Syllabus for American History
Mr. Steinbauer, Room S265
, (303) 453-4759
Office Hours: Tuesday 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. or by appointment
Course Content & Description
Course Description (As stated by Peak to Peak website): “American History is a survey of the political, social, cultural, and economic history of the United States. The course examines the development of the U.S. as a nation and of its national character. Emphasis is given to the diverse peoples and cultures that coexist in America and issues arising from this mosaic. The course touches on the lives of major political and social leaders, as well as fundamental documents. American History emphasizes geographic locations and natural resources of our country, analyzing how the search for wealth and new frontiers shapes the nation physically, politically, and culturally” (Peak to Peak Course Description Booklet 14).
Add-On to Course Description: This course is designed to not only see where we (as a nation) have been, but also WHO we are and WHY we are the way we are. (Catch that?)
History students at the seventh grade level use the History Alive! curriculum, as well as a wide variety of supplemental readings, materials, and activities. The most exciting element of this program is the varied approach to learning it offers all students. We will use art, role-playing, journaling, interactive-slide lectures, Socratic seminars, group response activities, and music to engage students in the process of researching, analyzing, and understanding America’s past as well as our place in today’s world. We emphasize reading, writing, and mathematics at all levels and in all courses at Peak to Peak, and the History Department supports these necessary skills with reading and writing strategies, note-taking, map skills, primary and secondary source analysis, physical and mental organization, personal responsibility, and teamwork.
American History is taught chronologically from Pre-Colonial Period to Post-WWII America. While there are very few movies integrated into the curriculum, some of our discussions will be supplemented with video clips and speeches. Any movie with a rating of PG-13 will have a note sent home to parents a week ahead of its showing to allow parents the option of letting their child do an alternative project.
One more important item to note – There is no textbook for the American History course!
Materials
In order to succeed in American History this year, you must bring the following materials to class EVERY DAY:
· One (1) three-ring binder or a section of a multi-subject binder for History. This binder will be divided into the following sections:
A. General Information
B. Current Unit: All class handouts, notes, classwork, and homework will be compiled in your Interactive Notebook. This section will be taken out and stored in the classroom after each unit assessment is completed. Please DO NOT throw away your old papers!
C. Current Events: more about this ongoing assignment to come soon…
· Pencils and blue or black pens
· Your Peak to Peak planner
· Peak to Peak Reader’s Handbook and Writer’s Handbook
· A curious and open mind!
**Please have these materials ready to go and in class by Monday, August 24.
Expectations
1. Show RESPECT for oneself, the classroom and materials, teachers, visitors, staff, and peers at ALL times! This means students follow classroom norms for discussion and behavior and take care of the room, furniture and all materials. Failure to do so violates the Peak to Peak character code and will not be tolerated as it interferes with the learning process and creates an environment where people feel unsafe and devalued by others.
2. Come to class prepared every day. A prepared student will have all the necessary materials (as stated above) as well as completed homework assignments and an attitude ready to engage in classroom activities.
3. Participate! Learning is not a spectator sport.
4. Finally, show up to class on time. Class time is very limited each day and it is not to be wasted. Being on time means being in your seat and working on the warm-up activity when the bell rings. Those who are not in their seats and working when the bell rings will be counted tardy.
5. Please DO NOT bring the following to class: disrespect, a negative attitude, disruptive behavior, food, gum and drinks other than water.
Homework
Homework is a necessary component of this course that provides practice, reflection, and/or preparation for in-class activities. Students are given a planner at the beginning of the school year and will be expected to use it for recording due dates on assignments and assessments. Homework assignments for the week can be found on the Peak to Peak website under “Grades and Homework” and will be updated by Monday afternoon.
Late work will receive partial credit only. Late work will be accepted within a reasonable period of time, normally until the conclusion of the unit. Redoing work will be allowed at the discretion of the teacher. Since life sometimes gets in the way of school responsibilities, students will be given TWO (2) Homework Extension Coupons at the beginning of each semester that allow them to turn in a late homework assignment the next day with no penalty to their grade.
Grading
Grades in this course are set at the following percentages:
· Assessments, including tests, quizzes, papers, and projects – 70%
· Daily classwork, homework and participation – 30%
Classroom Behavior & Consequences
Expect this class to be intense and challenging, but also enlightening and exciting. Because Peak to Peak’s Mission states that students will strive to put forth their best effort, any disruptions to learning will not be tolerated! Minor, one-time disruptions will be handled between the teacher and student(s) involved. Major or repeated issues may require the involvement of parents/guardians, the Middle Level Discipline Leaders, and/or administrators.
Cheating & Plagiarism
Any form of cheating or plagiarism will not be tolerated. There are many research assignments in this course and strategies will be discussed to avoid unintentional plagiarism. However, if any form of cheating or plagiarism should occur, it may result in the loss of credit for the assignment and may result in further action by the administration.
I hope you are ready to travel, because American History will take us on a trip through time and all over the map! Stay tuned for our itinerary…