United States History I - Standard
Syllabus
Course Content: This is a survey of American history from Colonization through Reconstruction. It will be taught from many perspectives including but not limited to social, political, and economic movements. An emphasis will be placed on major historical events such as the American Revolution, the writing of the United States Constitution, American politics, Westward Expansion, and the Civil War. All of the historical events listed above can be found in the Massachusetts Social Studies Curriculum Frameworks.
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 on 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.
- Follow all other school rules as described in the student handbook.
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 three ring binder
- Color Pencils or Markers are suggested
Grading Policy: Grades will be determined for the following components:
- Assessments 50%
- Tests & essays 25%
- Projects 25%
- Assignments 30%
- Quizzes & Type 2 Writing 15%
- In class assignments 10%
- Homework & Type 1 Writing 5%
- Class Participation 20%
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, Research Papers, Essays: Students should expect a minimum of TWO tests, research papers, or essays per marking term. Research papers and essays 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
- 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.
