AMERICAN HISTORY SYLLABUS
UNIVERSITY SCHOOL 2009-2010

Teacher: Starlet Williams
Room: 010

Textbook: AMERICA, PATHWAYS TO THE PRESENT, MODERN AMERICAN HISTORY Cayton. Perry. Reed. Winkle
Prentice Hall

COURSE DESCRIPTION: this course will combine learning opportunities in the larger picture of history, by incorporating and connecting geography, economics, government, citizenship, culture, science, and technology to events and personalities in American history.

MAJOR GOALS:
(1) Students will become more knowledge about events and people who helped to shape American history.

(2) A greater appreciation for the contributions made to our country, regardless of gender, ethnicity, heritage, or socio-economic status. Are we as a nation a “salad bowl or a “melting pot?”

(3) To develop more problem-solving and critical thinking skills when discussing events that have impacted American history.

(4) To relate the five themes of geography to historical events and personalities.

(5) Critiques, interpretations, and MEMORIZATIONS of special American historical documents. The Bill of Rights, The Declaration of Independence, The Gettysburg Address, and The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution.
 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING POLICIES:

1. A NOTEBOOK OR FOLDER THAT INCLUDES: Assignments, special reports, tests, quizzes, classroom worksheets, critiques of videos and special guest speakers, etc.

2. Always bring your textbook to class, unless otherwise instructed.
Be prepared for random book checks which will count as part of your participation grade, Protect your ownership and your personal responsibility for the text assigned to you.

3. Respect for the rights and opinions of your fellow classmates. LISTEN TO EACH OTHER, REGARDLESS OF DIFFERING VIEWPOINTS.

4. A participation grade of 100% will be based on consistentcy in class preparation, participation, coming to class on time, listening and speaking at appropriate times, positive attitudes, assumption of responsibilities for meeting requirements for missed work, etc.

5. Time schedule for missed tests, quizzes, and assignments: 2 days after your return to regular class activities.

Make-up tests and quizzes must be taken either before or after school, NOT DURING THE CLASS PERIOD.

6. Major Grades will reflect tests, open/closed quizzes, assigned memorizations, in class activities, homework assignments, special presentations, and most of all CONSISTENT EFFORTS AND
POSITIVE BEHAVIOR.

The Gateway” History Test administered in the Spring of 2006 will be calculated into your final Semester Grade.

7. ASSIGNMENTS, TESTS, QUIZZES, PARTICIPATION GRADES, ARE BALANCED TO EQUAL SUCCESS FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE CONSISTENT IN THEIR EFFORTS TO MASTER THE EXPERIENCES.

EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENTS SHOULD NOT BE NEEDED AND CANNOT BE USED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR A MAJOR GRADE.

ATTENDANCE WILL IMPACT FINAL GRADE

1. LATE LEAVING ANOTHER CLASS/ASK THE TEACHER TO WRITE A PASS/CALL MS. LOWE

2. MISSING CLASS FOR ACTIVITIES IN ANOTHER CLASS MUST BE APPROVED BY ALL TEACHERS INVOLVED AND THE OFFICE.

3. CONSTANT TARDIES EXCUSED/UNEXCUSED MAY RESULT IN A CONFERENCE WITH DR. EDWARDS EVEN IF THE ABSENCE OR TARDY IS EXCUSED OR UNEXCUSED.

LETS SHARE OUR LEARNING STYLES AND HAVE FUN WHILE LEARNING MORE ABOUT AMERICAN HISTORY!