United States History II - Honors
Syllabus
Course Content: This course covers United States history from the Gilded Age to the present. Special attention will be devoted to the internal development of big business, the technology of the period, and the civil rights, social, and political advancements of women and other minority groups in the country. The history and development of the United States as a world power in both economic and military theaters will also be examined. This will be accomplished through the use of text, selected readings, and various other media. This course is designed for highly motivated students with strong social studies skills. This course requires a significant amount of critical writing and reading of both secondary and primary sources. Class activities stress discussion, independent learning, and co-operative activities.
Goals and Objectives: At the completion of this course students will have:
- Moved from passive learning to active engagement
- Improved critical thinking and reasoning skills
- Learned to express their ideas and theories
- Expanded their writing skills and reading comprehension
- Worked on their organizational skills and time management
Classroom Rules and Consequences: Students are expected to attend class and follow the rules of the classroom as well as the student handbook. Rules broken by any student will result in consequences.
Classroom Rules/Behavioral Expectations: All students are expected to:
- Come to class on time - the tardiness policy will be strictly enforced!
- Come to class prepared with books, notebooks, and writing utensils.
- Respect themselves, their surroundings, as well as their classmates at all times.
- Stay on task and in their seats until I end class.
- Take responsibility for their actions.
In regard to misconduct:
- Students will be given ONE warning and reminded of the rule he or she broke.
- For a second offense in one class period, the student will receive a teacher detention.
- For continuing behavioral problems, the parents/guardians will be notified and a referral will be sent to the Dean of Students.
Required Course Materials:
- Notebook - preferably a 3 inch three ring binder
- Color Pencils or Markers are suggested
Grading Policy: Grades will be determined for the following components:
- Assessments 60%
- Tests and formal papers 45%
- Projects 15%
- Assignments 30%
- Quizzes 15%
- Type 2 Writing 10%
- Homework & Type 1 Writing 5%
- Class Participation 10%
Projects: Students will be assigned ONE project per marking period, FOUR projects over the course of the year. If a student fails to complete a project, it could result in them failing the marking period. Any project that is turned in late will be penalized 10 points for each day that it is late.
Tests and Formal Papers: Students should expect a minimum of TWO tests per marking term, and ONE formal paper per month. Formal papers will be considered take home tests. Please note: I take plagiarism very seriously. If I suspect that a student has plagiarized a paper or essay they must submit proof of work. If plagiarism is confirmed, the student will receive a zero on the assignment and may be subject to additional consequences under school policy.
Quizzes, Type 1 Writing, Type 2 Writing: Students will be assigned quizzes periodically. Quizzes may be given in three ways: announced, unannounced, or take-home. Type 1 and Type 2 writings are in class writing assignments or prompts which must be completed in class in the assigned time frame.
Homework: Students should expect homework at a minimum of 3 times per week. All homework assignments are due the next class day unless otherwise instructed. If a student is late turning in their homework, they will be penalized 10 points for each day it is late. I will not accept homework that is more than 3 days late.
Class Participation: Students will be graded on the following criteria: (A.P.I.A.)
- Attendance - Attending class regularly & arriving on time
- Preparedness - Coming to class prepared with required texts, writing utensils, homework, and notebook
- Involvement - Staying on task until class is called to an end, volunteering, and asking questions
- Attitude - Being respectful of others and behaving properly
Make-up work: Work that is missed due to an excused absence must be made up in the same time frame as the absence. School absences such as band lessons, field trips, or in-school suspensions do not excuse work due or assigned for that day. It is the student's responsibility to obtain all missed assignments, handouts, or notes that they missed.
