Syllabus
“American History I”
Contact Information:
Teacher: Mr. Powell
Room: 687
Email:
Phone: Jacksonville High School (910-989-2048)
Course Description:
American History I is a chronological survey of the major events in early American history from its Native American beginnings and European colonization through the end of Reconstruction in 1877. Special emphasis will be placed on the recurring themes of conflict and cooperation with Native Americans, the institution of slavery and the role of African Americans, democracy and republicanism, federalism and separation of powers, the growth of the size and power of the national government, foreign relations, western expansion, nationalism and sectionalism, American identity and culture, immigration, the role of women, and social reform.
Textbook:
Appleby, Brinkley, Broussard, McPherson, and Donald A. Ritchie. The American Vision. Columbus, OH: Glencoe/McGraw Hill, 2003.
Required Materials:
The student should bring the following to class every day unless otherwise instructed:
ü 3 ring binder with sufficient amount of notebook paper
ü Any Assignments Due
ü Pencil/Pen
ü Colored Pencils
* Textbooks are to be kept in the classroom. If a student wishes to take one out of the classroom, they must notify Mr. Powell and complete the appropriate ‘check-out’ form.
Assignments Policy:
Rarely will assignments be given as ‘homework’ but if so, assignments are always due at the beginning of class on the due date. Late assignments will be accepted but will only be counted as half credit. Notebook checks will be administered following each unit covered in class. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure they have all of the proper handouts and notes to receive full credit for their ‘notebook check.’
Make-up Policy:
It is the responsibility of the student to find out what assignments/notes were missed during an absence. Students are expected to view and receive any missed assignments from the appropriate ‘missed assignments’ folder in Mr. Powell’s classroom. All class work, including tests and quizzes, must be made up upon a students’ return from an absence. If the student does not ask for missed assignments or notes upon their return date, they are responsible for any consequences regarding their grade.
Technology Usage:
Cell phones, iPods, cameras, and other hand held electronics are strictly prohibited from usage in Mr. Powell’s classroom. Upon entering the classroom, each student is required to place their cellular device in the holder by the door until the end of the period. However, there will be instances in which cell phones will be used in class. A variety of technological resources will be used to reinforce instruction. This includes, but is not limited to the following:
ü Smartphones
ü DVDs
o America: The Story of Us, Life of John Adams, Life of Nat Turner, Amistad, and Lincoln
ü Laptop computers
ü Internet resources (YouTube, Edmodo, USA Test Prep, Kahoot)
Attendance:
According the JHS policy, students are only allowed 10 absences for the semester. When the bell rings, teachers hold the right to refuse the admittance of any student into the class without an excused pass. Any student who is in the hall without a pass following the bell will be sent to ‘late class’ in the ISS room. Upon the fifth tardy, students will receive 1 day of ISS.
Classroom Regulations:
Everybody has aspirations and dreams of becoming rich one day. With that in mind, there are certain rules that individuals must abide by in the workplace. The classroom is the gateway to that job and classroom rules will be built around what is needed in order to attain and maintain a job.
ü Come to class (work) on-time and prepared
ü Come to class ready to contribute
ü Come to class with a positive attitude
ü Respect everyone including their property, ideas, values, and opinions
ü Follow rules outlined in the student handbook (i.e. dress code)
Policies and Procedures:
1. Upon entering class students should ensure that they have all materials needed for the day, sharpen their pencils, or borrow a writing instrument from a classmate, have their due assignment ready to turn in (if applicable), and begin work on the daily Bell ringer.
2. Students will not be permitted to bring food or beverages (water is permitted) into the classroom. Mr. Powell will confiscate any foods and beverages brought into the classroom.
3. Students should use the restroom during their locker break and/or during lunch. Students will be allowed to use the restroom during class only during an “emergency” situation.
4. In order to maintain classroom order and not disrupt the learning process, students will raise their hands and wait to be called on to answer a question, ask a question, or make a comment from bell to bell unless otherwise permitted or instructed.
5. Students will be working together a lot during the course of the semester, in these cases I ask that students remain on task and do not become excessively loud. Copying work, wandering the class, and the inability to remain on task will not be tolerated.
6. There will be a variety of classroom activities and strategies (discussions, debates, tutorials, etc.) exercised within the classroom, therefore, students need to be prepared to participate in class and complete all class work/homework that is assigned in order to fully contribute to each lesson.
7. During quizzes and tests talking will not be tolerated. I will consider it cheating and the student or students involved will be given a zero.
8. Students will be asked to keep a 3 ring binder for their notes and all relevant course materials. This should be organized and brought to class daily to provide the best possibility of success.
9. In order to have a successful experience in my class I expect mutual respect between the teacher and students and also from one student to another. Always maintain the utmost respect for yourself and all others, as well as all school and personal property. Do not do or say anything that interferes with my ability to teach or anyone’s ability to learn as that is the most important reason we are here.
Consequences:
Failure to follow class rules and procedures will result in the following consequences:
1st Offense: Verbal Warning
2nd Offense: Teacher/Student Conference
3rd Offense: Detention
4th Offense: Office Referral (resulting in detention, ISS, or OSS) and Parent Notification
Grading Breakdown:
Tests (multiple choice, short answer, essay, matching, etc.): 30%
Classwork/Homework: 30%
Notebook Checks: 30%
Quizzes: 10%
A = 93-100% B = 85-92% C = 77-84% D = 70-76% F = 0-69%
Communication:
If there is an issue, problem, or questions you may have do not hesitate to contact me. I am more than willing to help any student and will do my best to assure that each student successfully completes this course. I am looking forward to a great year.
Syllabus Check – 5 pts.
I have read the American History I class syllabus with my child, and understand all class procedures. I will furthermore support my child in meeting these class expectations and address any questions directly to Mr. Powell.
Parent/Guardian Signature______
Phone Number______
Date______
Student Name (please print)______
Date______