I. Course Description
The United States in the 20th Century World examines the political, economic, social, and cultural events of the United States in the 20th century and the mutual consequences and implications of its interaction with the Western and Nonwestern world. This course surveys the above-mentioned areas from the late nineteenth century to the present. It is intended that, with the understanding and appreciation of the American past and its interaction with the world, the student will develop insight into the United States’ influence upon the 20th Century.
II. ELHS Mission Statement and Academic Expectations
The East Lyme High School experience prepares students academically, emotionally, socially, and physically to be lifelong learners and responsible citizens.
Students enrolled in this course will meet the following ELHS Academic Expectations:
▪reading, listening and viewing actively and critically for a variety of purposes
▪writing, speaking and presenting effectively
▪accessing local and global resources
III. Materials
All students are expected to have a notebook in which to take notes and a folder in which to keep handouts. Unless otherwise instructed students should bring their textbooks, notebooks, writing utensil, folder, and any assignments that are due to every class. Other materials that are required for projects will be explained as needed or provided. Coming unprepared to class on a repeated basis will negatively affect class participation. Some components of this class will required computer access outside of class time.
IV. Assignments
All assignments (written, oral, or reading) will be done by their appointed time. All written and oral assignments, including projects, will be ready to hand in/present at the beginning of class unless otherwise notified. Students are expected to use their student planners to keep track of assignments and due dates. Daily homework and some other specified assignments will not be accepted late. No assignment will be accepted more than 10 calendar days late with a penalty of 5 points off for each late day (weekends and holidays included). All exceptions to this policy are at teacher discretion and may require parental contact. Students are also reminded that the work they turn is to be their own work. Cheating and plagiarism will result in penalties as outlined in the Student Handbook.
V. Tests and Projects
In each quarter there will either be at least one project, either minor or major. The subject, type, and value of each project will be determined at the time of assignment. Project grades will be measured in terms of test grades. Students will be given 48 hours notice before any test. Tests will vary in form and purpose. The midterm will cover the 1st semester and the final will cover the 2nd semester.
VI. Grades
Students will be evaluated quarterly in three categories: Tests/Projects, Quizzes/Class Work, and Class Participation. All evaluated material will fall into one of these categories.
The average of the Tests/Projects category will be 60% of the quarterly course grade. The average of the Quizzes/Class Work category will be 20% of the quarterly course grade. Students should be prepared for quizzes in any class without prior notice. In some cases students will be allowed to use their notebooks for quizzes.
Class Participation will be the other 20% of the quarterly grade. Class participation will include: class attendance, obtaining class work/homework the day after an absence, making up quizzes and tests in a timely fashion, contributions to group/co-op projects, contributions to class discussions/debates, coming to class prepared with the necessary materials, and positive classroom behavior. Students are expected to come to class prepared. Covering the textbook will be included as part of class preparation. In addition, continual abuse of classroom rules and privileges, such as misbehavior in the class or misuse of the sign out policy in the class, may led to a deduction in class participation as well as disciplinary actions.
The final grade for the course will be based on the following: quarter averages (80%), midterm (10%) and final exam (10%).
VII. Attendance
It is the student’s responsibility to be in class. If a student is absent from class with a school sanctioned reason, he or she is responsible for getting any missed assignments the day he or she returns to school and for making up any missed tests or quizzes. All work must be made up within the period allowed by the rules listed in the student handbook. There will be a point deduction on “no shows” for appointments made with me to make up tests, quizzes, etc. There will be a 10 point deduction on the assignment for the first “no show.” After the second “no show” on the same test, quiz, etc., the student will receive a 0 on that assignment. I define “no show” as someone who is present in school at the time of the appointment and does not cancel or reschedule the appointment in advance. Long term assignments and projects (except oral projects) are due on the appointed day whether the student is present or not. Emailed copies are acceptable. Exceptions to these make-up policies are at teacher discretion.
Please see the Addendum for more information on the school’s attendance policy. Please note that in addition to the 3 point penalty for a class cut, the student will not be allowed to make up any work, including tests and quizzes. For more information see the Student Handbook.
VIII. Contacting Mrs. Izzo
Messages or late work may be left for me in my mailbox in the main office or on my desk in the social studies office. All late material should be marked with the date and time that it is left. Work may also be emailed to me if the format allows. To leave a message for me on voice mail call 739-1465. My email address is . It is probably easier to reach me through email than by phone. I am part-time and am usually not available before 9:00 am. My prep period is block F and I have a block D café study. I am usually available at lunch and some afternoons by appointment only after school for extra help and make-up work.
Students are reminded that in addition to what is in these expectations they are expected to follow the rules and policies laid out in the Student Handbook while in class.
Addendum
Your academic progress can be enhanced by reducing the interruptions and distractions to the educational environment. The following items, as stated in the student handbook, are important for you to know.
• For any unplanned tardy or absence from school, a parent/guardian must call the team office on the day of the tardy/absence in order for the tardy or absence to be considered for a possible excusal.
» Grade 11/9 (739-1430)
» Grade 12/10 (739-1238)
• You and your parents should use Edline to monitor your quarterly attendance (absences and tardy to class). Excessive absences or tardy will effect your grade.
– Tardies- Upon the third tardy to class, two points will be deducted from the student’s class average. Every subsequent tardy for that quarter will results in one additional point deduction. Note- Arriving to class unexcused more than fifteen (15) minutes late is considered a class cut (unexcused absence).
– Absences- Upon the fifth absence for a quarter, a student will receive no higher than a 50% participation grade.
– Unexcused absence - Three points will be deducted from the student’s class average for each unexcused absence (class cut) during a quarter. Note- arriving to class unexcused more than fifteen (15) minutes late is considered a class cut.
• Students are expected to come to school well-groomed and dressed to reflect respect that students and staff have for the education process. Clothing that causes a disruption to learning will not be allowed. Your attire reflects upon our school environment and should, therefore, be modest and appropriate.
• Cell phones must be turned off and not visible in classrooms, instructional areas, structured study halls, computer labs, the library, and in the hallways while classes are in session.
• For any planned absences, have your parent notify the school and have them sign and return the Parental Acknowledgement of Planned Absences Policy in advance of the planned absence.