Advanced Topics in U.S. History

ADVANCED TOPICS IN U.S. HISTORY

SYLLABUS 2016-2017

INSTRUCTOR

Mr. Seidel

Office: C272 (Social Studies Office)

Classroom: E251

Phone: 847-842-3269 or Voicemail: 847-842-3200 ext. 5067

E-mail: (THIS IS THE BEST WAY TO CONTACT ME)

SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT MISSION STATMENT:

“Developing skilled, knowledgeable, and concerned citizens of the community and world”

COURSE OVERVIEW

Advanced Topics in United States History allows motivated juniors and seniors the opportunity to read, research, write, and present on a variety of in-depth historical topics.

This course offers students a deeper view of selected topics across the spectrum of American history from 1776 to the present. Students will focus on important themes in the development of the American society and also look closely at prominent institutions, movements and people of those eras. The thorough review will allow for students to make connections to the present day and learn about the impact on the U.S. in the modern day. The class will also focus on cultural aspects of the American society from literature, music, art, political thought, etc.

Semester Schedule

Unit 1 – “Doing History” – Two Weeks
Unit 2 – “Chicago and Illinois History” – Four Weeks
Unit 3 – “The Civil War” – Four Weeks
Unit 4 – “The Cold War: 1945 to 1960” – Four Weeks
Unit 5 –Advanced Topic Final Projects

Unit Schedule

An average unit will look as follows:

~Two weeks of “context and content”
Concludes with written response exam
~One week of questioning, research, and writing
Concludes with research paper
~One week of paper presentations

Chicago Metro History Fair, Illinois History Day, & National History Day

The final project in the course will follow the criteria of the National History Day program. Students are highly encouraged to submit their final projects to the Chicago Metro History Fair in February. Additional information will be provided throughout the semester.

TEXTS

Recommended Texts:

Ambrose, Stephen A. and Douglas G. Brinkley. Rise to Globalism, 2011.

Spinney, Robert G. City of Big Shoulders: A History of Chicago, 2000.

There is no required textbook for the course, but we will read selections from the above books. Excerpts will be provided, but I recommend you purchase your own copy.

TECHNOLOGY

Schoology:

Write your class “Access Code” Here:

We will use this new application this year. Please be flexible as I determine the best way to utilize its features.

Required Apps:TwitterEvernote

Both apps are free downloads through the Apple App Store. Please use your bsd220.org email address to create new accounts.

Evernote Portfolio:

We will read a wide variety of online resources as a class and you will amass a large quantity of research for your four papers. Evernote allows for you easily hold all of these resources in one location.

Twitter & Participation:

It is expected you participate in the course. This can be done in person, online via Twitter, or both. Twitter will be used to share information and articles while allowing us to continue the conversation outside of class. If you have a personal Twitter you’d prefer to use, that is fine.

Our course hashtag is #AdvTopUS220. You do not need a Twitter login to view the conversation, but you do need one to contribute. See the Twitter FAQ for additional details.

GRADING POLICIES

The grading scale for this class will be the standard scale:

100 – 90% = A89.9 - 80% = B79.9 – 70% = C69.9 – 60% = D 60% = F

Your in-progress grade will be weighted as follows:

25% = Content Assessments

This will take place after the “context and content” portion of our unit. All exams will be short answer written response in a college “Blue Book.” These assessments will determine whether or not your have the appropriate background knowledge to begin your research.
There will be four Content Assessments.

50% = Advanced Topic Research Papers

For each unit, you will research and write a paper responding to a question of your own development. They can cover any aspect of the unit topic you are interested in.
You will be graded on both the research and the written paper. Rubrics will be provided.
There will be four Research Papers.

25% = Participation& Presentations

Historians constantly question, discuss, and share their thoughts. Each unit will consist of several opportunities for you to do the same. A weekly participation grade will reflect your contributions to the class.In addition, you will be assessed on your paper presentations.
There will be weekly participation grades and four Presentation grades.

Honors Assignment

In order to earn Honors credit two additional assignments will be completed. Each one requires the writing of a paper and a brief presentation to the class. They include:

One Book Review
One Movie Review or Oral History Interview

Additional information and due dates will be provided at a later time.

CLASS POLICIES

Here are many of the guidelines and policies regarding homework, absences, tests, and other related issues. These polices are subject to change, but I will let you know if and when they do. If you do not understand any of my policies, please ask me.

Tardies & Attendance

Please refer to the student handbook for the school’s policy on tardies. You will be in the room before the bell rings.

If you miss a class for any reason it is your responsibility to find out what you missed. It is your responsibility to acquire any missed notes. Homework assignments and readings will be shared with you on Schoology. If you know that you will be absent ahead of time, please speak with me so I can make arrangements to get you any assignments beforehand if possible. Cutting class is not permitted.

You will receive time equal to the number of days you have been absent, plus one, to make up any work you missed before they are considered late. You must make arrangements to make up tests and quizzes. If you fail to do so you will take them at my discretion.

1:World

Laptops and other electronic devices are permitted during class as long as their use supports the instructional activities currently occurring in the instructional environment. Please turn them off and put them away when instructed to do so. Please silence your cell phones.

You have a responsibility to use the computer to stay connected to the class. This means checking Schoology, Twitter, and your email regularly.

I encourage all of you to use email to communicate with me regarding classroom matters. However, it is important that you use proper formatting, spelling, and punctuation when writing me. I do not respond to emails that are written poorly or informally.

Self Advocacy

As you continue to advance through your education, it becomes more expected that you advocate for yourself. If you have questions, concerns, or other issues, please see or write me personally. Being able to handle issues yourself is an important skill to develop before you enter the collegiate or professional world.