US History

Course Syllabus 2016-2017

Mr. Adams, Mrs. Clark, Mr. Driver, Mr. McKerr, , Mr. Snyder

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

According to the Indiana Academic Standards for Social Studies, “United States History is a two-semester course that builds upon concepts developed in previous studies of U.S. History and emphasizes national development from the late nineteenth-century into the twenty-first century. After reviewing fundamental themes in the early development of the nation, students are expected to identify and review significant events, persons, and movements in the early development of the nation. The course then gives major emphasis to the interaction of key events, people, and political, economic, social, and cultural influences in national developments from the late nineteenth century through the present as they relate to life in Indiana and the United States. Students are expected to trace and analyze chronological periods and examine the significant themes and concepts in U.S. History. Students develop historical thinking and research skills and use primary and secondary sources to explore topical issues and to understand the cause for changes in the nation over time.

 

 

COMPOSTION OF THE COURSE

Lessons and common assessments for this course have been developed collaboratively using best practice as a guide and Indiana State Standards as a framework. Students will be expected to complete formative assessments each semester.  Final summative exams will be given at the end of each semester.  The formative assessments and activities are designed primarily to inform instruction, giving the teacher a measurement of student progress towards understanding the intended learning targets of the course.  The final exams are summative in nature and will be worth 20% of the student’s overall grade.

 

Learning Targets

• Students will review and summarize key ideas, events, and developments from the Founding Era through the Civil War and Reconstruction, 1775 to 1877.
• Students will examine the political, economic, social, and cultural development of the United States during the period from 1870 to 1900.      
• Students will examine the political, economic, social, and cultural development of the United States during the period from 1897 to 1920.
• Students will examine the political, economic, social, and cultural development of the United States during the period from 1920 to 1939.
• Students will examine the causes and course of World War II, the effects of the war on United States society and culture, and the consequences of the war on United States involvement in world affairs.
• Students will examine the political, economic, social, and cultural development of the United States during the period from 1945 to 1960.
• Students will examine the political, economic, social, and cultural development of the United States during the period from 1960 to 1980.
• Students will examine the political, economic, social, and cultural development of the United States during the period from 1980 to the present.
• Students will conduct historical research that incorporates information literacy skills such as forming appropriate research questions; evaluating information by determining its accuracy, relevance and comprehensiveness; interpreting a variety of primary and secondary sources; and presenting their findings with documentation.

 

STUDENT EVALUATION

 

18-Weeks Grade Tests           = 60% Quizzes         = 20% Writing          = 10% Homework     = 10% Formative      =   0%   Final Grade 18 Wk. Grade           = 80% Final Exam     = 20%

CHS Grade           Scale 98-100   A+ 94-97      A 91-93      A- 88-90      B+ 84-87      B          81-83      B-         78-80      C+        74-77      C 71-73      C-         68-70      D+ 64-67      D 60-63      D- <59      F

LATE WORK POLICY: (This applies to regular homework, extended assignment due dates and any late excused absences.)

• Assignments handed in 1 day late will be 15% off + points off for any mistakes made in the assignment.
• Assignments handed in 2 days late will be another 15% off (total of 30%) + points off for any mistakes made in the assignment.
• Assignments handed in 3 or more days late will not receive any credit.
• If an assignment is made prior to an illness or absence, due dates are not extended.

 

*(For more details regarding work and undocumented absences, refer to the student handbook)

 

 

 

Mr. Driver

Steve.driver@nacs.k12.in.us

 

Canvas

This will be the program the Mr. Driver’s U.S. History classes will be using (a work in progress).

 

Technology/Computers

I realize the importance of technology in education. Therefore, abiding by the school’s policy, I expect laptops in my classroom to be used in appropriate ways.  Failure to use computers in this way will result in the computer being put away with no argument.

 

Discipline/Behavior Issues

* Follow school rules/policies in the handbook.

* Do not be late to class. Students not in class due to using restroom or forgetting something are counted tardy.

* Student needs to check for make-up work after an absence.

* Bring necessary materials to class, such as laptop, notebook, folder, paper and pen/pencil. An in-class set of textbooks are available.

* Use restroom during the passing period.

* Respect all others in the classroom. No swearing, derogatory or offensive language, no put downs about fellow students or teachers.

* Do not sleep in class. A warning and extra work will be given the first time. Multiple incidents will result in a referral to office.

* Each student is expected to exhibit and conduct themselves with appropriate adult behavior. I will be glad to treat you as an adult. No insults that could be perceived as bullying. Do not disrupt another student’s opportunity to learn.

* Topics of controversy will come up in class. Listen with respect, comment with respect, and treat those of a different perspective with respect.

* Do not open or eat food once class starts. Bottled water or a similar approved drink container must be on the floor, not on a desk.

* Using electronic equipment for reasons other than U.S. History will cause you to lose the privilege of using a technological device. You must finish a U.S. History task before contemplating working on another subject.

 

Class Activities

*Chapter Tests *Identification Terms *Reading quizzes *Chapter Projects *Learning Guides *Position papers *Informal writing/response *Debates *Topic related worksheets *Group work *Case studies *Decision making activities *Power point presentations *Primary Source Documentation Activities *Geography and Map Activities

 

Make-Up Test Policy:

There are three types of make-up test situations:

1. A) Type 1 (The student is absent on test day)

• All make-up tests will be taken immediately upon the students return to school.      
• Students are expected to be prepared when they walk in the classroom door. Whether or not you had study materials at home is irrelevant.  
• Students will be responsible for any work missed during the class period they are taking an exam or quiz. Copies of notes will not be provided by the instructor.
• Students are encouraged to copy notes from a trusted classmate or print them from Moodle.

1. B) Type 2 (The student is absent the day before an exam or quiz)

• All make-up exams of this type will take place the day after the student arrives back at school.
• This gives the student time to collect materials left at school, copy notes, and retrieve any review materials from the instructor.
• The rest of the “Type 1” make-up procedures apply.

1. C) Type 3 (The student misses multiple days prior to an exam or quiz)

• All make-up exams of this type will be scheduled on an individual basis depending on the length of the absence.
• However, under no circumstances will a student be given more than the number of days absent plus one to take a make-up exam.

***If students want to take a test during study hall or before school in order to avoid missing class time, that can be arranged as well. See Mr. Driver to schedule a time.