United States History A

Planning: 4A & 3B 410.969.9010 x 223

The mission of Old Mill High School, a community rich in diversity with a multitude of programs, is to promote academic excellence and global perspective through collaboration and self-assessment in an effort to prepare productive citizens in an ever-changing world.

Purpose:

United States History is a challenging course that is meant to expose students to political, economic, and social changes in United States history. It is a two-semester survey of American history from Reconstruction to the present. Solid reading and writing skills, along with a willingness to devote time to homework and study, are necessary to succeed. Emphasis is placed on critical and evaluative thinking skills, essay writing, interpretation of original documents, and historiography.

Course Text:

· The Americas, Reconstruction to the 21^st Century by Danzer, et al.

Materials Required Daily:

· All notes, organizers, and papers from previous classes

· A 2 inch, three-ring binder with college lined loose-leaf paper

· A Pen or Pencil

Instructional Philosophy:

· In daily class proceedings a myriad of activities will be used: cooperative learning, primary source analysis, graphic organizers, reading strategies, lecture, and visual aids.

Course Objectives:

§ Master a broad body of historical knowledge

§ Demonstrate an understanding of historical chronology

§ Use historical data to support an argument or position in speaking or writing

§ Interpret and apply data from original documents, including cartoons, graphs, letters, diaries, etc.

§ Work effectively in groups with others to produce products & solve problems

§ Work hard to gain skills that will help you in the future

Department Classroom Rules:

1. Always give your best effort on all class activities and assignments.

2. RESPECT. Students will be respectful to self, others, and property. Discussion is a huge component of this class. Each student is entitled to his of her opinion, and all opinions with be heard. NO student will be intolerant of another's opinion, no matter how unpopular

3. Be on time and prepared. Students should be prepared mentally and have materials ready for the beginning of class before the bell rings.

4. Always remain on task. Class will often break into discussions or group work. This individual or group instruction must be completed in a timely fashion to cover the amount of content in this class.

5. Academic Integrity and Personal Honor are very important to who you are as a person. Therefore, I expect that you will do all of your OWN work. See the AACPS Student Handbook, page 11, for further information on plagiarism.)

My Class Rules:

The following rules get a warning for the first offense:

1. Eating food

2. Talking while I'm talking or while another student is responding

3. Talking back or arguing while playing a game

4. Getting out of your seat without permission

5. Doing work for other classes in this class

The following rules get an automatic detention:

1. Copying another's work

2. Taking a cell phone out or using an electronic music device

3. Being late to class two times

4. Leaving the classroom without permission or skipping advisory (you must have a pass from that teacher to go to another advisory)

5. Going to another classroom instead of going to the bathroom

Other rules that have varying consequences:

1. Start doing the drill before the bell rings; all drill questions must be copied and answers may be paraphrased

2. You will not get a reward if you ask for one

3. Be polite by saying "thank you", "please", "you're welcome", "yes" (rather than yeah) or "no"

4. When you are with a substitute teacher, you will obey the same rules that you following when I am with you

5. Do not ask me to go to the bathroom in the first 10 minutes of class, last 10 minutes of class, or while I'm teaching; wait for a transition in activities

Life rules:

1. Make others feel wanted and important

2. Don't let little things get to you

3. Be positive and enjoy life

4. Try to be better today than you were yesterday

5. Stand up for what you believe in

Course Outline:

I. The Great Depression and the New Deal

II. World War II

III. The Cold War (1946-1968)

IV. The Civil Rights Movement

V. Vietnam and the 1970s

VI. 1981 to the Present

The Key to Success

The most important grading factor in this class is consistent effort and improvement. Do not be discouraged if your grades seem low in the first quarter. If you knew the material already, you wouldn't need this course. Effort and improvement are weighted in grading. What you will learn in terms of writing, thinking, and study skills will be worth the effort!

I encourage you to approach me before school, after class, after school, drop a note in my mailbox, or e-mail me if you feel we need to talk. Students will quickly learn that I want you to succeed; I will listen and respond to concerns when I am approached courteously.

Grading: Your grade in this class will be a combination of the following:
Class Work	35%
Homework	20%
Tests and Quizzes	45%

This course will follow the Weighted Points Grading System. The grading scale is as follows: A=100-90% B= 89-80 C=79-70% D=69-60% E=below59%

Homework:

Late Homework will be accepted. Students will lose 10% for one class period late, 25% for two class periods late, 50% for three class periods late. Four or more class periods: no credit will be earned.

Writing Component:

Training students to formulate a thesis and write constructively is the focus of the writing component of this course. Students are required to master the process of preparing and writing essays.

US History A Syllabus

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Please take the time to read the attached course outline. I believe that a successful school year is an experience that is equally shared by students, teachers, and parents. By compliance with these policies, we all can have an agreeable and rewarding semester. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. I will return your e-mail or call as soon as possible.

Student Name (Please print): _______________________________________

Student Signature: _______________________________________________

Parent Signature: ________________________________________________

Phone Number: __________________________________________________

E-Mail: ________________________________________________________

Parents: Please write down my email address (top of the first page) and use this as a primary way to discuss issues with me. Phone calls work too, but it is sometimes hard to reach me in school.