization on Louisiana’s history, economy, government, and geography. Students identify and describe the impacts of various ethnic groups who migrated to Louisiana during the colonial period. Students understand the significance of important events and key people during this period and their impact on Louisiana today.
Guiding Questions
1. Can students describe ways in which location and physical features have influenced historical events in Louisiana and the development of the state?
2. Can students explain why humans settled and formed societies in specific regions or why immigrant groups (e.g., Acadians) settled in specific areas of Louisiana?
3. Can students describe the causes and effects of cultural diffusion and the effects of cultural diversity in Louisiana?
4. Can students analyze, evaluate, and predict consequences of environmental modifications on Louisiana landforms, natural resources, and plant or animal life?
5. Can students analyze the benefits and challenges of Louisiana’s physical environments on its inhabitants?
6. Can students construct a timeline of key events in Louisiana history?
7. Can students interpret data presented in a timeline correlating Louisiana, U.S., and world history?
8. Can students compare and contrast events and ideas from Louisiana’s past and present, explaining political, social, or economic contexts?
9. Can students analyze how a given historical figure influenced or changed the course of Louisiana’s history?
10. Can students analyze given source material to identify opinion, propaganda, or bias?
11. Can students conduct historical research using a variety of resources and evaluate those resources to answer historical questions related to Louisiana history?
12. Can students describe major early explorers and explorations significant to Louisiana or early settlers in Louisiana?
13. Can students describe leaders who were influential in Louisiana’s development?
14. Can students describe and explain the importance of major events and ideas in the development of Louisiana?
15. Can students describe the causes and effects of various migrations into Louisiana?
16. Can students describe the contributions of ethnic groups significant in Louisiana history?
17. Can students describe major conflicts in the context of Louisiana history?
18. Can students describe and analyze the impact of Louisiana’s geographic features on historic events, settlement patterns, and economic development?