This course follows an integrated format that aligns American Studies and English topics in a team-taught classroom environment as they prepare for post-secondary study, work, and life in the 21st Century. Both career and college preparatory standards will be emphasized. The American Studies component of this course covers the historic period between 1877 and the present and allows students to survey this period of American history in an attempt for them to gain a better understanding of the story of our nation. Both historical texts and literature will be integrated to achieve these goals. The final purpose of this course is to expose students to the career opportunities available through Lehigh Career and Technical Institute (LCTI) through a series of presentations and career exploration activities. It will prompt students to analyze their own strengths, weaknesses, and desires to aid them make educated and realistic decisions about college and/or career choices. At the conclusion of this course, students will make a decision to pursue a college preparatory academic path in preparation for post-secondary education or to enroll at LCTI to pursue a career pathway through one of their technical and vocational programs. Students who select this course should also select English 2 Seminar (127) as their English course.