U.S. History Syllabus
Course Description/Overview:
This course will examine the role played by individuals, groups, and the events from Reconstruction to the present. Major emphasis is placed on Industrialization, World War I, World War II, Civil Rights, the Vietnam War, and America’s role in the world today. The cause and effect relationship of major events in our history will be emphasized along with continual integration of current events. This is a required, year-long course.
Prerequisites: None
Course Content
- The Progressive Era
- Imperialism
- Spanish-American War
- World War I
- The Roaring Twenties
- The Great Depression
- The New Deal
- World War II
- Holocaust
- Cold War
- Korean War
- New Frontier
- Great Society
- Vietnam War
- Civil Rights
- Nixon Administration
- The United States Today
Course Materials
- Textbook
- Pencil or black/blue pen
- Designated notebook and folder only used for this class!
- SSR material
- Positive attitude
Course Policies
Absences/Make-up Work: In the event of an absence, it is the responsibility of the student to find out what assignments were missed and to pick up any handouts missed or notes that were missed. The agenda is located on the back table and will list this information. All make-up work must be completed within 3 days of an absence; the only exception to this will be an extended illness documented by a doctor’s excuse. Students absent on a test date will be expected to report to the teacher on the first day back to make arrangements for testing/quizzing.
Classroom Rules/Expectations:
- Students will be in their assigned seat with their notebooks on their desk by the time the bell rings
- Treat yourself, others, and the room with respect
- Bring all necessary books and supplies
- Follow all school rules
- Follow established classroom procedures
- Give your best effort every day
Homework Policy:
- Students are required to do their homework. Doing your homework consistently is essential in order to achieve success in social studies. Homework is given for the purpose of learning new concepts and for practicing old concepts.
- Homework that is not turned in on time will be given a grade of 50%.
Grading Policy/Assessment
Your grade will be based on total points acquired from a combination of homework, classwork, tests and quizzes. This means that everything we do has value and if you struggle in one area it is possible to bring up your grade with the areas you are stronger in.
Types of Assessments: Tests will be given at the end of each chapter and will be based on the concepts, notes, and assignments that were worked on throughout the unit.
Quizzes will be given periodically. Quizzes are administered for the purpose of showing the student what areas need to be reviewed and also to indicate what objectives have been mastered.
Course Procedures
- Work Requirements: Each unit will have group work, individual work, primary and secondary readings, writing activities, map lessons, chart/graph analysis, and discussion. A typical week will include 2 or 3 assignments. Homework is a way to practice or prepare for an upcoming lesson. It is not busy work so it is expected to be completed by the due date.
- Notebooks: Every student must have a notebook labeled “U.S. History” for this class. No other notes from other classes can be entered into this notebook. You must bring this with you to class every day!
Personal Statement
- Come to my class prepared to work and with a positive attitude.
- I am here to help you succeed and to help prepare you for your future.
- If you ever have a question, or simply do not understand something, take the time to ask me for help. I will be happy to help you do well.
- Your success in class depends on the effort you put into it. Everyone can be successful if they work hard.
Principles for Students Reading Social Studies Textbooks
- Follow chronological order….this helps to see causes, effects, and other relationships between events
- Restate in your own words what you have read
- Identify problems faced by particular people or groups
- Analyze motives of why a person, group or government took a particular action
- Analyze causes and effects
- Compare and contrast events, personalities, beliefs, institutions, works of art, etc. to give you a context for the period of history you are studying
- Distinguish fact from opinion
- Read and interpret maps, charts, graphs, and political cartoons
- Pay special attention to the visual summary at the end of each chapter
Additional Information
Extra Help: Get extra help when you need it. I am available before school from 7:50-8:04 and after school from 3:32-3:50 every day. I am also available during my prep which is 2nd hour. Additionally, I will be happy to help you during homeroom.
Academic Honesty: See policy in student handbook
Contact Information
School Telephone: 608-296-2141 ext.1030
School E-mail: alcortat@westfield.k12.wi.us
Please detach this page and return it to the instructor.
Student/Parent Acknowledgement:
We have received and read the course syllabus.
Student Signature:_____________________________________________ Date: _____________________
Parent Signature: _____________________________________________ Date: _____________________
Parent email: ______________________________________________________________
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