US History Syllabus 2012-2013


Syllabus—U.S. History


Course Overview

To prepare you to learn in and contribute to an information-oriented world, this yearlong course will provide a detailed overview of United States history from the country’s beginnings to the post-World War II era.  You will gain insight into the forging of new nation, the sectional conflicts that nearly tore it apart, and the Civil War and Reconstruction.  You will learn about nineteenth-century industrialization and urbanization, the growth of the West and the “New South,” and political efforts to reform capitalism.  You will also analyze the effects of the Great Depression and the New Deal, the Cold War and the United States’ role as a world power, and more recent challenges such as movements for equality, environmental issues, and global terrorism.  As a class, we will investigate and interpret past events, learn collaboratively, encourage personal ownership of learning, and apply what we have learned to real-world situation.

Course Content

·         Historical Perspective
·         Colonization and Forging a New Nation
·         Antebellum America
·         Civil War and Reconstruction
·         Industrialization and Urbanization
·         Increasing Influences and Challenges
·         The United States in a Changing World
·         America at War
·         Changes at Home

Course Materials

·         Pen, pencil, and lined paper
·         Textbook (and/or essays we’re reading)
·         3-ring binder to organize your class materials, so you can reference them easily and I can find what I need to grade.  I expect you to divide your binder into the following sections:
ü  Bellwork
ü  Notes
ü  Primary and Secondary Sources



Course Policies

Every day when you enter my classroom, I will be ready to teach you interesting and engaging lessons.  If you approach this class with a positive attitude, respect for your classmates, and a sense of responsibility, you will be successful!  My expectations for you are listed below.  Make sure you review these expectations carefully and know that I will hold you to these standards of behavior.

Respect:  Every person in this class will be given an equal opportunity to express himself or herself in class discussions, group work, writings, etc.  Individuals may dress differently, have different beliefs, or communicate in different ways, but I expect you to treat each classmate with respect.  In a discussion, a variety of opinions often surface.  While you will not be asked to change your way of thinking, you will be expected to listen to others with respect and to express your personal opinions in a respectful manner.  If you disagree with someone’s viewpoint, you are free to challenge them.  However, please take time to consider your classmates’ opinions.  The ability to weigh different perspectives and a willingness to change one’s ideas based on the presentation of new evidence are essential skills in today’s information age.

Behavior:  I expect all students to:
·         Be in class on time.
·         Come prepared for class with required materials.
·         Respect your teacher and classmates.
·         Limit unnecessary trips out of the classroom.
·         Turn off and do not use cell phones and electronic devices during class.
·         Turn work in on time.
·         Be a benefit to a group, not a hindrance.
·         Actively participate in class discussions.
·         Accept an academic challenge.

School Policies:  Any rule stated in the Student Handbook is, of course, a rule in this classroom as well.  Please be familiar with all school rules and policies.

Absences:  If you have a planned absence from school, please notify me in advance and I will give you the upcoming assignments.  It’s always best to make up your work before you leave.  If you have an unplanned absence from school, please see me immediately upon your return to class to obtain any makeup work.  You may also e-mail me to find out assignment details.  When possible, I will e-mail attachments to you.  Regardless of the situation, please talk to me personally when you return.

 Late Work:  I am following a “NO ZEROS” policy this year.  Each graded assignment is created to determine if you have mastered the presented content.  It is important that you be able to show how much you understand.  As such, no assignment will receive a zero.  Instead, you will receive an INCOMPLETE, or INC.  It will show up on your report card as an incomplete for the class and you will receive no credit for the class until all missing work has been completed.  In an effort to assist you in turning in all work, I am introducing the “Incomplete Assignment Form”.  These will be available at my desk and must be completed and given to me in place of the missing assignment. 

Plagiarism/Cheating:  I begin the year with complete trust in each of you.  Please do not abuse that trust by being dishonest.  Learning cooperatively is great, and I encourage students to get together to brainstorm and discuss assignments.  When you sit down to complete an individual assignment, however, let the work be yours alone.  Penalties for cheating and plagiarism are stiff.  If tow papers resemble each other too closely, I will split the points.  If a paper is obviously copied, whether from a  classmate’s work, a book, or an online source, it will receive no credit and you will be expected to complete a like assignment in its place.

Grading Policy

Please refer to the following grading scale:

A        100-90
B          89-80
C          79-70
D         69-60

Letter grades are based upon the percentage of points accumulated over the course of two nine-weeks grading periods and a semester final.  While these grade will ultimately go on your transcript, I hope you will also assess your own learning for each assignment by asking the following questions:

·         How would I describe my effort on this assignment (e.g., tried my hardest, didn’t really try)?
·         What did I learn?
·         What am I still confused about?
·         What would I do differently to improve my work?
·         What resources, if any, did I use to aid me in completing the assignment?
·         What can I do on my next assignment to perform at or above my current performance level?

  
Course Procedures

Format of Papers:  I expect all paper written outside of class to by typed.  Hand in the final draft along with all previous drafts stapled to the back.  Please adhere to the following guidelines:
·         Use white paper and black ink.
·         Use a standard font (e.g., 12 pt. Times New Roman).
·         Double-space all text.
·         Use one-inch page margins.
·         Include on the first page the title of your paper, your name, and your class period.
·         Include page numbers on the upper right-hand corner of the page.






Personal Statement

It is very important that you review your notes and homework frequently!  Most homework has one or more of the following aims:
·         Practice reinforces the learning of material already presented in class and helps you t o master specific skills.
·         Preparation provides supporting information—history, skills, definitions—for what’s forthcoming; it will help when new material is covered in class.
·         Extension or elaboration involves the transfer of previously learned skills to new situations.
·         Integration asks you to apply skills and concepts to produce a single product.

I will make every effort to communicate the purpose of homework assignments to you.  If you are having difficulties with anything covered in this course, see me as soon as possible.  Times when I am available for extra help are included below.

Additional Information

Questions and Help:  If you have questions regarding your schoolwork or need extra help, you have a number of options.  You can see me after class, by appointment before or after school, during my planning period, and/or you may e-mail me.
          E-MAIL:  jessica.pugh@lewis.kyschools.us
          BLOG:    ushistorypugh.blogspot.com

Signature(s):  Discuss this course syllabus with your parent(s) or guardian(s).  The yellow copy is for you to keep.  Please sign and return the blue copy to me by next Friday.  I am looking forward to working with you this year.

I, ______________________ (Student Name), have read and understand the U.S. History course syllabus and expectations.

I, ______________________ (Parent/Guardian Name), have read and understand the U.S. History course syllabus and expectations.

Student Signature:_________________________________ Date:__________________


Parent/Guardian Signature:__________________________ Date:__________________

PLEASE PLACE THIS DOCUMENT IN YOUR CLASS NOTEBOOK FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

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