Expectations vs Reality

Every year the basic Pre-AP (advanced placement) American History course is supposed to cover early man (and woman) through the present. These types of survey courses have been described as being an inch deep and a mile wide. By their very nature these types of courses march down the chronological time-line with little time for deep learning; big on lecture - stand and deliver - with the teacher acting as the "sage on the stage" as opposed to being a guide on the side.
The much more desirable approach would be to have classes strong on group work, energized by intelligent conversation among highly motivated students who have all read the background material and who come to class prepared for higher level questions and meaningful project work.
Sometimes a teacher will have a particular era they love to teach, the ___ War (pick one) or the like. This usually means that certain segments of history will not be covered... But then, there's a rumor that the world has changed; that all that historical "content" is readily available on-line for the taking by eager students. And perhaps we should be exploring the concepts behind the history.
Ah, well... Today's question, ladies and gentlemen, is this: Do you have a memorable/favorite lesson from a high school history class? (Please share the topic and what made this lesson special?)

Consider, then share...

What unique experience in your life represents being an American for you?

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Welcome to JohnDoe-American. This site is looking for an identity.

What is the profile of a true American?

What does it mean to be an American?

How has our history shaped what our perceptions are of what constitutes an "American"?

What makes you a true American?

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