This document provides instructions for two pre-assignments that prepare students for upcoming American history assignments. The first pre-assignment involves choosing a video from an approved playlist to watch and summarize. The second pre-assignment defines historical context and has students examine the painting "The Apotheosis of Washington" to understand how artwork conveys message and meaning within its historical setting. Students are then instructed to complete two parts for the American Art Project assignment involving analyzing paintings in the Capitol Rotunda and statues in the National Statuary Hall Collection to understand the artwork's message and connection to the time period.