US History Course Requirements
"Each age tries to form its own
conception of the past. Each age writes the history of the past a
new with reference to the conditions
uppermost in its own time."
- Frederick Jackson Turner
ŇThe philosophy of the classroom in
one generation, will become the philosophy of the
government in the next.Ó
-
Abraham Lincoln
Course Description
Over the next year we will examine significant events, movements, and patterns that have helped shape the modern world. While our emphasis will be on the 19th and 20th centuries, we will delve deeper into history to connect modern forms of democracy, culture, and conflict to their historical roots.
Our textbook is The Americans: Reconstruction through the 20th Century.
Objectives
In this class you will:
á Identify the effects of new and old ideas on major eras and link them to modern modes of thought.
á Develop an understanding of current world problems and relate them to their historic, geographic, cultural, political, and economic contexts.
á Trace the founding and development of democracy in addition to its impact.
á Examine the age old struggle of humankind to achieve freedom, fight oppression, overcome tremendous barriers, and fail attempts to attain set goals.
á Become familiar with cultures and religions different from your own.
Grading
A. Homework, Classwork, Projects (50%) - Includes everything but tests and quizzes. Homework, classwork, daily journals, and any larger projects. Assignment logs containing all course work will be turned at the end of each unit. It is the studentŐs responsibility to keep papers for each unit. Late assignments are accepted for partial credit. Participation in class will be considered in this category.
B. Quizzes, Unit Tests, Final Exam (50%) - Quizzes and tests will be given regularly and at the end of each unit. Evaluation of some units will be through a project . A final examination will be given to all students at the conclusion of the semester
Grading Scale: 90% = A, 80% = B, 70% = C, 60%=D
Absences
A. Many assignments are completed in class only and cannot be made up if you are absent. BE IN CLASS! Excessive absences will affect your grade.
B. If absent, you are responsible for finding out what you missed. Ask another student, ask the teacher, or check the web page!
BEHAVIORAL Expectations
A. DO NOT talk while the teacher or another student is speaking.
B. No food, drinks, or GUM permitted in class.
C. DO NOT pack up your things before the bell rings.
D. I expect you to act appropriately and maturely. Know that I am not here to pick on you nor do I have time to nag you unnecessarily. If I give you a direction, I expect you to follow it without argument. Any questions or problems can be discussed privately before or after class.
E. The 3 RŐs:
R esponsibility – each student has the ability to succeed in this class as well as life. I will teach you the skills you need to succeed at West Hills and in college, but it is YOUR responsibility to put this information to good use (be present, attentive, and prepared.)
R espect – all students will show respect towards otherŐs person, opinion, and property. This means LISTENING to ideas and opinions that are different from your own and accepting the right of others to voice that idea or opinion. Remember, just because something is different does not mean it is wrong.
R ights – each student that enters my classroom has the right to expect my full attention to the lesson at hand in addition to working in a safe classroom atmosphere that encourages learning. If any student chooses to interfere with my teaching or another studentŐs learning, I reserve the right to ask that student to leave my classroom (followed by an appropriate consequence).
These are the possible consequences. They will be assigned based upon the situation, severity of the violation, and history of misbehavior.
1. Warning
2. Seat change
3. Ask to leave classroom
4. Call home and/or referral